Overhead labware transport system

Abstract

To provide automated handling and processing of life sciences processing equipment.SOLUTION: The laboratory instrument bulk overhead transport system module 150MA has laboratory instrument supports and is configured to move to the overhead transport path 166MA, wherein the laboratory instrument bulk overhead transport system module 150MA is couplable to another laboratory instrument bulk overhead transport system module 166MB forming another overhead transport path 150MB, wherein the laboratory instrument bulk overhead transport system module 150MB is coupled to the another laboratory instrument bulk overhead transport system module 150MC; In both states decoupled from another labware bulk overhead transport system module 150MC provides uninterrupted transport throughout the overhead transport path 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is a nonprovisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 188,172, filed May 13, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] [Technical field] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The exemplary embodiments relate generally to life science equipment, and more particularly to automated handling and processing of life science processing equipment. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, laboratory processing equipment is located on the floor of a laboratory facility, and conveyor-type connections transport labware between pieces of laboratory processing equipment. These conveyor-type connections are attached to the floor and positioned at waist height to intertwine with the laboratory processing equipment throughout the labware space (e.g., serpentine between the laboratory processing equipment and / or extend along / connecting to the sides of the laboratory processing equipment) in a manner that blocks direct access to portions of the laboratory processing equipment, making servicing and maintenance of the laboratory processing equipment difficult. The conveyor-type connections between laboratory processing equipment also hinder movement (e.g., of laboratory personnel) throughout the laboratory facility and reconfiguration of laboratory processing equipment within the laboratory facility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are explained in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a laboratory facility having multiple labs communicatively coupled by at least one labware bulk overhead transport system module, in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the lab depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 3A] 3 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the lab depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 3B] 3 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the lab depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 3C] 3 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the lab depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 3D] 3 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the lab depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 3E] 3 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the lab depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 3F] 3 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the lab depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 5D] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 5E] 2 is an exemplary schematic elevation view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 5F] 2 is an exemplary schematic elevation view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the laboratory facility of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a method according to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 1 is a schematic plan view of a laboratory facility 100 having multiple labs 110, 120, 130 communicatively coupled by at least one labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M of a modular labware transport system 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many forms. Furthermore, any suitable size, shape, or type of elements or materials may be used.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M of a modular labware transport system 150 that communicatively connects at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument (herein referred to as an integrated labware processing machine) or standalone / benchtop equipment (herein referred to as a standalone equipment) to at least another integrated labware processing machine or standalone equipment (e.g., to transport labware 170 therebetween) within a single lab 110, 120, 130 (the integrated labware processing machine(s) and the standalone equipment(s) are generally represented in FIG. 1 as labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136), and / or communicatively connects one or more different labs 110, 120, 130 to one another. Referring also to FIG. 2, the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M is configured to communicatively connect benchtop or standalone equipment 200-204 in the labs 110, 120, 130 with other integrated systems, such as integrated labware processing machines / instruments 210-213 (including, but not limited to, islands of automation).

[0008] As described herein, each labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M includes a substantially continuous labware support 330. Although the substantially continuous labware support 330 is illustrated in the figures as being coupled to and supported by the ceiling 477 of the laboratory facility 100, in other embodiments, the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be supported by the floor 444 of the laboratory facility 100 in any suitable manner, such as by supports. The substantially continuous labware support 330 has at least a movable portion 151 thereon that supports labware 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 part 151 along the substantially continuous labware support 330 to transfer labware 170 between the modular labware transport system 150 and at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 and / or standalone instrument 200-204.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure provide for the transport of laboratory equipment 170 within or between labs 110, 120, 130 located on one or more common levels (e.g., on the same floor of the laboratory facility 100), and within or between labs 110, 120, 130 located on different levels (e.g., different stacked levels / floors of the laboratory facility 100). For example, the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M includes a lift or lifting conveyor module 185 (also referred to herein as a labware bulk transport system module 185, and including, for example, an elevator 185E, a ramp 185R, and / or other suitable structure for effecting height changes of labware supported by the movable portion 151 of the labware support 330 of the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M - see FIG. 3A) configured to transport labware 170 from one lab level 100L1 (e.g., a floor) to another lab level 100L2 (e.g., above or below one lab level 100L1). Here, the movable part 151 may move (e.g., via the lift 185) along the laboratory equipment bulk overhead transport system module 150M to different stacked laboratory levels, although in other embodiments the lift 185 may be configured to pick up laboratory equipment from the movable part 151 of one laboratory level 100L1, 100L2 and place the laboratory equipment on the movable part 151 of another laboratory equipment bulk overhead transport system module 150M of a different laboratory level 100L1, 100L2.

[0010] 1-3, the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M forms a labware bulk overhead transport path 166 connecting at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone instrument 200-204 with at least another, different integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone instrument 200-204 (in the same laboratory 110, 120, 130 or in a different laboratory 110, 120, 130) within the laboratory facility 100, wherein the at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone instrument 200-204 and the at least another, different integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone instrument 200-204 are spaced apart from each other by any suitable distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166. As noted above, any one (or more) of the integrated labware processing machines 210-213 and the standalone instruments 200-204 are generally represented in FIG. 1 as labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136, and may be located in any one of the positions illustrated in FIG. 1 relative to the labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136.

[0011] It should be noted that the standalone instruments 200-204 may be any suitable standalone instruments or tabletop instruments, such as those illustrated in Figure 4. For example, the tabletop instruments 200-204 (Figure 2) may include any suitable tabletop laboratory processing station 410 and / or autonomous navigation robotic processing vehicle 400, where a human 411 and / or automated device (e.g., a robotic arm 412) operate to process laboratory samples (independently or collaboratively), where the tabletop laboratory processing station 410 is positioned below the labware bulk overhead transport path 166, such that the robotic arm 412 and / or human 411 pick / place labware 170 from the moving part 151 as described herein. The autonomous robotic processing vehicle 400 may navigate to a predetermined location in the laboratory facility 100 such that the autonomous robotic processing vehicle 400 is positioned below the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 such that the robotic arm 412 of the autonomous robotic processing vehicle 400 is positioned to pick / place labware 170 from the moving part 151 as described herein. Suitable examples of tabletop laboratory processing stations 410 and autonomous robotic processing vehicles 400 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,955,430 (issued March 23, 2021, entitled "Auto-navigating Robotic Processing Vehicle") and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0094184 (published April 1, 2021, having patent application serial number 17 / 032,011, entitled "Robotic Transport System and Method Therefor"), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0012] It should be noted that the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 may be any suitable handling machine, such as an island of automation 450 including at least one robotic arm 451, 452 and any suitable number of labware handling machines 455. The island of automation 450 is positioned below the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 such that the robotic arm(s) 451, 452 of the island of automation 450 pick / place labware 170 from the moving part 151 as described herein. Suitable examples of the island of automation 450 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,955,430 (issued March 23, 2021, entitled "Auto-navigating Robotic Processing Vehicle"), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0094184 (published April 1, 2021, having patent application serial number 17 / 032,011, entitled "Robotic Transport System and Method Therefor"), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0241375 (published August 8, 2019, having U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 265,273, entitled "Robotic Processing System"), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0013] The labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M has a substantially continuous labware support 330 that extends longitudinally along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166. The substantially continuous labware support 330 has at least one nest or movable portion 151 that is longitudinally movable relative to the laboratory facility 100 to define the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 for labware 170 supported on the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M. As shown in Figures 1-4, the substantially continuous labware support 330 is configured to position the movable part 151 relative to the standalone equipment 200-204 and the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 so that the movable part 151 passes overhead of the standalone equipment 200-204 and the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 while being low enough relative to the floor 444 (see Figure 4) of the laboratory facility 100 to allow a human 411 and the robotic arms of the standalone equipment 200-204 and the integrated labware handling machines 210-213 to access the movable part 151 for transferring labware to and from the movable part 151.

