Tray inserts for multi-use trays in automated handling systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a basic module and a tray insert for a multi-purpose tray for an automated processing system, a multi-purpose tray for an automated processing system, and a method for simplifying the loading or unloading of a multi-purpose tray into or from an automated processing system. The present invention describes a basic module (100) and a tray insert (200, 300, 400) of a multi-purpose tray (100) for an automated processing system, such as an analytical processing system, a pre-analytical processing system or a post-analytical processing system, and a multi-purpose tray comprising such a basic module and such a tray insert, wherein the tray insert can be used in particular for holding a plurality of reagent tubes or sample tubes to be processed in the automated processing system. The present invention further relates to a method for simplifying the loading or unloading of such a multi-purpose tray into or from the automated processing system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with the application date of October 18, 2018, the Chinese application number of 201880068498.1, and the invention name of "Basic module and pallet insert for multi-purpose pallets for automated handling systems, multi-purpose pallets for automated handling systems, and methods for simplifying the loading or unloading of multi-purpose pallets into or from automated handling systems" (later changed to "Basic module for multi-purpose pallets for automated handling systems"). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a basic module and a tray insert of a multi-purpose tray for an automated processing system, such as an analytical processing system, a pre-analytical processing system or a post-analytical processing system, and also to a multi-purpose tray comprising such a basic module and such a tray insert. The present invention further relates to a method for simplifying the loading of such a multi-purpose tray into the automated processing system or simplifying the unloading of such a multi-purpose tray from the automated processing system. In more detail, the present invention relates to a basic module of such a multi-purpose tray, wherein the basic module receives the tray insert and forms a multi-purpose tray together with the tray insert, wherein the tray insert can be used in particular to hold a plurality of reagent tubes or sample tubes to be processed in the automated processing system. Based on this, as one aspect of the present invention, a method for simplifying the loading of such a multi-purpose tray into the automated processing system or simplifying the unloading of such a multi-purpose tray from the automated processing system by an operator can also be realized. Background Art

[0003] In a laboratory environment, the processing of biological samples generally involves complex laboratory equipment and, therefore, a complex workflow of operating steps performed by laboratory personnel (such as laboratory staff or laboratory assistants, etc.). For example, these biological samples may require human tissue, blood, saliva or urine, which are usually collected from patients by medical staff in hospitals or private clinics for laboratory analysis, such as for determining the concentration levels of different components in the collected samples. The complex workflow generally requires a greater number of process aspects to be considered before performing each processing step, resulting in very time-consuming work in addition to the processing step itself. Here, in order to offset this time burden and comply with the usual time pressure to quickly and reliably produce analytical results, any degree of automation of the processing steps that are mostly performed manually can significantly reduce personnel costs and increase sample throughput, and can thereby reduce the time spent analyzing samples and reporting the results to recipients.

[0004] Available automated processing systems (e.g., for performing medical diagnostic analysis of biological samples) usually use known commercially available sample containers to accommodate biological samples to be analyzed. In addition, in addition to biological samples, analysis may also require reagents, which are usually provided in reagent containers. Such sample containers or reagent containers can appear in the form of sample tubes or reagent tubes (also referred to as primary test tubes), or can be opened at its top or closed with lids, etc. and any other suitable types of sample containers or reagent containers that may be slightly different in shape and size. In addition, in order to promote analytical process, common practice is to use a sample tube of a specific type for a sample of a specific type, thereby providing a unified sample container for each type of sample, i.e. providing different types of sample tubes for different types of samples, to simplify (streamlining) analytical process and increase sample processing capacity. The demand for using different containers for different types of samples may also be determined by various factors, such as sample amount, processing conditions, etc., but the advantage brought in any case is that it is easier to distinguish different types of samples from each other, which makes it difficult to accidentally use the sample of the wrong type in the process for the sample of another class. This is particularly true when an automated processing system is used to process the samples, since an automated system typically includes a certain type of laboratory equipment designed for a certain type of sample (ie, a certain type of sample tube).

[0005] Now, in order to improve the processing efficiency inside the automated processing system (such as an analytical processing system, a pre-analysis processing system or a post-analysis processing system), sample test tubes or reagent test tubes are usually placed in a test tube tray suitable for supporting multiple test tubes that are usually oriented upright. However, laboratories usually accept biological samples and reagents with many different test tube types, wherein each test tube type usually has its own tray suitable for the shape and size of each test tube. This makes it difficult for operators to load laboratory processing systems that process different samples in different sample test tube types. Similarly, in automated processing systems (such as analytical processing systems, pre-analysis processing systems or post-analysis processing systems) for processing biological samples, sample test tubes are usually manipulated, for example, by removing or inserting fluids or other specimens from test tubes by means of needles or pipettes. Therefore, it is usually necessary to perform very precise positioning in a relatively accurate manner to process sample test tubes; otherwise, that is, when the sample test tubes are not positioned with sufficient accuracy, the manipulator of such automated processing systems may not be in the correct position to reliably manipulate the sample test tubes. Another problem with the tray is that its barcode is usually unreadable by humans. Therefore, the operator never knows whether the sample has been processed, whether the sample is fresh, or whether the operator must pay special attention to, for example, infectious biological samples. A sample tube tray that can hold sample tubes of different sizes and can achieve the desired precise positioning can be learned from, for example, US 8,142,740 B2, in which a sample tube tray for an automated processing system is disclosed, the tray having several holes suitable for holding one of two sample tubes of different sizes in a concentric manner. As a further known prior art, EP 2 098 296 A1 describes a sample tube tray for holding and positioning a plurality of sample tubes with an outer diameter within a predetermined diameter range. According to a specific embodiment of EP 2 098 296 A1, an improved sample tube tray is disclosed, which can hold sample tubes with two different diameters, the tray being essentially composed of evenly spaced pillars. Therefore, even if the known sample tube tray can be used for different sample tube designs, only the fixed position of the sample tube can be used, i.e., it is impossible to merge smaller sample tubes closer than larger sample tubes.

[0006] Now, even if the automated processing system using the above-mentioned known test tube tray has improved sample processing efficiency by providing results faster and minimizing human errors, due to the increasing requirements of the accuracy of the analysis results and the sample throughput of the clinical laboratory, it is constantly necessary to improve the overall performance of the automated analyzer system. In particular, no matter how the determination to be performed is, it is necessary to continuously improve the efficiency of the patient sample processing. Here, as mentioned above, the ability to quickly and safely introduce multiple samples or reagents into the automated processing system by means of sample test tubes or reagent test tubes is an important factor in achieving efficient biological sample throughput. In addition, different types of sample test tubes or reagent test tubes are stored in a tray, several test tube trays are stored in a smaller space, or laboratory personnel can carry several test tube trays at a time, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the automated processing system for patient sample processing. Therefore, it is constantly necessary to improve the processing of multiple samples or reagents of the same kind or mixed kind in association with the automated processing system. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and provides a basic module of a multi-purpose tray, which receives at least one tray insert and forms the multi-purpose tray together with the at least one tray insert, wherein the tray insert can be used in particular to hold a plurality of reagent tubes or sample tubes to be processed in the automated processing system (such as an analytical processing system, a pre-analytical processing system or a post-analytical processing system). In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, a basic module of a multi-purpose tray for such an automated processing system is provided, the basic module being open on one side and comprising a protrusion for engaging with at least one tray insert, wherein the at least one tray insert is releasably engaged in the open side of the basic module by engaging with the protrusion of the basic module. Thus, by providing the protrusion as an integral part of the basic module, at least one tray insert can be connected to the basic module to form an engagement between the basic module and the tray insert, or better between the open side of the basic module and the tray insert, which engagement can be released again (if necessary) in order to switch the tray insert with another tray insert of the same or different kind, thereby making the tray a multi-purpose tray. Thus, the multi-purpose nature of the multi-purpose tray can already be achieved by the interchangeability of the tray insert or also by the interchangeability of several tray inserts received by the same basic module, for example in a mix and match manner, thereby achieving a high degree of flexibility in the selection of test tubes to be received by the multi-purpose tray. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the multi-purpose nature of the multi-purpose tray is also achieved by the ability of the tray insert according to the invention to receive several different kinds of containers in the same tray insert (also called universal tray insert).

[0008] According to a specific embodiment of the basic module of the invention of the aspect currently described, the protrusion of the basic module (i.e. each protrusion provided integrally with the basic module) protrudes laterally inwards towards the inner side of the basic module. Thereby, the protrusion of the basic module can establish a form-fit connection in the form of a releasable push-in connection or a snap-in connection with a corresponding counterpart of the tray insert (such as a corresponding engagement feature of the tray insert). For example, the protrusion of the basic module can provide a tongue in a tongue-and-groove connection, wherein the corresponding engagement feature of the tray insert provides a groove counterpart, for example by means of a corresponding suitable engagement recess. Here, for example, the protrusion can be cylindrical in order to match a corresponding circular engagement recess in the tray insert. Alternatively or additionally, each cylindrical protrusion can include a central hole open to the open side of the basic module, which central hole can receive a corresponding counterpart provided at the tray insert (such as a plug connector protruding from the bottom side of the tray insert so as to be pushed into the central hole of the corresponding protrusion of the basic module), thereby establishing a push-in connection that can be separated again as described above. Typically, with respect to the manufacture of the basic module of the present invention, the basic module may be an injection molded component, wherein the basic module may be made of polypropylene (PP) or a polycarbonate blend, such as polycarbonate with styrene acrylonitrile (PC / SAN) and polycarbonate with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS), which together constitute an injection moldable material.

[0009] According to a further specific embodiment of the basic module of the present invention, the basic module can be stacked on another basic module of the same type of multi-purpose tray. Thus, several basic modules can be stacked on top of each other in a space-saving manner, regardless of the tray inserts provided in each stacked basic module, which also brings convenience to the user, because several basic modules can be stacked together when loaded with reagent tubes or sample tubes provided by means of the corresponding tray inserts and can be carried or transported in a stacked arrangement, thereby improving the transportability and also the storability of the basic module. In order to achieve this stacking connection between at least two basic modules stacked on each other, the bottom side of each basic module can include a step portion (e.g. a narrowed step portion) with a reduced outer perimeter, which matches the upper edge of the opening side of another basic module. Therefore, the step portion of the bottom side of the upper basic module can be stacked into the upper edge of the opening side of another basic module, for example, in a nestable manner.

[0010] With regard to the general structure of the basic module of the present invention, the basic module may comprise a rectangular structure having a substantially closed bottom side and at least partially closed side walls, the side walls being generally four in number and being thin-walled compared to the overall rectangular structure of the basic module, wherein the upper side of the rectangular structure constitutes the above-mentioned open side of the basic module. With this structure, the basic module constitutes a box shape having a substantially closed bottom (except for holes or slits etc. related to manufacturing), side walls that may be continuously closed or may be only partially closed, and an open upper side that is substantially free of any kind of wall surface etc. With regard to the structure of the side walls, at least one of the at least partially closed side walls of the basic module may comprise an open side groove starting from the open upper side (i.e., the open upper side is continuous in the open side groove and may be continuous towards the closed bottom side), wherein the side groove does not have to be continuous all the way to the closed bottom side, but may end above the closed bottom, thereby constituting a window of the side wall that is open to the top. According to an alternative embodiment, each side wall of the basic module may include such an open side groove, which constitutes a window of each side wall opening to the top. Thus, each corner of the rectangular structure includes an angular corner post (which may also be called a corner brace or corner support) starting from the closed bottom and continuing to the open upper side, so as to achieve a sufficient distance between the closed bottom side and the open side of the basic module without interacting with another basic module stacked thereon, said distance being used to receive at least one tray insert and the test tubes arranged therein.

[0011] According to a further specific embodiment of the basic module of the present invention, the basic module comprises at least one handle as an interface on its periphery for improving the transportability of the basic module by an operator (such as a laboratory staff, etc.), wherein the handle simplifies the gripping of the basic module by the operator, who can grip the basic module with one hand or two hands. Alternatively, the basic module comprises two handles on its periphery opposite to each other as interfaces, which can even further improve the transportability of the basic module by the operator, since the two opposite handles simplify the gripping of the basic module by the operator, who can grip the basic module with two hands.

