Overhead laboratory appliance transfer system

Abstract

A selectively configurable modular laboratory appliance transfer system includes laboratory appliance bulk overhead transfer system modules that form an overhead transfer path. A laboratory instrument batch overhead transfer system module has a laboratory instrument support wherein at least a movable portion of the laboratory instrument support is configured to support laboratory instruments thereon and move longitudinally to define an overhead transfer path. The laboratory appliance support has more than one laboratory appliance receiving station for receiving the laboratory appliance pieces, each of which has a different position along the laboratory appliance support and the overhead transfer path. The laboratory appliance batch overhead transfer system module is communicatively coupled to other laboratory appliance batch overhead transfer system modules that form other different overhead transfer paths, and the laboratory appliance batch overhead transfer system module is communicatively coupled to and disconnected from other laboratory appliance batch overhead transfer system modules, where the laboratory appliance batch overhead transfer system module is coupled to and disconnected from the other laboratory appliance batch overhead transfer system modules. And the continuous conveying of laboratory appliances in the whole overhead conveying path is realized.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 188,172 filed on May 13, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The exemplary embodiments relate generally to life science equipment and, more particularly, to automated operation and processing of life science processing equipment. Background Art

[0003] Generally, laboratory processing equipment is disposed on the laboratory facility floor, wherein conveyor-type connections convey laboratory equipment between laboratory processing equipment. These conveyor-type connections are mounted to the floor and disposed at waist height so as to interweave with the laboratory processing equipment throughout the laboratory equipment space (e.g., meander between and / or extend along / couple to the sides thereof), thereby blocking direct access to portions of the laboratory processing equipment, wherein such blocking makes repair and maintenance of the laboratory processing equipment difficult. Conveyor-type connections between laboratory processing equipment also hinder (e.g., laboratory personnel) from traveling throughout the laboratory facility and reconfiguration of laboratory processing equipment within the laboratory facility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are set forth in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a laboratory facility having a plurality of laboratories communicatively coupled via at least one labware bulk overhead transport system module in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

[0006] Figure 2 According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the laboratory shown;

[0007] Figure 3A According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 A schematic elevation view of a portion of the laboratory shown in;

[0008] Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D , Figure 3E and Figure 3F According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2A schematic elevation view of a portion of the laboratory shown in;

[0009] Figure 4 According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the laboratory facility;

[0010] Figures 5A-5D According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 An exemplary schematic plan view of a portion of a laboratory facility;

[0011] Figure 5E and Fig. 5F According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 An exemplary schematic elevation view of a portion of a laboratory facility;

[0012] Figure 6 According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A schematic floor plan of a portion of the laboratory facilities;

[0013] Figure 7 According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A schematic floor plan of a portion of the laboratory facilities;

[0014] Figure 8 According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A schematic floor plan of a portion of the laboratory facilities;

[0015] Fig. 9 According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 a schematic floor plan of a portion of the laboratory facility; and

[0016] Fig.10 is a schematic block diagram of a method according to aspects of the disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 1 1 is a schematic plan view of a laboratory facility 100 according to aspects of the present invention having a plurality of laboratories 110, 120, 130 communicatively coupled by at least one laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M of a modular laboratory tool transport system 150. Although aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape, and type of element or material may be used.

[0018] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M of a modular laboratory tool transport system 150 that communicatively connects (e.g., to transport laboratory tools 170 therebetween) at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​(referred to herein as an integrated laboratory tool processing machine) or stand-alone / benchtop instrument (referred to herein as a stand-alone instrument) to at least one other integrated laboratory tool processing machine or stand-alone instrument (referred to herein as a stand-alone instrument) within a single laboratory 110, 120, 130 (i.e., to transport laboratory tools 170 therebetween). Figure 1 110, 120, 130) and / or communicatively connect one or more different laboratories 110, 120, 130 to each other. Figure 2 The laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M is configured to communicatively connect benchtop or stand-alone instruments 200-204 within the laboratories 110, 120, 130 with other integrated systems such as integrated laboratory tool processing machines / tools 210-213 (including but not limited to automated islands).

[0019] As will be described herein, each labware batch overhead transport system module 150M includes a substantially continuous labware support 330. The substantially continuous labware support 330 is shown as being coupled to and supported by a ceiling 477 of the laboratory facility 100; however, in other aspects, the substantially continuous labware support 330 can be supported on a floor 444 of the laboratory facility 100 in any suitable manner, such as by support columns. The substantially continuous labware support 330 has at least a movable portion 151 that supports labware thereon for transport along the substantially continuous labware support 330 within or between laboratories (also referred to herein as labs) 110, 12, 130. The modular labware transport system 150 includes a controller 199 configured to position the movable portion 151 along a substantially continuous labware support 330 for transferring labware 170 between the modular labware transport system 150 and at least one integrated labware handling machine 210-213 and / or stand-alone instrument 200-204.

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure enable the transport of laboratory equipment 170 within or between laboratories 110, 120, 130 disposed on one or more common levels (e.g., on the same floor of the laboratory facility 100), and within or between laboratories 110, 120, 130 located on different levels (e.g., different stacks / floors of the laboratory facility 100). For example, the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M includes an elevator or elevator conveyor module 185 (also referred to herein as the laboratory equipment batch transport system module 185, and includes, for example, an elevator 185E, a ramp 185R, and / or other suitable structures that enable height changes of laboratory equipment supported by the movable portion 151 of the laboratory equipment support 330 of the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M (see Figure 3A )), which is configured to transfer laboratory equipment 170 from one laboratory level 100L1 (e.g., floor) to other laboratory levels 100L2 (e.g., above or below one laboratory level 100L1). Here, the movable portion 151 can be transferred to different stacked laboratory levels along the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M (e.g., via the lifter 185); while in other aspects, the lifter 185 can be configured to pick up laboratory equipment from the movable portion 151 at one laboratory level 100L1, 100L2, and place the laboratory equipment to the movable portion 151 of other laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M at different laboratory levels 100L1, 100L2.

[0021] Still viewing Figure 1 -3, the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M forms a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 that connects at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204 to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 (in the same laboratory 110, 120, 130 or in different laboratories 110, 120, 130) within the laboratory facility 100. Here, at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204 and at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 are separated from each other by any suitable distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166. As described above, any one (or more) of the (multiple) integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 and (multiple) stand-alone instruments 200-204 are connected to each other by any suitable distance. Figure 1 Generally represented as laboratory tool processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136, and can be located Figure 1At any of the positions shown relative to the laboratory tool processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136.