[0014] The spacing or height H of the substantially continuous labware supports 330 from the floor of the laboratory 100 is such that personnel 411, autonomous robotic processing vehicles 400, and other suitable laboratory carts (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,955,430, issued March 23, 2021, entitled "Auto-navigating Robotic Processing Vehicle," previously incorporated by reference in its entirety) can pass beneath the substantially continuous labware supports 330 (and their movable portions 151) unimpeded by the substantially continuous labware supports 330. Placing the substantially continuous labware supports 330 at height H allows laboratory resources, carts, robots, and the like to access the labware 170 carried by the substantially continuous labware supports 330 throughout the laboratory 100 while providing optimized maintenance access and transport travel paths for personnel, carts, and the like for reconfiguring laboratory equipment and throughout the laboratory 100.

[0015] In other embodiments, the movable unit 151 may have a Z-axis drive 333 (FIG. 3A) that raises and lowers each of the labware holding stations 311-313 of the movable unit 151 to allow a human or robotic arm access to the labware carried by the movable unit 151. The Z-axis drive 333 provides for positioning the substantially continuous labware support 330 at any suitable height above the floor 444 while providing for lab resources, carts, robots, and the like to access the labware 170 carried by the substantially continuous labware support 330, while providing optimized maintenance access and transport travel paths for humans, carts, and the like throughout the laboratory facility 100 in the manner described above. In one or more embodiments, when the movable unit 151 includes a Z-axis drive 333, the movable unit includes any suitable power and communication modules 333P, 333C for providing power to the Z-axis drive and receiving commands from the controller 199. The power module 333P may be any suitable battery (e.g., that may be charged via a power contact pad similar to those described herein at a designated area of ​​the substantially continuous labware support 330, such as an interface location or dedicated charging pad location CL—see FIG. 1 ), wireless power coupled (e.g., receiving power from a remote power source located in the laboratory 100), or contact power coupled (e.g., drawing power from a bus bar of the substantially continuous labware support 330). In other embodiments, the Z-axis drive may be coupled to the power and controller 199 in any suitable manner at interface locations (such as those illustrated in the figures) for transfer of labware 170 between the movable part 151 and the standalone instruments 200-204 and integrated labware processing machines 210-213. For example, by stopping the traverse of the movable part 151 over the substantially continuous labware support 330 at an interface location, power and communications may be substantially automatically coupled to the movable part 151 (such as through contact between the power / communications contact pad(s) CP of the substantially continuous labware support 330 and the power / communications contact pad(s) CM of the movable part 151).Although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described herein as being overhead, in other aspects the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be located below the laboratory (e.g., below the floor 444) and a Z-axis drive is employed to elevate the movable section 151 above the floor for laboratory access to the labware.

[0016] At least one movable unit 151 is positioned to support labware 170 thereon. For illustrative purposes, at least one movable unit 151 is illustrated in FIG. 3A as configured to support multiple labware 170, each supported on a respective labware shelf / support 311S-313S of a respective labware holding station 311-313, although in other embodiments, movable unit 151 may be configured to support only a single labware 170. In one embodiment, movable unit 151 is configured to support labware 170 in a deterministic location on movable unit 151 such that the location of the labware is known to automated equipment (e.g., robots, such as robot 301) of laboratory 100 for picking and placing of labware from and to movable unit 151. In other embodiments, the automated device may include at least one vision system 301V configured to determine the position of the laboratory equipment 170 on the movable part 151 to effect picking and placement of the laboratory equipment 170 from and to the movable part 151.

[0017] Movement of the movable parts 151 along the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be effected in any suitable manner. For example, the substantially continuous labware support 330 may include a solid-state actuator including a magnetic drive that interacts with and magnetically drives (e.g., in a single transport direction or bidirectional transport directions) the movable parts 151 along the substantially continuous labware support 330 and along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 defined thereby. In other embodiments, the substantially continuous labware support 330 may include any suitable mechanical, electromechanical, and / or magnetic linear actuator / conveyor (e.g., a solid-state conveyor) for driving at least one movable part 151 along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166.

[0018] The labware 170 supported by at least one moving part 151 and processed within the laboratory 100 may be any suitable labware, including, but not limited to, sample bag frames 171, sample tubes 172, sample cassettes 173, trays 174, racks 175, boxes 176, containers 177, tissue cassettes 178, and multi-well plates 179. In one or more embodiments, to accommodate different types of labware 170, at least one movable part 151 includes a plurality of dedicated movable parts 151BF (e.g., for holding a sample bag frame), 151ST (e.g., for holding at least one sample tube), 151SC (e.g., for holding at least one sample cassette), 151T (e.g., for holding at least one tray), 151R (e.g., for holding at least one rack), 151B (for holding at least one box), 151C (e.g., for holding at least one container), 151TC (e.g., for holding at least one tissue cassette), and 151MP (e.g., for holding at least one multiwell plate), each having a different configuration for holding a respective type of labware 170. In one or more embodiments, at least one movable part 151 may be configured as a universal movable part 151U configured to interchangeably hold multiple types of labware 170. In yet one or more other embodiments, at least one moving portion 151 includes a combination of a general-purpose moving portion 151U and a dedicated moving portion 151BF, 151ST, 151SC, 151T, 151R, 151B, 151C, 151TC, 151MP.

[0019] 3A, a substantially continuous labware support 330 has a plurality of predetermined labware holding stations 311-313 arranged to hold labware pieces of labware 170 (e.g., labware pieces are examples of labware 170 described herein—see FIG. 3A) supported on the substantially continuous labware support 330. Each of the predetermined labware holding stations 311-313 has a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support 330 and the labware bulk overhead transport path 166. Here, each of the predetermined labware holding stations 311-313 of the substantially continuous labware support 330 includes at least one movable part 151 such that the predetermined labware holding station and predetermined position are moved along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166.

[0020] 1-4, as described above, the controller 199 is communicatively coupled to the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M. The controller 199 is configured to position each labware holding station 311-313 (of the at least one movable part 151) moving along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 relative to one or more of the at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 and the at least one standalone piece of equipment 200-204 to effect the transfer of labware between the movable part 151 and one or more of the at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 and the at least one standalone piece of equipment 200-204. Transfer of laboratory equipment between the movable part and one or more of the at least one integrated laboratory equipment processing machine 210-213 and the at least one standalone equipment 200-204 may be effected by a robot (or bot) arm that reaches the movable part 151 to pick / place laboratory equipment 170 at the level of the transport path 166 of the substantially continuous laboratory equipment support 330, the robot arm reaching the movable part 151 at a height below the transport path 166 (e.g., when the movable part 151 is lowered by the Z-axis drive part 333), and / or by intermediate transfer of laboratory equipment 170 between the movable part 151 (at the level of the transport path 166) and a robot arm positioned below the transport path 166.

[0021] For example, and referring briefly to FIG. 3A, the controller 199 is configured to command a robotic (or bot) 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 processing machine 210-213 and the at least one standalone device 200-204, to effect loading and unloading of labware 170 onto and from the labware supports 311S-313S (see also FIG. 2) of a given labware holding station 311-313, with the given labware holding station 311-313 located 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 labware 170 to and from the movable part 151 at the level of the transport path 166. Here, a given labware holding station 311-313 is positioned adjacent to (i.e., juxtaposed with) one or more of the at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 and the at least one standalone device 200-204 during loading and unloading of labware 170 from the given labware holding station 311-313.

