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US 9,658,241 B2Granted
Sample distribution system and laboratory automation system
AssigneeRoche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
InventorsChristian Riether, Achim Sinz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sample distribution system having a transport surface and sample container carriers arranged thereupon is disclosed. A dirt detection device for limiting the effect of dirt is provided.
Claims9
A sample distribution system, the sample distribution system comprising:
- a plurality of sample container carriers, wherein each sample container carrier carries at least one sample container;
- a transport surface, wherein the transport surface carries the plurality of sample container carriers;
- a plurality of electromagnetic actuators, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic actuators is stationary arranged below the transport surface, wherein the electromagnetic actuators move a sample container carrier arranged on the transport surface by applying a magnetic force on the sample container carrier;
- a control device, wherein the control device activates the electromagnetic actuators such that a sample container carrier moves on the transport surface along a predefinable movement path;
- and
- a dirt detection device, wherein the dirt detection device detects dirt on the transport surface and determines a position of dirt on the transport surface,
- wherein the control device is in signaling connection with the dirt detection device and wherein the control device defines the movement path of a sample container carrier such that it does not run over the position of dirt.
4 more elements
A sample distribution system, the sample distribution system comprising:
- a plurality of sample container carriers, wherein each sample container carrier carries at least one sample container, wherein each sample container carrier comprises a dirt sensor, and wherein the dirt sensors are a part of the dirt detection device;
- a transport surface, wherein the transport surface carries the plurality of sample container carriers;
- a plurality of electromagnetic actuators, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic actuators is stationary arranged below the transport surface, wherein the electromagnetic actuators move a sample container carrier arranged on the transport surface by applying a magnetic force on the sample container carrier;
- a control device, wherein the control device activates the electromagnetic actuators such that a sample container carrier moves on the transport surface along a predefinable movement path;
- and
- a dirt detection device, wherein the dirt detection device detects dirt on the transport surface and determines a position of dirt on the transport surface,
- wherein the control device is in signaling connection with the dirt detection device.
4 more elements
A sample distribution system, the sample distribution system comprising:
- a plurality of sample container carriers, wherein each sample container carrier carries at least one sample container;
- a transport surface, wherein the transport surface carries the plurality of sample container carriers;
- a plurality of electromagnetic actuators, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic actuators is stationary arranged below the transport surface, wherein the electromagnetic actuators move a sample container carrier arranged on the transport surface by applying a magnetic force on the sample container carrier;
- a control device, wherein the control device activates the electromagnetic actuators such that a sample container carrier moves on the transport surface along a predefinable movement path;
- and
- a dirt detection device, wherein the dirt detection device detects dirt on the transport surface and determines a position of dirt on the transport surface,
- wherein the control device is in signaling connection with the dirt detection device and wherein the control device stops sample container carriers located at the position of dirt, or at a predefinable distance from it, after detection of dirt.
4 more elements
A sample distribution system, the sample distribution system comprising:
- a plurality of sample container carriers, wherein each sample container carrier carries at least one sample container;
- a transport surface, wherein the transport surface carries the plurality of sample container carriers;
- a plurality of electromagnetic actuators, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic actuators is stationary arranged below the transport surface, wherein the electromagnetic actuators move a sample container carrier arranged on the transport surface by applying a magnetic force on the sample container carrier;
- a control device, wherein the control device activates the electromagnetic actuators such that a sample container carrier moves on the transport surface along a predefinable movement path;
- and
- a dirt detection device, wherein the dirt detection device comprises a plurality of sensor fields distributed over the transport surface and wherein the dirt detection device detects dirt on the transport surface,
- wherein the control device defines the movement path of a sample container carrier such that it does not run over the dirt.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.