Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises an optical inspection device adapted to optically inspect items that need to be optically inspected, at least one mirror device, a driver adapted to move the items to be optically inspected and to move the at least one mirror device, and a control device configured to move an item to be optically inspected relative to the optical inspection device by controlling the driver such that a field of view of the optical inspection device is extended.

Abstract: A method of operating an analytical laboratory is presented. The method comprises recording time at which samples are first identified; retrieving an order list comprising test orders for the samples; retrieving a degradation limit to each test order; determining workflows for each sample; instructing the laboratory instruments to carry out the test orders according to the workflows. Determining the workflows comprises i) determining target instruments capable of carrying out the test orders; ii) determining a sequence/timing of the test orders; iii) calculating an estimated completion time for each test order; iv) determining a lead time for each sample and test order; v) prioritizing test orders if the lead time exceeds the degradation limit. Steps ii) to v) are repeated until the lead time doesn't exceed the degradation limit for any of the test orders; or until steps ii) to v) have been repeated for a number N of iterations.

Abstract: A method of operating a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The method comprises a number of sample container carriers on a transport plane by a number of electro-magnetic actuators. The method is adapted to compensate deviations regarding physical properties of the sample container carriers, the transport plane and the electro-magnetic actuators compared to reference components. A laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: A method of operating a laboratory sample distribution system is disclosed. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a plurality of sample container carriers. The sample container carriers carry one or more sample containers. The sample containers comprise samples to be analyzed by a plurality of laboratory stations. The system also comprises a transport plane. The transport plane supports the sample container carriers. The transport plane comprises a plurality of transfer locations. The transfer locations are assigned to corresponding laboratory stations. The system also comprises a drive. The drive moves the sample container carriers on the transport plane. The method comprises, during an initialization of the laboratory sample distribution system, pre-calculating routes depending on the transfer locations and, after the initialization of the laboratory sample distribution system, controlling the drive such that the sample container carriers move along the pre-calculated routes.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises an optical inspection device adapted to optically inspect items that need to be optically inspected, at least one mirror device, a driver adapted to move the items to be optically inspected and to move the at least one mirror device, and a control device configured to move an item to be optically inspected relative to the optical inspection device by controlling the driver such that a field of view of the optical inspection device is extended.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system in which a sample container carrier can be centered at a specific position is presented. A laboratory automation system with such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: A method for determining a handover position of a gripping device and to a laboratory automation system being able to perform such a method are presented. A position determining device is used in order to determine a handover position based on magnetic forces of a handover electro-magnetic actuator that is part of a laboratory sample distribution system of the laboratory automation system.

Abstract: A method of setting a handover position of a gripping device at a laboratory automation system is presented. A position of a position determining device held by the gripping device is detected using position sensors in order to determine the handover position. A laboratory automation system configured to perform such a method is also presented.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a transport plane and a cleaning device for cleaning the transport plane is presented. The cleaning device is adapted to automatically clean the transport plane similar to sample container carriers moving also on the transport plane. A laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: A method for determining a handover position of a gripping device and to a laboratory automation system being able to perform such a method are presented. A position determining device is used in order to determine a handover position based on magnetic forces of a handover electro-magnetic actuator that is part of a laboratory sample distribution system of the laboratory automation system.

Abstract: A method of operating a laboratory automation system is presented. The laboratory automation system comprises a plurality of laboratory stations and a plurality of sample container carriers. The sample container carriers carry one or more sample containers. The sample containers comprise samples to be analyzed by the laboratory stations. The system also comprises a transport plane. The transport plane supports the sample container carriers. The system also comprises a drive. The drive moves the sample container carriers on the transport plane. The method comprises, during an initialization of the laboratory automation system, logically reserving at least one buffer area on the transport plane and, after the initialization of the laboratory automation system, buffering in the at least one buffer area sample container carriers carrying sample containers comprising samples waiting for a result of an analysis. Depending on the result of the analysis, the samples are further processed.

Abstract: A method of configuring a laboratory automation system is presented. The position of a laboratory station is detected automatically. A laboratory sample distribution system and a laboratory automation system adapted to perform such a method are also presented.

Abstract: A method of setting a handover position of a gripping device at a laboratory automation system is presented. A position of a position determining device held by the gripping device is detected using position sensors in order to determine the handover position. A laboratory automation system configured to perform such a method is also presented.

Abstract: A transport device for receiving a sample container and for transporting the sample container on a transport surface, the transport device being capable of being moved magnetically over the transport surface and, further, having a cooling device is presented. A sample distribution system comprising such a transport device and to a laboratory automation system is also presented.

Abstract: A method of operating a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The method comprises a number of sample container carriers on a transport plane by a number of electro-magnetic actuators. The method is adapted to compensate deviations regarding physical properties of the sample container carriers, the transport plane and the electro-magnetic actuators compared to reference components. A laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system in which a sample container carrier can be centered at a specific position is presented. A laboratory automation system with such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: A set of sample container carriers, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a set of sample container carriers, and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. The set of sample container carriers comprises sample container carriers of a first type and a second type. Magnetic fields generated by respective magnetically active devices of the sample container carriers having the first type are oriented opposite to magnetic fields of respective magnetically active devices of the sample container carriers having the second type.

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.

Abstract: A method of configuring a laboratory automation system is presented. The position of a laboratory station is detected automatically. A laboratory sample distribution system and a laboratory automation system adapted to perform such a method are also presented.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a calibration device, a calibration device and a method for calibrating magnetic sensors are disclosed. Magnetic sensors used in a laboratory sample distribution system are calibrated in order to optimize driving of sample container carriers and in order to detect long-term variation in detection characteristics of the magnetic sensors.