[0022] 3A , in another example, when the movable ranges of the robot arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, and 452 do not extend to the level of the transport path, the Z-axis driver 333 is employed, and the controller 199 commands the movable unit 151 to be lowered to within the movable ranges of the robot arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, and 452. Now, with the movable unit 151 lowered to within the movable ranges of the robot arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, and 452, the robot arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, and 452 pick up / place the labware 170 from / to the movable unit 151.

[0023] 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F, an intermediary unit (such as elevator 337) transports labware 170 between movable unit 151 (e.g., located at the level of transport path 166) and robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452, with movable unit 151 out of range of robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, elevator 337 is located in a fixed position (e.g., fixed vertically and horizontally so as to have a known position relative to both labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and the components of integrated labware processing machines 210-213 or standalone instruments 200-204 served by elevator 337). The elevator 337 may be mounted in a fixed location on a wall of the laboratory 100 and / or other suitable fixed structure of the laboratory 100. Other suitable fixed structures to which the elevator 337 may be fixed, coupled, or otherwise attached / dependent (e.g., supported) include, but are not limited to, the ceiling 477 of the laboratory 100, the floor of the laboratory 100, a substantially continuous labware support 330, or (as shown in FIG. 3E) the labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and other portions forming a workstation (such as the standalone equipment 204 of FIG. 2). In this embodiment, elevator 337 provides registration of elevator 337 with the controller assigned / corresponding to the adjacent laboratory processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 by the laboratory equipment bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD.

[0024] The elevator 337 may also be movably mounted within the laboratory facility 100 so as to be positioned and repositioned at known locations to effect the transfer / handover of labware 170 between the moving part 151 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. For example, the elevator 337 may be mounted to an autonomous cart / vehicle (such as the autonomous robotic processing vehicle 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 ) that is commanded to move to predetermined locations (e.g., conveniently and / or at predetermined times) to hand over labware 170 between the moving part 151 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. The elevator 337 may also be attached to or integral with a dedicated elevator cart 337C as shown in FIG. 3F and / or may be located on a workstation cart as illustrated in FIG. 3D, where the elevator cart 337C and / or workstation cart are pre-positioned (e.g., manually or by any suitable robotic automation) to present a permanent, static elevator 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 positioning device). In other embodiments, the elevator cart 337C and / or workstation cart are dynamically positioned (e.g., manually or with any suitable robotic automation) to predetermined locations (e.g., locations 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 location device) to effect the handover of labware 170 between the moving part 151 and the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Again, elevator 337 service may be initialized and registered with the controller in association with a predetermined location or range of locations and assigned to a corresponding nearby laboratory processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136.

[0025] The range of motion of elevator 337 extends both at the level of the transport path (e.g., to provide access to each of labware holding stations 311-313 of movable part 151) and within the range of robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. Elevator 337 may be any suitable elevator configured to vertically move end effector 337E to transfer labware between labware holding stations 311-313 and robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452. For example, end effector 337E may be raised and lowered by a telescoping piston, a linear actuator, along rails spanning the transport path, or any other suitable lifting mechanism that positions end effector 337E within and removes end effector 337E from transport path 166 (e.g., allowing passage of movable part 151 above elevator 337 without obstruction from end effector 337E).

[0026] In operation, controller 199 commands the elevator to raise the end effector to a predetermined height corresponding to a predetermined labware holding station 311-313 of a predetermined movable unit 151. Controller 199 commands movable unit 151 to traverse in a first direction along transport path 166 to insert end effector 337E into a predetermined holding station 311-313. Controller 199 commands vertical movement of end effector 337E to pick labware 170 from a predetermined labware holding station 311-313. The movable unit 151 is commanded to traverse in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) along the transport path 166, thereby retrieving the end effector 337E (with the labware 170 held thereon) from the predetermined holding station 311-313 as the movable unit 151 traverses in the second direction along the transport path 166. The elevator 337 is commanded by the controller 199 to lower the end effector 337E to a known / predetermined location within the range of motion of the robot arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 such that the robot arm picks the labware 170 from the end effector 337E of the elevator 337. The transfer of the labware from the robot arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 to the movable unit 151 may occur in substantially the reverse manner to that described above.

[0027] The controller 199 includes any suitable memory 199M that is integral to or accessible by the controller 199. The controller is configured to register (e.g., in the memory 199M) the identity of labware 170 loaded or unloaded to or from a given labware holding station 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 labware 170 within the laboratory facility 100 and to command the movement of the labware 170 by, for example, the robotic arms 280-286, 301, 401, 412, 451, 452 and the modular labware transport system 150 for processing within the laboratory facility 100 according to any suitable processing criteria. With the labware 170 identification information in the registry (i.e., in memory 199M), controller 199 is configured to effect (i.e., effect) a swap of labware 170 in a given labware holding station 311-313. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, controller 199 may instruct robotic arm 301, using movable part 151, to swap labware 170 in a given labware holding station 313 from labware 170A1 having a first identification in the registry (i.e., labware 170A1 is unloaded from the given labware holding station 313) to a different labware 170A2 having a second identification in the registry (i.e., labware 170A2 is loaded into the given labware holding station 313). Although the exchange of labware 170A1 with different labware 170A2 is illustrated as occurring in a common processing unit 111 with movable part 151 remaining stationary for the exchange, in other embodiments, labware 170A1 may be unloaded from a predetermined labware holding station 313 in one processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136, and different labware 170A2 may be loaded onto a predetermined labware holding station 313 in a different processing unit 111-116, 121-126, 131-136.

[0028] 1, 2, and 4, the controller 199 is configured to move (e.g., by commanding movement of at least the movable part 151) labware 170 loaded on a given labware holding station 311-313 (of the movable part 151) along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 from at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 to at least another, different integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 spaced apart from one another by any suitable distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166, where the at least another, different integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 is located on a common level (e.g., floor) of the laboratory facility 100 as the at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204. Referring also to FIG. 3A, the controller 199 is configured to move (by commanding movement of at least the movable part 151) labware 170 loaded on a given labware holding station 311-313 (of the movable part 151) along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166 from at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 to at least another, different integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 spaced apart from one another by any suitable distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166, where the at least another, different integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 is located on a different level (e.g., floor) of the laboratory facility 100 from the at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204. As seen in FIG. 3A, the transport path 166 extends along the lift module 185 to an upper level (eg, floor) 100L2 and / or a lower level (eg, floor) 100L0 of the laboratory facility 100.Upper level 100L2 and / or lower level 100L0 are configured with at least one integrated labware processing machine 210-213 or standalone equipment 200-204 and labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M in a manner similar to that described herein for level 100L1 (see also FIG. 1).

