Laboratory containers with markings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (13) for containing pipette tips (15) and / or fluids, for use in a laboratory, comprising a bottom (21) and at least one side wall (23). The bottom (21) or at least one of the side wall (23) has a marking (27) affixed to the outer surface of the bottom (21) or side wall (23). The marking (27) determines the type of container (13) and its fluid capacity, and / or the type of pipette tip to be placed in the container (13). The marker (27) is made of a material that causes a wavelength shift between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for accommodating a pipette tip as described in the preamble of claim 1 and an accommodation device for a laboratory device for accommodating the container as described in the preamble of claim 19.

Background Art

[0002] In laboratory work, containers that can function as fluid containers, such as microtiter plates or pipette tip containers, are used. Despite their different uses, these containers have the same bottom area. This allows these containers to be accommodated in the same device. A pipetting unit is usually assigned to this accommodation device. During the pipetting process, the device can accommodate a plurality of different containers in a specific sequence. For example, the pipetting unit can take out a pipette tip from a first container, fill this pipette tip with fluid from a second container (fluid container), and empty the fluid in the pipette tip into a third container (microtiter plate). Thereby, the pipetting process can be automated to some extent. The reliability of the automated process can be improved by the type of container, and thus by the container identification that can be used to determine the contents of the container.

[0003] Devices that can automatically identify a container for accommodating a pipette tip are disclosed by the prior art. Such devices use an optical sensor in the form of a camera that can photograph the container from above. The camera image can be used for identifying a code attached to the container or for evaluating the pipette tip shown in the image. By evaluating the pipette tip shown, a description regarding the number of pipette tips, filling state, etc. can be created.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a pipette container having holes aligned perpendicularly to the bottom surface for accommodating pipette tips. The elongated side of the pipette container includes a section visible from the outside. This section may include product information that is easily understood by the user, such as details regarding the filling capacity and type of pipette tips. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2789389 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an alternative container for housing pipette tips that enables more reliable identification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a container for housing pipette tips having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The present invention relates to a container for housing pipette tips for use in a laboratory, comprising a bottom and at least one side wall. The bottom, or at least one of the side wall, has a marking affixed to the outer surface of the bottom or side wall. This marking indicates the type of container and its fluid capacity, and / or the type of pipette tip the container holds. The container is characterized in that the marking is made of a material that causes a wavelength shift between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking.

[0009] Because the above material causes a wavelength shift between absorbed and emitted electromagnetic radiation, the marking can emit radiation at different wavelengths. To achieve this, it is ideally necessary to irradiate the marking with two electromagnetic waves that already have different wavelengths. Preferably, one of these electromagnetic radiations is within the visible range, and the other is preferably invisible to the human eye. The goal is to identify the marking based on the radiation it emits, particularly the shift in the wavelength of this radiation. Recognition of the marking allows for the identification of the type of container.

[0010] The containers are designed to hold pipette tips. The markings include information about what each container can hold. Additionally, the markings may include further information about the pipette tips to be placed in the containers.

[0011] The containers are intended for use in laboratories and, preferably, only in sterile environments. Therefore, the container material must be suitable for use in sterile environments. The containers according to the present invention are preferably made of plastic, particularly polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or cycloolefin copolymer.

[0012] The difference in wavelength between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking is preferably at least 20 nm. A wavelength shift of at least 20 nm allows for reliable identification of the wavelength shift.

[0013] Preferably, the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking is between 100 nm and 3000 nm. This range covers radiation from infrared to ultraviolet light, which can be produced cost-effectively.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the marking consists of a fluorescent material that causes a wavelength shift in the emitted radiation. Using a fluorescent material satisfies the condition for marking, which is the subject of this invention, that a wavelength shift occurs between the absorbed radiation and the emitted radiation. At the same time, fluorescent materials are relatively readily available and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the marking is located on the bottom of the container. Preferably, the bottom of the container has a surface whose size and shape do not vary from container to container type. That is, the marking can be placed in the same position for all containers. This facilitates the production of containers, the application of markings, and the reading of information from the markings. Generally, the bottom of the container rests on the containment surface. Applying the marking to the bottom of the container has the further advantage of improving process reliability when reading information from the markings, as the distance between the sensor device and the marking is minimized.

[0016] Advantageously, the marking is located in the center of the container's bottom. By centralizing the marking, the container can be rotated around its vertical axis, depending on the shape of its bottom. In the case of a rectangular bottom, centralizing the marking allows the container to be rotated 180° within the storage device without affecting the reading function of the storage function. In the case of a square bottom, the container can be rotated 90° around its vertical axis.

[0017] The container preferably has a rectangular planar shape. A rectangular planar shape means that it has two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides, and unlike a square planar shape, the ratio of the long sides to the short sides is not 1:1. The rectangular planar shape of the container may have, for example, rounded corners.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment to the foregoing embodiment, the marking is located on the side wall of the container. The side wall is visible when the container is stationary with its bottom down. Therefore, by applying the marking to the side wall, laboratory workers can immediately visually recognize the marking on the container, and thus have the advantage that they can pre-evaluate whether each container is appropriate.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the marking is composed of at least two materials, and each material causes a different shift in wavelength between the radiation absorbed by the marking and the radiation emitted by the marking. The shift in wavelength between the absorbed electromagnetic radiation and the emitted electromagnetic radiation functions as an information medium regarding the marking, and the above shift can be used to identify the type of each container by comparing this with the stored information. By using three or more materials that each cause a mutation of a different wavelength, the information content of the marking increases.

[0020] Advantageously, the marking has an axisymmetric plane. The symmetric plane facilitates the reading of information from the marking by the sensor device. At the same time, in two directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, the maximum range of the marking is the same, so the surface to be detected by the sensor device is better defined.

