Devices and methods for transporting sample containers in diagnostic laboratory systems

A diagnostic laboratory system for analyzing a biological sample, comprising:

• at least one instrument for preparing or testing the biological sample;
• a track configured to transport a sample container to and from the at least one instrument, wherein the sample container is configured to contain therein the biological sample to be analyzed;
• a computer configured to:
• model in software the track as a plurality of blocks, wherein each block includes a movement pattern that indicates one or more permitted directions in which the sample container moves into or out of the block;
• identify at least one test to be performed on the biological sample by the at least one instrument;
• determine a path along the track to the at least one instrument, wherein the path includes at least a first block and a second block adjacent the first block;
• a first segment controller associated with the first block;
• and
• a second segment controller associated with the second block and in communication with the first segment controller;
• wherein the first segment controller is operative to communicate that the first block is vacant;
• and
• wherein the second segment controller is operative to facilitate movement of the sample container from the second block to the first block in response to receiving communication from the first segment controller that the first block is vacant.

A method of moving a sample carrier in a diagnostic laboratory system for analyzing biological samples, the method comprising:

• providing a track in the diagnostic laboratory system, wherein the track extends between a plurality of instruments;
• providing a sample carrier containing a biological sample, the sample carrier movable on the track;
• modeling in software via a computer the track as a plurality of blocks, wherein each block includes a movement pattern that indicates one or more permitted directions in which the sample carrier moves into or out of that block, and wherein each block is configured to have therein only one sample carrier at a time;
• providing a plurality of segment controllers configured to control transport of the sample carrier through the plurality of blocks, wherein the movement pattern of each block is defined by a segment controller associated with that block;
• identifying at least one test to be performed on the biological sample using at least one instrument;
• employing a routing program to generate a routing plan for the sample carrier, wherein the routing plan includes a list of blocks through which the sample carrier will travel to reach the at least one instrument;
• generating a queue of block commands for each block in the list of blocks;
• and
• moving the sample carrier through the blocks in the list of blocks in response to the queue of block commands for each block in the list of blocks.