Laboratory centrifuge, centrifuge tubes for a laboratory centrifuge and method for operating a centrifuge container

Abstract

The invention relates to a centrifuge container (4) used in a laboratory centrifuge (1). According to the invention, the centrifuge container (4) has an RFID device (11). The RFID device (11) can communicate with the laboratory centrifuge (1). This communication can include, for example, the number of operating cycles the centrifuge container (4) has undergone, the centrifugation duration, the angular velocity of the rotation of the centrifuge container (4), the acceleration of the centrifuge container (4), the oscillation angle of the centrifuge container (4), and / or the temperature inside the centrifuge container (4). It is also possible that the centrifuge container (4) has a storage unit in which the centrifugation cycles undergone by the centrifuge container (4) are stored.In this way, the cycle status of the centrifuge container (4) can be recorded regardless of which laboratory centrifuge (1) is used to operate the centrifuge container (4).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a centrifuge container. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a laboratory centrifuge.

[0002] Laboratory centrifuges of the type described here are used, for example, in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical technology, and environmental analysis. Using such a laboratory centrifuge, a product, in particular a container or vessel with a sample or substance inside, or a multitude of such products, is centrifuged at speeds exceeding 3,000 rpm, for example, more than 15,000 rpm. The centrifugation is intended to generate accelerations acting on the product that can exceed, for example, 15,000 xg (in particular, more than 16,000 xg, more than 20,000 xg, and even more than 60,000 xg). The centrifugation is designed to separate a mixture of substances formed by the sample or substance into components of different densities.Depending on the chemical and / or physical properties of the mixture, pressure and / or temperature can be precisely controlled during centrifugation. To name just a few examples, a laboratory centrifuge can be used in conjunction with polymerase chain reactions (PCR), hematocrit determination, cytological examinations, or the centrifugation of microtiters, blood bags, petroleum containers, or blood vessels, etc.

[0003] In laboratory centrifuges of the type presented here, different rotor types, in particular swing-out rotors, angle rotors or drum rotors, can be used, wherein preferably in a laboratory centrifuge according to the invention a swing-out rotor is used, on which centrifuge holders are arranged evenly distributed around the circumference and are pivotably mounted about a pivot axis oriented in the circumferential direction. Such swing-out rotors can be used, for example, for sedimentation in small gravitational fields up to approximately 6,000 xg or even up to approximately 8,600 xg, which may be the case, for example, in medicine or research. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] DE 10 2013 220 416 A1 relates to a centrifuge with a swing-out rotor and suspended centrifuge cups. In this centrifuge, the liquid being centrifuged is temperature-controlled using electromagnetic waves. A temperature sensor wetted by the liquid measures its temperature. This measured temperature is then used to control the emitted electromagnetic waves, thus enabling precise temperature control of the liquid. However, it is also proposed that the temperature of a reference liquid be measured instead of that of the liquid being centrifuged. Temperature sensors based on NTC or PTC elements, or resistance temperature sensors, are used. The use of a passive RFID tag with a temperature indicator function is also possible.The RFID tag can then be positioned on the centrifuge beaker or a holder in such a way that the RFID tag's signal is not shielded. It is also proposed that a section of the centrifuge beaker have a recess containing a material transparent to electromagnetic radiation, such as a non-conductive material like glass, plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, quartz, polymers, or ceramic. An RFID receiver is positioned near the centrifuge and can transmit the temperature information directly to the microwave control or, if applicable, the centrifuge control unit, thus enabling regulation. Furthermore, other information, such as phase changes, pH values, the rotational state of a stacked centrifugation system, or general quality control data, can be read and monitored using electromagnetic wave technology.

[0005] EP 2 623 206 A1 also relates to a centrifuge with a swing-out rotor and attached centrifuge containers, used here for separating blood. A sensor is used to record the physical properties of the blood components being separated during centrifugation. The sensor is housed in a capsule with a glass shell in the shape of an ellipsoid or sphere. Four electrodes, forming the sensors, are located on the outside of the capsule and are connected by wires to a transponder within the capsule. The transponder communicates with an evaluation unit located outside the centrifuge housing. The electrical energy for operating the transponder and the electrodes is transferred from the evaluation unit to the transponder via an electromagnetic field. The capsule is placed loosely in the centrifuge container, directly into the blood.If sensors measure the electrical conductivity of the blood, the hematocrit value can be determined. The sensor signals can be transmitted from the transponder to the evaluation unit via antennas also located on the capsule. The evaluation unit then analyzes the transmitted signals. If a predefined threshold for the electrical conductivity of the blood is reached, the centrifugation is stopped. The reached threshold value can be stored in the evaluation unit. Alternatively, it is proposed that the transponder, the antenna, the data lines, and the power lines could be integrated into a wall of the centrifuge container.

[0006] EP 2 397 225 A2 proposes equipping a sample container with a label that is sensitive to the acceleration acting on the container and thus the sample. This label reacts by changing the state when the acceleration exceeds a threshold. In this case, a machine-readable one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, or an alphanumeric code, should be displayed. The label should then also allow for easy identification of whether a sample container with a sample inside has already undergone a centrifugation process. Additionally, the label should be able to display the magnitude of the acceleration or the approximate duration during which the acceleration remained above a threshold. The label can also include further sections in which additional environmental parameters, such as temperature, sample type, or patient-related data, can be displayed.It is also suggested that, in addition to the acceleration-dependent display on the label, a code that is not sensitive to acceleration should be displayed, or that an RFID tag should be present which displays sample-related or patient-related data. TASK OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of proposing a method for operating a centrifuge container or a laboratory centrifuge, which is particularly advantageous with regard to operational safety, monitoring of the rotor assembly, recording and transmission of measurement signals, monitoring of the number of operating cycles of a centrifuge container and / or ensuring operational reliability is improved. In particular, the present invention relates to the problem of proposing such a method for operating a centrifuge container in several centrifugation processes with improved monitoring capabilities for the number of cycles traversed by the centrifuge container. SOLUTION

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a method for operating a centrifuge container for a laboratory centrifuge, which includes an RFID device (or a device with an RFID device). RFID devices of the required quality can now be provided at reasonable prices. The RFID device enables wireless power supply and / or information exchange between the centrifuge container and adjacent components such as a rotor of the laboratory centrifuge or the laboratory centrifuge itself.

[0010] According to the invention, a storage unit is provided for storing at least one operating parameter. In this case, the storage unit stores the number of operating cycles that the centrifuge vessel has undergone.

[0011] According to the invention, the process is carried out in several centrifugation processes in at least two laboratory centrifuges, with the following process steps: a) Inserting the centrifuge container into a first laboratory centrifuge, b) Generating a pulse for a cycle counter, c) Increasing the cycle counter value stored in a storage unit of the centrifuge container as a result of the generated pulse, d) Storing the increased cycle counter value on the storage unit of the centrifuge container, e) Inserting the centrifuge container into a second laboratory centrifuge, f) Generating a pulse for a cycle counter, g) Increasing the cycle counter value stored in the storage unit of the centrifuge container as a result of the generated pulse, h) Storing the increased cycle counter value on the storage unit of the centrifuge container.