[0012] According to a further specific embodiment of the basic module of the present invention, the basic module can include at least one engagement recess as an interface on its periphery, wherein the engagement recess is not confused by the above-mentioned handle, but is specially provided for a tray bracket or a tray bracket instrument (such as a tray shuttle, etc.) of an automated handling system, which bracket can engage with the recess and thus pick up the basic module, thereby improving the transportability of the basic module by the tray bracket during automated transportation. For convenience, as described above, the at least one engagement recess is arranged in a handle located on the periphery of the basic module. Therefore, the basic module can be picked up and transported at the same position on the basic module not only by a human operator, but also by an automated tray bracket instrument. Similar to the two handles provided as described above in an alternative embodiment, the basic module can include two engagement recesses on its periphery opposite to each other or even more than two recesses (if necessary) as an interface to improve the transportability of the basic module by the tray bracket of the automated handling system, wherein each engagement recess can be arranged in a handle allocated on the periphery of the basic module. Thus, the base module can be picked up and transported not only by a human operator but also by an automated pallet carrier instrument in the same manner as it is picked up by a human operator with two hands at the same position on the base module. The above interface is provided as an interface to form a human-machine interaction or as an interface to an instrument of an automated handling system, wherein the interface can be provided to interact with such an instrument for transport to and from a loading slot of the automated handling system, for transport to a workbench of the automated handling system, for transport to a barcode labeler of the automated handling system, or for implementing a pallet shuttle provided within the automated handling system.

[0013] According to a further specific embodiment of the basic module of the invention, the basic module may comprise at least one color indicator for indicating the loading status of the contents of the multi-purpose tray (i.e. the contents of the tray insert as received in the basic module of the multi-purpose tray). As an example, the color indicator may provide four different colors which may indicate that the multi-purpose tray has new (i.e. unprocessed) contents, processed contents, contents designated for archival or erroneous contents, wherein the unprocessed contents may be color-coded with green and the processed contents or alternatively erroneous contents may be color-coded with red. Here, as a specific embodiment, the color indicator may be manually operated by an operator and / or may be implemented in the form of a rotating indicator plug or rod which is arranged in a corresponding recess in the basic module (e.g. in one of several corner posts of the basic module), wherein the recess comprises an outward viewing window in which the corresponding color may be shown and changed by rotation of the indicator rod. In addition, in the case where the multi-use tray carries contents that do not require a loading status indication, for example in the case where the tray insert carries consumable tips or the like, i.e. when the contents do not have any status, a so-called blind plug, i.e. a plug on which no different color is provided, such as a gray plug or the like, can be inserted into the recess of the base module. Thus, if necessary, the color indicator can be replaced to improve the convenience of the user. In addition, it should be noted that a color indicator is particularly reasonable when using a so-called universal tray insert that can hold different kinds of sample tubes, or when using a urine sample container tray. On the other hand, as previously mentioned, a blind plug can be reasonable when using a tray insert that carries consumable tips. As an additional aspect of providing an indicator in the form of an indicator rod inserted in the recess of the base module, any optical sensor of the automated handling system can be used to identify that the multi-use tray is correctly loaded into the loading slot of the automated handling system, because the recess is either provided at the end of the tray that is first loaded into the loading slot, or not. Depending on the desired orientation of the tray when it is loaded into the loading slot, a correct orientation or an incorrect orientation can be detected and, for example, signaled to an operator.

[0014] According to a further specific embodiment of the basic module according to the invention, the basic module may comprise at least one writable surface on its periphery in order for an operator to provide the basic module with human-readable markings and to allow a human operator to quickly mark and erase such markings (if necessary) on the surface, wherein the writable surface may be implemented by a whiteboard material (i.e. an erasable material) so that it can be used more than once. Thus, any operator can provide the basic module and therefore the multi-use tray with human-readable markings (if necessary), which markings can be easily erased again when, for example, the basic module is used again with another tray insert, so that the contents of the tray insert can be written onto the basic module. According to one embodiment of the writable surface, the writable surface may be provided by placing a label on a side wall of the basic module (e.g. the right side of the basic module), wherein it is useful if the writable surface in the form of a label can only be removed with alcohol or the like, in order to improve the durability of the operator's markings. Thus, the writable surface provides a white space to label the tray with notes to colleagues or collaborators, for example, to prevent the risk of losing delayed samples.

[0015] In addition to the aforementioned human-readable markings, the basic module of the invention may also include at least one identification code on its periphery, which may be a self-adhesive label or the like with human-readable machine text, which may provide a human operator with a large amount of information about the basic module or its contents. Alternatively or in addition, a machine-readable identification code may be provided on the periphery of the basic module, for example implemented by a barcode or the like, or may also be in the form of an RFID tag or the like, which makes it possible to automatically identify the basic module or its contents in the automated processing system and to provide each basic module with a unique identification code. For example, for recordability reasons, such a barcode or RFID tag may consist of 3 characters for identifying the type of pallet (i.e. the type of pallet insert provided in the basic module) and 5 characters for providing a continuous serial number.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, and as a supplement to the above-mentioned basic module, there is provided a tray insert for a multi-purpose tray for an automated processing system, the tray insert being used to hold multiple reagent tubes or sample tubes having similar or different diameters, wherein the tray insert may also be referred to as a universal tray insert or a universally applicable tray insert, and comprises an array of tube receiving recesses having different sizes, thereby achieving the universal nature of the universal tray insert, wherein the size may be, for example, the diameter of the tube receiving recess, and the tube receiving recess may be formed as a generally cylindrical shape. Typically, with respect to the manufacture of such a tray insert of the present invention, the tray insert may be an injection molded component, wherein the tray insert may be made of polypropylene (PP) or a polycarbonate blend (such as polycarbonate with styrene acrylonitrile (PC / SAN) and polycarbonate with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS), the above materials together constituting an injection moldable material). With regard to the structure of the universal tray insert of the present invention, the array of test tube receiving recesses includes at least a first group of test tube receiving recesses, and also a second group of test tube receiving recesses, wherein the size of the recesses in the first group of test tube receiving recesses and the size of the recesses in the second group of test tube receiving recesses are different from each other, that is, the sizes of the recesses between these groups are different from each other. For example, the first group of test tube receiving recesses can be used to receive a first group of test tubes with a larger diameter, while the second group of test tube receiving recesses can be used to receive test tubes with a smaller diameter than the first group of test tubes. In addition, the inner circumferential contour of each test tube receiving recess in the first group of test tube receiving recesses intersects with the inner circumferential contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess in the second group of test tube receiving recesses. Here, as the inner circumferential contour of the test tube receiving recess, it should be understood as the outline of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess, wherein the outline or outline of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess can also be identified as the approximate cross-section of the test tube receiving recess when viewed from above. However, the inner circumference of both the first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses need not be continuous, wherein the test tube receiving recesses of the two groups may intersect each other when viewed from above, thereby exhibiting an intersection of the inner circumferential contour of each test tube receiving recess of the first group with the inner circumferential contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess of the second group. By means of this particular configuration with test tube receiving recesses of different sizes, a universal tray insert design can be achieved, which can accommodate different container shapes and sizes, wherein it is particularly possible to bring smaller containers closer together than larger containers. Thus, different test tube types with different diameters can always be accommodated in the universal tray insert and therefore in the corresponding multi-purpose tray in an optimized manner, so as to achieve an increase in the number of receivable test tubes that can be inserted into the universal tray insert.Thus, this specific structure of the test tube receiving recess results in the universal nature of the universal tray insert, because the tray insert can be universally used for a variety of different types of sample test tubes. Here, as an example, in the case of loading only one type of test tube into the universal tray insert, about 20 pieces (such as 21 pieces of test tubes with a larger diameter, such as PreservCyt test tubes) or about 30 pieces (such as 32 pieces of test tubes with a smaller diameter, such as SurePath test tubes) can be loaded. In the case of loading test tubes of different types than the aforementioned, about 20 to 30 pieces can be loaded in a mixed manner.

[0017] According to a further specific embodiment of the tray insert according to the invention, the intersection of the profile of the first set of test tube receiving recesses with the profile of the second set of test tube receiving recesses corresponds to a non-tangential intersection of the profiles. It should be understood that the intersection or junction between the different profiles, i.e. the inner peripheral profile of each test tube receiving recess of the first set of test tube receiving recesses, intersects the inner peripheral profile of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess of the second set of test tube receiving recesses in a non-tangential manner. This is particularly relevant when considering the cylindrical profile of each test tube receiving recess, because such an arrangement is particularly helpful for achieving an optimized way of loading test tubes with different diameters into the tray insert according to the invention, so as to achieve an increase in the number of receivable test tubes that can be inserted into the tray insert. Alternatively or additionally, the central axis of each respective test tube receiving recess of the first set of test tube receiving recesses can be arranged in an eccentric way relative to the central axis of the adjacent test tube receiving recess of the second set of test tube receiving recesses, which means that the central axes of the two sets of test tube receiving recesses do not coincide with each other, which further helps to achieve the already described optimized way of loading test tubes with different diameters into the tray insert according to the invention. Here, the distances between the individual axes are selected such that “wrong” loading of test tubes into the universal tray insert is not possible, or at least such wrong loading can be easily detected by the operator during loading.

[0018] According to a further specific embodiment of the tray insert according to the invention, the depth of each test tube receiving recess of the first group of test tube receiving recesses is different from the depth of each test tube receiving recess of the second group of test tube receiving recesses. Thus, the presently described tray insert can also accommodate test tubes of different lengths, wherein it may be advantageous to select the depths of the different groups of test tube receiving recesses such that the tops of the test tubes of the group with the longer length do not protrude or only slightly protrude compared to the test tubes of the other group with the shorter length.

[0019] According to a further specific embodiment of the tray insert of the present invention, in addition to the first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses already described, the array of test tube receiving recesses also includes a third group of test tube receiving recesses, wherein the inner circumference contour of at least one of the test tube receiving recesses in the third group of test tube receiving recesses intersects with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess in the first and / or second groups of test tube receiving recesses. Therefore, the array of test tube receiving recesses additionally includes a third group of test tube receiving recesses, wherein the size of the recesses in the third group of test tube receiving recesses and the size of the recesses in the first and / or second groups of test tube receiving recesses are different from each other, i.e. the sizes of the recesses between these groups are different from each other. For example, the first group of test tube receiving recesses can be used to receive test tubes of a first group having a larger diameter, the second group of test tube receiving recesses can be used to receive test tubes of a smaller diameter than the first group of test tubes, and the third group of test tube receiving recesses can be used to receive test tubes of a third group having an even smaller diameter than the second group of test tubes. In addition, the inner circumference contour of at least one of the test tube receiving recesses in the third group of test tube receiving recesses intersects with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess in the first / second group of test tube receiving recesses. Again, as the inner circumference contour of the test tube receiving recess, it should be understood as the contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess, wherein the contour or contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess can also be identified as the approximate cross-section of the test tube receiving recess when viewed from above. However, the inner circumferences of all three groups of test tube receiving recesses do not have to be continuous, wherein, when viewed from above, the test tube receiving recesses of all groups can intersect with each other, thereby showing the inner circumference contour of each test tube receiving recess in the first group of test tube receiving recesses intersecting with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess in the second group of test tube receiving recesses and / or with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess in the third group of test tube receiving recesses. By means of this particular configuration with test tube receiving recesses of different sizes, the above-described universal tray insert design can be further improved such that it can accommodate three different container shapes or sizes, wherein it is again possible to merge smaller containers closer together than larger containers. Thus, different test tube types with three different diameters can always be loaded in an optimized manner in the universal tray insert and thus in the corresponding multi-purpose tray, so as to achieve an increase in the number of receivable test tubes that can be inserted into the universal tray insert. For example, in the case of loading only one type of test tube into the universal tray insert, approximately 20 pieces (such as 21 pieces of test tubes with a larger diameter, such as PreservCyt test tubes), approximately 30 pieces (such as 32 pieces of test tubes with a smaller diameter, such as SurePath test tubes), or approximately 80 pieces (such as 78 pieces of test tubes with an even smaller diameter, such as PCR test tubes) can be loaded.Therefore, depending on the corresponding diameter of the sample test tube, and therefore depending on the diameter of the test tube receiving recess, the array of the test tube receiving recess can receive about 20 to 80 sample test tubes of the same type or different types in a mixed manner. By the alternative arrangement of the test tube receiving recess, 20 test tubes with larger diameters (such as PreservCyt test tubes), 20 test tubes with smaller diameters (such as SurePath test tubes), or 62 test tubes with even smaller diameters (such as PCR test tubes) can be loaded. This specific structure of the test tube receiving recess leads to a further improvement in the universal properties of the universal tray insert, because the tray insert can be generally used for even more different types of sample test tubes. As an additional optional feature, in order to achieve further stable retention of any type of sample test tube (this makes it possible to introduce smaller test tubes into larger test tube receiving recesses), a centering spring can be provided inside at least one test tube receiving recess to be used for centering the test tube inside the corresponding test tube receiving recess, i.e., for centering and maintaining smaller test tubes inside the larger test tube receiving recess. Such a centering spring may thus further improve the universal properties of the universal tray insert, since the tray insert may be universally used for even more different kinds of sample tubes. For example, a centering spring according to the invention may comprise a substantially circular middle portion for attachment to the inside of a tube receiving recess, and several clamping arms protruding in a longitudinal manner from the middle portion, each clamping arm comprising at its end an inwardly protruding tip for contacting the tube to be held, thereby holding the tube in a clamping manner coaxially with the centering spring (i.e. with the respective tube receiving recess) and centering it. Such a centering spring as a separate component of the tray insert may be made of spring steel in order to improve its clampability in addition to the clampability achieved by the shape of the centering spring itself.

