# US 12,216,136 B2 · Automated laboratory system for handling laboratory samples > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,216,136 B2 - Document ID: US12216136B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/413,870 - Filed: 2019-12-11 - Published: 2022-03-03 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2018-12-14 - Assignees: Eppendorf AG - Applicants: Eppendorf AG - Inventors: Jens-Peter Kroog - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12216136B2 ## CPC - G01N 35/10: Devices for transferring samples {or any liquids} to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices {(G01N35/0099 takes precedence)} - G01N 35/0099: {comprising robots or similar manipulators (robots per se B25J)} - G01N 35/1065: {Multiple transfer devices} - G01N 2035/103: {using disposable tips} - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract An automated laboratory system includes a work area with a plurality of predefined workstations. Each of the plurality of predefined workstations occupies a footprint of a standardized microtiter plate. At least one tool holder is structured to move tools above the work area and at least one transport tool is structured to be moved by the tool holder in order to relocate laboratory items within the work area. At least one pipetting tool is structured to be moved by the tool holder in order to pick up and release pipette tips. A holder for pipette tip carriers includes at least one carrying apparatus defining a rectangular through-opening, and a support apparatus connected to the carrying apparatus. An electronic control apparatus is connected to the tool holder and structured to control movements of the transport tool and at least one pipetting tool by the tool holder. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An automated laboratory system for automatically handling laboratory samples, the automated laboratory system comprising: a work area; a plurality of predefined workstations in the work area, wherein each of the plurality of predefined workstations occupies a footprint of a standardized microtiter plate; at least one tool holder configured to move tools above the work area; at least one transport tool configured to be moved by the at least one tool holder in order to relocate laboratory items within the work area; at least one pipetting tool configured to be moved by the at least one tool holder in order to pick up and to release pipette tips, and in order to take up and dispense liquids within the work area using the pipette tips; a holder for at least one pipette tip carrier, the holder comprising: at least one carrying apparatus defining a rectangular through-opening; and a support apparatus connected to the at least one carrying apparatus; and an electronic control apparatus connected to the at least one tool holder and configured to control movements of the at least one transport tool and at least one pipetting tool by the at least one tool holder such that pipette tips are picked up from the at least one pipette tip carrier mounted on the at least one carrying apparatus by the at least one pipetting tool, wherein the holder with the support apparatus is located on the work area beside the at least one pipette tip carrier mounted on one of the plurality of predefined workstations, wherein the at least one carrying apparatus is arranged above the at least one pipette tip carrier and configured to occupy a footprint of the standardized microtiter plate, wherein the pipette tips are configured to be picked up from the at least one pipette tip carrier mounted below the at least one carrying apparatus through the rectangular through-opening of the at least one carrying apparatus by the at least one pipetting tool, wherein the at least one pipette tip carrier is configured to occupy the footprint of the standardized microtiter plate is mounted on the at least one carrying apparatus, and wherein the pipette tip carrier is configured to be removed from the at least one carrying apparatus by the at least one transport tool. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The automated laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a bearing apparatus coupled to the support apparatus and configured to support the suppport apparatus on the work area, and wherein the bearing apparatus is configured to support one of the at least one pipette tip carrier and a pipette tip holder along an edge of the bearing apparatus. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The automated laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a bearing apparatus coupled to the support apparatus and configured to support the support apparatus on the work area, and wherein the bearing apparatus is configured to support one of the at least one pipette tip carrier and a pipette tip holder along an edge of the bearing apparatus. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The automated laboratory system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one carrying apparatus is a rectangular first frame and the bearing apparatus is a rectangular second frame. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The automated laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein the support apparatus comprises a plurality of rods each extending from a first end to second end, wherein the first end is connected to the at least one carrying apparatus and the second end is connected to the bearing apparatus. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The automated laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of predefined workstations comprise an arrangement of first aligning elements that are configured to align a standardized microtiter plate inserted in between on one of the plurality of predefined workstation, and the holder comprises second aligning elements structured to engage the first aligning elements. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The automated laboratory system according to claim 6, wherein the first aligning elements comprise multiple first pins and at least one first spring element which are coupled to and extend away up from the work area, wherein the first aligning elements are positioned at corners of the plurality of predefined workstations, and wherein the second aligning elements comprise first aligning holes configured to receive the first pins and the at least one first spring element. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The automated laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one carrying apparatus is arranged at a distance from a bottom side of the holder that exceeds a height of an arrangement comprising a pipette tip holder with the at least one pipette tip carrier placed thereon and the pipette tips held in the at least one pipette tip carrier. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3) The automated laboratory system according to claim 3, further comprising a first frame coupled to the holder, wherein the first frame comprises rest ledges that are offset from a top surface of the first frame and at least partially surround the rectangular through-opening, and wherein the first frame is configured for supporting one of the at least one pipette tip carrier and the pipette tip holder on the rest ledges. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The automated laboratory system according to claim 9, wherein the first frame of the holder comprises a row of holes on an outer edge of the first frame, wherein each hole in the row is configured to receive a pipette tip. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The automated laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transport tool is a gripper tool that comprises, gripping arms configured to pivot about a pivot axis, and needles projecting from the gripping arms and configured to be pivoted together by the at least one tool holder in order to grip at least one of the laboratory items and configured to be pivoted apart in order to release the at least one of the laboratory items. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The automated laboratory system according to claim 11, wherein the predefined storage place comprises an arrangement of third aligning elements configured to align the adapter on the predefined storage place.