[0012] The solution according to the invention represents a method for operating a centrifuge container, in which a storage unit is provided for storing at least one operating parameter and a number of operating cycles which the centrifuge container has undergone is stored by the storage unit.

[0013] In this method, the same centrifuge container is used in several centrifugation processes, whereby the centrifuge container is not always operated in the same laboratory centrifuge, but in at least two laboratory centrifuges of the same type or even different types. The invention is based on the finding that when the centrifuge container is operated alternately in different laboratory centrifuges, it is not possible for the laboratory centrifuge itself to count the cycles of the centrifugation processes to which the centrifuge container has been subjected. According to the invention, it is proposed that the centrifuge container is first placed in a first laboratory centrifuge. Before, during, or after the completion of a centrifugation process, a pulse is then generated for a cycle counter.This impulse can be generated, for example, by evaluating the acceleration of the centrifuge container, by opening or closing the lid of the laboratory centrifuge, or by the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge during the centrifugation process. The impulse is then transmitted to the centrifuge container, using the aforementioned communication methods and pathways. A cycle counter is stored in the centrifuge container's memory unit, representing how many cycles the centrifuge container has already completed. Therefore, the cycle counter is reset to zero when the centrifuge container is used for the first time. As a result of the impulse, the cycle counter is incremented by one. This incremented cycle counter is then stored in the centrifuge container's memory unit.It is possible that further centrifugation processes can then be carried out using the same laboratory centrifuge and centrifuge container, each time increasing the cycle counter by one. If the centrifuge container is then placed in a second laboratory centrifuge, a pulse for a cycle counter is generated by the second centrifuge (as explained above) before, during, or after the centrifugation process with the centrifuge container in the second laboratory centrifuge. This pulse then leads to an increase in the cycle counter value stored in the centrifuge container's memory unit. The increased cycle counter value is then saved to the centrifuge container's memory unit.Further centrifugation processes can then be carried out with the second laboratory centrifuge and / or further centrifugation processes can be carried out again with the first laboratory centrifuge or a third laboratory centrifuge (etc.), with the cycle counter value increasing in each case. According to the invention, the cycle counter value stored on the storage unit of the centrifuge container thus accurately reflects the number of centrifugation cycles completed by the centrifuge container, regardless of which laboratory centrifuge the centrifuge container was used in.

[0014] The cycle counter value stored in the memory unit can be used, for example, as follows: When the centrifuge container is inserted into a laboratory centrifuge, the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge can read the cycle counter value. If the cycle counter value is higher than a threshold, a centrifugation process can be blocked to prevent excessive wear on the centrifuge container. Alternatively or additionally, a visual or audible indication can be generated at the laboratory centrifuge to signal to the user that the centrifuge container has completed a maximum number of cycles. In this case, the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge can compare the cycle counter value with predetermined threshold values ​​available on the laboratory centrifuge.It is also possible that the maximum number of cycles is stored in the RFID device of the centrifuge container, is read by the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge, and that the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge compares the current cycle counter reading with the read specific threshold of the maximum number of cycles.

[0015] There are many possibilities for information that can be exchanged within the scope of the invention, of which only a few examples are mentioned below, without limiting the invention to these examples: 1. The information may consist of an identifier for the centrifuge container, which is stored in a memory unit of the RFID device. The identifier of the RFID device, and thus of the associated centrifuge container, can be specific to the respective centrifuge container or specific to a type of centrifuge container. When a centrifuge container with a rotor is inserted into the laboratory centrifuge, the RFID device can be activated and the identifier of the centrifuge container read, so that it is known whether a centrifuge container, and if so, which specific centrifuge container or which type of centrifuge container, is used in the rotor and the laboratory centrifuge. 2. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that…that the information concerns operating data of the centrifuge container (and thus of the products arranged in the centrifuge container). a) Operating data can, for example, include information stored in the RFID device relating to the at least one product or the centrifuge container, such as a manufacturing date of the sample or the centrifuge container, a date of the product's arrangement in the centrifuge container, a specification of the sample or the centrifuge container, a maximum permissible temperature of the sample or the centrifuge container, a compensation dependency such as a compensation curve that describes the dependence of the temperature of the sample or the centrifuge container on a measured temperature in an interior space of the centrifugation chamber, etc. b) To name just a few further non-restrictive examples of operating data,The RFID module of the centrifuge container can contain information about the desired centrifugation process, such as centrifugation duration, rotational speed profile or maximum rotational speed, maximum angular acceleration, or maximum centrifugal acceleration acting on the sample, etc. This information is then read by the laboratory centrifuge and processed by its process control system, which then uses it to control or regulate the centrifugation process. Alternatively, the aforementioned operating data can be acquired and documented via sensors during the centrifugation process.This allows the data to be read out by the laboratory centrifuge during centrifugation for monitoring and / or documentation of the centrifugation process, or to be read out at a later time for documentation and / or further analysis outside the laboratory centrifuge. It is also possible that the operating data consists of measurement signals from a sensor in the centrifuge container, which are recorded before, during, or after centrifugation and can then be exchanged (with or without storage). To name just a few non-limiting examples, these could be measurement signals from an acceleration sensor for angular acceleration or the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifuge container, a rotational speed sensor of the centrifuge container, an angular velocity sensor of the centrifuge container, or an inclination sensor for detecting the inclination of the centrifuge container when used in a swing-out rotor.a temperature sensor of the centrifuge vessel, which preferably measures the temperature inside the centrifuge vessel and / or the temperature outside the centrifuge vessel and thus in the centrifugation chamber, a sensor for recording the duration and / or extent of the centrifugation of the centrifuge vessel, and / or a sensor that measures the composition of the gas in the centrifuge vessel or outside of it, in particular in the centrifugation chamber, for example to monitor that inert conditions exist, in particular in the form of pure oxygen or nitrogen surrounding the samples. 3. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible that the information includes process information (in particular, an identification of a predetermined centrifugation profile used, a centrifugation speed and / or duration, a speed profile, a generated centrifugal acceleration,The data collected includes the date and / or time of the centrifugation process, etc., which are transmitted from the laboratory centrifuge to the RFID device and stored in the centrifuge container for documentation purposes. To give just a few examples not limiting the invention, blood bags can be arranged in a centrifuge container. In this case, the process information can include the minimum, maximum, or average temperature to which the centrifuge container or the blood bag is exposed. Further process information can include average, maximum, minimum, or integrated acceleration.