[0020] According to a further specific embodiment of the tray insert according to the invention, the central axis of each respective test tube receiving recess of the third group of test tube receiving recesses is arranged in an eccentric manner relative to the central axis of the adjacent test tube receiving recess of the first and / or second group of test tube receiving recesses, which means that the central axes of all three groups of test tube receiving recesses do not coincide with each other, which further contributes to the already described optimized manner of loading test tubes with different diameters into the tray insert according to the invention. Here, the distances between the individual axes are selected so that it is not possible to "wrongly" load a test tube into the universal tray insert, or at least such wrong loading can be easily detected by the operator during loading. Alternatively or additionally, the depth of each test tube receiving recess of the third group of test tube receiving recesses is different from the depth of each test tube receiving recess of the first and / or second group of test tube receiving recesses. Thus, the tray insert described herein can also accommodate test tubes of different lengths, wherein it can be advantageous to select the depths of the different groups of test tube receiving recesses so that the tops of one or two groups of test tubes with a longer length do not protrude or only slightly compared to the remaining group of test tubes with a shorter length. Furthermore, the contour of each test tube receiving recess in a group of test tube receiving recesses can be spaced apart from the contour of the adjacent test tube receiving recess in the same group of test tube receiving recesses. Thus, direct contact between test tubes in the same group of test tubes can be avoided, thereby achieving maximum utilization of the space provided by the entire tray insert for such test tubes.

[0021] According to a further specific embodiment of the tray insert according to the invention, reference markings are provided at the edge of the upper surface of the tray insert. The reference markings serve to clearly assign each test tube receiving recess in the tray insert, wherein the reference markings can be provided in the form of a grid consisting of alphabetic characters and / or numbers for identifying each test tube receiving recess. Here, as an example, the individual positions can be printed on the edge of the tray insert in the form of a grid (such as known from a chessboard), wherein letters can specify rows and numbers can specify columns, for example from A1 to M11.

[0022] As described above, the tray insert comprises an engagement feature for releasably engaging with a protrusion in the open side of the base module of the multi-purpose pallet. As already described above with respect to the base module, the protrusion of the base module can provide a tongue in a tongue-and-groove connection, wherein a corresponding engagement feature of the tray insert provides a groove counterpart, for example by means of a corresponding suitable engagement recess: the engagement recess can be arranged in the peripheral edge of the tray insert. Alternatively, the engagement feature can be provided in the form of a push-in connector arranged on the bottom side of the tray insert, which connector can be pushed into a central hole of a corresponding protrusion of the base module. In both cases, a push-in connection between the base module and the tray insert can be achieved, which push-in connection can be separated again.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a multi-purpose pallet for an automated handling system, the multi-purpose pallet comprising a basic module as described in detail above and at least one pallet insert as described in detail above. Here, the pallet insert can be at least partially enclosed by the basic module in a frame manner, without the at least one pallet insert protruding outside the basic module. Moreover, as described above, the contents of the pallet insert do not protrude outside the basic module. Thereby, the stackability of the multi-purpose pallet can be achieved, regardless of the selected pallet insert and its contents. In addition, the protrusions of the basic module and the engagement features of the pallet insert establish a form-fitting connection in the form of a releasable push-in connection or a snap-on connection, as already described in detail above.

[0024] Furthermore, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for simplified loading or unloading of a multi-use tray into or from an automated processing system by an operator. Such a multi-use tray may be a multi-use tray as described above, or alternatively, may be a multi-use tray having any kind of tray insert inserted therein. Here, the method of the present invention comprises the steps of: loading such a multi-use tray into a loading slot (also referred to as an input slot) of the automated processing system, wherein the automated processing system may include more than one loading slot; processing the contents of the multi-use tray by a laboratory instrument (such as an analytical instrument) of the automated processing system; and unloading the multi-use tray from a unloading slot (also referred to as an output slot) of the automated processing system, wherein the automated processing system may include more than one unloading slot. Here, the automated handling system comprises a sensor which identifies the contents of the multi-use tray loaded into the loading slot without requiring interaction between the operator and the software of the automated handling system, i.e. the automated handling system is capable of automatically identifying the loaded multi-use tray and its contents by means of sensors such as optical sensors, RFID sensors, etc., and is therefore capable of identifying necessary or desired processing steps to be automatically performed by a laboratory instrument inside the automated handling system without requiring the operator to input data about the contents of the multi-use tray, e.g. by means of a user interface. Furthermore, the operator can unload the multi-use tray to be unloaded from the unloading slot of the automated handling system without requiring interaction between the operator and the software of the automated handling system regarding the format or contents of the multi-use tray, i.e. the automated handling system allows unloading of the multi-use tray without requiring the automated handling system to provide data about the multi-use tray to be unloaded to the operator, e.g. by means of a user interface. However, typically, any multi-use pallet to be unloaded from the unloading slot of the automated handling system can only be unloaded by an operator through interaction between the operator and the software of the automated handling system, i.e., the automated handling system allows unloading of the multi-use pallet only through corresponding inputs to the system by the operator, e.g. by means of a user interface. Typically, the automated handling system may include a control unit carrying application software for interacting with an operator and for controlling the workflow within the automated handling system.

[0025] The method currently described is based on the following fact: so far, only the loading slot of the known automated processing system in the art can only be used by specifically identifying the corresponding slot of the tray for loading the sample test tube or the loading slot for loading the tray of the disposable items / consumables such as pipette tips. Therefore, it is well known that only loading samples and reagents in different random slots is not simply loading the sample test tube containing liquid and the combination of the rack or bracket that only contains the consumables / disposable items such as pipette tips. Therefore, the method of the present invention currently described provides a user-friendly way for loading samples and disposable items into the automated processing system. The necessity of carrying out this improvement is based on the following fact: the operator in the laboratory must usually load many different trays with supplies, consumables and samples into the loading slot of the automated processing system. Each of these trays has different formats usually, and therefore has different loading slots suitable for the format of tray. However, for the above-mentioned multi-purpose tray, each tray can have the same format for different samples and supplies. Thus, an operator can load a tray including supplies and / or samples into one or several random loading slots without having to identify a matching loading slot each time a tray has to be loaded into an automated processing system.

[0026] As an example of the method of the present invention as currently described, the automated handling system can be equipped with, for example, 8 slots as tray interfaces between the exterior and interior of the automated handling system, wherein, for user convenience, 4 of the slots can be designated as loading slots, while the remaining 4 slots can be designated as unloading slots. For example, in an arrangement with two rows of slots, wherein 4 slots are arranged on top of the other 4 slots, the top 4 slots can be designated as tray loading slots, while the bottom 4 slots can be designated as tray unloading slots. Alternatively, all slots can be used for loading and unloading at the same time. Now, with respect to the loading step of the method as currently described, the multi-purpose tray is loaded into any slot designated as a loading slot of the automated handling system, wherein the multi-purpose tray can carry one or several universal tray inserts, one or several urine container tray inserts, and / or one or several tip rack tray inserts. Thus, as a specific embodiment of the method of the present invention, an operator can fill a multi-use tray with sample tubes or reagent tubes or disposable items (such as pipette tips) as its contents, wherein the step of loading the filled multi-use tray into a loading slot or any loading slot of the automated processing system is performed without exchanging data about the format or contents of the multi-use tray with the software of the automated processing system. Since the loaded tray is automatically recognized by the automated processing system, the operator can load the tray into the loading slot without any interaction of the user with the software of the automated processing system, for example by means of a user interface.

[0027] According to a further specific embodiment of the method of the present invention, the step of loading a multi-purpose tray comprises loading a multi-purpose tray with priority contents into a predetermined loading slot among a plurality of loading slots, wherein the automated processing system performs the processing step in which the multi-purpose tray with priority contents is preferentially processed. In addition, the predetermined loading slot may be a priority loading slot, and the priority contents may be priority samples. For example, one of the four loading slots of the above example may be designated as a priority loading slot for a priority tray, i.e. a tray with priority contents, such as priority samples that should be processed immediately and not necessarily after other non-priority samples. Thus, the operator may, if desired, influence the order of the automated steps for processing samples in this regard.

[0028] As a further specific embodiment of the method of the present invention, when the corresponding multi-purpose pallet is being processed, the automated handling system can lock the unloading slot to prevent the multi-purpose pallet from being unloaded from the unloading slot before removal. Therefore, when processing each pallet, the automated handling system prevents the pallet from being manually removed from the corresponding slot. This prevention can be achieved by manual locking, etc., which keeps the corresponding pallet in the appropriate position in the corresponding slot. Alternatively or in addition, the automated handling system may include a loading / unloading status indicator for each slot, which indicates the status of loading / unloading permission or loading / unloading prohibition of each slot. Therefore, in the case where the pallet should not be unloaded (for example, because the processing of the contents in the pallet is still in progress), the status indicator can send an unloading prohibition signal to the operator, for example in the form of a red light set near the corresponding slot.

[0029] With regard to the unloading step of the method of the present invention, it can be determined that different kinds of trays with different contents can be unloaded from the unloading troughs. However, as a specific embodiment of the method currently described, one of the unloading troughs can be designated as an unloading trough for unloading sample error trays, i.e. trays with sample tubes that have been identified by the automated processing system as exhibiting some error, such as unreadable labels, etc., or in the case of wrong samples. Thus, the step of unloading a multi-use tray can include unloading a multi-use tray with predetermined contents from a predetermined unloading trough, wherein the predetermined contents can be containers with wrong samples.

[0030] The present invention is not limited to the specific methods described herein, as the methods may vary. Although specific devices, specific methods, and specific materials are described herein, any device, method, and material similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice of the present invention. In addition, the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, the term "automated processing system" as used herein refers to an automated laboratory system for automatically processing biological samples in a laboratory, which includes one or more laboratory instruments operably connected to a control unit, such as an analytical processing system, a pre-analytical processing system, or a post-analytical processing system. Typically, before the sample can be subjected to chemical, biological, physical, optical or other technical analysis by the analytical processing system, various different pre-analytical processing steps may have to be performed on the patient's sample by the instruments of the pre-analytical processing system, such as a sample centrifugation instrument for centrifuging the sample, a sample resuspension instrument for resuspending the sample, a sample container capping or decapping instrument for capping and / or decapping the sample container, a re-capping instrument for re-capping the sample container after decapping it, and / or an aliquoting instrument for dividing the sample into sample aliquots, etc. After the analysis, various different pre-analytical processing steps may have to be performed on the sample by the instruments of the post-analytical processing system, for example, one or more post-analytical processing steps are performed on one or more biological samples, such as verifying and reviewing the analysis results, and transmitting these results and their interpretation to the laboratory system operator.

