Abstract: A laboratory system for analyzing biological samples is presented. The laboratory system comprises a plurality of laboratory instruments configured to receive and identify biological samples and to query a laboratory control unit for a processing order indicative of processing steps to be carried out on the biological sample. The laboratory control unit is configured to validate sequence of queries from the plurality of laboratory instruments against a valid query sequence pattern.

Abstract: A laboratory system for analyzing biological samples is presented. The laboratory system comprises a plurality of laboratory instruments configured to receive and identify biological samples and to query a laboratory control unit for a processing order indicative of processing steps to be carried out on the biological sample. The laboratory control unit is configured to validate sequence of queries from the plurality of laboratory instruments against a valid query sequence pattern.

Abstract: A laboratory automation system for processing sample containers containing laboratory samples and/or for processing the samples is presented. The laboratory automation system comprises a digital camera configured to take an image of the sample container together with a calibration element. The image comprises image data related to the sample container and image data related to the calibration element. The laboratory automation system also comprises an image processing device configured to determine geometrical properties of the sample container depending on the image data related to the sample container and the image data related to the calibration element.

Abstract: A laboratory system for analyzing biological samples is presented. The laboratory system comprises a plurality of laboratory instruments configured to receive and identify biological samples and to query a laboratory control unit for a processing order indicative of processing steps to be carried out on the biological sample. The laboratory control unit is configured to validate sequence of queries from the plurality of laboratory instruments against a valid query sequence pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided for associating an RFID tag to an RFID reader antenna in a laboratory device with a number N RFID reader antennae, the method including the steps of reading a unique identifier corresponding to each of a number M of RFID tag(s); registering received signal strength indications by each of the N RFID reader antennae of corresponding response signals from each RFID tag(s) and associating each RFID tag with the reader antenna having received the strongest received signal strength indication corresponding to the RFID tag. A laboratory device is also provided which is configured to perform the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method for teaching positioning of a bar code scanner is disclosed. The method includes moving the bar code scanner relative to a first bar code so as to sweep a light beam emitted from the bar code scanner across the first bar code, detecting an orientation of the bar code scanner relative to the first bar code and positioning the bar code scanner based on the orientation. Further, an apparatus for processing a sample or reagent is disclosed.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed. The analyzer comprises a rack slot configured to receive at least one rack, wherein the rack slot comprises a front end, at which the rack is manually loadable into the rack slot, and a rear end, which is opposite to the front end and at which the rack is fully receivable in the rack slot, and a spring device arranged at the rear end, wherein the spring device is configured to provide a biasing force towards the front end, wherein the biasing force is adapted to move the rack towards the front end if not fully received in the rack slot, wherein the spring device is configured to fix the rack in a final position if the rack is fully received in the rack slot. Further, a method for loading a rack into a rack slot of an analyzer and a system comprising an analyzer and a computer controller are disclosed.

Abstract: A laboratory automation system for processing sample containers containing laboratory samples and/or for processing the samples is presented. The laboratory automation system comprises a digital camera configured to take an image of the sample container together with a calibration element. The image comprises image data related to the sample container and image data related to the calibration element. The laboratory automation system also comprises an image processing device configured to determine geometrical properties of the sample container depending on the image data related to the sample container and the image data related to the calibration element.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed. The analyzer comprises a rack slot configured to receive at least one rack, wherein the rack slot comprises a front end, at which the rack is manually loadable into the rack slot, and a rear end, which is opposite to the front end and at which the rack is fully receivable in the rack slot, and a spring device arranged at the rear end, wherein the spring device is configured to provide a biasing force towards the front end, wherein the biasing force is adapted to move the rack towards the front end if not fully received in the rack slot, wherein the spring device is configured to fix the rack in a final position if the rack is fully received in the rack slot. Further, a method for loading a rack into a rack slot of an analyzer and a system comprising an analyzer and a computer controller are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for teaching positioning of a bar code scanner is disclosed. The method includes moving the bar code scanner relative to a first bar code so as to sweep a light beam emitted from the bar code scanner across the first bar code, detecting an orientation of the bar code scanner relative to the first bar code and positioning the bar code scanner based on the orientation. Further, an apparatus for processing a sample or reagent is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for associating an RFID tag to an RFID reader antenna in a laboratory device with a number N RFID reader antennae (10.1-10.N), the method including the steps of reading a unique identifier UID1-UIDM corresponding to each of a number M of RFID tag(s) (20.1-20.M); registering received signal strength indications RSSI.1.1-RSSI.N.M by each of the N RFID reader antennae (10.1-10.N) of corresponding response signals from each RFID tag(s) (20.1-20.M) and associating each RFID tag (20.1-20.M) with the reader antenna (10.1-10.N) having received the strongest received signal strength indication RSSI.1.1-RSSI.N.M corresponding to the RFID tag (20.1-20.M). A laboratory device is also provided which is configured to perform the disclosed method.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack having a RFID chip, and including an antenna structure elements for wireless coupling with the RFID chip, such that the location of the RFID chip determines the orientation of the test tube rack and the position of the test tube, and coupling of the RFID chips attached to the test tube racks is independent of the direction of insertion of the test tube rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.

Abstract: A method and a system to localise and to identify at least one of a plurality of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.