[0016] Regarding the basic design, possible construction forms, components, and the excitation and communication of and with RFID devices that can be used within the scope of the invention, reference is generally made to the website www.wikipedia.de under the search term RFID and RFID devices, standard works and publications concerning these topics, in particular Klaus Finkenzeller: "RFID Handbook: Fundamentals and Practical Applications of Transponders, Contactless Chip Cards and NFC", Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, 7th edition, ISBN: 9783446439436.

[0017] Another embodiment of the invention addresses the tension inherent in using an RFID device in a centrifuge container for a laboratory centrifuge: a) On the one hand, for wireless excitation of the device to supply power to it, and on the other hand, for the (unidirectional or bidirectional) exchange of information between the device and adjacent components, in particular the rotor and / or the laboratory centrifuge, it is necessary that the device, and especially its antenna, is not shielded by the centrifuge vessel, the rotor, or other components, which would at least impede excitation and the exchange of information. b) Furthermore, investigations have shown that, as a result of the high rotational speeds used in laboratory centrifuges and the resulting centripetal accelerations, components of the device can be damaged.c) It is also possible that excitation and / or information exchange is only possible if the relative velocity between the centrifuge container and a transmitting and / or receiving unit of the laboratory centrifuge, through which the excitation occurs and / or information is sent and / or received, does not exceed a threshold value. This is described, for example, in the literature reference . "Testing technology for RFID in high-speed applications in transportation," Mathias Baum, Björn Niemann, Ludger Overmeyer, Institute for Transport and Automation Technology (ITA), University of Hanover, ISBN 1860-5923. Transmitting and / or receiving devices and associated RFID devices were used, which were only operational up to relative speeds of 11.5 m / s. For a rotation of the laboratory centrifuge rotor at a speed of 6,000 rpm, this means that the device, in particular its antenna, may have a maximum distance of 1.8 cm from the rotor's axis of rotation if the transmitting and / or receiving device is fixed to the housing and therefore does not rotate with the rotor. d) Given the high accelerations acting in the laboratory centrifuge, if the device detaches from the centrifuge barrel during operation, it can lead to considerable damage to the laboratory centrifuge and its components.

[0018] The invention addresses this tension in one embodiment by providing a coupling area for connecting the centrifuge container to a rotor, which defines the orientation of the centrifuge container relative to the rotor's axis of rotation. If the centrifuge container is used with a swing-out rotor, the orientation of the centrifuge container relative to the rotor can still change around the circumferentially oriented pivot axis. However, in this case, the coupling area determines which side of the centrifuge container is located on the side facing the rotor's axis of rotation and which side is located on the opposite side, adjacent to the wall of the laboratory centrifuge that defines the centrifugation chamber.In this configuration, the device (or a part thereof, such as a circuit board containing the electronic components excluding the antenna) is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container that faces the axis of rotation when the centrifuge container is coupled to the rotor. This results in the device (or part thereof) being located a short distance from the axis of rotation, thus minimizing the acceleration forces acting on the device or its components. This, in turn, extends the device's operating capacity to higher rotational speeds and / or prevents mechanical or electronic damage to the device.

[0019] In a further embodiment, an antenna of the device is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container that faces away from the axis of rotation when the centrifuge container is coupled to the rotor. Other components of the device are, in this case, arranged on the side of the centrifuge container facing the axis of rotation. Thus, components of the device are arranged on different sides of the centrifuge container and are preferably electrically coupled to one another.

[0020] This design ensures that the antenna of the device is not shielded by the centrifuge vessel from any transmitting and / or receiving device located in the area of ​​the laboratory centrifuge wall that defines the centrifugation chamber. It is accepted that, due to the relatively large distance from the axis of rotation, the antenna of the device is subjected to relatively high accelerations. However, other components of the device, which are then located on the side facing the axis of rotation, are subjected to lower accelerations, which can be advantageous, for example, for sensitive electrical or electronic components such as an electronic control unit, the RFID device, and / or a sensor.

[0021] In another embodiment of the centrifuge container according to the invention, a coupling area is also provided for coupling the centrifuge container to a rotor, which defines the orientation of the centrifuge container relative to an axis of rotation of the rotor. In this case, the antenna of the device (or even the entire device) is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container that, in the coupled state of the centrifuge container, faces the lid or the bottom of the laboratory centrifuge, preferably at a small distance from the axis of rotation. In this case, the antenna of the device can be excited and / or exchange information with a transmitting and / or receiving device whose antenna is arranged in the area of ​​the bottom or the lid of the laboratory centrifuge.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes an antenna through which it can be wirelessly powered by a power source located outside the centrifuge chamber. This power source can be a transmitter that provides excitation and rotates with the rotor, or it can be fixed to the housing of the laboratory centrifuge and is located, for example, in the area of ​​a wall bounding a centrifugation chamber or even inside the centrifugation chamber.

[0023] In a further aspect of the invention, the centrifuge vessel has at least one sensor for detecting an operating parameter. Here, the sensor can be separate from the RFID device or a circuit board forming the RFID device, but the sensor's measurement signal can be supplied to the circuit board or the RFID device via an electrical signal line. It is also possible for the sensor to be integrated into the RFID device or arranged on a circuit board forming or supporting the RFID device, or on another carrier device, which can also be flexible. The detected operating parameter can then be stored by the device or communicated as information to adjacent components. For example, the sensor's measurement signal can be used to... merely a single value, an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a value after a specified time period or a value at a specified process time of the centrifugation process, a change in the measurement signal, a trend of the measurement signal or a change thereof are stored by the RFID device and / or communicated to a transmitting and / or receiving device.

[0024] There are numerous possibilities for the operating parameters that the sensor detects. For example, a sensor can count the number of operating cycles the centrifuge barrel has undergone. This allows the system to document and verify the number of operating cycles the barrel has completed, enabling replacement of the centrifuge barrel once a predetermined number of cycles has been reached. The number of operating cycles can be determined by measuring signals during centrifugation, particularly acceleration profiles, reaching a maximum, or detecting deceleration and / or acceleration of the laboratory centrifuge, using a suitable sensor on the centrifuge barrel.It is also possible that a transceiver in the laboratory centrifuge sends a counting pulse to the RFID device when the centrifuge container with a rotor is inserted into the centrifuge, incrementing the current counter by 1. Alternatively, or cumulatively, the laboratory centrifuge can send a counting pulse to the RFID device when a lid is closed or when a centrifugation process is started and / or stopped, for example, when a rotor speed threshold is exceeded. For instance, it may be advantageous if no counting pulse is sent to and processed by the RFID device when a centrifuge container is simply inserted into and removed from the laboratory centrifuge without any centrifugation taking place.

