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Method of configuring a laboratory automation system, laboratory sample distribution system and laboratory automation system

  • US 9,902,572 B2
  • Filed: 09/22/2016
  • Issued: 02/27/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of configuring a laboratory automation system, the laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system and at least one laboratory station, wherein the laboratory station has a handover position and the laboratory sample distribution system comprises a number of sample container carriers adapted to carry one or more sample containers, wherein each sample container carrier comprises at least one magnetically active device, a transport plane adapted to support the sample container carriers, a number of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, the electro-magnetic actuators adapted to move sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carriers, a number of position sensors distributed over the transport plane and adapted to sense magnetic fields generated by the magnetically active devices, and a control device configured to control the movement of the sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by driving the electro-magnetic actuators such that the sample container carriers move along corresponding transport paths, wherein the laboratory station is placed adjacent to the transport plane, the method comprising:

  • placing a reference magnet in a specified position relationship with the handover position of the laboratory station over the transport plane;

    detecting the position of the reference magnet on the transport plane using the position sensors; and

    determining one of the electro-magnetic actuators as a handover electro-magnetic actuator based on the detected position.

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