[0022] It should be noted that the stand-alone instruments 200-204 may be any suitable stand-alone or benchtop instrument, such as Figure 4 For example, benchtop instrument 200-204 ( Figure 2 ) may include any suitable benchtop laboratory processing station 410, where personnel 411 and / or automated devices (e.g., robotic arms 412) operate to process laboratory samples (independently or in a collaborative manner), and / or an autonomously navigated robotic processing carrier 400. Here, as described herein, the benchtop laboratory processing station 410 is disposed below the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport path 166, such that the robotic arms 412 and / or personnel 411 are configured to pick up / place laboratory equipment 170 from the movable portion 151. As described herein, the autonomously navigated robotic processing carrier 400 may navigate to a predetermined location of the laboratory facility 100, such that the autonomously navigated robotic processing carrier 400 is disposed below the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport path 166, such that the robotic arms 412 of the autonomously navigated robotic processing carrier 400 are configured to pick up / place laboratory equipment 170 from the movable portion 151. Suitable examples of a benchtop laboratory processing station 410 and an auto-navigating robotic processing vehicle 400 may be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,955,430 (issued on March 23, 2021 and entitled “auto-navigating Robotic Processing Vehicle”) and U.S. Publication No. 2021 / 0094184 (published on April 1, 2021, application number 17 / 032,011 and entitled “Robotic Transport System and Method Therefor”), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0023] It is also worth noting that the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 can be any suitable handling machines, such as an automated island 450 including at least one robotic arm 451, 452 and any suitable number of labware handling machines 455. As described herein, the automated island 450 is disposed below the labware batch overhead transport path 166 such that the robotic arm(s) 451, 452 of the automated island 450 are configured to pick up / place labware 170 from the movable portion 151. Suitable examples of automated islands 450 may be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,955,430 (issued on March 23, 2021 and entitled “auto-navigating Robotic Processing Vehicle”) and U.S. Publication Nos. 2021 / 0094184 (published on April 1, 2021, with application number 17 / 032,011 and entitled “Robotic Transport System and Method Therefor”) and 2019 / 0241375 (published on August 8, 2019, with application number 16 / 265,273 and entitled “Robotic Processing System”), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0024] The laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M has a substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 extending longitudinally along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166. The substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 has at least one nest or movable portion 151 that is movable longitudinally relative to the laboratory facility 100 to define the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 for the laboratory tools 170 supported on the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M. Figure 1-4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the substantially continuous labware support 330 is configured to position the movable portion 151 relative to the stand-alone instruments 200-204 and the integrated labware processing machines 210-213 so that the movable portion 151 passes over the stand-alone instruments 200-204 and the integrated labware processing machines 210-213 while being relative to the floor 444 (see FIG. 1 ) of the laboratory facility 100. Figure 4 ) is low enough to allow personnel 411 and robotic arms of independent instruments 200-204 and integrated laboratory equipment handling machines 210-213 to approach the movable part 151 for transferring laboratory equipment to and from the movable part 151.

[0025] The spacing or height H of the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330 from the floor of the laboratory facility 100 allows personnel 411, autonomously navigated robotic processing vehicles 400, and other suitable laboratory facility carts (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,955,430 (issued on March 23, 2021 and entitled “Auto-navigating Robotic Processing Vehicle”, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) to pass underneath the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330 (and its movable portion 151) (see Figure 2 ) without being obstructed by the substantially continuous labware support 330. Placing the substantially continuous labware support 330 at the height H provides laboratory resources, carts, robots, etc., with access to the labware 170 that is transported throughout the laboratory facility 100 by the substantially continuous labware support 330, while providing for reconfiguration of laboratory equipment and optimized maintenance access and transport travel paths for personnel, carts, etc. throughout the laboratory facility 100.

[0026] In other aspects, the movable portion 151 may have a Z-axis drive 333 ( Figure 3A ), which raises and lowers the respective labware holding stations 311-313 of the movable portion 151 to enable personnel or robotic arms to access the labware carried by the movable portion 151. The Z-axis drive 333 provides for placing the substantially continuous labware support 330 at any suitable height above the floor 444, while still providing laboratory resources, carts, robots, etc., with access to the labware 170 transported throughout the laboratory facility 100 by the substantially continuous labware support 330, while providing optimized maintenance access and transport travel paths for personnel, carts, etc. throughout the laboratory facility 100 in the manner described above. In one or more aspects, where the movable portion 151 includes the Z-axis drive 333, the movable portion includes any suitable power and communication modules 333P, 333C for supplying power to the Z-axis drive and receiving commands from the controller 199. The power module 333P can be any suitable battery (e.g., which can be charged via power contact pads similar to those described herein at designated areas of the substantially continuous labware support 330, such as at an interface location or a dedicated charging pad location CL (see Figure 1)), wireless power connection (e.g., receiving power from a remote power source located in the laboratory facility 100), or contact power connection (e.g., obtaining power from a bus bar of a substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330). In other aspects, the Z-axis drive can be connected to the power and controller 199 at an interface location (such as those shown in the figure) in any suitable manner for transferring laboratory tools 170 between the movable portion 151 and the independent instruments 200-204 and the integrated laboratory tool handling machines 210-213. For example, stopping the traverse of the movable portion 151 on the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 at the interface location can substantially automatically make a power and communication connection with the movable portion 151 (such as through contact between (multiple) power / communication contact plates CP of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 and (multiple) power / communication contact plates CM of the movable portion 151). Although aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are described as being elevated, in other aspects, a substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330 can be disposed below the laboratory (e.g., below the floor 444), with a Z-axis drive being employed to lift the movable portion 151 above the floor for laboratory access to the laboratory equipment.

[0027] The at least one movable portion 151 is configured to support the laboratory appliance 170 thereon. For exemplary purposes, the at least one movable portion 151 is Figure 3A 151 is shown as being configured to support more than one lab tool 170, wherein each lab tool is supported on a respective lab tool rack / support 311S-313S of a respective lab tool receiving station 311-313; however, in other aspects, the movable portion 151 can be configured to support only a single lab tool 170. In one aspect, the movable portion 151 is configured to support the lab tool 170 at a determined position on the movable portion 151, such that the position of the lab tool is known to an automated device (e.g., a robot such as robot 301) of the laboratory facility 100 for picking up and placing the lab tool from and to the movable portion 151. In other aspects, the automated device can include at least one vision system 301V configured to determine the position of the lab tool 170 on the movable portion 151 to enable picking up and placing the lab tool 170 from and to the movable portion 151.

[0028] Movement of the movable portion 151 along the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 is a solid-state actuator that includes a magnetic drive that interacts with the movable portion 151 along the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 and along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 defined thereby and magnetically drives (e.g., in a single transport direction or a bidirectional transport direction) the movable portion 151. In other aspects, the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 includes any suitable mechanical, electromechanical and / or magnetic linear actuator / transport device (e.g., a solid-state conveyor) for driving at least one movable portion 151 along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166.

[0029] The laboratory equipment 170 supported by the at least one movable part 151 and handled within the laboratory facility 100 is any suitable laboratory equipment, including but not limited to sample bag frames 171, sample tubes 172, sample boxes 173, trays 174, racks 175, boxes 176, containers 177, tissue boxes 178, and multi-well plates 179. In one or more aspects, in order to accommodate different types of laboratory equipment 170, the at least one movable part 151 includes more than one dedicated movable part 151BF (e.g., for accommodating a sample bag frame), 151ST (e.g., for accommodating at least one sample tube), 151SC (e.g., for accommodating at least one sample box), 151T (e.g., for accommodating at least one tray), 151R (e.g., for accommodating at least one rack), 151B (for accommodating at least one box), 151C (e.g., for accommodating at least one container), 151TC (e.g., for accommodating at least one tissue box), 151MP (e.g., for accommodating at least one multi-well plate), each of which has a different configuration for accommodating a corresponding type of laboratory equipment 170. In one or more aspects, at least one removable portion 151 can be configured as a universal removable portion 151U configured to interchangeably accommodate more than one type of labware 170. In yet one or more other aspects, at least one removable portion 151 includes a combination of a universal removable portion 151U and dedicated removable portions 151ST, 151SC, 151T, 151R, 151B, 151C, 151TC, 151MP.

[0030] See also Figure 3A , a substantially continuous labware support 330 having more than one predetermined labware receiving station 311-313 configured to receive labware pieces of the labware 170 supported on the substantially continuous labware support 330 (e.g., labware pieces as examples of labware 170 described herein (see Figure 3A)). Each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations 311-313 has a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 and the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166. Here, each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations 311-313 of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 includes at least one movable portion 151 so that the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station and the predetermined position are movable along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166.