[0025] It is also possible that the centrifuge container or the RFID device has a storage unit that allows for the storage of at least one operating parameter. Any operating parameter, cf. the aforementioned operating parameters, can be stored in the storage unit. To give just one example that does not limit the invention, a cycle counter reading can be stored in the storage unit, indicating how many centrifugation cycles the centrifuge container equipped with the storage unit has already completed. The cycles can be counted by the centrifuge container itself, for example, by using an acceleration sensor in the centrifuge container to detect when a threshold value is exceeded, thus incrementing the cycle counter reading.It is also possible for the laboratory centrifuge to trigger a pulse to change the stored cycle counter value of the centrifuge container, and for this pulse to be transmitted to the centrifuge container, where the cycle counter value stored in the memory unit can then be incremented by one. For example, the laboratory centrifuge could trigger a pulse by closing a lid or by initiating or completing a centrifugation process, such as exceeding a rotor speed threshold.

[0026] To give just one example that does not limit the invention, the embodiment according to the invention can contribute to addressing the following problem: For laboratory centrifuges known from the prior art, the number of centrifugation cycles is counted under the assumption that the same centrifuge containers are always used. If the number of counted centrifugation cycles exceeds a threshold, the user is notified that the centrifuge containers need to be replaced, or the laboratory centrifuge may even be shut down. Such monitoring of the number of centrifugation cycles a centrifuge container has undergone fails if different centrifuge containers are used for different centrifugation cycles in the laboratory centrifuge, or if a single centrifuge container is used in different laboratory centrifuges.Furthermore, with a known laboratory centrifuge of this type, it is not possible to automatically detect when a centrifuge container exchange has actually taken place (possibly due to a signal indicating the need for replacement). Instead, a reset of the laboratory centrifuge is required in this case, which resets the counter and allows the centrifuge to be operated again. According to the invention, the RFID device can count the number of centrifugation cycles for each centrifuge container itself, thus enabling the use of any centrifuge container with a laboratory centrifuge and allowing for specific display and monitoring of the number of centrifugation cycles for each individual container.It is also possible for the laboratory centrifuge to automatically detect whether the centrifuge containers arranged in the laboratory centrifuge have undergone a number of centrifugation processes that is less than a predetermined threshold that ensures operational safety.

[0027] Another example of an operating parameter recorded by a sensor in the centrifuge container could be the centrifugation duration, which allows for documentation of the process conditions of the products that have been centrifuged in the centrifuge container.

[0028] It is also possible that the sensor serves as an operating parameter. an angular velocity of the rotation of the centrifuge container around the axis of rotation and / or an acceleration of the centrifuge container (in particular a centripetal acceleration of the centrifuge container as a result of centrifugation) and / or an oscillation angle of the centrifuge container, which as an average value provides information about the rotational speed of the rotor and its transient changes, provides information about the homogeneous process conditions during centrifugation, a temperature of the centrifuge container and thus of the products arranged in the centrifuge container and / or current, minimum, maximum, average and / or integrated acceleration value or imbalance value recorded.

[0029] The device can be arranged at any point inside or outside the centrifuge container, or distributed across any location, and connected to a housing of the centrifuge container or its lid in any manner, in particular by flange mounting, screwing, gluing, a snap-fit ​​or locking device, or a positive-locking or snap-fit ​​connection. It is also possible, however, for the device, and in particular at least the antenna, to be arranged in a recess of a component of the centrifuge container, such as the housing. According to one embodiment of the invention, in this case the device in the recess can be covered by a radiolucent cover element, so that electromagnetic radiation can pass through the radiolucent cover element, both for excitation and for the exchange of information.For such a design, the device or its component is protected on the one hand inside the recess by the component of the centrifuge container, in particular its housing, and on the other hand by the radiation-permeable cover element, without any significant impairment of the excitation and / or exchange of information.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the centrifuge container comprises a transmitting and / or receiving device. Information from at least one sample container arranged within the centrifuge container can be received by means of this transmitting and / or receiving device. To give just one example that does not limit the invention, the sample containers arranged within the centrifuge container could be blood bags, which are also equipped with an RFID device.The information transmitted from the RFID tag of the blood bag to the RFID tag of the centrifuge container can, in this case, include information specifying the blood bag or the blood it contains (for example, a number or other identification of the bag, a name or identifier of the person from whom the blood was drawn, a date of blood collection, blood typing, particularly according to blood group, an expiration date, etc.). It is also possible that the information pertains to the centrifugation process that the blood bag, and thus the centrifuge container, is to undergo. This could include, for example, a maximum acceleration, a centrifugation duration, a rotational speed, a maximum temperature to which the blood in the blood bag may be exposed, a rotational speed profile, etc.The at least one piece of information transmitted from the RFID device of the sample container to the RFID device of the centrifuge container can then be transferred (with or without further processing) directly to a receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge or indirectly via a transmitting and / or receiving device of the rotor to the laboratory centrifuge. The laboratory centrifuge then uses this information for storage, for determining the operating parameters of the laboratory centrifuge so that the centrifugation process can be carried out according to the transmitted information, and / or for monitoring the centrifugation process.Alternatively or cumulatively, information can be transmitted directly or indirectly from the laboratory centrifuge via the rotor to the RFID module of the centrifuge container. This information is then transferred (with or without further processing) from the centrifuge container's RFID module to the sample container's RFID module, where it can be stored. This information could include, for example, data on the centrifugation process (e.g., the date of the centrifugation, centrifugation parameters such as speed profile, duration, etc., monitoring results indicating any errors or critical conditions, the temperatures prevailing in the centrifugation chamber or container during centrifugation, generated accelerations, etc.).Finally, it is also possible that information present in or generated by the RFID unit of the centrifuge container, as previously described, is transferred from the centrifuge container's RFID unit to the sample container's RFID unit and then stored there. In this case, the transmitting and / or receiving unit used for communication between the centrifuge container's RFID unit and the sample container's RFID unit can be used only for this communication. However, it is also possible that the transmitting and / or receiving unit through which the centrifuge container's RFID unit communicates with the rotor or the laboratory centrifuge can be used multifunctionally for this communication.

[0031] Another solution to the problem underlying the invention is a method for operating a laboratory centrifuge in which a centrifuge container is used, in which a storage unit is provided for storing at least one operating parameter and a number of operating cycles which the centrifuge container (4) has gone through is stored by the storage unit.

[0032] In particular, the laboratory centrifuge has a rotor with at least one centrifuge container held, in particular suspended, on the rotor. The laboratory centrifuge according to the invention has a transmitting and / or receiving device. The transmitting and / or receiving device ensures (unidirectional or bidirectional) communication with a device holding at least one centrifuge container on a rotor. This communication can consist, on the one hand, of stimulating the device to supply power and / or, on the other hand, of exchanging information.

[0033] In another configuration, the transmitting and / or receiving unit of the laboratory centrifuge communicates with a rotor. In this case, the rotor, in turn, communicates with a component of at least one centrifuge container attached to the rotor. Here, communication between the centrifuge container's component and the rotor is simplified, as only relative movements due to the centrifuge container's swivel angle relative to the rotor occur. Furthermore, the relative arrangement of the laboratory centrifuge's transmitting and receiving unit can be chosen to ensure good communication even for this information transmission path. For example, an antenna on the rotor can be positioned closer to the axis of rotation than would be possible for the centrifuge container.