[0029] 1 and 2, labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M (FIG. 2) is a modular transport system configured to expand or contract in size / capacity depending, for example, on the desired number of labs 110, 120, 130 and / or labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 that are communicatively coupled to one another by modular labware transport system 150. For example, modular labware transport system 150 includes multiple labware bulk transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, 150M ... Each labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, 185 is modularly arranged to be communicatively coupled to another, different labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, 185 of modular labware transport system 150. In one or more embodiments, another, different labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is another, different labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD located on a common level (e.g., one of levels 100L0, 100L1, 100L2) with labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, or is a module of another labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD located on a common level (e.g., one of levels 100L0, 100L1, 100L2) with labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. The overhead transport system module 185 is a lift or lifting conveyor module 185 arranged to couple a labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD on one level 100L0, 100L1, 100L2 to another different labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD on another different level 100L0, 100L1, 100L2 above or below the one level 100L0, 100L1, 100L2.In one or more embodiments, another distinct labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD includes another labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD joined to the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD at one location on a common level (e.g., one of levels 100L0, 100L1, 100L2) and includes at least one lift or lifting conveyor module 185 joined to at least one of the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD or another labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD.

[0030] Each labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD forms a respective labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD that is different and / or distinct from another labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD formed by each other of the labware bulk transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. Each labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD provides uninterrupted (e.g., substantially continuous, substantially constant, or steady-state) transport of labware 170 throughout its respective labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD, both when the labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is coupled to and decoupled from another labware bulk transport system module(s) 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. For example, with a labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD coupled to another labware bulk transport system module(s) 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD, the transport of labware 170 between the different labware bulk transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and to / from the different labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 is configured to maintain uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout the respective labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.With a labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD decoupled from another labware bulk transport system module(s) 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD (e.g., no transfers are performed between labware bulk transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD), the transport of labware 170 to / from the different labware processing units 111-116, 121-126, 131-136 is configured to maintain uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout the respective labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.

[0031] 1 and 5A-5C, each coupling 500 between a labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and another labware bulk transport system module(s) 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD defines a labware transfer junction 500J. The labware transfer junction 500J is configured to provide for the transfer of labware 170 between the labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD and another labware bulk transport system module(s) 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. The labware transfer junction 500J defined by the coupling 500 defines a switch 500S for switching the labware 170 from one labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD to another different labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.

[0032] The switch 500S may be any suitable switch that effects a change from one labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD to another different labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. By way of non-limiting example, the switch 500S may be a mechanical switch or a solid-state switch. Examples of mechanical switches 500SM1, 500SM2, 500SM3 are illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5D, while an example of a solid-state switch 500SS is illustrated in FIG. 5C. In one embodiment, the mechanical switch 500SM1 is configured as a turntable or rotary switch including a frame 501 and a turntable 502 rotatably coupled to the frame 501. The turntable 502 includes the labware bulk transport system support portion 330P that rotates as a unit with the turntable 502 so that the transport path TP3 defined by the labware bulk transport system support portion 330P is rotated to align with the transport path TP1 (representing any one of the labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, and 166MD) or the transport path TP2 (representing another one of the labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, and 166MD). As an example of switching the transport path by the mechanical switch 500SM1, with the turntable 502 rotated so that the transport path TP3 is substantially aligned with the transport path TP1, the movable part 151 moves along the transport path TP1 and transitions from the transport path TP1 to the transport path TP3 while being supported by the labware bulk transport system support portion 330P. Controller 199 commands rotation of turntable 502 so that transport path TP3 aligns with transport path TP2, such that the movable part traverses along portion 330P of the labware bulk transport system support to transition from transport path TP3 to transport path TP2. The transition from transport path TP2 to transport path TP1 is effected by mechanical switch 500SM1 in a manner substantially reverse to that described above.

[0033] 5B , the mechanical switch 500SM2 is configured as an arm-type transfer mechanism. Here, the mechanical switch 500SM2 includes a frame 511 and an actuator 512 coupled to the frame 511. The actuator 512 includes an end effector 513 configured to transition the movable part 151 between the transport path TP1 and the transport path TP2. For example, the transport path TP1 is configured such that a portion of the transport path TP1 extends substantially alongside (e.g., substantially parallel to) the transport path TP2. In one embodiment, 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 disengages the movable part 151 from being supported along the transport path TP1 (or the transport path TP2), transfers the movable part 151 to the transport path TP2 (or the transport path TP1), and engages the movable part 151 so that the movable part 151 is supported along the transport path TP2 (or the transport path TP1). The disengagement and engagement of the movable part 151 from and to the transport paths TP1, TP2 may depend on the configuration of the substantially continuous labware support 330. For example, if the substantially continuous labware support 330 includes slots into which portions of the movable part are inserted to couple the movable part to the substantially continuous labware support 330, the end effector 513 may be configured to disengage and remove the movable part from the slot of one transport path TP1, TP2 and insert the movable part into the slot of another transport path TP1, TP2 in any suitable manner. As another example, if the movable part rides along a substantially flat surface, the end effector 513 may be configured to push / pull the movable part across the substantially flat surface to move the movable part between the transport paths TP1, TP2.

[0034] 5B , in another embodiment, actuator 512 is configured (e.g., under the control of controller 199) to move end effector 513 such that end effector 513 picks labware 170 from a movable part on transport path TP2 and places the labware on another, different movable part 151 on transport path TP1. Here, movable part 151 on transport path TP2 is positioned to align with end effector 513 such that end effector 513 enters movable part 151 and moves to pick the labware from a movable part on transport path TP2. Movable part 151 moves along transport path TP2 away from actuator 512, and another, different movable part 151 on transport path TP1 is positioned to align with end effector 513. The end effector 513 is moved to enter another different movable part 151 positioned on the transport path TP1 and place the labware 170 on the other different movable part 151 for transport along the transport path TP1. The transfer of the labware from the transport path TP1 to the transport path TP2 may be performed in substantially the reverse manner to that described above.

[0035] 5D , switch 500SM3 includes a multi-directional roller bed 555 that provides for the transfer of movable part 151 from the substantially continuous labware supports 330 of transport path TP2 to the substantially continuous labware supports 330 of transport path TP1, and vice versa. For example, multi-directional roller bed 555 is positioned (e.g., vertically and / or horizontally) relative to substantially continuous labware supports 330 such that traversal of movable part 151 past end 330EN transfers the support of the movable part between the continuous labware supports 330 and the multi-directional roller bed 555. For example, movable part 151 is supported from its upper part by substantially continuous labware supports 330 (e.g., movable part 151 hangs from substantially continuous labware supports 330), while movable part 151 is supported from its lower part by multi-directional roller bed 555 (e.g., movable part sits on top of multi-directional roller bed 555). As the movable part 151 traverses from the substantially continuous labware support 330, the movable part 151 transitions from being supported by its upper part (e.g., the substantially continuous labware support 330) to being supported by its lower part (e.g., the multi-directional roller bed), and vice versa when the movable part 151 transitions from the multi-directional roller bed 555 to the substantially continuous labware support 330. To guide the movement of the movable part 151 between the substantially continuous labware supports 330 communicatively coupled to one another via the multi-directional roller bed 555, the multi-directional roller bed 555 includes one or more guides 556 configured to guide the movement of the movable part and direct the movable part to the substantially continuous labware support 330 to which the movable part is to be transferred.

[0036] 5C , the solid-state switch 500SS lacks moving parts, such as when at least a portion of the substantially continuous labware support 330 (e.g., at least a portion including the intersection of the transport paths TP1 and TP2) includes a magnetic linear actuator / conveyor 599 for driving at least one moving part 151. Here, the magnetic linear actuator 599 defines a merging transport path TP4 that extends at least partially along (i.e., is common to) both transport paths TP1 and TP2 to form a junction between them. The magnetic linear actuator 599 is controlled by the controller 199 to effect transition of the moving part 151 from one of the transport paths TP1 and TP2 to the merging transport path TP4 and from the merging transport path TP4 to the other of the transport paths TP1 and TP2.