[0031] See also Figure 1-4 As described above, the controller 199 is communicatively coupled to the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M. The controller 199 is configured to position each laboratory tool receiving station 311-313 (of at least one movable portion 151) that moves along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 relative to one or more of at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 and at least one independent instrument 200-204 to enable the transfer of laboratory tools between the movable portion 151 and one or more of the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 and at least one independent instrument 200-204. Transfer of laboratory equipment between the movable portion and one or more of at least one integrated laboratory equipment handling machine 210-213 and at least one independent instrument 200-204 can be achieved by a mechanical (or robotic) arm reaching into the movable portion 151 to pick up / place the laboratory equipment 170 at the level of the conveying path 166 of the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330, the mechanical arm reaching into the movable portion 151 at a height below the conveying path 166 (for example, such as where the movable portion 151 is lowered by the Z-axis drive 333) and / or by an intermediate transfer of the laboratory equipment 170 between the movable portion 151 (at the level of the conveying path 166) and a mechanical arm disposed below the conveying path 166.

[0032] For example, briefly see Figure 3A , the controller 199 is configured to command a mechanical (or robotic) arm, such as one of the arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452, associated with one or more of the at least one integrated labware handling machine 210-213 and the at least one stand-alone instrument 200-204, to effect loading of the labware 170 onto the labware supports 311S-313S of the predetermined labware receiving stations 311-313 (see also Figure 2) and unloaded therefrom, wherein the predetermined laboratory tool holding stations 311-313 are positioned within the range of motion of the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Here, the range of motion of the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 extends to the transport path 166 for transferring the laboratory tools 170 to and from the movable part 151 at the level of the transport path 166. Here, when loading and unloading the laboratory tools 170 from the predetermined laboratory tool holding stations 311-313, the predetermined laboratory tool holding stations 311-313 are arranged adjacent to (i.e., juxtaposed to) one or more of at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine 210-213 and at least one independent instrument 200-204.

[0033] As another example, see briefly Figure 3A , where the range of motion of the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 does not extend to the layers of the transport path, the Z-axis drive 333 is employed and commanded by the controller 199 to lower the movable portion 151 into the range of motion of the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Here, with the movable portion 151 lowered into the range of motion of the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452, the laboratory appliance 170 is picked up / placed from / to the movable portion 151 by the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452.

[0034] As another example, see briefly Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D , Figure 3E and Figure 3F , an intermediate device (such as an elevator 337) transfers the laboratory equipment 170 between the movable part 151 (e.g., disposed at a level of the conveying path 166) and the robot 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452, wherein the movable part 151 is outside the range of the robot 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Here, as Figure 3B and Figure 3CAs shown in , the lift 337 is disposed at a fixed position (e.g., fixed vertically and horizontally) so as to have a known position relative to both the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and the components of the integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 served by the lift 337. The lift 337 can be mounted at a fixed position on a wall of the laboratory facility 100 and / or other suitable fixed structure of the laboratory facility 100. Other suitable fixed structures to which the lift 337 can be fixed, coupled or otherwise mounted / attached (e.g., supported) include but are not limited to the ceiling 477 of the laboratory facility 100, the floor 477 of the laboratory facility 100, the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330, or forming a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD (e.g., Figure 3E ), and other parts of workstations (such as Figure 2 In this regard, the elevator 337 together with the labware batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD provide for registration of the elevator 337 in a controller designated / corresponding to a nearby lab processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136.

[0035] The lift 337 may also be movably mounted within the laboratory facility 100 to be positioned and repositioned at a known location to facilitate transfer / handover of laboratory equipment 170 between the movable portion 151 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. For example, the lift 337 may be mounted to an automated guided cart / carrier such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), wherein the automated guided cart / carrier is commanded (e.g., timely and / or at a predetermined time) to move to a predetermined position to transfer laboratory equipment 170 between the movable portion 151 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. The elevator 337 can also be as shown in FIG. Figure 3F 337C or integrally combined with a dedicated lift cart 337C, and / or as shown in Figure 3D, wherein the lift cart 337C and / or the workstation cart are pre-positioned (e.g., manually or using any suitable robotic automation) to present a persistent static lift position known to the controller 199 (or determinable by the controller 199 using, for example, a vision system 301V, a radio frequency tag, or other suitable automated position determination device). In other aspects, the lift cart 337C and / or the workstation cart are dynamically positioned (e.g., manually or using any suitable robotic automation) to a predetermined position (e.g., known to the controller 199 or determinable by the controller 199 using, for example, a vision system 301V, a radio frequency tag, or other suitable automated position determination device) to enable the handover of the laboratory appliance 170 between the movable portion 151 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Again, the provision of an elevator 337 may be initialized, registered in a controller associated with a predetermined location or range of locations, and assigned to a corresponding laboratory processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 in the vicinity.

[0036] The range of motion of the elevator 337 extends both to the levels of the transport path (e.g., to provide access to each of the labware holding stations 311-313 of the movable portion 151) and to within the range of the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. The elevator 337 is any suitable elevator configured to vertically move the end effector 337E to transfer labware between the labware holding stations 311-313 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. For example, the end effector 337E may be raised and lowered by a telescoping piston (linear actuator) along a track that spans the transport path, or any other suitable lifting mechanism that places the end effector within and removes the end effector from the transport path 166 (e.g., to allow the movable portion to pass over the elevator 337 without being obstructed by the end effector 337E).

[0037] In operation, the controller 199 commands the elevator to raise the end effector to a predetermined height corresponding to a predetermined laboratory equipment receiving station 311-313 of the predetermined movable portion 151. The controller 199 commands the movable portion 151 to traverse in a first direction along the conveying path 166, such that the traversal of the movable portion 151 in the first direction along the conveying path 166 inserts the end effector 337E into the predetermined receiving station 311-313. The controller 199 commands the vertical movement of the end effector 337E to pick up the laboratory equipment 170 from the predetermined laboratory equipment receiving station 311-313. The movable portion 151 is commanded to traverse in a second direction (e.g., opposite to the first direction) along the conveying path 166, such that the traversal of the movable portion 151 in the second direction along the conveying path 166 removes the end effector 337E (having the laboratory equipment 170 received thereon) from the predetermined receiving station 311-313. The controller 199 commands the elevator 337 to lower the end effector 337E to a known / predetermined position within the range of motion of the robotic arm 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 so that the robotic arm picks up the labware 170 from the end effector 337E of the elevator 337. The transfer of the labware from the robotic arm 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 to the movable portion 151 may occur in a manner substantially opposite to that described above.

[0038] The controller 199 includes any suitable memory 199M integrally coupled to or accessible by the controller 199. The controller is configured to register (e.g., in the memory 199M) the identity of the laboratory equipment 170 loaded into or unloaded from the predetermined laboratory equipment receiving stations 311-313 by the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Here, the controller may be configured to track the location of the laboratory equipment 170 within the laboratory facility 100 and command the movement of the laboratory equipment 170, such as using the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 and the modular laboratory equipment transport system 150, for processing within the laboratory facility 100 according to any suitable processing criteria. Using the identity of the lab tool 170 in the registration table (ie, in the memory 199M), the controller 199 is configured to (ie, implements) the exchange of the lab tool 170 at the predetermined lab tool receiving station 311-313. Figure 3A, the controller 199 can command the robot 301 to use the movable part 151 to exchange the laboratory tool 170 in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station 313 from the laboratory tool 170A1 having a first identity in the registry (i.e., where the laboratory tool 170A1 is unloaded from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station 313) to a different laboratory tool 170A2 having a second identity in the registry (i.e., where the laboratory tool 170A2 is loaded into the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station 313). The exchange of laboratory equipment 170A1 with different laboratory equipment 170A2 is shown as taking place at a common processing unit 111, wherein the movable portion 151 remains stationary for the exchange; however, in other aspects, the laboratory equipment 170A1 can be unloaded from a predetermined laboratory equipment receiving station 313 at one processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136, and a different laboratory equipment 170A2 can be loaded into a predetermined laboratory equipment receiving station 313 at a different processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136.

