Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a number of sample container carriers moving on a transport plane is presented. The system further comprises an earthquake detection device in order to minimize influences on operation of the system by an earthquake. 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a number of sample container carriers moving on a transport plane is presented. The system further comprises an earthquake detection device in order to minimize influences on operation of the system by an earthquake. A laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

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 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.