[0037] Although switches 500SM1-500SM3, 500SS are described herein as providing horizontal transfer of labware 170 and / or movable part 151 between transport paths, switches 500S may also be configured for vertical transfer of labware 170 and / or movable part 151 between vertically stacked or spaced transport paths. With reference to Figures 5E and 5F, switches 500S may also be configured as composite switches 500SC1, 500SC2 (which may be substantially similar to lift module 185) including one or more of switches 500SM1-500SM3, 500SS coupled with ramps 567 (Figure 5E) and / or elevators 566 (Figure 5F). With reference to Figure 5E, transport paths TP1, TP2 are vertically spaced from one another, and ramps 567 extend between substantially continuous labware supports 330 on each of transport paths TP1, TP2. The ends of ramp 567 are communicatively coupled to substantially continuous labware support 330 by respective switches 500SM1-500SM3, 500SS, which effect transition of movable portion 151 between ramp 567 and substantially continuous labware support 330, while ramps effect transition of movable portion 151 between transport paths TP1, TP2. As can be appreciated, in one or more embodiments, ramp 567 may include a capturing movable portion 151 that functions to transfer labware between movable portions moving along transport paths TP1, TP2, while end effectors 513 of switches 500SM2 (located at each end of ramp 567) transfer labware between capturing movable portion 151 and movable portions moving along transport paths TP1, TP2, in a manner substantially similar to that described herein with respect to FIG. 5B .

[0038] Referring to Figure 5F, transport paths TP1, TP2 are vertically spaced apart from one another, and elevator 566 extends vertically adjacent to or alongside the substantially continuous labware supports 330 of each of transport paths TP1, TP2. Here, elevator 566 includes actuator 512 and its end effector 513, which raises and lowers the actuator for alignment with movable parts 151 moving along transport paths TP1, TP2 (e.g., effecting the transfer of labware 170 between the elevator and movable parts 151). In a similar manner as described above with respect to Figure 5B, movable parts 151 on transport paths TP1, TP2 are positioned along their respective transport paths TP1, TP2 such that end effector 513 extends within movable parts 151 for transferring labware to and from movable parts 151. Transfer of laboratory equipment 170 removed from movable part 151 on transport path TP1 to movable part 151 on transport path TP2 (and vice versa) is effected by vertical movement of elevator 566. As can be appreciated, when actuator 512 is configured to transport movable part 151 (as described herein with respect to FIG. 5B ), movable part 151 can be transferred between transport paths TP1, TP2 by elevator 566.

[0039] It should be noted that the modular labware transport system 150 (and its labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M) may include any suitable combination of the types of switches 500S described herein (or any other suitable types of switches). These types of switches may be employed with the substantially continuous labware support 330 having any suitable drives / actuators (such as those described herein) for driving the movable parts 151 along the respective transport paths TP1, TP2; in some embodiments, the drives of the substantially continuous labware support 330 may change from one drive type to another drive type that matches the drive type of the switch 500S, while in other embodiments, the switch 500S and the substantially continuous labware support 330 are configured to transfer the movable parts 151 from the drives of the substantially continuous labware support 330 to the drives of the switch 500S, or vice versa.

[0040] As described above, each labware bulk transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is configured to maintain uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout its respective labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD. Example configurations of labware bulk transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD to provide uninterrupted transport of labware 170 are illustrated in Figures 6-9. For illustrative purposes only, the labware bulk transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD may be configured as a loop (see, e.g., Figures 1, 2, 6-8), a tree (see Figure 9), or any other suitable shape that facilitates uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout the respective labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.

[0041] 6, labware bulk transport system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware bulk transport 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) positioned adjacent to the substantially continuous labware support 330. In this embodiment, the substantially continuous labware support 330 includes labware interfaces or spurs 600-605 extending from the substantially continuous labware support 330 at each interface location between the substantially continuous labware support 330 and the processing units 111-116. Each end of each labware interface 600-605 includes a switch 600S (substantially similar to the switch 500S described herein) that effects the transfer of the movable part 151 between the (main) transport path 166 of the substantially continuous labware support 330 and the transport path 600TP of the respective labware interface 600-605. The labware interfaces 600-605 provide stops for the movable part 151 for interfacing (as described herein) of the labware carried / supported by the movable part 151 with the processing units 111-116, while maintaining uninterrupted transport of the labware 170 along the (main) transport path 166.

[0042] 7, labware bulk transport system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware bulk transport system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, and 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 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 part 151 independent of the movement of each of the other movable parts 151 along the transport path 166 of the substantially continuous labware support 330. The controller 199 may control the speed of each movable part 151 and the pitch P between adjacent movable parts 151 so as to stop at least one movable part (see movable part 151 STP) along the transport path 166 so as to interface the laboratory equipment 170 with a processing unit 111-116 (such as processing unit 116) while maintaining uninterrupted transport of laboratory equipment 170 carried by other movable parts along the (main) transport path 166.

[0043] 8, labware bulk transport system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware bulk transport system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, and 150MD) includes a plurality of substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, and 330C arranged substantially adjacent to one another so that each substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, and 330C forms a respective loop with processing units 111-116 (or processing units 121-126 and 131-136) positioned below the substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, and 330C. Each of the substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, and 330C has a respective transport path 166A, 166B, and 166C along which movable part 151 moves. In one embodiment, each of the substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, 330C may be substantially similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 7, with the speed and pitch between the moving parts controlled by the controller 199 to provide labware interfacing with the processing units 111-113 (three processing units are shown here for illustrative purposes, but other embodiments may include more or less than three) in the manner described above. In another embodiment, shunts 801, 802 are provided between the substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, 330C to provide switching of the moving parts 151 from one substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, 330C to another different substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, 330C, where the ends of the shunts 801, 802 include switches 800S substantially similar to the switches described herein.Switching the movable units 151 between the substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, 330C provides for at least one movable unit 151 to stop at one of the substantially continuous labware supports 330A, 330B, 330C for interfacing of the labware 170 carried by the movable unit with the processing units 111-113, while another movable unit 151 traverses to another different substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, 330C to maintain uninterrupted transport of the labware 170 carried by the other movable unit along the transport path 166A, 166B, 166C of another different substantially continuous labware support 330A, 330B, 330C.

[0044] 8, labware bulk transport system module 150M (which may be substantially similar to any one or more of labware bulk transport system modules 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, and 150MD) includes a substantially continuous labware support 330 forming a central hub 330H with interface extensions 330E extending from the central hub 330H. While interface extensions 330E are illustrated as extending radially from the central hub 330H, in other embodiments, interface extensions 330E may extend from the central hub 330H in any suitable arrangement relative to the central hub 330H. Processing units 111-118 (similar to the processing units described herein) are positioned adjacent to each interface extension 330E. The movable units 151 transition between movement along the transport path defined by the central hub 330H and the transport path defined by each interface extension 330E via switches 900S, which are substantially similar to those described herein, where the movable units 151 may move along the transport path of the central hub 330H to maintain uninterrupted transport of the labware 170, while at least one movable unit 151 transitions to move along the interface extension 330E for interfacing the labware 170 carried by the movable unit 151 with the processing units 111-118.

[0045] 1-4, aspects of the disclosed embodiment provide a labware 170 processing arrangement in which a modular labware transport system 150 serves integrated labware processing machine(s) 210-213 and / or standalone equipment(s) 200-204 in 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 unit 150INT and at least one intra-laboratory transport unit 150INF. As described herein, the intra-laboratory transport unit 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport unit 150INT provide uninterrupted transport of labware 170.