[0032] As used herein, the term "laboratory instrument" or laboratory "instrument" encompasses any equipment or equipment component operable to perform one or more processing steps / workflow steps on one or more biological samples. The term "processing step" thus refers to a physically performed processing step, such as centrifugation, aliquoting, sample analysis, etc. The term "laboratory instrument" or laboratory "instrument" includes pre-analytical instruments, post-analytical instruments, as well as analytical instruments.

[0033] The term "pre-analytical" as used herein refers to performing one or more pre-analytical processing steps on one or more biological samples to prepare the samples for one or more subsequent analytical tests. The pre-analytical processing steps can be, for example, a centrifugation step, a capping step, a decapping step or a re-capping step, an aliquoting step, a step of adding a buffer to the sample, etc. The term "analytical" as used herein encompasses any processing step performed by one or more laboratory devices or operating units that are operable to perform analytical tests on one or more biological samples. The term "post-analytical" as used herein refers to performing one or more post-analytical processing steps on one or more biological samples, which steps begin with verifying and reviewing the analytical results, and communicating these results and their interpretation to the laboratory system operator.

[0034] The term "control unit" as used herein encompasses any physical or virtual processing device that can be configured to control a laboratory system including one or more laboratory instruments in a manner that the laboratory system performs (multiple) workflows and (multiple) workflow steps. The control unit can, for example, carry different types of application software and instruct the laboratory system (or its specific instrument) to perform (multiple) pre-analysis, post-analysis and analysis workflows / workflow steps. The control unit can receive information about which steps need to be performed on a certain sample from a data management unit. Further, the control unit can be integrated with the data management unit, can be composed of a server computer and / or be a part of an instrument or even distributed across multiple instruments of a laboratory system. The control unit can, for example, be implemented as a programmable logic controller running a computer-readable program, and the computer-readable program is provided with instructions for performing operations.

[0035] The term "user interface" as used herein encompasses any suitable application software and / or hardware for interaction between an operator and a machine, including but not limited to a graphical user interface for receiving commands as input from an operator and also providing feedback and conveying information to the operator. Moreover, a system / device may expose several user interfaces to serve different kinds of users / operators.

[0036] In the context of biomedical research, analytical processing is a technical procedure to characterize the parameters of a biological sample or the parameters of an analyte. Such characterization of parameters includes, for example, determining the concentration of specific proteins, metabolites, ions or molecules of various sizes in biological samples derived from humans or laboratory animals, etc. The information collected can be used to evaluate, for example, the effects of drug administration on an organism or a specific tissue. Further analysis can determine optical parameters, electrochemical parameters or other parameters of the sample, or the analyte contained in the sample.

[0037] In the context of the present invention, if an error occurs during a sample processing workflow and if the laboratory system is unable to continue the workflow run before the workflow is completed (which would result in an undesired interruption of the workflow run), the erroneous sample and / or erroneous sample container is determined to be not in a state to be processed, i.e., not in a state to be successfully completed.

[0038] The term "workflow" as used herein encompasses any task comprising a plurality of steps, such as steps for maintenance or operation of a system or one of its system components.

[0039] As used herein, the term "workflow step" encompasses any activity belonging to a workflow. The activities may be of a basic or complex nature and are typically performed at or by an instrument(s).

[0040] The terms "sample" and "biological sample" refer to (multiple) materials that may contain an analyte of interest. Samples can be obtained from any biological source such as blood, saliva, lens fluid of the eye, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, urine, feces, semen, milk, ascites, mucus, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, tissue, cultured cells, etc. Patient samples can be pretreated before use, such as preparing plasma from blood, diluting viscous liquids, dissolving, etc. The processing method may involve filtration, distillation, concentration, inactivation of interfering components and addition of reagents. Samples obtained from the source can be used directly or after pretreatment (which will change the properties of the sample). In some embodiments, the initial solid or semi-solid biological material can be converted into a liquid by dissolving or suspending it in a suitable liquid medium. In some embodiments, it may be suspected that the sample contains a certain antigen or nucleic acid.

[0041] The term "sample tube" or "sample container" refers to any separate container for transporting, storing and / or handling samples. In particular, the term refers, without limitation, to a piece of laboratory glass or plastic ware, optionally including a lid at its upper end. Sample tubes, such as sample tubes for collecting blood, typically contain additional substances that have an impact on sample processing, such as clot activators or anticoagulants. Therefore, different types of test tubes are typically suitable for pre-analysis requirements, analysis requirements and / or post-analysis requirements of specific analyses, such as clinical chemistry analysis, hematology analysis or coagulation analysis. Confusion of sample tube types can make (blood) samples unusable for analysis. In order to prevent errors in sample collection and processing, sample covers of many test tube manufacturers can be coded according to a fixed and unified color scheme. Additionally or alternatively, some sample tube types are characterized by specific test tube dimensions, cover dimensions and / or test tube colors. The dimensions of a test tube include, for example, its height, its size and / or other characteristic shape attributes.

[0042] When used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the words "include", "comprise" and "cover" should be interpreted as inclusively rather than exclusively, i.e., the meaning of "including but not limited to". Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "multiple", "multiple" or "many" refer to two or more (i.e., 2 or more) in integer multiples, wherein the term "single" or "only" refers to one (i.e., equal to 1). In addition, the term "at least one / kind" should be understood as one or more (i.e., 1 or more) in the same integer multiple. Therefore, the use of singular or plural words also includes plural and singular, respectively. In addition, when used in the present application, the words "herein", "above", and "below" and words of similar meanings should refer to the present application as a whole, rather than to any particular part of the present application.

[0043] The description of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed precise form. Although the specific embodiments and embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. The specific elements of any of the foregoing embodiments may be combined or replace the elements in other embodiments. In addition, although the advantages associated with these embodiments have been described in the context of some embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments may also demonstrate such advantages and not all embodiments necessarily demonstrate such advantages to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] The following examples are intended to illustrate various specific embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, specific modifications as discussed below should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various equivalences, changes, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and it should therefore be understood that such equivalent embodiments should be included herein. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of several multi-purpose pallets arranged adjacent to each other for direct comparison according to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-purpose pallets each consisting of a basic module and different pallet inserts inserted therein;

[0046] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a basic module of any one of the multi-purpose pallets shown;

[0047] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Is such as Figure 1 The basic module shown and the empty universal tray insert inserted therein, also as shown Figure 1 The multi-purpose tray shown on the left is a schematic perspective view from different angles, wherein Figure 3 An enlarged detail of a longitudinal section along line AA including the internal structure of the handle of the basic module;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of two multi-purpose trays stacked on top of each other, each multi-purpose tray having Figure 1 The base module is shown with an empty universal tray insert inserted therein;

[0049] Figure 6 Yes Figure 3 and Figure 4An enlarged detail of a top view of the left side of the multi-use tray is shown;

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a multi-use pallet having a universal pallet insert inserted therein and having containers of different kinds mixedly arranged therein adjacent to one another in an optimized manner;

[0051] Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 an enlarged detail view of the left side of the multi-use tray shown;

[0052] Fig. 9 Yes Figure 7 Schematic perspective views of the multi-use tray shown from different angles;

[0053] Fig.10 Yes Figures 7 to 9 A top view of the multi-use tray is shown;

[0054] Fig.11 is a schematic perspective view of a multi-use pallet having a universal pallet insert inserted therein, the multi-use pallet being completely filled with containers of the same kind, the containers comprising a large diameter and being arranged adjacent to each other therein in an optimized manner;

[0055] Fig.12 Yes Fig.11 A top view of the multi-use tray is shown;

[0056] Fig.13 is a schematic perspective view of a multi-use pallet having a universal pallet insert inserted therein, the multi-use pallet being completely filled with containers of the same kind, the containers comprising a medium-sized diameter and being arranged adjacent to each other therein in an optimal manner;

[0057] Fig.14 Yes Fig.13 A top view of the multi-use tray is shown;

[0058] Fig.15 is a schematic perspective view of a multi-use pallet having a universal pallet insert inserted therein, the multi-use pallet being completely filled with containers of the same kind, the containers comprising a small diameter and being arranged adjacent to each other therein in an optimized manner;

[0059] Fig.16 Yes Fig.15 A top view of the multi-use tray is shown;

[0060] Fig.17 Yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 A top view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-use tray is shown;

[0061] Fig.18 Is it still Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of a multi-use tray shown in an intermediate position having a tray insert for a urine sample container inserted therein;

[0062] Fig.19 Yes Fig.18 A schematic perspective view of two multi-use trays stacked one on top of the other is shown, each multi-use tray having a single urine sample container disposed therein;

[0063] Fig. 20 Is it still Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a multi-use tray shown on the right with several tray inserts inserted therein, each tray insert consisting of a tip rack for receiving consumable pipette tips;

[0064] Fig.21 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a centering spring for a universal tray insert according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Fig. 22 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method of the present invention;

[0066] Fig.23 is a schematic perspective view of a loading / unloading station of an automated handling system for loading / unloading one or several multi-use pallets according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0067] Fig.24 Yes Fig.23 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of loading / unloading slots is shown.

[0068] List of Reference Numerals

[0069] 10 Loading / unloading stations

[0070] 11 Flap door

[0071] 12 Loading slots

[0072] 121 Priority Loading Slots

[0073] 13 Unloading slot

[0074] 131 Error uninstalling slot

[0075] 20 Multi-purpose trays for different sample tubes

[0076] 20' alternative multi-use tray for different sample tubes

[0077] 30 Multi-purpose tray for urine sample containers

[0078] 40 Multi-purpose tray for disposable pipette tips

[0079] 100 Basic Modules

[0080] 101 Closed Bottom

[0081] 102 Side Panel

[0082] 103 Side slot / window

[0083] 104 Corner Post

[0084] 1041 Corner Post Window

[0085] 1042 Top notch

[0086] 105 Steps

[0087] 106 Handle

[0088] 1061 Engagement notch

[0089] 107 Color Indicator

[0090] 1071 Knob

[0091] 108 Writable surface

[0092] 109 Identification code

[0093] 110 Engagement protrusion

[0094] 200 Universal Tray Insert

[0095] 201 Large diameter test tube receiving recess

[0096] 201' Large diameter test tube receiving recess

[0097] 2011 The center axis of the large diameter test tube receiving recess

[0098] 202 Medium diameter test tube receiving recess

[0099] 202' Medium diameter test tube receiving recess

[0100] 2021 Center axis of the medium diameter test tube receiving recess

[0101] 203 Small diameter test tube receiving recess

[0102] 203' Small diameter test tube receiving recess

[0103] 2031 Central axis of the small diameter test tube receiving recess

[0104] 204 Bracket

[0105] 204' concave partition bridge / strip

[0106] 205' Test Tube Spring

[0107] 210 engagement recess

[0108] 220 Benchmark

[0109] 220' Benchmark

[0110] 230 Color indicator groove

[0111] 300 Urine Sample Tray Insert

[0112] 301 Urine sample container recess

[0113] 400 Tip Rack Tray Insert

[0114] 401 Pipette Tip Hole

[0115] 410 Pipette Tip Rack

[0116] 420 plug connector

[0117] 501 Large Diameter Sample Tube

[0118] 502 Medium Diameter Sample Tube

[0119] 503 Small Diameter Sample Tube

[0120] 601 Urine Sample Container

[0121] 701 Pipette Tips

[0122] 800 Centering Spring

[0123] 810 Centering spring middle part

[0124] 820 Clamping Arm

[0125] 830 Tip

[0126] 831 Pointed End

[0127] 910 Determination Steps

[0128] 920 Execution steps

[0129] 930 Execution steps

[0130] 940 Execution steps

[0131] 950 Execution steps DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0132] exist Figure 1In FIG. 1 , three different variants of a multi-purpose tray according to an embodiment of the invention are shown as schematic perspective views arranged next to each other. Depending on the choice of tray insert, the purpose of the multi-purpose tray can be changed. In particular, in Figure 1 The left side shows a Figure 2 The base module 100 is shown with a multi-purpose tray 20 having an empty universal tray insert 200 inserted therein, without any sample tubes being arranged in the universal tray insert 200. Figure 1 The middle position shows Figure 2 The basic module 100 shown in the figure has a multi-purpose tray 30 with a urine sample tray insert 300 for a urine sample container inserted therein, but no urine sample container is arranged in the urine sample tray insert 300. Figure 1 The right side shows Figure 2 The illustrated basic module 100 and a multi-use tray 40 having a tip rack tray insert 400 with four tip racks inserted therein, without any consumable pipette tips being arranged in the tip rack tray insert 400. In the following, each multi-use tray 20, 30, 40 and its specific structure are described in more detail based on the respective illustrations in the drawings.

