Laboratory sample distribution system and corresponding method of operation

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A laboratory sample distribution system, the laboratory sample distribution system comprising:
a plurality of container carriers, wherein each container carrier comprises at least one magnetically active device and carries a sample container containing a sample; and a transport device comprising
a transport plane to carry the plurality of container carriers,a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, wherein the electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier placed on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier, anda control device to control the movement of the container carriers on top of the transport plane by driving the electro-magnetic actuators, wherein the control device controls the movement such that two or more container carriers are movable simultaneously and independently from one another and that at least one transport section is logically defined on the transport plane and wherein container carriers are moved within the transport section in a given transport direction (r).