Laboratory sample distribution system and corresponding method of operation

US9187268B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Oliver Denninger · Karlsruhe, DE
• Michael Heise · Erbach, DE
• Hans Schneider · Schwaikheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 2014
• Grant date: Nov 17, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 28, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/0477
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system also comprises a transport device. The transport device comprises a transport plane to carry the plurality of container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier placed on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The transport device also comprises a control device to control the movement of the container carriers on top of the transport plane by driving the electro-magnetic actuators. The control device controls the movement such that more than two container carriers are movable simultaneously and independently from one another.