[0039] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the controller 199 is configured to move the laboratory tools 170 loaded in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations 311-313 (of the movable portion 151) along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 from at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204 (e.g., via commanding at least movement of the movable portion 151) to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 separated from each other by any suitable distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166, wherein the at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 are located on a common level (e.g., floor) of the laboratory facility 100 with the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204. See also Figure 3A, the controller 199 is configured to move the laboratory tools 170 loaded in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations 311-313 (of the movable portion 151) along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 from at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204 (e.g., via commanding at least movement of the movable portion 151) to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 separated from each other by any suitable distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166, wherein the at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 are located on a different level (e.g., floor) of the laboratory facility 100 than the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204. Figure 3A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the transport path 166 extends along the lift module 185 to the upper level (e.g., floor) 100L2 and / or the lower level (e.g., floor) 100L0 of the laboratory facility 100. The upper level 100L2 and / or the lower level 100L0 are configured with at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine 210-213 or stand-alone instrument 200-204 and a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M (see also FIG. 1 ) in a manner similar to that described herein for level 100L1. Figure 1 ).

[0040] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Laboratory Equipment Batch Overhead Transport System Module 150M( Figure 2) is a modular transport system that is configured to expand or decrease in size / capacity depending on, for example, the desired number of laboratories 110, 120, 130 and / or labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 that will be communicatively coupled to each other utilizing the modular labware transport system 150. For example, the modular labware transport system 150 includes more than one labware batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, 185. Each labware batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, 185 is modularly arranged so as to be communicatively coupled to other different labware batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, 185 of the modular labware transport system 150. In one or more aspects, the other different laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD are other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD that are disposed on a common layer (e.g., one of the layers 100L0, 100L1, 100L2) with the laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD; or, the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD are disposed on a common layer (e.g., one of the layers 100L0, 100L1, 100L2) with the laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD; The system module 185 is an elevator or elevator conveyor module 185, which is arranged to connect the laboratory equipment batch transfer system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD at one level 100L0, 100L1, 100L2 to other different laboratory equipment batch transfer system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD at other different levels 100L0, 100L1, 100L2 above or below the one level 100L0, 100L1, 100L2.In one or more aspects, other different laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD include other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD connected to a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD located at a location on a common level (e.g., one of the levels 100L0, 100L1, 100L2), and include at least one elevator or elevator conveyor module 185 connected to at least one of the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD or the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD.

[0041] Each laboratory tool batch transfer system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD forms a corresponding laboratory tool batch overhead transfer path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD, which is different and / or separate from other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD formed by the laboratory tool batch transfer system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. Each of the laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD enables uninterrupted (e.g., substantially continuous, substantially constant, or steady state) transport of laboratory tools 170 throughout the respective laboratory tool batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD) with the laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD coupled to and disconnected from other laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. For example, where a laboratory tool batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is coupled to (multiple) other laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, transport of laboratory tools 170 between different laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and to / from different laboratory tool handling units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 is configured to maintain uninterrupted transport of laboratory tools 170 throughout the respective laboratory tool batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. In the event that a laboratory tool batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is disconnected from (multiple) other laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD) (e.g., transfers between laboratory tool batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD are not performed), the transport of laboratory tools 170 to / from different laboratory tool processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 is configured to maintain uninterrupted transport of laboratory tools 170 throughout the corresponding laboratory tool batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.

[0042] See also Figure 1 and Figures 5A-5C Each coupling 500 between a labware batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and (a plurality of) other labware batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD defines a labware transfer junction 500J. The labware transfer junction 500J is configured to enable transfer of labware 170 between a labware batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and (a plurality of) other labware batch transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. The labware transfer junction 500J defined by the coupling 500 defines a switch 500S for switching labware 170 from one labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD to a different labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.

[0043] The switch 500S is any suitable switch that enables a change from one labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD to a different labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. As non-limiting examples, the switch 500S may be a mechanical switch or a solid state switch. Figure 5A , 5B Examples of mechanical switches 500SM1, 500SM2, 500SM3 are shown in FIG. Figure 5CAn example of a solid state switch 500SS is shown in FIG. 1. In one aspect, the mechanical switch 500SM1 is configured as a turntable or rotary switch that includes a frame 501 and a turntable 502 rotatably coupled to the frame 501. The turntable 502 includes a portion of a labware batch transport system support 330P that rotates as a unit with the turntable 502 such that a transport path TP3 defined by the portion of the labware batch transport system support 330P rotates to align with a transport path TP1 (which represents any one of the labware batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD) or a transport path TP2 (which represents any other of the labware batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD). As an example of switching the transport path using the mechanical switch 500SM1, when the turntable 502 rotates so that the transport path TP3 is substantially aligned with the transport path TP1, the movable portion 151 travels along the transport path TP1 and switches from the transport path TP1 to the transport path TP3 so as to be supported by a portion of the laboratory appliance batch transport system support 330P. The controller 199 commands the turntable 502 to rotate so that the transport path TP3 is aligned with the transport path TP2, so that the movable portion moves laterally along the portion of the laboratory appliance batch transport system support 330P so as to switch from the transport path TP2 to the transport path TP3. The switch from the transport path TP2 to the transport path TP1 is achieved using the mechanical switch 500SM1 in a manner substantially opposite to that described above.

[0044] On the other hand, Figure 5BAs shown in , the mechanical switch 500SM2 is constructed as an arm-type transfer mechanism. Here, the mechanical switch 500SM2 includes a frame 511 and an actuator 512 connected to the frame 511. The actuator 512 includes an end effector 513, which is configured to convert the movable part 151 between the conveying path TP1 and the conveying path TP2. For example, the conveying path TP1 is configured so that a portion of the conveying path TP1 extends substantially side by side (e.g., substantially parallel) with the conveying path TP2. On the one hand, the actuator 512 is configured to (e.g., under the control of the controller 199) move the end effector 513 so that the end effector 513 disengages the movable part 151 from the support along the conveying path TP1 (or the conveying path TP2), transfers the movable part 151 to the conveying path TP2 (or the conveying path TP1), and engages with the movable part 151 so that the movable part 151 is supported along the conveying path TP2 (or the conveying path TP1). The disengagement and engagement of the movable portion 151 with the transport paths TP1, TP2 can depend on the configuration of the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330. For example, where the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330 includes a slot into which a portion of the movable portion is inserted to couple the movable portion to the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330, the end effector 513 is configured in any suitable manner to remove (disengage) the movable portion from the slot of one transport path TP1, TP2 and insert the movable portion into the slot of the other transport path TP1, TP2. As another example, where the movable portion travels along a substantially flat surface, the end effector 513 is configured to push / pull the movable portion across the substantially flat surface to move the movable portion between the transport paths TP1, TP2.

[0045] Still viewing Figure 5BOn the other hand, the actuator 512 is configured to move the end effector 513 (e.g., under the control of the controller 199) so that the end effector 513 picks up the laboratory equipment 170 from the movable part on the transport path TP2 and places the laboratory equipment in the other different movable part 151 on the transport path TP1. Here, the movable part 151 on the transport path TP2 is positioned so as to be aligned with the end effector 513, so that the end effector 513 moves to enter the movable part 151 and pick up the laboratory equipment from the movable part on the transport path TP2. The movable part 151 travels away from the actuator 512 along the transport path TP2, and the other different movable part 151 on the transport path TP1 is positioned so as to be aligned with the end effector 513. The end effector 513 moves to enter the other different movable part 151 positioned on the transport path TP1, and places the laboratory equipment 170 to the other different movable part 151 for transport along the transport path TP1. The transfer of the laboratory appliance from the transport path TP1 to the transport path TP2 can take place in a manner substantially opposite to that described above.

