Abstract: A system and method for automatic closure of sample vessels such as vessels with medical laboratory samples, having a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps with a convex outer face and concave inner face that are stacked in a closure cap stack such that an upper closure cap in the stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap lying immediately below in the stack. The system includes a closure gripper for gripping an uppermost closure cap from the stack, for transferring the gripped closure cap to the sample vessel to be closed, and for introducing the gripped closure cap into an opening of the sample vessel in order to tightly close the opening. The closure gripper has a centering piece insertable into a closure cap such that it bears on the concave inner face of the closure cap.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic closure of sample vessels such as vessels with medical laboratory samples, having a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps with a convex outer face and concave inner face that are stacked in a closure cap stack such that an upper closure cap in the stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap lying immediately below in the stack. The system includes a closure gripper for gripping an uppermost closure cap from the stack, for transferring the gripped closure cap to the sample vessel to be closed, and for introducing the gripped closure cap into an opening of the sample vessel in order to tightly close the opening. The closure gripper has a centering piece insertable into a closure cap such that it bears on the concave inner face of the closure cap.

Abstract: A drive assembly (10) comprising a first electric machine (12) having a first drive shaft (14), a second electric machine (16) having a second drive shaft (18), an output shaft (20), wherein the first drive shaft (14) and the second drive shaft (18) are coupled or couplable to the output shaft (20) in such a way that the output shaft (20) can be driven by the first drive shaft (14) and/or the second drive shaft (18), wherein the second drive shaft (18) comprises a first one-way clutch (22) by which the second drive shaft (18) is coupled or couplable to the output shaft (20) and a second one-way clutch (24), wherein the first one-way clutch (22) and the second one-way clutch (24) are configured so as to act in opposite directions of rotation, wherein, by the second one-way clutch (24) and an intermediate gearwheel (27), the second drive shaft (18) is coupled or couplable to the output shaft (20).

Abstract: A system and method for automatic closure of sample vessels such as vessels with medical laboratory samples, having a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps with a convex outer face and concave inner face that are stacked in a closure cap stack such that an upper closure cap in the stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap lying immediately below in the stack. The system includes a closure gripper for gripping an uppermost closure cap from the stack, for transferring the gripped closure cap to the sample vessel to be closed, and for introducing the gripped closure cap into an opening of the sample vessel in order to tightly close the opening. The closure gripper has a centering piece insertable into a closure cap such that it bears on the concave inner face of the closure cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for automatic closure of sample vessels (PG), in particular of sample vessels (PG) with medical laboratory samples, with iii. a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps (10) which have a convex outer face and a concave inner face and which are stacked in at least one closure cap stack in such a way that an upper closure cap (10) in the closure cap stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap (10) lying immediately below in the closure cap stack, iv.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for automatic closure of sample vessels (PG), in particular of sample vessels (PG) with medical laboratory samples, with iii. a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps (10) which have a convex outer face and a concave inner face and which are stacked in at least one closure cap stack in such a way that an upper closure cap (10) in the closure cap stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap (10) lying immediately below in the closure cap stack, iv.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows managers to identify anomalies in organizations, brands or projects at an early stage. Advantage is taken of the fact that a large percentage of the elements of all organizational (project) problems are promptly captured in some form on an electronic notation. Portions of these notations are abstracted into categories. Each categorized abstract is displayed in an appropriate partition for review by one or more managers. As a category becomes populated with more and more abstracts, the visual color of the representations of the abstracts of that category can change to reflect their individual ages or other attributes of that category's abstracts. For example, the color of each abstract-representing graphical “dot” can fade over time. A group of new “dots” within a category, or blinking dots representing content that is particularly well matched to the category definition can graphically signify extra concern.

Abstract: An accommodating magazine for accommodating a plurality of sample carriers in a sample holder for use in an input or output area of an automated sample handling device. The magazine comprises a magazine panel, a detection device for detecting whether the panel is filled with sample holders or sample carriers during movement of the panel between a loading position and a ready position. The detection device includes at least one contactless detector for detecting the presence of objects in a sensor area, a path sensor, which detects a displacement path or current position of the panel during displacement of the panel between the loading and ready positions; and an evaluating unit in which the detector data and the path sensor data are merged and are evaluated.

Abstract: An apparatus for archiving specimens in specimen vessels. The apparatus includes an archive room accessible via a lock for automated feeding of vessels into and out of the room. A storage and restacking system is disposed in the room and includes two side-by-side stacks of trays in a receiving area. Each tray has a receptacle area defining a plurality of receptacles therein, each configured to receive a single vessel. A stacking means forms the stacks of trays. One tray is stacked on another in such a way as to maintain a clearance relative to the receptacle area of the lower tray. A lifting means is provided for vertically lifting trays stacked on a selected tray; and a transfer means is provided for horizontal transfer of a selected tray from one stack to the other, or from one stack to the lock, or from the lock to one of the stacks.

Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and a plurality of sample holders, designed to hold one sample vessel, which are self-propelled and displaceable along the conveying section. Each sample holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with driving energy, at least one fiction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting a force onto the track, and a control for controlling the travels of the sample holders. Signal transmitters are arranged in the track in predetermined positions along the conveying section and are adapted to form a near-field transmission section having signal receivers arranged in the sample holders, the signal transmitters being connected to the control and adapted to transmit control data relating to the adjustment of driving parameters to the sample holders via the near-field transmission section.

Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and at least one self-propelled sample holder displaceable along the conveying section holding a sample vessel. The holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with energy and a friction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting force onto the track. The track has at least one guide structure forming the conveying section. The holder has exactly one wheel on a lower side facing the track in operation, and has at least two sliding elements which rest on the track in operation and slide along the track's surface, the sliding elements and the wheel lying on the vertices of a triangle. The holder, on its lower side, has a guide element for cooperation with the guide structure in the track to guide the holder along the conveying section.

Abstract: A gripper for manipulating tube-shaped specimen cups having a gripper base, at least two gripper fingers each comprising a retaining section for clutching a specimen cup and being arranged to rotate relative to the base about a finger rotation axis. The retaining sections are arranged acentrically relative to the associated finger rotation axis. A first drive twists the fingers. The fingers are coupled to each other so that they are driven by the drive at the same time and with the same rotation speed and direction. A second drive is provided for twisting the base relative to the base body. A control unit controls the drives such that by a movement combination of twisting the fingers relative to the base and twisting the base relative to the base body for each of the retaining sections of the fingers in each case an essentially linear movement relative the base body results.

Abstract: A gripper for manipulating tube-shaped specimen cups having a gripper base, at least two gripper fingers each comprising a retaining section for clutching a specimen cup and being arranged to rotate relative to the base about a finger rotation axis. The retaining sections are arranged acentrically relative to the associated finger rotation axis. A first drive twists the fingers. The fingers are coupled to each other so that they are driven by the drive at the same time and with the same rotation speed and direction. A second drive is provided for twisting the base relative to the base body. A control unit controls the drives such that by a movement combination of twisting the fingers relative to the base and twisting the base relative to the base body for each of the retaining sections of the fingers in each case an essentially linear movement relative the base body results.

Abstract: An accommodating magazine for accommodating a plurality of sample carriers in a sample holder for use in an input or output area of an automated sample handling device. The magazine comprises a magazine panel a detection device for detecting whether the panel is filled with sample holders or sample carriers during movement of the panel between a loading position and a ready position. The detection device includes at least one contactless detector for detecting the presence of objects in a sensor area, a path sensor, which detects a displacement path or current position of the panel during displacement of the panel between the loading and ready positions; and an evaluating unit in which the detector data and the path sensor data are merged and are evaluated.

Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and at least one self-propelled sample holder displaceable along the conveying section holding a sample vessel. The holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with driving energy and a friction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting force onto the track. The track has at least one guide structure forming the conveying section. The holder has exactly one wheel on a lower side facing the track in operation, and has at least two sliding elements which rest on the track in operation and slide along the track's surface, the sliding elements and the wheel lying on the vertices of a triangle. The holder, on its lower side, has a guide element for cooperation with the guide structure in the track to guide the holder along the conveying section.

Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and a plurality of sample holders, designed to hold one sample vessel, which are self-propelled and displaceable along the conveying section. Each sample holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with driving energy, at least one fiction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting a force onto the track, and a control for controlling the travels of the sample holders. Signal transmission means are arranged in the track in predetermined positions along the conveying section and are adapted to form a near-field transmission section having signal receiving means arranged in the sample holders, said signal transmission means being connected to the control and adapted to transmit control data relating to the adjustment of driving parameters to the sample holders via the near-field transmission section.

Abstract: An apparatus for archiving specimens in specimen vessels. The apparatus includes an archive room accessible via a lock for automated feeding of vessels into and out of the room. A storage and restacking system is disposed in the room and includes two side-by-side stacks of trays in a receiving area. Each tray has a receptacle area defining a plurality of receptacles therein, each configured to receive a single vessel. A stacking means forms the stacks of trays. One tray is stacked on another in such a way as to maintain a clearance relative to the receptacle area of the lower tray. A lifting means is provided for vertically lifting trays stacked on a selected tray; and a transfer means is provided for horizontal transfer of a selected tray from one stack to the other, or from one stack to the lock, or from the lock to one of the stacks.

Abstract: A pipetting system including a pipet (8) which can be hooked up to pressurizing source (9), the pipet being fitted with a discharge aperture (10) and having an inside volume sufficient to receive the full quantity of liquid (7) to be discharged is characterized in that the discharge aperture (10) is situated at one end part (16) of the pipet (8), the end part being connectable to a connector aperture (19) of a main part (15) of the pipet, the main part receiving all the liquid (7) that shall be discharged, the connector part aperture (19) being larger than the discharge aperture (10).

Abstract: A pipetting system including a pipet (8) which can be hooked up to pressurizing source (9), the pipet being fitted with a discharge aperture (10) and having an inside volume sufficient to receive the full quantity of liquid (7) to be discharged is characterized in that the discharge aperture (10) is situated at one end part (16) of the pipet (8), the end part being connectable to a connector aperture (19) of a main part (15) of the pipet, the main part receiving all the liquid (7) that shall be discharged, the connector part aperture (19) being larger than the discharge aperture (10).

Abstract: Secure commerce systems and methods are disclosed. Commercial security is first provided by identity verification via voice authentication using voice similarity analysis, and by a set of random, continually-changing passwords that can be encrypted and uniquely identified with a fictitious and anonymous user name. Each anonymous user name is uniquely associated with a consumer's real identity that is protected by a set of security measures of a Knowledge Manager (KM), for use with an Anonymous Payment Card (APC) and an Anonymous Internet-email Account. The KM issues a fictitious, “one-time” (e.g. never re-used) APC number and user name to a participating consumer who wishes to attain anonymity, along with a mailing address at a “Ghost Shipping” location, such that packages sent to the consumer can be re-packaged and re-shipped to the consumer without the seller or the shipper knowing the consumer's real identity.