[0046] The inter-laboratory transport 150INT fluidly couples one laboratory 110, 120, 130 to another different laboratory 110, 120, 130 so that labware 170 can be transferred between the different laboratories 110, 120, 130. The substantially continuous labware support 330 of the inter-laboratory transport 150INT may be modular so that the length of the substantially continuous labware support 330 can be expanded to add additional laboratories or contracted to remove laboratories from the laboratory facility 100. The inter-laboratory transport 150INT may also be coupled (such as via a switch substantially similar to that described herein) to other, different inter-laboratory transports 150INT to expand the number of laboratories and throughput of the laboratory facility 100. It should be noted that the arrangement of laboratories 110, 120, 130 relative to inter-laboratory transporter 150INT is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, inter-laboratory transporter 150INT may have any suitable shape and any suitable number of laboratories coupled thereto.

[0047] The intra-laboratory transport unit 150INF communicatively couples the (one or more) integrated laboratory equipment processing machines 210-213 and / or the (one or more) standalone equipment 200-204 of each laboratory 110, 120, 130 to each other so that laboratory equipment 170 can be transported between the (one or more) integrated laboratory equipment processing machines 210-213 and / or the (one or more) standalone equipment 200-204 of each laboratory 110, 120, 130. The substantially continuous labware support 330 of the intra-laboratory transport 150INF may be modular such that the length of the substantially continuous labware support 330 can be expanded to add additional integrated labware processing machine(s) 210-213 and / or standalone instrument(s) 200-204, or contracted to remove integrated labware processing machine(s) 210-213 and / or standalone instrument(s) 200-204 from the laboratory facility 100. It should be noted that the arrangement of the integrated labware processing machine(s) 210-213 and / or standalone instrument(s) 200-204 relative to the intra-laboratory transport 150INF is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, the intra-laboratory transport 150INF may have any suitable shape and any suitable number of integrated labware processing machine(s) and / or standalone instrument(s) coupled thereto.

[0048] As described herein, the substantially continuous labware support 330 of each of the intra-laboratory transport(s) 150INF and inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT provides the labware 170 with access to all of the integrated labware processing machines 210-213 and / or standalone equipment(s) 200-204 of the laboratory facility 100, as well as any storage units 180 or buffer locations located below or alongside the inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT (see FIG. 1 ), for example. Both the intra-laboratory transport(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT are formed in sections MIP that can be selectably installed along the modular labware transport system 150 (only some of which are identified in FIG. 1 , but straight sections of the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be provided in modular lengths, curved sections of the substantially continuous labware support 330 may be provided in modular lengths, switches 500S may be provided modularly, spurs 601 may be provided modularly, movable section 151 may be provided modularly, etc.). In aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the modular sections of the intra-laboratory transport(s) 150INF and inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT may be modular for ease of installation and / or for ease of scaling the throughput of the laboratory facility 100, as described herein.

[0049] In aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the modular sections of the intra-laboratory transport(s) 150INF and the inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT also provide for the ease of increased throughput in substantially parallel travel paths, which may increase the throughput of labware to and from one or more of the integrated labware processing machines 210-213 or standalone instruments 200-204. For example, the throughput rate of laboratory equipment 170 provided by the inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT may correspond to the throughput rate of the labs 110, 120, 130, and / or the throughput rate of laboratory equipment provided by the intra-laboratory transport(s) 150INF may correspond to the throughput rate of any given one or more of the integrated laboratory equipment processing machines 210-213 and / or standalone equipment(s) 200-204 of the respective labs 110, 120, 130.

[0050] Additionally, switches 500S may be added between modular sections of the substantially continuous labware support 330 to form shunts 181 (FIG. 1) between the sides of the intra-laboratory transport(s) 150INF and between the sides of the inter-laboratory transport(s) 150INT to shorten the distance traveled by the movable part 151 or to avoid obstacles.

[0051] 1-3, as a simple example, a multiwell plate 179 is prepared, for example, on a mixture management system 300 (e.g., corresponding to processing unit 111 of lab 110). A robot 301 of mixture management system 300 places multiwell plate 179 substantially directly onto a nest or movable part 151 of a labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M. The movable part 151 moves along the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M and transports multiwell plate 179 to, for example, a screening system (e.g., corresponding to another processing unit 112-116 of lab 110 or processing units 121-126, 131-136 of labs 120, 130), and a robot of the screening system retrieves multiwell plate 179 from movable part 151 for processing in the screening system. Once screening is complete, the screening system robot places the multiwell plate 179 on the same or a different mobile unit 151 such that the labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M transports the screened multiwell plate 179 to the tabletop reader, where the tabletop reader robot picks the multiwell plate substantially directly from the mobile unit 151 for processing in the reader. Once reading of the multiwell plate 179 is complete, the tabletop reader robot places the multiwell plate 179 on the same or a different mobile unit 151 for transport to another location in the laboratory, such as storage unit 180 or another suitable location in the laboratory.

[0052] 1-4 and 10, an exemplary method of selectably configuring a modular labware transport system 150 according to aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be described, in which labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD form a labware bulk overhead transport path 166 connecting at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument 210-213 or standalone / benchtop equipment 200-204 to at least another integrated labware processing machine / instrument 210-213 or standalone / benchtop equipment 200-204 spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD (FIG. 10, block 1000). The labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD are provided with at least a moving part 151 (FIG. 10, block 1010), and the labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD are substantially parallel to the labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD, extending longitudinally along the labware bulk overhead transport path 166. The substantially continuous labware support 330 includes a movable portion 151 arranged to support labware 170 thereon and movable longitudinally to define a labware bulk overhead transport path 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD for the labware 170 supported on the labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. As described herein, the substantially continuous labware support 330 includes a plurality of predetermined labware holding stations 311-313 arranged to hold pieces of labware (as described herein) for the labware 170 supported on the substantially continuous labware support 330. As described herein, each of the predetermined labware holding stations 311-313 has a different predetermined location along the substantially continuous labware support 330 and labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD.Labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M is communicatively coupled to other labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD (FIG. 10, block 1020) of modular labware transport system 150. The other labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD form other distinct labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD that are different / separate from the labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD of labware bulk overhead transport system modules 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD. Uninterrupted transport of labware 170 throughout the labware bulk overhead transport paths 166, 166MA, 166MB, 166MC, 166MD is effected when a labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD is both coupled to and decoupled from another labware bulk overhead transport system module 150M, 150MA, 150MB, 150MC, 150MD ( FIG. 10 , block 1030).

[0053] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a selectably configurable modular labware transport system includes:

[0054] a labware bulk overhead transport system module forming a labware bulk overhead transport path, the labware bulk overhead transport path connecting at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / tabletop equipment with at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / tabletop equipment spaced apart at a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path;

[0055] the labware bulk overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous labware support extending longitudinally along the labware bulk overhead transport path, at least a movable portion of the substantially continuous labware support being arranged to support labware thereon and movable longitudinally to define a labware bulk overhead transport path for the labware supported on the labware bulk overhead transport system module;

[0056] a substantially continuous labware support having a plurality of predetermined labware holding stations arranged to hold pieces of labware supported on the substantially continuous labware support, each predetermined labware holding station having a different predetermined location along the substantially continuous labware support and the labware bulk overhead transport path;

[0057] The labware bulk overhead transport system module is arranged to be communicatively coupled to another labware bulk overhead transport system module of the modular labware transport system that forms a labware bulk overhead transport path that is separate and distinct from the labware bulk overhead transport path of the labware bulk overhead transport system module, providing uninterrupted transport of labware throughout the labware bulk overhead transport path when the labware bulk overhead transport system module is both coupled to and decoupled from the other labware bulk overhead transport system module.