[0133] As a general basis for each multi-purpose tray 20, 30, 40, use Figure 2 The basic module 100 shown, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, is basically composed of an integrally formed component, and the basic module can be injection molded from polypropylene (PP) or a polycarbonate blend (such as polycarbonate and styrene acrylonitrile (PC / SAN) or polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS)). The basic module 100 of the specific embodiment currently described is a generally box-like structure, which has a closed bottom 101, a circumferentially extending side panel 102 in the form of four thin-walled side walls connected to each other and to the bottom 101, and an open upper side. Inside the basic module 100, protrusions 110 are provided on the inner wall surface of the side panel 102, and the protrusions 110 are respectively columns formed in a cylindrical shape with a central hole, and the annular columns protrude laterally inward from the side panel 102, that is, the protrusions 110 are connected to the closed bottom 101 at their base ends, and each protrusion 110 is integrally connected to the side panel 102 by means of an integrally formed connecting portion. Here, in the specific embodiment currently described, eight protrusions 110 are provided.

[0134] Each protrusion 110 constitutes an engagement protrusion 110 for engaging with a corresponding engagement feature of one of the tray inserts 200, 300, 400, which will be described in more detail later. In each side wall of the side plate 102, an open side groove 103 is provided, which extends from the open upper side, that is, the open upper side is continuous in the open side groove 103, thereby constituting four windows of the side plate 102 that are open to the top. Here, the protrusion 110 extends only within the range of the corresponding side wall, that is, the protrusion 110 does not extend upward into the open side groove 103. Due to the provided side grooves 103, each corner of the rectangular basic module 100 forms an angular corner post 104, which starts from the closed bottom 101 and continues to the open upper side, and which creates a sufficient distance between the closed bottom 101 and the open upper side so that the basic module 100 can receive at least one of the tray inserts 200, 300, 400 and the corresponding contents provided therein without interacting with another basic module 100 stacked thereon, such as, for example, in Figure 5 and Fig.19 . Thus, a basic module 100 can be stacked on top of another basic module 100 of the same type, thereby achieving the stackability of the basic modules 100 in a space-saving manner, regardless of the tray inserts 200, 300, 400 provided in each stacked basic module 100. In order to achieve a stacking connection between at least two basic modules 100 stacked on each other, the bottom side of the bottom 101 of each basic module 100 includes a step portion 105 with a reduced outer perimeter (i.e., the step portion 105 is formed as a narrowed step portion), which matches the inner side of the upper edge of the opening side of another basic module 100, or more specifically matches the inner side of the thin-walled angled corner column 104 of this basic module 100. Thus, the step portion 105 on the bottom 101 of the upper basic module 100 can, for example, be stacked in a nestable manner into the upper edge of the opening side of another basic module 100, see Figure 5 and Fig.19 . As from Figure 5 and Fig.19 It can also be seen that, in addition to reducing the weight of the basic module 100, the side grooves 103 in the side panels 102 of each basic module 100 also improve the visibility of the contents of each pallet insert 200, 300, 400 from the outside, which further improves the handling (such as transportation, etc.) of the multi-purpose pallets 20, 30, 40.

[0135] Furthermore, as shown in most of the drawings, such as for example Figures 1 to 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the base module 100 comprises two handles 106 on its periphery (i.e. on the outer sides of the side panels 102) for improving the transportability of the base module 100 by an operator, wherein the handles 106 are arranged in opposite side walls and are therefore opposite to each other, and wherein each handle 106 simplifies the gripping of the base module 100 by the operator. The handles 106 are arranged in an integral manner inside the side panels 102, i.e. formed in the form of side recesses protruding into the interior of the base module 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 Here, it should be noted that the handle 106 does not interfere with the step portion 105 and therefore does not interfere with the stackability feature of the basic module 100. In addition, since the open side of the handle 106 (i.e., the open side of the recess formed by the handle 106) is open to the side, the operator can grasp the corresponding handle 106 even if the basic module 100 is stacked on top of another basic module 100, see also Figure 5 and Fig.19 .

[0136] Furthermore, the basic module 100 of the presently described embodiment may include an engagement recess 1061 on its periphery as another interface, such as from Figure 3 1061 in the partial cross-sectional view along the line AA. Here, the engagement recess 1061 is not to be confused with one of the above-mentioned handles 105 itself, but is in particular arranged inside the inner structure of the corresponding handle 105 of a tray carrier or a tray carrier instrument (such as a tray shuttle, etc.) for an automated handling system, thereby improving the transportability of the basic module 100 by the tray carrier during automated transportation. In more detail, one or more engagement recesses 1061 are arranged in each handle 105, wherein each engagement recess 1061 is formed in the shape of a dent arranged inside a handle recess of each handle 105.

[0137] As Figure 2 According to a further feature of the basic module 100 depicted in , the basic module 100 comprises a rotatable color indicator 107 for indicating the loading status of the contents of the multi-use tray 20, 30, 40 (i.e., the contents of the tray insert 200, 300, 400 as received in the basic module 100 of the multi-use tray 20, 30, 40). Here, the color indicator 107 is provided in the form of a manually operable rotating indicator pin or rod, which is arranged in a corresponding stud hole provided in one of the corner posts 104 of the basic module 100, wherein the stud hole comprises a viewing window 1041 towards the outside of the basic module 100, in which a corresponding color can be shown and changed by rotation of the color indicator 107. The color indicator 107 in the form of the described pin embedded in the hole in the corresponding corner post 104 comprises an actuating portion in the form of a knob 1071, see also Figure 3 The corresponding corner post 104 including the stud hole for the indicator post 107 exhibits at its top end a top recess 1042 in which a knob 1071 is rotatably arranged so that the knob 1071 does not extend over the upper edge of the corner post 104 in order to maintain the stackability properties of the base module 100, see Figure 5 Due to the color indicator 107, its stud holes and the top notch 1042 at its top end, the loading direction of the basic module 100 can be clearly determined, because in terms of its geometry, the pallet including the basic module 100 can also be loaded into the loading slot of the automated handling system by rotating it 180° about its Z axis (i.e. the color indicator 107 is at the rear end of the pallet), and due to the structural marking in the form of the color indicator 107, its stud holes and the top notch 1042 at its top end can be detected by the optical sensor of the automated handling system, so that the optical sensor can detect whether the pallet is incorrectly set in one of the loading slots. Here, the following states can be detected: "Pallet not available", "Pallet available" and "Pallet available (rotated 180° and loaded upside down)".

[0138] As a specific color example, the color indicator 107 can provide four different colors that can indicate that the multi-use tray 20, 30 has new (i.e., unprocessed) contents, processed contents, contents designated for archives, or erroneous contents, wherein the unprocessed contents can be color-coded with green, and the processed contents or alternatively erroneous contents can be color-coded with red. In addition, in the case where the multi-use tray 40 carries contents that do not require loading status indication, such as in the case where the tray insert 400 carries consumable tips, etc., i.e., when the contents do not have any status, a so-called blind plug, i.e., a plug on which no different colors are provided, such as a gray plug, etc., can be installed in the stud hole of the corner post 104 to replace the color indicator 107. Therefore, if necessary, the color indicator can be replaced to improve the convenience of the user. The above-mentioned color indicator 107 is particularly useful when using a universal tray insert 200 that can hold different kinds of sample tubes or when using a urine sample container tray 300. On the other hand, as mentioned above, when using the tray insert 400 carrying the consumable suction head, a blind plug may be reasonable. Here, such a blind plug may have the same structural design as the color indicator 107, but without any color marking on its periphery.

[0139] According to a further aspect of the presently discussed specific embodiment of the base module 100 of the present invention, the base module 100 may include two writable surfaces 108 on the periphery of the side panels 102 to allow an operator to provide human-readable markings to the base module 100 and to allow a human operator to quickly mark and erase such markings (if necessary) on the surface of the base module 100, wherein each writable surface 108 is implemented by a whiteboard material (i.e., an erasable material). In addition, the base module 100 may have one or more identification codes 109 on its periphery, which may be a self-adhesive label with human-readable machine text or a machine-readable identification code 109 implemented by a bar code, etc., both of which are provided on a surface such as Figure 2 On the side panel 102 of the basic module 100 shown.

[0140] exist Figure 3 In the figure, a similar Figure 1 , which includes the above-mentioned basic module 100 and an empty universal tray insert 200 inserted therein, without any sample tubes being arranged in the universal tray insert 200. Here, it should be noted that the universal tray insert 200 can be provided in the form of a single piece inserted into the basic module 100, but the universal tray insert 200 can also be provided in the form of two or more pieces for easy insertion. In addition, however, in this specific embodiment of the multi-purpose tray 20, only one writable surface 108 is provided on the outer periphery of the side panel 102, but two identification codes 109 with human-readable machine text and one machine-readable identification code 109 are provided. The remaining features of the basic module 100 are exactly the same as those of the above-mentioned basic module 100, that is, the basic structure of the basic module 100 is maintained, wherein the application of the external features (that is, the application of the external writable surface 108 or the identification code 109 of the basic module 100) is slightly different.

[0141] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the universal tray insert 200 comprises eight circular engagement recesses 210 on its outer edge, which establish a form-fitting connection with the protrusions 110 of the basic module 100 in the form of a releasable push-in connection, i.e. the protrusions 110 of the basic module 100 provide the tongue in the tongue-and-groove connection, wherein the engagement recesses 210 of the tray insert 200 provide the groove counterpart. Likewise, the peripheral edge of the entire universal tray insert 200 matches the inner periphery of the side panels 102 of the basic module 100, which supports the releasable push-in connection between the basic module 100 and the universal tray insert 200. In addition, as can be seen from Figure 4 (It shows Figure 3As can be particularly seen in the multi-purpose tray 20 seen from different viewing angles, a reference mark 220 is provided at the edge of the upper surface of the universal tray insert 200. The reference mark 220 is used to clearly allocate each test tube receiving recess in the universal tray insert 200 and can be provided in the form of a grid composed of alphabetic characters and / or numbers for identifying each test tube receiving recess in the universal tray insert 200. Figure 4 In the embodiment depicted in , reference markings 220 designating rows of tube receiving recesses are shown in capital letters. However, as an alternative, reference markings 220 can also be provided on the periphery of the side panels 102 of the basic module 100, for example by printing or by means of additional adhesive labels.