[0046] See also Figure 5D, the switch 500SM3 includes a multi-directional roller bed 555 that enables transfer of the movable portion 151 from the substantially continuous laboratory appliance support 330 of the transport path TP2 to the substantially continuous laboratory appliance support 330 of the transport path TP1, and vice versa. For example, the multi-directional roller bed 555 is positioned relative to the substantially continuous laboratory appliance support 330 (e.g., vertically and / or horizontally) so that lateral movement of the movable portion 151 through the end 330EN transfers support of the movable portion between the continuous laboratory appliance support 330 and the multi-directional roller bed 555. For example, the movable portion 151 can be supported from the top thereof by the substantially continuous laboratory appliance support 330 (e.g., the movable portion 151 hangs from the substantially continuous laboratory appliance support 330) while the movable portion 151 is supported from the bottom thereof by the multi-directional roller bed 555 (e.g., the movable portion is located on the top of the multi-directional roller bed 555). As the movable portion 151 traverses away from the substantially continuous lab ware support 330, the movable portion 151 transitions from being supported by the top thereof (e.g., by the substantially continuous lab ware support 330) to being supported by the bottom thereof (e.g., by the multi-directional roller bed), and vice versa for the movable portion 151 transitioning from the multi-directional roller bed 555 to the substantially continuous lab ware support 330. To guide movement of the movable portion 151 between the substantially continuous lab ware supports 330 that are communicatively coupled to each other via the multi-directional roller bed 555, the multi-directional roller bed 555 includes one or more guides 556 configured to guide movement of the movable portion 151 and orient the movable portion 151 to the substantially continuous lab ware support 330 to which the movable portion is transitioning.

[0047] On the other hand, Figure 5C , the solid-state switch 500SS lacks moving parts, such as where at least a portion of the substantially continuous laboratory appliance support 330 (e.g., at least a portion including the intersection of the transport paths TP1, TP2) includes a magnetic linear actuator / transport device 599 for driving at least one movable portion 151. Here, the magnetic linear actuator 599 defines a merged transport path TP4 that extends at least partially along (i.e., is common with) the two transport paths TP1, TP2 so as to form a merge between the transport path TP1 and the transport path TP2. The magnetic linear actuator 599 is controlled by the controller 199 to effectuate the transition of the movable portion 151 from one of the transport paths TP1, TP2 to the merged transport path TP4, and from the merged transport path TP4 to the other of the transport paths TP1, TP2.

[0048] While switches 500SM1-500SM3, 500SS are described herein as providing horizontal transfer of labware 170 and / or movable portions 151 between transport paths, switch 500S may also be configured for vertical transfer of labware 170 and / or movable portions 151 between vertically stacked or spaced apart transport paths. Figure 5E and Fig. 5F , the switch 500S may also be constructed as a composite switch 500SC1, 500SC2 (which may be substantially similar to the lifting module 185), which includes a ramp 567 ( Figure 5E ) and / or lift 566( Fig. 5F ) One or more of the switches 500SM1-500SM3, 500SS connected. Figure 5E , the transport paths TP1, TP2 are vertically spaced apart from each other, and a ramp 567 extends between the respective substantially continuous laboratory tool supports 330 of the transport paths TP1, TP2. The ends of the ramp 567 are communicatively coupled to the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 via respective switches 500SM1-500SM3, 500SS, wherein the switches effectuate transition of the movable portion 151 between the ramp 567 and the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330, and the ramp effects transition of the movable portion between the transport paths TP1, TP2. As can be appreciated, in one or more aspects, the ramp 567 can include a constrained movable portion 151 for transferring laboratory tools between movable portions traveling along the transport paths TP1, TP2, wherein the end effectors 513 of the switches 500SM2 (located at each end of the ramp 567) are configured to be substantially similar to those described herein with reference to the drawings. Figure 5B The described way transfers laboratory equipment between a restricted movable part 151 and a movable part travelling along transport paths TP1 , TP2 .

[0049] See also Fig. 5F , the transport paths TP1, TP2 are vertically spaced apart from one another, and an elevator 566 extends vertically adjacent to or in juxtaposition with the respective substantially continuous laboratory tool supports 330 of the transport paths TP1, TP2. Here, the elevator 566 includes an actuator 512 and an end effector 513 thereof, wherein the elevator raises and lowers the actuator for alignment with a movable portion 151 traveling along the transport paths TP1, TP2 (e.g., to effect transfer of a laboratory tool 170 between the elevator and the movable portion 151). Figure 5BIn a manner similar to that described above, the movable parts 151 on the transport paths TP1, TP2 are positioned along the respective transport paths TP1, TP2 such that the end effector 513 extends into the movable parts 151 for transferring laboratory equipment to and from the movable parts 151. The transfer of laboratory equipment 170 removed from the movable part 151 on the transport path TP1 to the movable part 151 on the transport path TP2 (and vice versa) is accomplished by vertical travel of the elevator 566. As can be appreciated, in the case where the actuator 512 is configured to transport the movable part 151 (as described herein with reference to Figure 5B As described above, the movable part 151 can be transferred between the conveying paths TP1, TP2 by the elevator 566.

[0050] It should be noted that the modular labware transport system 150 (and its labware batch overhead transport system module 150M) can include any suitable combination of switches 500S types described herein (or any other suitable type of switches). These types of switches can be used with a substantially continuous labware support 330 having any suitable drive / actuator (such as those described herein) for driving the movable portion 151 along the respective transport paths TP1, TP2, wherein in some aspects, the drive of the substantially continuous labware support 330 can be changed from one drive type to another drive type that matches the drive type of the switch 500S; while in other aspects, the switch 500S and the substantially continuous labware support 330 are configured to hand over the movable portion 151 from the drive of the substantially continuous labware support 330 to the drive of the switch 500S, and vice versa.

[0051] As described above, each labware batch transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is configured to maintain uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout the respective labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. Figure 6-9 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD configurations for achieving uninterrupted transfer of laboratory equipment 170 are shown in FIG. For exemplary purposes only, the laboratory equipment batch transfer system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD may be configured as a loop (see, e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6-8 ), tree (see Fig. 9) or any other suitable shape that facilitates uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout the respective labware batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.

[0052] See also Figure 6 , a labware batch transfer system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware batch transfer system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD) includes a substantially continuous labware support 330 that forms a loop with processing units 111-116 (or processing units 121-126, 131-136) disposed adjacent the substantially continuous labware support 330. In this regard, the substantially continuous labware support 330 includes labware interfaces or spurs 600-605 that extend from the substantially continuous labware support 330 at each interface location between the substantially continuous labware support 330 and a processing unit 111-116. Each end of each lab tool interface 600-605 includes a switch 600S (which is substantially similar to the switch 500S described herein) that enables the transfer of the movable portion 151 between the (primary) transport path 166 of the substantially continuous lab tool support 330 and the transport path 600TP of the corresponding lab tool interface 600-605. The lab tool interface 600-605 provides a stop for the movable portion 151 for docking (as described herein) of the lab tool carried / supported by the movable portion 151 with the processing unit 111-116 while maintaining uninterrupted transport of the lab tool 170 along the (primary) transport path 166.

[0053] exist Figure 7, a labware batch transport system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware batch transport system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD) includes a substantially continuous labware support 330 forming a loop having processing units 111-116 (or processing units 121-126, 131-136) disposed below the substantially continuous labware support 330. Here, the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be configured with a magnetic actuator (such as magnetic actuator 599) that provides movement of each movable portion 151 independently of each other movable portion 151 traveling along the transport path 166 of the substantially continuous labware support 330. The controller 199 can control the speed of each movable part 151 and the spacing P between adjacent movable parts 151 so that at least one movable part (see movable part 151STP) can be stopped along the conveying path 166 to dock the laboratory equipment 170 with the processing units 111-116 (such as processing unit 116) while maintaining uninterrupted conveyance of the laboratory equipment 170 carried by other movable parts along the (main) conveying path 166.