[0058] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a coupling between a labware bulk overhead transport system module and another labware bulk overhead transport system module defines a labware transfer junction that provides for the transfer of labware between the labware bulk overhead transport system module and another labware bulk overhead transport system module.

[0059] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the coupling defines a switch for switching labware from a labware bulk overhead transport path to another, different labware bulk overhead transport path.

[0060] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the separate labware bulk overhead transport system module is either another labware bulk overhead transport system module at a common level with the labware bulk overhead transport system module, or a lift or lifting conveyor module positioned to couple a labware bulk overhead transport system module at one level to another, different level above or below the one level.

[0061] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, another different labware bulk overhead transport system module includes another labware bulk overhead transport system module joined to the labware bulk overhead transport system module at a location on a common level, and includes at least one lift or lifting conveyor module joined to at least one of the labware bulk overhead transport system module or the another labware bulk overhead transport system module.

[0062] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, each of the predetermined labware holding stations of the substantially continuous labware support includes at least a movable portion such that the predetermined labware holding station, and thus the predetermined position, moves along the labware bulk overhead transport path.

[0063] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the selectively configurable modular labware transport system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the labware bulk overhead transport system module, the controller configured to instruct at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument to position each labware holding station moving along the labware bulk overhead transport path and to instruct a bot arm associated with the at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument to cause labware to be loaded onto and unloaded from substantially consecutive labware supports of predetermined labware holding stations, with the predetermined labware holding stations positioned within the range of motion of the bot arm.

[0064] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to register the identification information of labware loaded onto or unloaded from a designated labware holding station by the bot arm.

[0065] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a given labware holding station is positioned adjacent to at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument during loading and unloading of labware from the given labware holding station.

[0066] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to exchange labware at a given labware holding station from a labware having a first identification in the registry for a different labware having a second, different identification in the registry.

[0067] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to move labware loaded at a given labware holding station along the labware bulk overhead transport path from at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path.

[0068] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to move labware loaded at a given labware holding station along a labware bulk overhead transport path from at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path and located at a different level of the facility.

[0069] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method for selectably configuring a modular labware transport system is provided, the method comprising:

[0070] forming a labware bulk overhead transport path with labware bulk overhead transport system modules, the labware bulk overhead transport path connecting at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment to at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path;

[0071] providing at least a movable portion on a labware bulk overhead transport system module, the labware bulk overhead transport system module having a substantially continuous labware support extending longitudinally along a labware bulk overhead transport path, the movable portion of the substantially continuous labware support being positioned to support labware thereon and being longitudinally movable to define a labware bulk overhead transport path for labware supported on the labware bulk overhead transport system module;

[0072] providing at least a movable portion in a labware bulk overhead transport system module, wherein a substantially continuous labware support has a plurality of predetermined labware holding stations arranged to hold pieces of labware supported on the substantially continuous labware support, each predetermined labware holding station having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support and the labware bulk overhead transport path;

[0073] communicatively coupling the labware bulk overhead transport system module to another labware bulk overhead transport system module of the modular labware transport system that forms a labware bulk overhead transport path that is separate and distinct from the labware bulk overhead transport path of the labware bulk overhead transport system module;

[0074] and providing uninterrupted transport of labware throughout the labware bulk overhead transport path with the labware bulk overhead transport system module both coupled to and decoupled from another labware bulk overhead transport system module.

[0075] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a coupling between a labware bulk overhead transport system module and another labware bulk overhead transport system module defines a labware transfer junction that provides for the transfer of labware between the labware bulk overhead transport system module and another labware bulk overhead transport system module.

[0076] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the coupling defines a switch for switching labware from one labware bulk overhead transport path to another, different labware bulk overhead transport path.

[0077] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the separate labware bulk overhead transport system module is either another labware bulk overhead transport system module at a common level with the labware bulk overhead transport system module, or a lift or lifting conveyor module positioned to couple a labware bulk overhead transport system module at one level to another, different level above or below the one level.

[0078] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, another different labware bulk overhead transport system module includes another labware bulk overhead transport system module joined to the labware bulk overhead transport system module at a location on a common level, and includes at least one lift or lifting conveyor module joined to the labware bulk overhead transport system module or at least one of the another labware bulk overhead transport system modules.

[0079] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, each of the predetermined labware holding stations of the substantially continuous labware support includes at least a movable part such that the predetermined labware holding station, and thus the predetermined position, moves along the labware bulk overhead transport path.

[0080] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes:

[0081] providing a controller communicatively coupled to the labware bulk overhead transport system module;

[0082] using the controller to position each labware holding station moving along the labware bulk overhead transport path relative to at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument;

[0083] The method further includes using the controller to instruct a bot arm associated with at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument to cause loading of labware onto and unloading of labware from substantially continuous labware supports of predetermined labware holding stations, with the predetermined labware holding stations positioned within the range of motion of the bot arm.

[0084] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes using the controller to register the identification information of labware loaded onto or unloaded from a predetermined labware holding station by the bot arm.

[0085] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a given labware holding station is positioned adjacent to at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument during loading and unloading of labware from the given labware holding station.

[0086] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes using the controller to effect, at a predetermined labware holding station, an exchange of labware from a labware having a first identification in the registry to a different labware having a second, different identification in the registry.

[0087] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes using the controller to move the labware loaded in the predetermined labware holding station along the labware bulk overhead transport path from the at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path.

[0088] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes using the controller to move the labware loaded in the predetermined labware holding station along the labware bulk overhead transport path from the at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path and at a different level of the facility.

[0089] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of aspects of the present disclosure. Various substitutions and modifications may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are intended to embrace all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that are within the scope of any claims appended hereto. Furthermore, the mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage and that such combination remains within the scope of aspects of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system, the selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system comprising: labware bulk overhead transport system modules forming a labware bulk overhead transport path, said labware bulk overhead transport path connecting at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment with at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced apart at a distance along said labware bulk overhead transport path; the labware bulk overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous labware support extending longitudinally along the labware bulk overhead transport path, at least a movable portion of the substantially continuous labware support being arranged to support labware thereon and movable longitudinally to define the labware bulk overhead transport path for the labware supported on the labware bulk overhead transport system module; the substantially continuous labware support having a plurality of predetermined labware holding stations corresponding to at least one of the movable parts, the plurality of predetermined labware holding stations arranged to hold pieces of labware supported on the substantially continuous labware support, each of the predetermined labware holding stations having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support and a labware bulk overhead transport path; the selectably configurable modular labware transport system includes a lift module, the lift module being communicatively coupled to the labware bulk overhead transport system module and configured to couple the labware bulk overhead transport system module at one level to another different level above or below the one level; A modular, configurable labware transport system.