[0142] With regard to the structure of the test tube receiving recess in the universal tray insert 200 of the presently described embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 5 As shown, there are several different types of test tube receiving recesses arranged in the test tube receiving recess array in the universal tray insert 200, which can be seen from the example Figure 6 This is clearly seen in the details of the top view of the left side of the multi-purpose tray 20 shown. Here, the array of test tube receiving recesses includes: a first group of test tube receiving recesses 201 with larger diameters to accommodate sample test tubes with larger outer diameters (such as PreservCyt test tubes); a second group of test tube receiving recesses 202 with medium-sized diameters (i.e., smaller diameters than the test tube receiving recesses 201) to accommodate sample test tubes with medium-sized outer diameters (such as SurePath test tubes); and a third group of test tube receiving recesses 203 with smaller diameters (i.e., even smaller diameters than the other test tube receiving recesses 201, 202) to accommodate sample test tubes with smaller outer diameters (such as PCR test tubes). For clarity, in the example Figure 6The enlarged detail of the universal tray insert 200 shown shows a first group of 6 complete (ie, uncropped) test tube receiving recesses 201, a second group of 10 complete test tube receiving recesses 202, and a third group of 24 complete test tube receiving recesses 203. In addition, for illustrative reasons only, an exemplary sample tube 501 with a larger outer diameter is shown in one of the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201 at the middle position of the left column, the exemplary sample tube being depicted by a circular dashed line and arranged next to the capital letters "C" and "D" in the reference mark 220; an exemplary sample tube 502 of medium diameter is shown in one of the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202 at the uppermost position of the second column from the left, the exemplary sample tube being depicted by a circular dashed line; and an exemplary sample tube 503 of smaller diameter is shown in one of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203 at the second position from the bottom of the illustration in the left column, the exemplary sample tube being depicted by a circular dashed line and arranged next to the capital letter "E" in the reference mark 220. Here, in order to depict the correlation between the diameter of the exemplary sample test tubes 501, 502, 503 and the diameter of the intersecting test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203, their intersecting parts are also depicted in a dotted circular manner to improve the perceptibility. Here, as an optional feature, the inner diameter of each test tube receiving recess 201, 202, 203 can provide a certain degree of clearance / tolerance, so that the corresponding sample test tubes 501, 502, 503 with one or more labels on their outer circumferences can still be loaded into the corresponding test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203.

[0143] As described above, the size of the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201, the size of the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202, and the size of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203 are different from each other, that is, the sizes of the recesses between these groups are different from each other. In addition, the inner circumference contour of each test tube receiving recess 201 in the first group (which substantially coincides with the circular dashed line of the large diameter sample test tube 501) intersects with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202 in the second group (which substantially coincides with the circular dashed line of the medium diameter sample test tube 502). Here, the contour of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess should be understood as the contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess, wherein the contour or contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess is also identified as the approximate cross-section of each test tube receiving recess when viewed from above, such as Figure 6 However, as shown in Figure 6As can also be seen in the figure, the inner peripheries of the test tube receiving recesses 201, 202 of both the first group and the second group are discontinuous, because the test tube receiving recesses 201, 202 of the two groups intersect each other, thereby showing the intersection of the contour of the inner periphery of the test tube receiving recesses in the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201 with the inner periphery contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202 in the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202. Moreover, the intersection of the contour of the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201 and the contour of the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202 constitutes a non-tangential intersection of the contours, which means that the inner periphery contour of each test tube receiving recess 201 in the first group intersects the inner periphery contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202 in the second group in a non-tangential manner. This arrangement of the test tube receiving recesses 201, 202 is particularly helpful in achieving an optimized way of loading test tubes with two different diameters into the universal tray insert 200, so as to achieve an increase in the number of acceptable test tubes that can be inserted into the universal tray insert 200.

[0144] Furthermore, it should be noted that the central axis 2011 of each respective test tube receiving recess 201 of the first group is arranged in an eccentric manner relative to the central axis 2021 of the adjacent test tube receiving recess 202 of the second group, which means that the central axes 2011, 2021 of the two groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202 do not coincide with each other, which further contributes to the already described optimized manner of loading test tubes with different diameters into the universal tray insert 200. Here, the distance between the respective axes 2011, 2021 is set in a manner dependent on the respective sample tubes 501, 502 to be loaded, so that it is impossible to "wrongly" load the sample tubes 501, 502 into the universal tray insert 200, or at least such wrong loading can be easily detected by the operator during loading. Moreover, the depth of each test tube receiving recess 201 of the first group can be different from the depth of each test tube receiving recess 202 of the second group, depending on the length of the respective sample tubes 501, 502 to be inserted therein. Thus, the universal tray insert 200 can also accommodate sample tubes 501, 502 of different lengths, wherein the depths of the different groups of tube receiving recesses 201, 202 can be selected so that the tops of the sample tubes with a longer length do not protrude or only slightly compared to another group of sample tubes with a shorter length.

[0145] As already described above, in addition to the already described first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, the test tube receiving recess array of the universal tray insert 200 of the multi-purpose tray 20 also includes a third group of test tube receiving recesses 203, wherein the inner peripheral contour of at least one test tube receiving recess 203 in the third group (which substantially coincides with the circular dashed line of the small-diameter sample test tube 503) intersects with the inner peripheral contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 201, 202 in the first and / or second groups. Again, as the inner peripheral contour of the test tube receiving recess 203, it should be understood as the contour line of the inner periphery of the test tube receiving recess 203, wherein the contour or contour line of the inner periphery of the test tube receiving recess 203 can also be identified as the approximate cross-section of the test tube receiving recess 203 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the center axis 2031 of each respective test tube receiving recess 203 in the third group is arranged in an eccentric manner relative to the center axis 2011 of the adjacent test tube receiving recess 201 in the first group and the center axis 2021 of the adjacent test tube receiving recess 202 in the second group, which means that the center axes 2011, 2021, 2031 of all three groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203 do not coincide with each other. However, with regard to the profile of the test tube receiving recess 203, it must be noted that, unlike the profile of the test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, the profile of each test tube receiving recess 203 comprises four axial grooves 2032 arranged in such a way that two grooves 2032 are always arranged opposite each other, i.e. resulting in an overall X-shape of the axial grooves 2032. The axial grooves 2032 are provided for manufacturing reasons.

[0146] In addition to the above corresponding observations about the first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, the inner peripheries of all three groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203 of the presently described specific embodiment are discontinuous, wherein when viewed from above, all groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203 may intersect with each other, thereby exhibiting an inner periphery profile of each test tube receiving recess 201 in the first group intersecting with an inner periphery profile of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202 in the second group and also with an inner periphery profile of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 203 in the third group. This further contributes to the already described optimized manner of loading test tubes having different diameters into the universal tray insert 200. Furthermore, the distances between the respective axes 2011, 2021, 2031 are arranged in such a way that they depend on the respective sample tubes 501, 502, 503 to be loaded, so that it is not possible to "wrongly" load a sample tube 501, 502, 503 into the universal tray insert 200, or at least such wrong loading can be easily detected by the operator during loading. By means of this particular configuration of tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203 with different sizes, the design of the universal tray insert 200 can be further improved, since it can accommodate sample tubes 201, 202, 203 of three different container shapes or sizes, wherein it is again possible to merge smaller containers closer together than larger containers. Thus, three different types of sample tubes 501, 502, 503 with three different diameters can always be loaded in the universal tray insert, and therefore in the respective multi-purpose tray, in order to achieve an increase in the number of receivable tubes that can be inserted into the universal tray insert 200. For example, when only one of the three different sample tube types is loaded into the universal tray insert 200 of the presently described design, 21 larger diameter sample tubes 501 (such as PreservCyt tubes), 32 medium diameter sample tubes 502 (such as SurePath tubes), or 78 smaller diameter sample tubes 503 (such as PCR tubes) can be loaded. Thus, depending on the composition of the loaded sample tubes 501, 502, 503, the universal tray insert 200 of the presently described embodiment can accommodate between 21 and 78 sample tubes of the same or different types in a mixed manner.

[0147] Regarding the depth of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203, it must be noted that the third group of test tube receiving recesses is partially arranged in the bottom of one or several test tube receiving recesses 201, 202 of the first and second groups, which means that the depth of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203 is deeper than the depth of the first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses 201, 202. This can also be seen from Figure 3 and Figure 4Based on the different depths, different sizes and eccentric arrangements of the test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203 of all groups, the universal tray insert 200 includes a bracket 204 protruding from the bottom of the universal tray insert 200 and surrounding the test tube receiving recesses 201, 202, 203, and the bracket 204 exhibits a general shape in the form of a capital letter "H" when fully formed (i.e., not arranged at the edge of the universal tray insert 200 but in the middle).

[0148] By means of the above-described structure of the universal tray insert 200, different types of sample tubes 501, 502, 503 with different diameters can always be loaded in the universal tray insert 200 and thus in the corresponding multi-purpose tray 20 in an optimized manner, so as to achieve an increase in the number of receivable tubes that can be inserted into the universal tray insert 200, see also Figure 7 and Fig.10 Here, as Figures 7 to 10 In the example depicted in FIG, 6 large diameter sample tubes 501 (such as PreservCyt tubes), 12 medium diameter sample tubes 502 (such as SurePath tubes), and 36 small diameter sample tubes 503 (such as PCR tubes) are loaded into the universal tray insert 200 of the multi-purpose tray 20 in a mixed manner.

[0149] However, the universal tray insert 200 can also be filled with only a single type of sample container. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, up to 21 large diameter sample tubes 501 (such as PreservCyt tubes) can be loaded into the universal tray 200 in an optimized manner by loading only the larger diameter sample tubes 502 into the universal tray insert 200. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, up to 32 medium-sized diameter sample tubes 502 (such as SurePath tubes) can be loaded into the universal tray 200 in an optimized manner. Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, up to 78 small diameter sample tubes 502 (such as PCR tubes) can be loaded into the universal tray 200 in an optimized manner by loading only the sample tubes 503 with smaller diameters into the universal tray insert 200. In addition, as shown from, for example Fig.16As can also be seen in the figure, the universal tray insert 200 includes a color indicator recess 230, which is arranged to leave space for a stud hole in one of the corner posts 104 of the base module 100 including the color indicator 107. Here, another color indicator recess 230 is provided at the opposite corner of the universal tray insert 200, which makes the way in which the universal tray insert 200 is actually inserted inside the base module 100 irrelevant, because the universal tray insert can also be inserted in a 180° flipped manner.

[0150] exist Fig.17 In the figure, a top view is shown in full, similar to Figure 6 The alternative multi-purpose tray 20' of the multi-purpose tray 20 partially shown in the figure comprises the above-mentioned basic module 100 and an alternative empty universal tray insert 200' inserted therein, without any sample test tubes being arranged in the alternative universal tray insert 200'. It should be noted here that the universal tray insert 200' can also be provided in the form of a single piece inserted into the basic module 100, but the universal tray insert 200' can also be provided in the form of two or more pieces for easy insertion, and the two or more pieces can be attached to each other. Fig.17 The remaining features of the basic module 100 are identical to the basic module 100 described above, i.e. the basic structure of the basic module 100 is maintained, wherein the application of external features (i.e. the application of the external writable surface 108 or the identification code 109 of the basic module 10) may be different. For example, in the basic module 100, a magnet may be provided (e.g. embedded in the bottom 101 of the basic module 100), wherein an automated handling system (e.g. a tray carrier instrument, such as a tray shuttle, etc.) for handling the tray 20' may include a Hall sensor, which changes its state as soon as the magnet approaches the sensor (i.e. as soon as the tray 20' is loaded). Thereby, the automated handling system may confirm the presence of the loaded tray 20'.

[0151] As from Fig.17 As can be further seen in the figure, the alternative universal tray insert 200' also includes a circular engagement recess that establishes a releasable push-in connection with the protrusion 110 of the base module 100. Moreover, similar to the previously described multi-purpose tray 20, Fig.17 The alternative multi-purpose tray 20' includes a reference mark 220' provided at the edge of the upper surface of the universal tray insert 200', the reference mark 220' is used to clearly assign each test tube receiving recess in the universal tray insert 200', and can be provided in the form of a grid composed of alphabetic characters and / or numbers for identifying each test tube receiving recess in the universal tray insert 200'. Fig.17In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 , reference markings 220 ′ designating rows of tube receiving recesses are shown with capital letters A through I.