[0034] Within the scope of the invention, the transmitting and receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge can be arranged in any region of the laboratory centrifuge. Preferably, the transmitting and / or receiving device is arranged directly on the wall of the laboratory centrifuge that defines a centrifugation chamber. It is also possible that this wall has a radiolucent cover element in the region of the transmitting and / or receiving device, which is arranged between the centrifugation chamber and the transmitting and / or receiving device. In this case, the transmitting and / or receiving device can be arranged in the region of a circumferential surface of the wall around the axis of rotation. It is also possible that the transmitting and / or receiving device is arranged in the region of the bottom of the centrifugation chamber or in the region of a lid of the laboratory centrifuge.The previously explained possible locations for the arrangement of the transmitting and / or receiving equipment can apply to the entire transmitting and / or receiving equipment or only to one transmitting and / or receiving antenna of the same.

[0035] Information from the laboratory centrifuge and / or the centrifuge container can be written to and / or read from an RFID device's memory during operation of the laboratory centrifuge, when the rotor is stationary, or during dedicated maintenance phases. Within the scope of the invention, it is possible that the laboratory centrifuge has a control unit. In this case, the control unit includes, for example, control logic that evaluates information from the transmitting and / or receiving device.

[0036] One way to evaluate a rotor is to determine the number of centrifuge containers it is equipped with. For example, if a rotor has four centrifuge container mounts evenly distributed around its circumference, equipping it with only three containers would create an imbalance. This imbalance could impair the operation of the laboratory centrifuge, potentially leading to damage to the centrifuge itself or even to the surrounding area. Therefore, analyzing the number of centrifuge containers on the rotor provides crucial information for the process and operational safety of the laboratory centrifuge.

[0037] For a second embodiment of the invention, an evaluation is performed to determine which type (or types) of centrifuge containers the rotor is equipped with. This evaluation can, for example, detect whether one or more intended types of centrifuge containers are used on the rotor. If this is not the case, an imbalance can occur, leading to the previously described problems during the rotation of the rotor with the centrifuge containers. It is also possible that, for example, the rotor's mounting is unsuitable for the unintended type of container, which can be identified through the evaluation, allowing for appropriate corrective measures to be taken.

[0038] It is also possible that, depending on the type(s) of centrifuge containers held on the rotor, the centrifugation profile (i.e., the maximum speed, speed profile, durations for individual speeds, etc.) must be adjusted. Thus, within the scope of the invention, the control logic can use the identified types of centrifuge containers held on the rotor to determine which centrifugation profile is required for the centrifugation process for at least one type of container. The drive unit of the laboratory centrifuge can then be controlled accordingly to carry out the centrifugation process with the centrifugation profile specific to that type or those types.

[0039] Preferably, the control unit has control logic that generates an error signal and / or restricts or prevents operation of the laboratory centrifuge if the evaluation of information from the transmitting and / or receiving unit indicates that the rotor is not equipped with the required number of centrifuge containers and / or the rotor is not equipped with the correct type(s) of centrifuge containers. For example, a visual or audible error signal can be generated to indicate to the user of the laboratory centrifuge that the required number of centrifuge containers is not attached to the rotor or that an impermissible type of centrifuge container is being used with the rotor and the laboratory centrifuge. To give just one further example, a suitable error message can be displayed on the laboratory centrifuge's display.It is also possible that the operation of the laboratory centrifuge is restricted, for example, if an incorrect number or type of centrifuge container is used, the maximum permissible rotor speed is adjusted. It is also possible that a characteristic map of the laboratory centrifuge contains settings specifying the maximum permissible speed for a given number of centrifuge containers and / or type of detected centrifuge container, or which centrifugation profile should be used.

[0040] It is also possible that one or the aforementioned control device has control logic that generates a signal dependent on the number of operating cycles the centrifuge container has undergone. This design is based on the understanding that a centrifuge container requires maintenance or replacement after a predetermined number of operating cycles. However, if a laboratory centrifuge is used with a large number of centrifuge containers, monitoring the number of operating cycles for an individual container becomes increasingly complex. In the design according to the invention, the number of operating cycles for each centrifuge container is recorded by the associated device, particularly in the form of a counter.If a threshold for the number of operating cycles is exceeded, the laboratory centrifuge can signal this, particularly via a display or an audible warning. It is also possible for the user to receive multi-stage signals, such as a color code similar to a traffic light (green, yellow, red). In this case, a green light indicates that the centrifuge can be operated safely, a yellow light indicates that maintenance or replacement of the centrifuge is imminent, and a red light indicates that the centrifuge has reached its maximum number of operating cycles and requires maintenance or replacement. It is also possible that the laboratory centrifuge will automatically shut down upon reaching the maximum number of operating cycles.Furthermore, it is possible to use a corresponding input device on the laboratory centrifuge to check how many operating cycles a centrifuge container has already completed. To give just one further example, which does not limit the invention, a display on the laboratory centrifuge can also show a message such as "Centrifuge container 123 has reached 76% of its service life," where "123" is a identifier specific to the centrifuge container.

[0041] The invention offers numerous possibilities for the design of the transmitting and / or receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge, and in particular its antenna for transmitting and / or receiving. In one embodiment of the invention, the transmitting and / or receiving device comprises a ring segment or ring antenna, which is arranged in the area of ​​a lid or base of the laboratory centrifuge and extends concentrically to the axis of rotation over at least a partial or the entire circumference.In this case, the centrifuge container, and in particular its antenna, can be moved in close proximity to the ring segment or ring antenna as the laboratory centrifuge rotates. This allows for communication not only between the RFID antenna and the transmitting and / or receiving antenna at a specific circumferential angle, but also, due to the use of the ring antenna, across all rotation angles (or a large range of rotation angles). Within the scope of the invention, the ring segment or ring antenna can be arranged concentrically or eccentrically to the axis of rotation.

[0042] However, the invention also allows for the use of any other antenna, such as a plate antenna, a cable antenna, or a rod antenna, which can be arranged concentrically or eccentrically to the axis of rotation. To name just a few examples that do not limit the invention, a cable antenna or other antenna can be elliptical, rectangular, or have any other shape, in which case the antenna is preferably arranged in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation and / or can be arranged concentrically or eccentrically to the axis of rotation. Investigations underlying the invention have shown that, due to reflections occurring in the stainless steel vessel of the laboratory centrifuge, it can even be advantageous in some applications for the antenna to be arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation.

[0043] Within the scope of the invention, it is entirely possible for information to be generated and / or exchanged during the operation of the laboratory centrifuge and at all rotational speeds. In one particular aspect of the invention, the control unit has control logic that restricts communication and / or evaluation of information to operating ranges in which the rotor is stationary. Alternatively, communication and / or evaluation can be restricted to operating ranges in which the rotor speed is less than a predetermined speed threshold. This speed threshold is determined in such a way as to ensure reliable transmission of information between the RFID device and the transmitting and / or receiving device.