[0054] exist Figure 8 , a labware batch transport system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware batch transport system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD) includes a plurality of substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, 330C that are arranged substantially adjacent to one another such that each substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, 330C forms a respective loop having a processing unit 111-116 (or processing units 121-126, 131-136) disposed beneath the substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, 330C. Each of the substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, 330C has a respective transport path 166A, 166B, 166C along which the movable portion 151 travels. In one aspect, each of the substantially continuous laboratory equipment supports 330A, 330B, 330C can be substantially similar to those described above with reference to Figure 71 and 1 , wherein the speed and spacing between the movable portions are controlled by the controller 199 to achieve the docking of the laboratory equipment with the processing units 111-113 (three processing units are shown here for exemplary purposes, and there may be more or less than three in other aspects) in the manner described above. In other aspects, the shunts 801, 802 are provided between the substantially continuous laboratory equipment supports 330A, 330B, 330C to achieve the switching of the movable portion 151 from one substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330A, 330B, 330C to other different substantially continuous laboratory equipment supports 330A, 330B, 330C. Here, the ends of the shunts 801, 802 include switches 800S, which are substantially similar to the switches described herein. Switching the movable sections 151 between the substantially continuous laboratory tool supports 330A, 330B, 330C allows at least one movable section 151 to stop on one of the substantially continuous laboratory tool supports 330A, 330B, 330C for docking of the laboratory tool 170 carried by the movable section with the processing units 111-113, while other movable sections 151 are transversely moved to other different substantially continuous laboratory tool supports 330A, 330B, 330C to maintain uninterrupted transport of the laboratory tool 170 carried by other movable sections along the transport paths 166A, 166B, 166C of the other different substantially continuous laboratory tool supports 330A, 330B, 330C.

[0055] exist Figure 8 , a laboratory tool batch transfer system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of the laboratory tool batch transfer system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD) includes a substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 that forms a central hub 330H having an interface extension 330E extending from the central hub 330H. The interface extension 330 is shown as extending radially from the central hub 330H, but in other aspects, the interface extension 330E may extend from the central hub 330H in any suitable arrangement relative to the central hub 330H. Processing units 111-118 (which are similar to those described herein) are disposed adjacent to respective interface extensions 330E. The movable portion 151 is switched between traveling along a transfer path defined by the central hub 330H and traveling along a transfer path defined by respective interface extensions 330E by a switch 900S that is substantially similar to those described herein. Here, the movable parts 151 can travel along the transport path of the central hub 330H to maintain uninterrupted transport of the laboratory equipment 170, while at least one movable part 151 is converted to travel along the interface extension 330E for docking the laboratory equipment 170 carried by the movable part 151 with the processing units 111-118.

[0056] See again Figure 1-4 , aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a labware 170 handling arrangement in which a modular labware transport system 150 serves (multiple) integrated labware handling machines 210-213 and / or (multiple) stand-alone instruments 200-204 of one or more laboratories 110, 120, 130 of a laboratory facility 100. Here, the modular labware transport system 150 includes at least one inter-laboratory transport section 150INT and at least one intra-laboratory transport section 150INF. As described herein, the intra-laboratory transport section(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT provide uninterrupted transport of labware 170.

[0057] The inter-laboratory transport section 150INT communicatively couples one laboratory 110, 120, 130 to other different laboratories 110, 120, 130 so that laboratory equipment 170 is transferred between different laboratories 110, 120, 130. The substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330 of the inter-laboratory transport section 150INT can be modular so that the length of the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330 can be expanded to add additional laboratories or reduced to remove laboratories from the laboratory facility 100. The inter-laboratory transport section 150INT can also be coupled to other different inter-laboratory transport sections 150INT (such as through switches substantially similar to those described herein) to also expand the number of laboratories and the processing capacity of the laboratory facility 100. It should be noted that the arrangement of the laboratories 110, 120, 130 relative to the inter-laboratory transport section 150INT is merely exemplary, and in other aspects, the inter-laboratory transport section 150INT can have any suitable shape and have any suitable number of laboratories coupled thereto.

[0058] The intra-laboratory transport section 150INF communicatively couples the integrated labware handling machine(s) 210-213 and / or the stand-alone instrument(s) 200-204 of the respective laboratories 110, 120, 130 to one another so that the labware 170 is transferred between the integrated labware handling machine(s) 210-213 and / or the stand-alone instrument(s) 200-204 of the respective laboratories 110, 120, 130. The substantially continuous labware support 330 of the intra-laboratory transport section 150INF may be modular so that the length of the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be expanded to add additional integrated labware handling machine(s) 210-213 and / or the stand-alone instrument(s) 200-204, or reduced to remove the integrated labware handling machine(s) 210-213 and / or the stand-alone instrument(s) 200-204 from the laboratory facility 100. It should be noted that the arrangement of the (multiple) integrated laboratory equipment handling machines 210-213 and / or the (multiple) independent instruments 200-204 relative to the intra-laboratory transport portion 150INF is merely exemplary and that in other aspects, the intra-laboratory transport portion 150INF may have any suitable shape and have any suitable number of integrated laboratory equipment handling machines and / or independent instruments connected thereto.

[0059] As described herein, the respective substantially continuous laboratory equipment supports 330 of the intra-laboratory transport section(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT provide access to all of the integrated laboratory equipment handling machines 210-213 and / or stand-alone instruments 200-204 of the laboratory facility 100 and the laboratory equipment 170 disposed in (e.g., the inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT (see Figure 1 )) below or in juxtaposition to any storage 180 or buffer location. Both the intra-laboratory transport section(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT are formed in a selectively installable portion MIP that can be selectively installed along the modular laboratory equipment transport system 150 ( Figure 1 100 ). Only some of the portions are identified, but it should be noted that the straight portions of the substantially continuous labware support 330 can be provided in modular lengths, the curved portions of the substantially continuous labware support 330 can be provided in modular lengths, the switches 500S can be provided as modules, the spurs 601 can be provided as modules, the movable portions 151 can be provided as modules, etc.). In aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the modular sections of the intra-laboratory transport portion(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport portion(s) 150INT can be modular for ease of installation and / or ease of expansion / contraction of the processing capacity of the laboratory facility 100 as described herein.

[0060] In aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the modular sections of the intra-laboratory transport section(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT may also provide for easy increased throughput at substantially parallel paths of travel that may be provided to one or more of the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204 to increase throughput of labware into and out of one or more of the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 or stand-alone instruments 200-204. For example, the throughput rate of labware 170 provided by the inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT may be comparable to the throughput rate of the laboratories 110, 120, 130, and / or the throughput rate of labware provided by the intra-laboratory transport section(s) 150INF may be comparable to the throughput rate of any given one or more of the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 and / or the stand-alone instruments 200-204 of the respective laboratories 110, 120, 130.

[0061] Additionally, switches 500S may be added between modular sections of substantially continuous labware support 330 to create shunts 181 ( ) between the sides of intra-laboratory transport section(s) 150INF and inter-laboratory transport section(s) 150INT. Figure 1 ) to shorten the distance traveled by the movable part 151 or avoid obstacles.

[0062] See also Figure 1-3, as a simple example, a multiwell plate 179 is prepared on, for example, a compound management system 300 (e.g., corresponding to a processing unit 111 of a laboratory 110). A robot 301 of the compound management system 300 places the multiwell plate 179 substantially directly into a nest or movable portion 151 of a laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M. The movable portion 151 travels along the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M to transport the multiwell plate 179 to, for example, a screening system (e.g., corresponding to other processing units 112-116 of the laboratory 110 or processing units 121-126, 131-136 of the laboratories 120, 130), where the robot of the screening system removes the multiwell plate 179 from the movable portion 151 for processing at the screening system. Once screening is complete, the screening system robot places the multiwell plate 179 to the same or different movable portion 151, causing the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system module 150M to transfer the screened multiwell plate 179 to the benchtop reader, where the benchtop reader's robot essentially picks up the multiwell plate directly from the movable portion 151 for processing at the reader. As the reading of the multiwell plate 179 is completed, the benchtop reader's robot places the multiwell plate 179 to the same or different movable portion 151 for transfer to other locations in the laboratory, such as a storage 180 or any other suitable location in the laboratory.