[0152] With regard to the structure of the test tube receiving recesses in the alternative universal tray insert 200' of the alternative embodiment described herein, there are several different kinds of test tube receiving recesses that are arranged as the test tube receiving recess array in the alternative universal tray insert 200', wherein the test tube receiving recess array in the alternative universal tray insert 200' is different from the test tube receiving recess array in the universal tray insert 200. In particular, the array of test tube receiving recesses includes: a first group of test tube receiving recesses 201' with a larger diameter to receive sample test tubes with a larger outer diameter (such as PreservCyt test tubes); a second group of test tube receiving recesses 202' with a medium-sized diameter (i.e., a smaller diameter than the test tube receiving recesses 201') to receive sample test tubes with a medium-sized outer diameter (such as SurePath test tubes); and a third group of test tube receiving recesses 203' with a smaller diameter (i.e., an even smaller diameter than the other test tube receiving recesses 201', 202') to receive sample test tubes with a smaller outer diameter (such as PCR test tubes). As described above, the size of the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201', the size of the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202', and the size of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203' are different from each other, that is, the sizes of the recesses between these groups are different from each other. In addition, the inner circumference contour of each test tube receiving recess 201' in the first group intersects with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202' in the second group. Here, the contour of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess should be understood as the contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess, wherein the contour or contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess can also be identified as the approximate cross-section of each test tube receiving recess when viewed from above. However, as viewed from above Fig.17As can also be seen in the figure, the inner peripheries of the test tube receiving recesses 201', 202' of both the first group and the second group are discontinuous, because the test tube receiving recesses 201', 202' of the two groups intersect with each other, thereby showing the intersection of the contour of the inner periphery of the test tube receiving recesses in the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201' and the inner periphery contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202' in the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202'. Moreover, the intersection of the contour of the first group of test tube receiving recesses 201' and the contour of the second group of test tube receiving recesses 202' constitutes a non-tangential intersection of the contours, which means that the inner periphery contour of each test tube receiving recess 201' in the first group intersects the inner periphery contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 202' in the second group in a non-tangential manner. This arrangement of the test tube receiving recesses 201 ', 202' is particularly helpful to achieve a further optimized way of loading test tubes with two different diameters into the alternative universal tray insert 200', so as to achieve an increase in the number of receivable test tubes that can be inserted into the universal tray insert 200'. Here, in view of the alternative embodiment of the universal tray insert 200', it is pointed out that the different distribution of the recesses 201 ', 202' and 203' has been selected to achieve the further advantage of providing more space for the fingers of a sample tube gripper or the like, so that the fingers can better grip the test tube that needs to be gripped further down (i.e. at a lower position outside the corresponding sample tube).

[0153] As already described above, in addition to the already described first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses 201', 202', the test tube receiving recess array of the alternative universal tray insert 200' of the alternative multi-purpose tray 20' further comprises a third group of test tube receiving recesses 203', wherein the inner circumference contour of at least one test tube receiving recess 203' in the third group may intersect with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess 201', 202' in the first and / or second groups. Again, as the inner circumference contour of the test tube receiving recess 203', it should be understood as the contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess 203', wherein the contour or contour line of the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess 203' can also be identified as the approximate cross-section of the test tube receiving recess 203' when viewed from above. As seen from Fig.17As can be seen in the figure, a test tube spring 205' is arranged in each test tube receiving recess 203' so that a test tube with an even smaller cross section (such as a test tube with a cross section of 12 mm or 14 mm) can be securely held, wherein in the present embodiment, each test tube receiving recess 203' exhibits an exemplary number of three test tube springs 205' so that a test tube with an even smaller cross section can be securely held in the recess 203' in a concentric manner. Of course, the number of test tube springs 205' can also be different, as long as a test tube with an even smaller cross section can be held in a concentric manner. Here, the test tube spring 205' is at least partially inserted into the inner circumference of the test tube receiving recess 203' so that only the test tube contact portion of the test tube spring 205' protrudes from the inner circumference. Moreover, similar to the previously described universal tray insert 200, the center axis of each respective test tube receiving recess 203' in the third group is again arranged in an eccentric manner relative to the center axis of the adjacent test tube receiving recess 201' in the first group and the center axis of the adjacent test tube receiving recess 202' in the second group, which means that the center axes of all three groups of test tube receiving recesses 201', 202', 203' do not coincide with each other. Therefore, three different types of sample test tubes 501, 502, 503 with three different diameters can also be accommodated in the alternative universal tray insert 200' and therefore in the corresponding alternative multi-purpose tray 20', always in a particularly optimized manner (specifically optimized for improved gripping of each test tube), so as to achieve an increase in the number of receivable and grippable test tubes that can be inserted into the alternative universal tray insert 200'. For example, when only one of the three different sample test tube types is loaded into a tray such as Fig.17 In the case of the alternative universal tray insert 200' of the presently described design shown, 20 pieces of larger diameter sample tubes 501 (such as PreservCyt tubes), 20 pieces of medium diameter sample tubes 502 (such as SurePath tubes), or 62 pieces of smaller diameter sample tubes 503 (such as PCR tubes) can be loaded. Therefore, depending on the composition of the loaded sample tubes 501, 502, 503, the universal alternative tray insert 200' of the presently described alternative embodiment can accommodate between 20 and 62 sample tubes of the same type or different types in a mixed manner.

[0154] With regard to the depth of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203', it must be noted that, similar to the previously described embodiment of the universal tray insert 200, the third group of test tube receiving recesses is partially arranged in the bottom of one or several of the first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses 201', 202', which means that the depth of the third group of test tube receiving recesses 203' is deeper than the depth of the first and second groups of test tube receiving recesses 201', 202'. However, in contrast to the previously described embodiment of the universal tray insert 200, the alternative universal tray insert 200' of the currently described alternative embodiment comprises the already mentioned upper surface of the universal tray insert 200', which exhibits the reference markings 220', and wherein the different test tube receiving recesses 201', 202', 203' are arranged in the upper surface of the universal tray insert 200' towards the bottom 101 of the base module 100. Thereby, different depths, different sizes and eccentric arrangements of the test tube receiving recesses 201', 202', 203' are established, wherein the arrangement of the test tube receiving recesses 201', 202', 203' of the universal tray insert 200' results in an outer periphery of the upper surface and two connecting elements in the form of dividing strips or dividing bridges 204' instead of the brackets 204 of the universal tray insert 200. Thus, a specific surface structure with protruding shelves 204 is omitted in the universal tray insert 200', resulting in a smooth and substantially continuous upper surface of the universal tray insert 200' (of course, apart from the recesses 201', 202', 203'), wherein in the present case, for improved space utilization, additional separate test tube recesses 203' are provided in the upper surface of the universal tray insert 200', as Fig.17 This is exemplarily shown in the form of two additional independent test tube recesses 203' on the left side of the figure.

[0155] exist Fig.18 As an alternative embodiment, the following is shown Figure 1 The multi-purpose tray 30 depicted in the middle position of Figure 2 The basic module 100 shown and used in connection with the previously described universal tray insert 200, 200' is provided, and a urine sample tray insert 300 for urine sample containers is inserted into the basic module, without any urine sample container being arranged in the urine sample tray insert 300. Here, in order to avoid repeating the description of completely identical features, only the differences from the previously described specific embodiments are described. In particular, the basic module 100 is different from the basic module 100 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 17The described basic module 100 is identical. The urine sample tray insert 300 is inserted into the basic module 100 by means of the same tongue-and-groove connection, similarly to the above-described universal tray insert 200, 200', wherein the urine sample tray insert 300 is shown in two halves, i.e. the urine sample tray insert 300 consists of two identical halves which are inserted into the basic module 100, see also the color indicator grooves at the edges. The urine sample tray insert 300 provides a urine sample container recess 301 for 20 urine sample containers 601, see also Fig.19 , wherein two multi-use trays 30 are stacked one above the other. Again, the corner posts 104 create a sufficient distance between the closed bottom 101 and the open upper side so that the base module 100 can receive the urine sample tray insert 300 and the corresponding urine sample container 601 provided therein without interacting with another base module 100 stacked thereon.

[0156] exist Fig. 20 As a further alternative embodiment, the following is shown Figure 1 The multi-purpose tray 40 is arranged on the right side of the Figure 2 1 and 2, and a basic module 100 for use in connection with the previously described universal tray insert 200, 200', 300, wherein a tip rack tray insert 400 with four tip racks 410 inserted therein is shown, wherein a consumable pipette tip 701 is arranged in a tip rack hole 401 or a tip rack opening in one of the tip racks of the tip rack tray insert 400 as an exemplary content. Here, in order to avoid repeating the description of exactly the same features, only the differences with respect to the previously described specific embodiments are described. In particular, the basic module 100 is different from the one described with reference to Figures 1 to 19The basic module 100 described is identical. Compared to the above-described universal tray inserts 200, 200' and urine sample tray insert 300, the tip rack tray insert 400 is not inserted into the basic module 100 by means of a tongue-and-groove connection due to the excessive length of the pipette tips. However, the tip rack tray insert 400 comprises a plug connector 420 arranged on the bottom of the tip rack tray insert 400, which is implemented in the form of a pin protruding downwards and has a reduced diameter section at its lower end. Here, the reduced diameter section of the plug connector 410 can be removably inserted (i.e. removably pushed) into a central hole of the protrusion 104, which is open to the open side of the basic module 100 and is arranged to receive the plug connector 420, thereby establishing a push-in connection as described above, which can be separated again. In addition, the four tip racks 410 are inserted into the tip rack tray insert 400 from above by means of a snap connection or the like. Each tip rack 410 provides 96 tip rack wells 401, resulting in a total loading capacity of the tip rack tray insert 400 for 384 consumable pipette tips. Fig. 20 As shown, each tip rack 410 includes a barcode 411 on one side of the tip rack tray insert 400 , and markings on the tip rack tray insert 400 according to which the operator must load the tip rack 410 .

[0157] As previously described, a centering spring 800 may be provided, for example, inside at least one of the tube receiving recesses 201, 201', 202, 202', 203, 203', so that a smaller sample tube is centered and held inside one of the tube receiving recesses 201, 201', 202, 202', 203, 203' when the inner diameter of the corresponding tube receiving recess 201, 201', 202, 202', 203, 203' is larger than the outer diameter of the sample tube to be held. Thus, the centering spring 800 has a similar function to the tube spring 205' described above. Thus, such a centering spring 800 may further improve the universal nature of the universal tray insert 200, 200', because the universal tray insert 200, 200' may be universally used for more different kinds of sample tubes, i.e., more than three different sizes of sample tubes 501, 502, 503. Here, as a specific example, the centering spring 800 is made of spring steel and comprises: a substantially circular or hexagonal middle portion 810 for attachment to the interior of the corresponding test tube receiving recess 201, 201', 202, 202', 203, 203', and three clamping arms 820 protruding from the middle portion 810 in a longitudinal manner on each side of the middle portion 810, each clamping arm 820 comprising at its end an inwardly protruding tip 830 for contacting a sample tube to be held, thereby coaxially with the centering spring 800 itself (i.e. with the corresponding test tube receiving recess 201, 201', 202, 202', 203, 203') in a clamping manner and centering the sample tube. The tip 830 is formed in a V-shape, and the tip 831 points inwardly as a contact point with the sample tube to be held. Since at least three clamping arms 820 are provided on each side of the middle portion 810 , three-point spring support is achieved through the centering spring 800 , thereby achieving centering and holding of the sample tube inside the centering spring 800 .

[0158] In addition to the above, as a further specific embodiment of a multi-use tray to be used in the analyzer, and due to the fact that the base module 100 can exhibit a size of 1×4 SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening=Microplate Size Standard), an insert with empty microplates for further processing can be inserted into the base module 100. Furthermore, an insert for carrying reagents can also be considered, for example in the form of 4 MGP (Magnetic Glass Particle) cassettes arranged in the tip rack tray insert 400 instead of the tip rack 410.

[0159] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 22 A method for simplifying the loading or unloading of multi-use pallets into or from an automated handling system by an operator is shown in FIG. Fig.23An exemplary loading / unloading station 10 of an automated handling system is shown in Fig.24 In a more specific embodiment, Fig.23 The loading / unloading station 10 of the automated handling system may include a flap door 11 for covering the loading slot 12 and the unloading slot 13 (if necessary) to avoid any interference with the loaded multi-purpose pallet or the multi-purpose pallet to be loaded, such as Fig.23 13 in one of the unloading slots 13 in the embodiment of the present invention. Here, such a multi-purpose pallet can be one of the multi-purpose pallets 20, 20', 30, 40 described in detail above, or alternatively another multi-purpose pallet having any kind of pallet insert inserted into its basic module 100, wherein the technical features mentioned in the context of the structure of the multi-purpose pallet also apply to the method of the present invention and are therefore not repeated here. In more detail, the method comprises the following steps, which can be carried out according to Fig. 22 The flowchart is arranged in the following order:

[0160] Decision step 910: Determine whether the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 to be loaded into the loading slot 12 contains priority contents.