[0044] Advantageous further developments of the invention are evident from the claims, the description, and the drawings. The advantages of features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely examples and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively, without necessarily requiring that the advantages be achieved by embodiments of the invention. Without thereby altering the subject matter of the attached claims, the following applies with regard to the disclosure content of the original application documents and the utility model: further features can be seen from the drawings – in particular the geometries and relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and functional connection.The combination of features from different embodiments of the invention or from features of different claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen cross-references in the claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features from different claims. Likewise, features listed in the claims can be omitted for further embodiments of the invention.

[0045] The features mentioned in the patent claims and the description are to be understood, with regard to their number, as meaning that exactly that number or a greater number than that stated is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least". Thus, for example, if an element is mentioned, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. These features may be supplemented by other features or may be the only features comprising the respective product.

[0046] The reference numerals contained in the patent claims do not constitute a limitation of the scope of the subject matter protected by the patent claims. They serve only the purpose of making the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0047] The invention will now be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Figs. 1 and 2 They show highly schematic examples of the design of a laboratory centrifuge. Fig. 3 schematically shows a laboratory centrifuge in a vertical section. Fig. 4 schematically shows a component of a centrifuge container with an antenna, a frequency switch, an RFID device and a temperature sensor. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0048] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a rough schematic diagram of a laboratory centrifuge 1. A rotor 3, driven by a motor, is located in a centrifugation chamber 2 of the laboratory centrifuge 1. Several centrifuge containers 4a, 4b, ... (which in some embodiments are also referred to as "centrifuge cups") are held, in particular suspended, by this rotor. The laboratory centrifuge 1 has a transmitting and / or receiving device 5, preferably adjacent to the centrifugation chamber 2. Furthermore, the laboratory centrifuge 1 has a control device 6 and an output device 7, which is preferably a display 8.

[0049] The centrifuge vessel 4 has an electrical or electronic device 9. The device 9 is designed to perform, for example, the following functions: Communication with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 for the exchange of information (uni- or bi-directional); storage of information; measurement of an operating parameter; quantitative recording of the operating frequency of the centrifuge container 4, in particular the total duration of the centrifugation of the centrifuge container 4, the number of centrifugation processes in which the centrifuge container 4 has been used or a cumulative measure of the application of accelerations and forces to the centrifuge container 4 during the centrifugation processes and / or enabling a wireless excitation for the purpose of powering the device 9.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 9 has at least one antenna 10. One antenna can serve for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of information, while another antenna serves for the excitation of the power supply. However, it is also possible that the exchange of information and the excitation of the power supply are ensured via the same antenna 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the device 9 has an RFID device 11. The device 9 can also have at least one sensor 12 for detecting an operating parameter of the centrifuge vessel 4. The antenna 10, the RFID device 11, and the sensor 12 are designed and connected in the usual manner. These can be combined into a single unit or arranged separately and connected to each other via electrical leads. It is possible that the RFID device 11 and / or the sensor 12 are arranged on a circuit board 13. For example, it is possible that the RFID device 11 and / or the sensor 12, particularly on the circuit board 13, are arranged at a small distance from a rotational axis of the laboratory centrifuge 1, so that they are subjected to the lowest possible accelerations.In contrast, the antenna 10 can be freely positioned to ensure optimal communication with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 of the laboratory centrifuge 1. For this purpose, the antenna 10 can, for example, be arranged at a location that is as close as possible to the transmitting and / or receiving device 5, preferably at a small distance from a wall 14 that delimits the centrifugation chamber 2. The antenna 10 can also be positioned at a small distance from a vertical, particularly cylindrical, side wall or from the bottom or lid of the centrifugation chamber 2.

[0052] In Fig. 1The dotted lines represent an exchange 15 of information and an excitation 16 between the antenna 10 of the device 9 of the centrifuge container 4 and an antenna 17 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5. Communication 18 between the antennas 10 and 17 can consist of the exchange 15 of information and / or the excitation 16, whereby an exchange 15 and an excitation 16 can occur simultaneously, or the exchange 15 and the excitation 16 can occur alternately and in different operating phases.

[0053] The following is an example of the operation of a laboratory centrifuge 1 according to Fig. 1The process is explained below. After loading the centrifuge containers 4 with products and suspending them on the rotor 3, the rotor 3 with the centrifuge containers 4 is inserted into the centrifugation chamber 2, and a drive connection is established with the drive of the laboratory centrifuge 1. In the device 9, which also forms a transmitting and / or receiving device 19, a identifier for the assigned centrifuge container 4 is stored in a memory unit. This identifier can indicate the type of centrifuge container 4 used, meaning that several centrifuge containers 4 of the same type have the same identifier. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that an identifier specific to each centrifuge container 4 is stored.For example, triggered by manual input from the user of laboratory centrifuge 1, by closing the lid of laboratory centrifuge 1, or by the commencement of operation of laboratory centrifuge 1 by its control software, a control unit 20 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 generates a signal 16 to supply power to the transmitting and / or receiving device 19. As a result of the signal 16, the memory can be read and an exchange 15 of information, in this case the read identifier, can take place. The identifier thus transmitted is then sent to the control unit 6, which performs an evaluation. This evaluation can, for example, consist of checking whether the type of centrifuge container 4 that correlates with the identifier is correct for laboratory centrifuge 1 or the selected centrifugation process. It is also possible to check whether the correct number of centrifuge containers 4 are suspended on the rotor 3.Alternatively or additionally, the counter reading of device 9, which counts how many centrifugation cycles the centrifuge container 4 has undergone, can be read. If the check shows that the correct type of centrifuge container 4 is present and the correct number of centrifuge containers 4 are attached to the rotor 3 and / or the counter readings of the centrifuge containers 4 used are less than the maximum number of centrifugation cycles that the centrifuge containers 4 are permitted to undergo, the control unit 6 enables the centrifugation process.Before or during the rotation of the rotor 3, an exchange of information 15 takes place between the transmitting and / or receiving devices 5, 19, by transmitting a counting pulse for the execution of a further centrifugation process to the transmitting and / or receiving device 19 of the centrifuge container 4, so that a stored current count of a counter of the device 9 for the number of centrifugation processes to which the centrifuge container 4 has been subjected can be incremented by 1. During the centrifugation process or also after it, an exchange of information 15 in the form of a currently determined or temporarily stored measured value from the sensor 12 can then take place to the transmitting and / or receiving device 5, followed by processing by the control device 6.

[0054] Preferably before or after a centrifugation process, information in the form of the current counter reading is exchanged. The control unit 6 compares the current counter reading with a threshold value. If, based on this comparison, the control unit 6 recognizes that the maximum permissible counter reading has been reached, it generates an output on the display 8 to signal to the user that the centrifuge container 4 has completed the maximum number of permissible centrifugation processes. The control unit 6 also preferably generates an output on the display 8 that allows the centrifuge container 4 to be identified among the majority of centrifuge containers 4 arranged in the laboratory centrifuge 1, in particular by displaying the identification specific to the centrifuge container 4.