2. the lift module is fixedly or attached dependently to the labware bulk overhead transport system module; 10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

3. the lift module is movably mounted to the labware bulk overhead transport system module so as to be positioned and repositioned at different locations on the labware bulk overhead transport system module; 10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

4. the lift module is an autonomous vehicle configured to transfer the labware between the moving part and at least one of the integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / tabletop equipment at any time; 10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

5. the lift module is arranged to transfer the labware from the movable part at one level to at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment at another different level above or below the one level; 10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

6. the labware bulk overhead transport system module is arranged to be communicatively coupled to another labware bulk overhead transport system module of the modular labware transport system that forms a labware bulk overhead transport path that is separate and distinct from the labware bulk overhead transport path of the labware bulk overhead transport system module, and provides uninterrupted transport of the labware throughout the labware bulk overhead transport path when the labware bulk overhead transport system module is both coupled to and decoupled from the other labware bulk overhead transport system module; 10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

7. a coupling between the labware bulk overhead transport system module and the other labware bulk overhead transport system module defining a labware transfer interface that provides for the transfer of the labware between the labware bulk overhead transport system module and the other labware bulk overhead transport system module; 7. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 6.

8. the coupling defines a switch for switching labware from the labware bulk overhead transport path to the other, different labware bulk overhead transport path; 8. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 7.

9. the other labware bulk overhead transport system module is either another labware bulk overhead transport system module at a common level with the other labware bulk overhead transport system module, or a lift or lifting conveyor module positioned to connect the labware bulk overhead transport system module at one level to another different level above or below the one level; 7. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 6.

10. another different labware bulk overhead transport system module includes another labware bulk overhead transport system module joined to said labware bulk overhead transport system module at a location on a common level, and includes at least one lift or lifting conveyor module joined to at least one of said labware bulk overhead transport system module or said another labware bulk overhead transport system module; 7. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 6.

11. each of the predetermined labware holding stations of the substantially continuous labware support includes at least the movable portion such that the predetermined labware holding station, and its predetermined position, moves along the labware bulk overhead transport path; 10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

12. and a controller communicatively coupled to the labware bulk overhead transport system module, the controller configured to position each labware holding station moving along the labware bulk overhead transport path relative to the at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument and to instruct a bot arm associated with the at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument to cause the labware to be loaded onto and unloaded from the substantially continuous labware supports at a given labware holding station, with the given labware holding station positioned within a range of motion of the bot arm.

10. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 1.

13. the controller is configured to register identification information of the labware loaded onto or unloaded from the designated labware holding station by the robot arm; 13. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 12.

14. the predetermined labware holding station is positioned adjacent to the at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument during loading and unloading of the labware from the predetermined labware holding station; 13. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 12.

15. the controller is configured to exchange labware at the given labware holding station from a labware having a first identification in the registry for a different labware having a second, different identification in the registry.

13. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 12.

16. the controller is configured to move the labware loaded at the predetermined labware holding station along the labware bulk overhead transport path from the at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to the at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced apart a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path.

13. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 12.

17. the controller is configured to move the labware loaded at the predetermined labware holding station along the labware bulk overhead transport path from the at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to the at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along the labware bulk overhead transport path and located on a different level of the facility.

13. The selectably configurable modular laboratory equipment transport system of claim 12.

18. 1. A method for selectably configuring a modular laboratory equipment transport system, the method comprising: forming a labware bulk overhead transport path with labware bulk overhead transport system modules, said labware bulk overhead transport path connecting at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment to at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along said labware bulk overhead transport path; providing the laboratory equipment bulk overhead transport system module with at least one moving part, the labware bulk overhead transport system module has a substantially continuous labware support extending longitudinally along the labware bulk overhead transport path, the movable portion of the substantially continuous labware support being positioned to support labware thereon and being longitudinally movable to define the labware bulk overhead transport path for the labware supported on the labware bulk overhead transport system module; the substantially continuous labware support having a plurality of predetermined labware holding stations corresponding to at least one of the movable parts, the plurality of predetermined labware holding stations arranged to hold labware pieces of the labware supported on the substantially continuous labware support, each of the predetermined labware holding stations having a different predetermined position along the substantially continuous labware support and a labware bulk overhead transport path; providing said laboratory equipment bulk overhead transport system module with at least a moving part; fluidly coupling a lift module to the labware bulk overhead transport system module, and positioning the lift module to couple the labware bulk overhead transport system module at one level to another different level above or below the one level; A method comprising:

19. the lift module is fixedly or attached dependently to the labware bulk overhead transport system module; 20. The method of claim 18.

20. further comprising movably mounting the lift module to the labware bulk overhead transport system module for positioning and repositioning the lift module to different locations on the labware bulk overhead transport system module.

20. The method of claim 18.

21. the lift module is an autonomous vehicle for transferring the labware between the moving part and at least one of the integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / tabletop equipment at any time; 20. The method of claim 18.

22. the lift module is arranged to transfer the labware from the movable part at one level to at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument or standalone / benchtop equipment at another different level above or below the one level; 20. The method of claim 18.

23. communicatively coupling the labware bulk overhead transport system module to another labware bulk overhead transport system module of the modular labware transport system that forms a separate and distinct labware bulk overhead transport path from the labware bulk overhead transport path of the labware bulk overhead transport system module; providing uninterrupted transport of the labware throughout the labware bulk overhead transport path while the labware bulk overhead transport system module is both coupled to and decoupled from the other labware bulk overhead transport system module; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

24. a coupling between the labware bulk overhead transport system module and the other labware bulk overhead transport system module defining a labware transfer interface that provides for the transfer of labware between the labware bulk overhead transport system module and the other labware bulk overhead transport system module; 24. The method of claim 23.

25. the coupling defines a switch for switching labware from the labware bulk overhead transport path to the other, different labware bulk overhead transport path; 25. The method of claim 24.

26. the other labware bulk overhead transport system module is either another labware bulk overhead transport system module at a common level with the other labware bulk overhead transport system module, or a lift or lifting conveyor module positioned to connect the labware bulk overhead transport system module at one level to another different level above or below the one level; 24. The method of claim 23.

27. another different labware bulk overhead transport system module includes another labware bulk overhead transport system module joined to said labware bulk overhead transport system module at a location on a common level, and includes at least one lift or lifting conveyor module joined to said labware bulk overhead transport system module or at least one of said another labware bulk overhead transport system module; 24. The method of claim 23.

28. each of the predetermined labware holding stations of the substantially continuous labware support includes at least the movable portion such that the predetermined labware holding station, and its predetermined position, moves along the labware bulk overhead transport path; 24. The method of claim 23.

29. providing a controller communicatively coupled to the labware bulk overhead transport system module; using said controller to position each labware holding station moving along said labware bulk overhead transport path relative to said at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument; using said controller to command a bot arm associated with said at least one integrated labware handling machine / instrument to effect loading and unloading of said labware onto and from said substantially continuous labware supports at predetermined labware holding stations, with said predetermined labware holding stations positioned within the range of motion of said bot arm; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

30. and registering, using the controller, the identification information of the labware loaded onto or unloaded from the designated labware holding station by the robot arm.

30. The method of claim 29.

31. the predetermined labware holding station is positioned adjacent to the at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument during loading and unloading of the labware from the predetermined labware holding station; 30. The method of claim 29.

32. using the controller to effect an exchange of labware at the predetermined labware holding station from a labware having a first identification in the registry to a different labware having a second, different identification in the registry.

30. The method of claim 29.

33. using said controller to move said labware loaded at said predetermined labware holding station along said labware bulk overhead transport path from said at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to said at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or stand-alone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along said labware bulk overhead transport path.

30. The method of claim 29.

34. using said controller to move said labware loaded at said predetermined labware holding station along said labware bulk overhead transport path from said at least one integrated labware processing machine / instrument to said at least another different integrated labware processing machine / instrument or stand-alone / benchtop equipment spaced a distance along said labware bulk overhead transport path and on a different level of the facility.

30. The method of claim 29.

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