[0161] Execute step 920: When the result of the determination in step 910 is that the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 to be loaded into the loading slot 12 contains priority contents, the operator loads the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 into the priority loading slot 121 of the automated processing system.

[0162] Execute step 930: When the result of the determination in step 910 is that the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 to be loaded into the loading slot 12 does not contain the priority contents, the operator loads the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 into any loading slot 12 except the priority loading slot 121 of the automated processing system.

[0163] Step 940 is performed: the contents of the loaded multi-use trays 20, 20', 30, 40 are processed by the laboratory instrument of the automated processing system.

[0164] Step 950 is performed: the operator unloads the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 from the unloading slot 13 of the automated handling system or from the wrong unloading slot 131.

[0165] With regard to the execution of step 940, i.e. the step of processing the contents of the loaded multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 by the laboratory instrument of the automated processing system, the automated processing system comprises a sensor which identifies the contents of the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 loaded into one of the loading slots 12 without requiring interaction between an operator and the software of the automated processing system, i.e. the automated processing system is capable of automatically identifying the loaded multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 and its contents by means of sensors such as optical sensors, RFID sensors, etc., based on reading, for example, a machine-readable identification code 109 provided on the base module 100 of the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40. Thus, the automated processing system is capable of identifying the necessary or desired processing steps to be automatically performed by the laboratory instrument inside the automated processing system without requiring an operator to input data about the contents of the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40, for example by means of a user interface.

[0166] With regard to the execution of step 950, the operator may unload the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 to be unloaded from any unloading slot 13 from the corresponding unloading slot 13 of the automated handling system without requiring interaction between the operator and the software of the automated handling system regarding the format or content of the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40, i.e., the automated handling system allows unloading of the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 without requiring the automated handling system to provide data regarding the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 to be unloaded from any unloading slot 13 to the operator, e.g., by means of a user interface. However, typically, any multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 to be unloaded from any unloading slot 13 of the automated handling system may only be unloaded by the operator through interaction between the operator and the software of the automated handling system, i.e., the automated handling system allows unloading of the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 only through corresponding inputs to the system by the operator, e.g., by means of a user interface. Therefore, without interaction between the operator and the software, it is not possible to manually unload the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40. The multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 can only be unloaded when "unload" is activated on a user interface such as a touch screen, i.e., when the "unlock" button on the touch screen has been activated, the multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 is automatically provided to the outside, for example by pushing open the flap door 11 of the loading / unloading station 10.

[0167] Typically, the automated handling system may include a control unit carrying application software for interacting with an operator and for controlling the workflow within the automated handling system. In addition, the automated handling system may lock any unloading slot 13, for example when the corresponding multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 is still being processed in the processing step 940, to prevent the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 from being unloaded from the unloading slot 13 before removal. Accordingly, when the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 is being processed, the automated handling system prevents the multi-purpose pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 from being manually removed from the corresponding unloading slot 13, for example by means of a manual lock. Alternatively or additionally, the automated handling system may include a loading / unloading status indicator for each slot (e.g. in the form of an LCD display or the like), which indicates the state of loading / unloading permission or loading / unloading prohibition of each slot 12, 13. Here, as an example, the loading / unloading status indication may be given by means of the following symbols:

[0168] Displayed symbol: ↑ (in green); Meaning: Load multi-purpose pallets 20, 20', 30, 40; Task: The operator can load multi-purpose pallets 20, 20', 30, 40.

[0169] Displayed symbol: ↓ (in green); Meaning: Unload multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40; Task: The operator can unload multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40.

[0170] Displayed symbol: ↓ (in red); Meaning: Unload multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40 (buffer has no more capacity); Task: The operator must load multi-use pallet 20, 20', 30, 40.

[0171] Displayed symbols: Meaning: Loading slot 12 and / or unloading slot 13 is locked; Task: The operator has no task.

[0172] Accordingly, the presently described method provides a user-convenient way to load samples and disposable items into an automated processing system, wherein an operator can load a multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 including supplies and / or samples into any one of the loading slots 12 without having to identify a loading slot that matches the format of the contents of the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 to be loaded each time the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 must be loaded into the automated processing system.

[0173] In the method currently described, the loading / unloading station 10 of the automated handling system is particularly equipped with 8 loading / unloading slots 12, 13 as a pallet interface between the outside and the inside of the automated handling system, wherein the slots 12, 13 are arranged in two rows of slots 12, 13, wherein the top has 4 loading slots 12 and the bottom has 4 unloading slots 13. Here, as Fig.24 As illustrated, the right loading slot 12 may be designated as a priority loading slot 121 , wherein the automated processing system performs a processing step 940 in which the multi-use trays 20 , 20 ′, 30 , 40 having priority contents loaded into the priority loading slot 121 are preferentially processed.

[0174] With regard to the execution step 950 of unloading the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 by the operator from the unloading slot 13 of the automated processing system or from the error unloading slot 131, different kinds of multi-use trays 20, 20', 30, 40 with different contents may be unloaded from the unloading slot 13. However, one of the unloading slots 13 may be designated as an unloading slot for unloading sample error trays (i.e., the error unloading slot 131), from which the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 with sample tubes that have been identified by the automated processing system as exhibiting a certain error, such as an unreadable label, etc., or in the case of an erroneous sample is to be unloaded. Accordingly, the execution step 950 of unloading the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 may include unloading the multi-use tray 20, 20', 30, 40 with predetermined contents from a predetermined unloading slot in the form of the error unloading slot 131, wherein the predetermined contents may be a container with an erroneous sample.

[0175] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that this description is for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, the present invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Various publications are cited herein, and their disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A universal tray insert (200; 20') for a multi-purpose tray (20; 20') for an automated handling system 200'), the tray insert is used to hold a plurality of reagent test tubes or sample test tubes (501, 502, 503) of similar or different diameters, the universal tray insert (200; 200') comprising an array (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') of test tube receiving recesses of different sizes, wherein The array (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') of test tube receiving recesses comprises at least a first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201'), a second group of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202') and a third group of test tube receiving recesses (203; 203'), the size of the recesses (201; 201') in the first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201'), the size of the recesses (202; 202') in the second group of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202') and the size of the recesses (203; 203') in the third group of test tube receiving recesses (203; 203') The sizes of the recesses (203; 203') in the recesses (203; 203') are different from each other, and the inner circumference contour of each test tube receiving recess (201; 201') in the first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201') intersects with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess (202; 202') in the second group of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202') and with the inner circumference contours of at least two of the test tube receiving recesses (203; 203') in the third group of test tube receiving recesses (203; 203').

2. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 1, wherein: 2-1) The test tube receiving recess (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape; 2-2) the intersection of the contour of the first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201') and the contour of the second group of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202') corresponds to a non-tangential intersection of the contours; 2-3) the central axis (2011) of each corresponding test tube receiving recess (201; 201') in the first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201') is arranged in an eccentric manner relative to the central axis (2021) of the adjacent test tube receiving recess (202; 202') in the second group of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202'); 2-4) Each test tube receiving recess (201; 201') in the first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201') The depth of the test tube receiving recess (201') is different from the depth of each test tube receiving recess (202; 202') in the second set of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202'); 2-5) the test tube receiving recesses (203; 203') in the third group of test tube receiving recesses (203; 203') The inner circumference contour of at least one of the test tube receiving recesses (203') intersects with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess (201; 201') in the first group of test tube receiving recesses (201; 201') and with the inner circumference contour of at least one adjacent test tube receiving recess (202; 202') in the second group of test tube receiving recesses (202; 202'); 2-6) the central axis (2031) of each corresponding test tube receiving recess (203; 203') in the third group of test tube receiving recesses (203; 203') is arranged in an eccentric manner relative to the central axis (2011, 2021) of the adjacent test tube receiving recess (201, 202; 201', 202') in the first and / or second group of test tube receiving recesses (201, 202; 201', 202'); 2-7) Each test tube receiving recess (203; 203') in the third group of test tube receiving recesses (203; 203') 203') is different from the depth of each test tube receiving recess (201, 202; 201', 202') in the first and / or second set of test tube receiving recesses (201, 202; 201', 202'); and / or 2-8) The contour of each test tube receiving recess (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') in a set of test tube receiving recesses (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') is similar to that of an adjacent test tube receiving recess (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') in the same set of test tube receiving recesses (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203'); 201', 202', 203') are spaced apart.

3. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A reference mark (220; 220') is provided at an edge of the upper surface of the universal tray insert (200; 200').

4. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 3, wherein: The reference marks (220; 220') are arranged in the form of a grid composed of alphabetic characters and / or numbers for identifying each test tube receiving recess (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203').

5. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The array of tube receiving recesses (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') receives 20 to 78 sample tubes (501, 502, 503), depending on the respective diameters of the sample tubes (501, 502, 503).

6. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A centering spring (800) is arranged inside at least one of the test tube receiving recesses (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203') for centering the test tube (501, 502, 503) inside the corresponding test tube receiving recess (201, 202, 203; 201', 202', 203').

7. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The universal tray insert (200; 200') is an injection molded component.

8. The universal tray insert (200; 200') according to claim 7, wherein: The universal tray insert (200; 200') is made of PC / SAN, PC / ABS or PP.

9. A multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') for an automated processing system, the multi-purpose pallet comprising a basic module (100) and at least one universal pallet insert (200; 200') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the basic module (100) having an open side and comprising a protrusion (110) for engaging with the at least one universal pallet insert (200; 200'), the at least one universal pallet insert (200; 200') being releasably engaged in the open side of the basic module (100) by engaging with the protrusion (110) of the basic module (100).

10. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 9, wherein: The basic module (100) is stackable on top of another basic module (100) of the same type of multi-use pallet (20; 20').

11. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 10, wherein: The bottom side (101) of the basic module (100) includes a stepped portion (105) having a reduced outer perimeter, and the stepped portion (105) matches the upper edge of the opening side of the other basic module (100).

12. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 9, wherein: The base module (100) comprises a rectangular structure having a substantially closed bottom side (101) and at least partially closed side walls (102), wherein the upper side is the open side of the base module (100).

13. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 12, wherein: At least one side wall (102) of the base module (100) comprises an open slot (103).

14. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 13, wherein: Each side wall (102) of the base module (100) includes an open slot (103), and each corner of the rectangular structure includes an angular corner post (104).

15. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The basic module (100) comprises at least one handle (106) on its periphery for improving the transportability of the base module (100) by an operator, or Two handles (106) on its outer circumference are arranged opposite to each other to improve the transportability of the base module (100) by an operator.

16. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The basic module (100) comprises At least one engagement notch (1061) on its outer periphery for improving the transportability of the basic module (100) by a tray carrier of the automated handling system.

17. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one engagement recess (1061) is provided in a handle (106) located on the outer periphery of the base module (100).

18. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: Two engaging notches (1061) on its outer circumference facing each other are provided to improve the transportability of the basic module (100) by the tray carrier of the automated handling system.

19. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 18, wherein: Each engagement recess (1061) is provided in a handle (106) allocated on the outer circumference of the base module (100).

20. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The base module (100) comprises at least one color indicator for indicating the loading status of the contents of the multi-purpose tray.

21. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 20, wherein: The color indicator may be manually operable by an operator.

22. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The base module (100) includes at least one writable surface (108) on its outer periphery.

23. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 22, wherein: The surface (108) is implemented by whiteboard material.

24. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The basic module (100) comprises At least one identification code (109) is provided on its outer circumference.

25. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 24, wherein The identification code (109) is a bar code.

26. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The basic module (100) comprises Magnets for Hall sensor applications.

27. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 26, wherein The magnet is embedded in the bottom (101) of the base module (100).

28. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The basic module (100) is an injection-molded component.

29. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to claim 28, wherein The basic module (100) includes, wherein the basic module (100) is made of PC / SAN, PC / ABS or PP.

30. The multi-purpose pallet (20; 20') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The universal tray insert (200; 200') is at least partially enclosed by the base module (100) in a frame-like manner, while the at least one universal tray insert (200; 200') does not protrude outside the base module (100).

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