[0055] It is possible that the exchange 15 of information and / or an excitation 16 for the different centrifuge containers 4 takes place with the same or different excitation frequencies and / or exchange frequencies.

[0056] Fig. 2Figure 10 also shows a modified embodiment as a schematic diagram. Here, the RFID device 11 and the sensor 12 are not arranged on a common circuit board 13. Instead, the antenna 10 and the RFID device 11 form a single unit 21, while the sensor 12 is designed separately and may also be arranged at a distance from the unit 21. In this case, the communication 18 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 19 of the centrifuge vessel 4 does not take place with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 of the laboratory centrifuge 1, but rather with a transmitting and / or receiving device 22 of the rotor 3. This may, for example, have an antenna 23 through which the communication 18 takes place, as well as a control device 24 for controlling any excitation 16 and / or exchange 15. The transmitting and / or receiving device 22 of the rotor 3 is in communication 25 with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 of the laboratory centrifuge 1.This communication 25 can be wired, for example via a sliding contact between the rotor 3 and the laboratory centrifuge 1. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication 25 also takes place wirelessly. For this purpose, the transmitting and / or receiving device 22 has an antenna 26, via which the communication 25 with the antenna 17 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 is established.

[0057] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a highly schematic representation of the laboratory centrifuge 1 with the rotor 3, which is rotatably mounted and driven about a rotation axis 27, and the centrifuge vessels 4a, 4b, ... suspended thereon about pivot axes 28a, 28b, ... The devices 9a, 9b, ... are located in the area of ​​the lids of the centrifuge vessels 4. The centrifugation chamber 2 is closed with a lid 29. A ring antenna 30 is held on the side of the lid 29 facing the centrifugation chamber 2. The ring antenna 30 is arranged concentrically to the rotation axis 27 and at a small distance from the devices 9a, 9b, ... and the antennas 10a, 10b, ... thereof, in order to enable short transmission paths.

[0058] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows an exemplary and highly schematic electrical circuit diagram of a device 9. The antenna 10 is connected to the sensor 12 via a first line branch 32 and a first filter 33 via a branch 31. Furthermore, the antenna 10 is connected to the RFID device 11 via a second line branch 34 and a second filter 35 via the branch 31. The first line branch 32 includes a demodulator 36 (effective in the direction from the antenna 10 to the sensor 12) and a modulator 37 (effective in the direction from the sensor 12 to the antenna 10), wherein the demodulator 36 and the modulator 37 are preferably arranged between the filter 33 and the sensor 12. It is possible that the demodulator 36 and / or the modulator 37 includes a diode 38 with a downstream low-pass filter or a capacitor.

[0059] Preferably, the first filter 33 is a high-pass filter, while the second filter 35 is a low-pass filter. The high-pass and low-pass filters do not overlap with respect to their throughput. It is also possible that filters 33 and 35 are configured as band-pass filters without overlap. Furthermore, it is possible that the branch 31 and filters 33 and 35 are formed by a crossover network or a so-called diplexer, to whose input the antenna 10 is connected and to whose outputs the sensor 12 and the RFID device 11 are connected.

[0060] In one possible embodiment, the sensor 12 forms an oscillating system, wherein the resonant circuit of the sensor 12 is configured with a quartz crystal 39. Due to the temperature dependence of the quartz crystal 39's behavior, the resonant frequency of the circuit depends on the temperature to which the sensor 12 is exposed, thus making the sensor 12 a temperature sensor.

[0061] The RFID device 11 has a memory 40. Memory 40 stores a characteristic parameter 41 specific to the centrifuge container 4. This characteristic parameter 41 enables the unique identification of the assigned centrifuge container 4. The characteristic parameter 41 could, for example, be a sequential number, a serial number, or a product number. It is also possible that the characteristic parameter 41 is a calibration parameter that can describe the behavior of the sensor 12, in this case, the specific dependence of the resonance frequency on the temperature acting on the quartz crystal 39. Such a parameter could, for example, be a calibration factor, a calibration curve, a calibration function, or a calibration characteristic map.

[0062] An institution 9 according to Fig. 4The following operating mode is enabled: If the device 9 is excited 16 with an excitation frequency that can pass through the second filter 35 but not the first filter 33, the RFID device 11 can be powered via this excitation, and an exchange 15 of information, here the parameter 41, can take place. The resonant circuit of the sensor 12, formed with the quartz crystal 39, has a temperature-dependent resonant frequency. The resonant circuit is excited to oscillate at the resonant frequency by means of the excitation 16, whereby the resonant circuit is designed such that, in the expected temperature range, the resonant frequency lies within a frequency range that allows excitation in resonance with an excitation frequency of the excitation 16 that can pass through the first filter 33 but not the second filter 35. Here, the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 can be used for this purpose.22 The temperature is determined by varying the excitation frequency and finding the resonance using a calibration parameter that describes the dependence of the resonance frequency on the temperature. Preferably, an excitation 16 can have a carrier frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, while the resonance frequency of the sensor 12's resonant circuit can, for example, be in the range of 32 kHz to 67 kHz or 170 kHz to 250 kHz. In contrast, the RFID device 11 is excited at a frequency of 868 MHz or 915 MHz, whereby changes of ± 5% or ± 10% of these frequencies are also possible. If several centrifuge containers 4 with associated sensors are used in a laboratory centrifuge 1 or in several laboratory centrifuges 1, the resonant circuits of the sensors 12 can have resonance frequencies in different, non-overlapping resonance frequency ranges.

[0063] Preferably, the centrifuge container 4 is coupled to the rotor 3 in the area of ​​the pivot axis 28 via a coupling area 42, which specifies an orientation of the centrifuge container 4 relative to the rotation axis 27 such that the centrifuge container 4 can only be coupled to the rotor 3 with a predetermined side facing the rotation axis 27.

[0064] Preferably this is done according to Fig. 1Communication 18 between the RFID device 11 of the centrifuge container 4 and the laboratory centrifuge 1 or its housing is established. An antenna 17 of the laboratory centrifuge can be configured as a cable antenna, preferably a so-called Locfield antenna ("LOCFIELD" is a registered trademark) with a length of 0.5 m to 1.5 m or 0.8 m to 1.2 m. The cable antenna can then be integrated into the lid 29, for which purpose the lid 29 can have a partially annular or ring-shaped groove or recess in which the cable antenna extends over a partial or the entire circumference around the axis of rotation 27. Alternatively or additionally, a plate antenna can be used, which is integrated, in particular, into a recess in the lid and is preferably covered in a protective and / or sealing manner towards the centrifugation chamber 2.Preferably, communication with at least one of the aforementioned antennas integrated into the lid 29 takes place using UHF frequencies.