[0063] See also Figure 1-4 and Fig.10 , an exemplary method of selectively constructing a modular laboratory tool transport system 150 will be described according to aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In the method, a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166 ( Fig.10 , block 1000), which connects at least one integrated labware handling machine / appliance 210-213 or stand-alone / benchtop instrument 200-204 to at least other different integrated labware handling machines / appliance 210-213 or stand-alone / benchtop instruments 200-204 separated by a distance along the labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. Provide at least one movable portion 151 ( Fig.10, box 1010), wherein the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD has a substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 extending longitudinally along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD, wherein the movable portion 151 of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support 330 is configured to support a laboratory tool 170 thereon and is longitudinally movable to define the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD of the laboratory tool 170 supported on the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. As described herein, the substantially continuous labware support 330 has more than one predetermined labware receiving station 311-313 configured to receive labware pieces of the labware 170 supported on the substantially continuous labware support 330 (as described herein). Also as described herein, each of the predetermined labware receiving stations 311-313 has a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support 330 and the labware batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. The labware batch overhead transport system module 150M is communicatively coupled to the other labware batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD ( Fig.10 , block 1020). The other labware batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD form other distinct labware batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD that are different / separate and distinct from the labware batch overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD of the labware batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. When the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is connected to and disconnected from other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, uninterrupted transport of laboratory tools 170 in the entire laboratory tool batch overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD is achieved ( Fig.10 , box 1030).

[0064] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system includes:

[0065] a labware batch overhead transport system module that forms a labware batch overhead transport path to connect at least one integrated labware processing machine / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instrument to at least other different integrated labware processing machines / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a distance along the labware batch overhead transport path;

[0066] wherein the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous laboratory tool support extending longitudinally along a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path, wherein at least a movable portion of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support is configured to support laboratory tools thereon and is longitudinally movable to define a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path for laboratory tools supported on the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module;

[0067] wherein the substantially continuous laboratory tool support has more than one predetermined laboratory tool receiving station configured to hold laboratory tool pieces in a laboratory tool supported on the substantially continuous laboratory tool support, each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous laboratory tool support and the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path; and

[0068] The laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system module is arranged so as to be communicatively connected to other laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system modules of the modular laboratory tool conveying system, which module forms other different laboratory tool batch overhead conveying paths that are separate and distinct from the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying paths of the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system module, and realizes uninterrupted conveyance of laboratory tools in the entire laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path when the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system module is connected to and disconnected from other laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system modules.

[0069] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the connection of a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules defines a laboratory tool transfer junction to enable the transfer of laboratory tools between the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules.

[0070] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the coupling defines a switch for switching from a labware batch overhead transfer path to a different labware batch overhead transfer path.

[0071] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules are other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules on a common layer with the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules, or are elevators or lifting conveyor modules arranged to connect laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules on one layer to other different layers above or below one layer.

[0072] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, other different laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules include other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules connected to the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system module at a location on a common floor, and include at least one elevator or lifting conveyor module connected to at least one of the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules or the other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules.

[0073] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support includes at least a movable portion such that the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station and the predetermined position are movable along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

[0074] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system further includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and is configured to position each laboratory tool holding station that moves along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path relative to at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool, and to command a robotic arm associated with at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​to enable loading and unloading of laboratory tools onto and from a substantially continuous laboratory tool support at a predetermined laboratory tool holding station, wherein the predetermined laboratory tool holding station is positioned within the range of motion of the robotic arm.

[0075] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a controller is configured to register an identity of a laboratory tool loaded or unloaded by a robotic arm to or from a predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

[0076] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a predetermined laboratory tool receiving station is positioned adjacent to at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​when loading and unloading laboratory tools from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

[0077] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a controller is configured to swap a lab tool from a lab tool having a first identity in a registry to a different lab tool having a second, different identity in the registry at a predetermined lab tool receiving station.

[0078] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a controller is configured to move laboratory tools loaded in predetermined laboratory tool holding stations along a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path from at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines / tools or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

[0079] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a controller is configured to move laboratory tools loaded in predetermined laboratory tool holding stations along a laboratory tool batch overhead conveyor path from at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines / tools or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead conveyor path and at different levels of the facility.

[0080] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method for selectively configuring a modular laboratory equipment transport system is provided. The method comprises:

[0081] forming a labware batch overhead transport path using labware batch overhead transport system modules that connects at least one integrated labware processing machine / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instrument to at least other different integrated labware processing machines / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a distance along the labware batch overhead transport path; and

[0082] At least one movable portion is provided for a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module, wherein the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous laboratory tool support extending longitudinally along a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path, wherein the movable portion of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support is configured to support laboratory tools thereon and is longitudinally movable to define a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path for the laboratory tools supported on the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module, wherein

[0083] the substantially continuous labware support having more than one predetermined labware receiving station configured to hold labware pieces of labware supported on the substantially continuous labware support, each of the predetermined labware receiving stations having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support and the labware batch overhead transport path;

[0084] communicatively coupling the labware batch overhead transport system module to other labware batch overhead transport system modules of the modular labware transport system, the modules forming other distinct labware batch overhead transport paths separate and distinct from the labware batch overhead transport paths of the labware batch overhead transport system modules; and

[0085] With the labware batch overhead transport system modules coupled to and disconnected from other labware batch overhead transport system modules, uninterrupted transport of labware in the entire labware batch overhead transport path is achieved.

[0086] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the connection of a laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules defines a laboratory tool transfer junction to enable the transfer of laboratory tools between the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules.

[0087] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the coupling defines a switch for switching from a labware batch overhead transfer path to a different labware batch overhead transfer path.

[0088] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules are other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules on a common layer with the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules, or are elevators or lifting conveyor modules arranged to connect laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules on one layer to other different layers above or below one layer.

[0089] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, other different laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules include other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules connected to the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system module at a location on a common floor, and include at least one elevator or lifting conveyor module connected to at least one of the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules or the other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules.

[0090] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support includes at least a movable portion such that the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station and the predetermined position are movable along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

[0091] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further comprises:

[0092] providing a controller communicatively coupled to the laboratory ware batch overhead transport system module;

[0093] positioning, with a controller, each laboratory tool receiving station that moves along a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path relative to at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool; and

[0094] A robotic arm associated with at least one integrated labware handling machine / appliance is commanded with a controller to effect loading and unloading of labware onto and from a substantially continuous array of labware supports at predetermined labware receiving stations positioned within a range of motion of the robotic arm.

[0095] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes registering, with the controller, an identity of the laboratory tool loaded or unloaded by the robotic arm to or from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

[0096] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a predetermined laboratory tool receiving station is positioned adjacent to at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​when loading and unloading laboratory tools from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

[0097] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes enabling, using the controller, swapping the lab tool from a lab tool having a first identity in the registry to a different lab tool having a second, different identity in the registry at a predetermined lab tool receiving station.

[0098] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes using a controller to move laboratory tools loaded in a predetermined laboratory tool receiving station along a laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path from at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines / tools or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path.

[0099] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes using a controller to move laboratory tools loaded in a predetermined laboratory tool holding station along a laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path from at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machines / tools or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path and at different levels of the facility.

[0100] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an illustration of aspects of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure are intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of any claim attached hereto. In addition, the fact that different features are recorded only in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not mean that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used, and such combinations are still within the scope of aspects of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system comprising: a labware batch overhead transport system module forming a labware batch overhead transport path to connect at least one integrated labware processing machine / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instrument to at least other different integrated labware processing machines / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a distance along the labware batch overhead transport path; wherein the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous laboratory tool support extending longitudinally along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path, wherein at least a movable portion of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support is configured to support laboratory tools thereon and is longitudinally movable to define a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path for the laboratory tools supported on the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module; wherein the substantially continuous laboratory tool support has more than one predetermined laboratory tool receiving station configured to receive a laboratory tool piece of a laboratory tool supported on the substantially continuous laboratory tool support, each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous laboratory tool support and the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path; and A lifting module is communicatively coupled to the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and is arranged to couple the laboratory tool batch transport system module at one level to other different levels above or below the one level.

2. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 1, wherein: The lifting module is fixed or installed on the laboratory tool batch conveying system.

3. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 1, wherein: The lift module is movably mounted to the labware batch transport system for positioning and repositioning at different locations of the labware batch transport system.

4. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 1, wherein: The lift module is an autonomously guided vehicle configured to opportunistically transfer the labware between a movable portion and at least one of an integrated labware handling machine / apparatus or a stand-alone / benchtop instrument.

5. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 1, wherein: The lifting module is arranged to transfer labware from a movable part at the one level to at least one integrated labware handling machine / appliance or standalone / benchtop instrument at a different other level above or below the one level.

6. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 1, wherein: The laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system module is arranged so as to be communicatively connected to other laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system modules of the modular laboratory tool conveying system, and the modules form other different laboratory tool batch overhead conveying paths that are separate and distinct from the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying paths of the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system modules, and when the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system module is connected to and disconnected from the other laboratory tool batch overhead conveying system modules, the laboratory tools are uninterruptedly conveyed in the entire laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path.

7. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 6, wherein: The connection between the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules defines a laboratory tool transfer junction to achieve the transfer of the laboratory tool between the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules.

8. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 7, wherein: The coupling defines a switch for switching from the labware batch overhead transport path to the other different labware batch overhead transport path.

9. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 6, wherein: The other laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules are other laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules on a common layer with the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules, or are elevators or lifting conveyor modules arranged to connect the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules on one layer to other different layers above or below the one layer.

10. The selectively configurable modular labware transport system of claim 6, wherein: The other different laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules include other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules connected to the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system module at a location on a common floor, and include at least one elevator or lifting conveyor module connected to the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system module or at least one of the other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules.

11. The selectively configurable modular labware transport system of claim 1 , wherein: Each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support includes the at least movable portion such that the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station and the predetermined position are movable along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

12. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 1 further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and configured to position each laboratory tool receiving station that moves along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path relative to the at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​and to command a robotic arm associated with the at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​to effectuate loading and unloading of the laboratory tools onto and from the substantially continuous laboratory tool support of a predetermined laboratory tool receiving station, wherein the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station is positioned within the range of motion of the robotic arm.

13. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 12, wherein: The controller is configured to register the identity of the laboratory tool loaded or unloaded by the robotic arm to or from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

14. The selectively configurable modular labware transport system of claim 12, wherein: The predetermined laboratory tool receiving station is positioned adjacent to the at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​when loading and unloading the laboratory tool from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

15. The selectively configurable modular labware transport system of claim 12, wherein: The controller is configured to swap a laboratory tool at the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station from a laboratory tool having a first identity in a registration table to a different laboratory tool having a second, different identity in the registration table.

16. The selectively configurable modular labware transport system of claim 12, wherein: The controller is configured to move the laboratory tools loaded in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path from the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to the at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​or stand-alone / benchtop instrument separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

17. The selectively configurable modular labware transport system of claim 12, wherein: The controller is configured to move the laboratory tools loaded in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station along the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path from the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to the at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​or stand-alone / benchtop instrument separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead conveying path and at a different level of the facility.

18. A method of selectively configuring a modular laboratory tool transport system, the method comprising: forming a labware batch overhead transport path utilizing labware batch overhead transport system modules that connects at least one integrated labware processing machine / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instrument to at least other different integrated labware processing machines / appliance or stand-alone / benchtop instruments separated by a distance along the labware batch overhead transport path; as well as providing at least one movable portion for the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module, wherein the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous laboratory tool support extending longitudinally along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path, wherein the movable portion of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support is configured to support laboratory tools thereon and is longitudinally movable to define a laboratory tool batch overhead transport path for the laboratory tools supported on the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module, wherein the substantially continuous labware support having more than one predetermined labware receiving station configured to receive labware pieces of labware supported on the substantially continuous labware support, each of the predetermined labware receiving stations having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support and the labware batch overhead transport path; as well as The lift modules are communicatively coupled to the labware batch overhead transport system modules and are arranged to couple the labware batch transport system modules at one level to other different levels above or below the one level.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The lifting module is fixed or installed on the laboratory tool batch conveying system.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising movably mounting the lift module to the labware batch transport system to position and reposition the lift module at different locations of the labware batch transport system.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The lift module is an autonomously guided vehicle for timely transfer of the labware between a movable portion and at least one of an integrated labware handling machine / apparatus or a stand-alone / benchtop instrument.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The lifting module is arranged for transferring labware from a movable part at the one level to at least one integrated labware handling machine / appliance or a standalone / benchtop instrument at a different level above or below the one level.

23. The selectively configurable modular laboratory tool transport system of claim 18, further comprising: communicatively coupling the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module to other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules of the modular laboratory tool transport system, the modules forming other distinct laboratory tool batch overhead transport paths separate and distinct from the laboratory tool batch overhead transport paths of the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules; as well as With the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module coupled to and disconnected from the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules, uninterrupted transport of the laboratory tool throughout the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path is achieved.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The connection between the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules defines a laboratory tool transfer junction to achieve the transfer of the laboratory tool between the laboratory tool batch overhead transport system module and the other laboratory tool batch overhead transport system modules.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The coupling defines a switch for switching from the labware batch overhead transport path to the other different labware batch overhead transport path.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein: The other laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules are other laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules on a common layer with the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules, or are elevators or lifting conveyor modules arranged to connect the laboratory equipment batch overhead transport system modules on one layer to other different layers above or below the one layer.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The other different laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules include other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules connected to the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system module at a location on a common floor, and include at least one elevator or lifting conveyor module connected to the laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system module or at least one of the other laboratory tool batch overhead transfer system modules.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein: Each of the predetermined laboratory tool receiving stations of the substantially continuous laboratory tool support includes the at least movable portion such that the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station and the predetermined position are movable along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing a controller communicatively coupled to the laboratory ware batch overhead transport system module; positioning, with the controller, each laboratory tool receiving station that moves along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path relative to the at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool; as well as The controller is used to command a robotic arm associated with the at least one integrated labware handling machine / apparatus to effectuate loading and unloading of the labware onto and from the substantially continuous labware support at a predetermined labware receiving station, wherein the predetermined labware receiving station is positioned within a range of motion of the robotic arm.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: The method further includes registering, with the controller, an identity of the laboratory equipment loaded or unloaded by the robotic arm to or from the predetermined laboratory equipment receiving station.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein: The predetermined laboratory tool receiving station is positioned adjacent to the at least one integrated laboratory tool handling machine / tool ​​when loading and unloading the laboratory tool from the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein: The method further includes enabling, with the controller, swapping of a laboratory tool at the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station from a laboratory tool having a first identity in a registry to a different laboratory tool having a second, different identity in the registry.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein: The method further includes moving, using the controller, the laboratory tools loaded in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path from the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to the at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​or stand-alone / benchtop instrument separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein: The method further includes moving, using the controller, the laboratory tools loaded in the predetermined laboratory tool receiving station along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path from the at least one integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​to the at least other different integrated laboratory tool processing machine / tool ​​or stand-alone / benchtop instrument separated by a certain distance along the laboratory tool batch overhead transport path and at a different level of the facility.

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