[0065] It is also possible for the antenna 17, possibly via a transmitter and / or receiver in the centrifuge container 4 and / or the rotor 3, to communicate with a sample container, such as a blood bag, preferably by means of communication with an RFID device in the sample container. In this way, information about the sample container can be transmitted to the control unit 20 of the laboratory centrifuge 1, for example, the type of sample, a sample type identifier, a specific sample number, the date the sample container was filled, and so on. This information can then be displayed to the user on a display of the laboratory centrifuge 1 or stored by the laboratory centrifuge 1 or externally. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0066] 1 Laboratory centrifuge 2 Centrifugation chamber 3 Rotor 4 Centrifuge container 5 Transmitting and / or receiving unit 6 Control unit 7 Output unit 8 Display 9 Electrical / electronic unit 10 Antenna 11 RFID unit 12 Sensor 13 Circuit board 14 Housing 15 Replacement 16 Excitation 17 Antenna 18 Communication 19 Transmitting and / or receiving unit 20 Control unit 21 Component unit 22 Transmitting and / or receiving unit 23 Antenna 24 Control unit 25 Communication 26 Antenna 27 Rotation axis 28 Swivel axis 29 Cover 30 Ring antenna 31 Branch 32 First conductor 33 First filter 34 Second conductor 35 Second filter 36 Demodulator 37 Modulator 38 Diode 39 Crystal 40 Memory 41 Parameter 42 Coupling area

Claims

1. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) for a laboratory centrifuge (1) wherein the centrifuge container (4) comprises a RFID-device (11) and a storage unit is provided for storing at least one operational parameter, characterized in that a number of operating cycles which have been imposed on the centrifuge container (4) is stored on the storage unit, wherein the method is executed with a plurality of centrifugation processes in at least two laboratory centrifuges (1), the method comprising the following method steps: a) placing the centrifuge container (4) in a first laboratory centrifuge (1a), b) generation of an impulse for a cycle counter, c) increasing the cycle count stored by a storage unit of the centrifuge container (4) due to the generated impulse, d) storing the increased cycle count on the storage unit of the centrifuge container (4), e) placing the centrifuge container (4) in a second laboratory centrifuge (1b), f) generation of an impulse for a cycle counter, g) increasing the cycle count stored by the storage unit of the centrifuge container (4) due to the generated impulse, h) storing the increased cycle count on the storage unit of the centrifuge container (4).

2. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of claim 1, characterized in that a) a coupling portion (42) for coupling the centrifuge container (4) to a rotor (3) is provided which defines an orientation of the centrifuge container (4) relative to a rotational axis (27) of the rotor (3) and b) a device (9) comprising the RFID-device (11) is at least partially arranged on the side of the centrifuge container (4) which in the state of the centrifuge container (4) coupled to the rotor (3) faces towards the rotational axis (27).

3. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of claim 2, characterized in that a) an antenna (10) of the device (9) is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container (4) which in the state of the centrifuge container (4) coupled to the rotor (3) faces away from the rotational axis (27) and b) further components of the device (9) are arranged on the side of the centrifuge container (4) which in the state of the centrifuge container (4) coupled to the rotor (3) faces towards the rotational axis (27).

4. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a) a coupling portion (42) for coupling the centrifuge container (4) to a rotor (3) is provided which defines an orientation of the centrifuge container (4) relative to a rotational axis (27) of the rotor (3) and b) an antenna (10) of the device (9) or RFID-device (11) is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container (4) which in the state of the centrifuge container (4) coupled to the rotor (3) faces towards the lid or the bottom of the laboratory centrifuge (4).

5. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of one of preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9) or RFID-device (11) comprises an antenna (10) by which the RFID-device (11) is wirelessly supplied with power from a power source which is arranged outside from the centrifuge container (4).

6. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of one of preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (12) for sensing an operational parameter is provided.

7. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of claim 6, characterized in that a) a centrifugation duration and / or b) an angular velocity of the rotation of the centrifuge container (4) and / or c) an acceleration of the centrifuge container (4) and / or d) a pivoting angle of the centrifuge container (4) and / or e) a temperature is sensed by the sensor (12) and / or stored by the storage unit.

8. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of one of preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9) or RFID-device (11) is at least partially arranged in a recess of a component of the centrifuge container (4) and covered by a covering element which is transmissible for radiation.

9. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4) of one of preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9) or RFID-device (11) comprises a sending and / or receiving device by which the RFID-device (11) is able to a) receive information from at least one probe container contained in the centrifuge container (4) and / or b) send information to at least one probe container contained in the centrifuge container (4).

10. Method for operating a laboratory centrifuge (1) with at least one centrifuge container (4) held by a rotor (3), the centrifuge container (4) being operated with the use of a method of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laboratory centrifuge (1) comprises a sending and / or receiving device (5) for a communication (18) with a) a device (9) or RFID-device (11) of at least one centrifuge container (4) held by a rotor (3) for executing a method of one of the preceding claims and / or b) a rotor (3) which communicates with a device (9) or RFID-device (11) of at least one centrifuge container (4) held by a rotor (3) for executing a method of one of the preceding claims.

11. Method for operating a laboratory centrifuge (1) of claim 10, characterized in that a control device (6) is provided which comprises control logic which analyses information of the sending and / or receiving device (5) for determining a) the number of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) with which the rotor (3) is equipped and / or b) the type or types of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) with which the rotor (3) is equipped and / or c) if the rotor (3) is equipped with the required number of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) and / or d) if the rotor (3) is equipped with the correct type or the correct types of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) and / or e) with which centrifugation profile the centrifugation process has to be executed for the at least one type of centrifuge container (4a, 4b, ...) with which the rotor (3) is equipped.

12. Method for operating a laboratory centrifuge (1) of claim 11, characterized in that a or the control device (6) comprises control logic which when the analysis of information of the sending and / or receiving device (5) indicates that a) the rotor (3) is not equipped with the required number of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) and / or b) the rotor (3) is not equipped with the correct type or the correct types of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) generates an error signal and / or restricts or disables or stops the operation of the laboratory centrifuge (1).

13. Method for operating a laboratory centrifuge (1) of one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a or the control device (6) comprises control logic which generates a signal which depends on the number of operating cycles which have been imposed on the centrifuge container (4).

14. Method for operating a laboratory centrifuge (1) of one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the sending and / or receiving device (5) comprises a circular antenna (30) for the communication (18) with at least one centrifuge container (4) held by a rotor (3), the circular antenna (30) being arranged in the region of a lid (29) of the laboratory centrifuge (1) or in the region of a bottom of a centrifugation chamber (2) of the laboratory centrifuge (1).

15. Method for operating a laboratory centrifuge (1) of one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a or the control device (6) comprises control logic which restricts a communication (18) and / or a processing or analysis to operational phases a) with a still stand and / or b) numbers of revolutions being smaller than a threshold of the number of revolutions.

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