[0021] Preferably, the marking has a point-symmetric plane. The point-symmetric plane enables the sensor device to be rotated 180°. When the marking at the bottom of the container is arranged in the center, the point-symmetric plane of the marking enables the container to be rotated 180° on the housing device as required.

[0022] More preferably, the marking shall have a circular or square surface. The provision of a circular or square surface is simple in manufacturing, and since these surfaces have many symmetries, the degree of freedom in positioning the container on the housing device increases.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the marking comprises two or more surfaces. The marking may be composed of a plurality of surfaces. These surfaces may be in contact with each other or spaced apart. These surfaces can also be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0024] Preferably, the first surface is located at the center of the marking, and each of the other surfaces forms a frame surface that completely surrounds the first surface. Thereby, a clear structure is formed from the center to the outside of the marking. These surfaces do not necessarily need to be in contact with each other.

[0025] Preferably, each surface is composed of a material that causes a different shift in wavelength between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking. That is, two or more surfaces and two or more materials are used for the marking. By the clear assignment that each surface is composed of a material that causes a different shift in wavelength, the application of the marking to the container and the inspection of the marking are facilitated.

[0026] Advantageously, the container has dimensions compliant with the ANSI standard in the SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening) format. In particular, in the SBS format according to the ANSI standard, the sizes of the containers used for specific laboratory operations are defined. The ANSI standard leads to the standardization of the container dimensions, thereby promoting the compatibility of laboratory equipment. The SBS format defines the length to be approximately 127 mm and the width to be approximately 85 mm with respect to the container dimensions. Therefore, the container preferably has a length of 120 - 130 mm and a width of 80 - 90 mm.

[0027] The marking of the container is designed to be detected by a sensor device. The sensor device needs to be able to read all the information contained in the marking. For this, the size of the surface of the marking needs to be minimized. Preferably, the shortest dimension of the marking needs to be at least 10 mm.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a housing device for a pipetting device for housing a container. The housing device comprises a housing surface on which the container rests, and a frame forming the edge of the housing surface and projecting perpendicularly from the housing surface. A sensor device is positioned on the housing surface and has a radiation detector and two radiation sources, the two radiation sources emitting electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, and the radiation detector detects the wavelength of the received electromagnetic radiation.

[0029] The frame plays the role of positioning the marked container within the housing device in such a way that the housing device's sensor device can read information from the markings on the container. The housing device houses the container in such a way that the distance between the housing device's sensor device and the container's markings does not vary significantly. This is achieved, for example, by ensuring that the distance between opposing inner surfaces of the frame is slightly larger than the maximum longitudinal or transverse dimension of the container. Here, "minimally larger" means that the container can be inserted into the housing device without resistance or friction. At the same time, the distance between the container and the frame must be small enough that the container can hardly move laterally, and therefore its lateral movement is completely restricted. As a result, the container's markings are always close to the housing device's sensor device.

[0030] Preferably, the sensor device is connected to a data storage device that stores a database of reference measurement data, which indicates the assignment of container types to wavelength combinations. The database containing the stored reference data allows the measured container to be assigned to its type. To accomplish this, it is sufficient to simply compare the measured wavelength combination with the stored wavelength combinations.

[0031] In one preferred embodiment, the maximum distance of the sensor device from the center of the housing surface is 30 mm, particularly 20 mm. The center of the housing surface is formed by its midpoint. In the case of a rectangular surface, the center is defined by the intersection of two diagonals. It is preferable to position the marking as close to the center of the container as possible. This allows information to be read from the marking using a centrally located sensor device, regardless of how much the container is rotated around the vertical axis. Ideally, the sensor device is positioned within the area formed by projecting the container marking perpendicularly onto the housing surface.

[0032] Preferably, the sensor device is located in the center of the housing surface. By centralizing the sensor device, information can be read from the markings, as long as the markings are also located in the center of the container. For this reason, the container can be inserted into the housing device at any position.

[0033] Advantageously, the first radiation source is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 380 nm to 780 nm, and the second radiation source is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation with different wavelengths of 10 nm to 410 nm or 750 nm to 3000 nm. That is, both visible and invisible radiation can be used. When an invisible radiation is irradiated onto a material, the radiation emitted by this material can be in the visible range because the radiation emitted by this material has a different wavelength than the radiation absorbed.

[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the housing device includes a protective device for the sensor device. The protective device prevents dust or other particles from reaching the sensor device and affecting the measurement accuracy.

[0035] The protective device is preferably located above the sensor device. Because the sensor device is located within the housing surface, it is relatively susceptible to contamination from the sides of the housing surface. A protective device above the sensor device can protect the sensor device from such contamination.

[0036] Advantageously, the protective device is made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation. This ensures that electromagnetic radiation from the sensor device always passes through the protective device and strikes the object placed inside the housing device.

[0037] Preferably, the housing surface has a perforation, and the sensor device is placed within this perforation. This perforation simplifies manufacturing. If the housing surface is part of a storage station that provides a thin sheet for forming the housing surface, the perforation for housing the sensor device can be created with minimal effort.

[0038] Advantageously, the protective device seals the puncture. This prevents the protective device from allowing fluid or other particles to reach the sensor device from the outside. Since the containment device is intended for laboratory use, there is a risk that fluid may leak out of the container and cover at least part of the surface of the laboratory equipment.

[0039] The optional features described can be implemented in any combination, as long as they are not mutually exclusive. In particular, if a preferred range is specified, a further preferred range can be obtained from combinations of the minimum and maximum values ​​specified within that range.

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following are shown in schematic diagrams that are not to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device comprising a pipetting unit and three containers according to the present invention for performing pipetting operations. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a container according to the present invention for containing a fluid. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a storage section with only one containment device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the longitudinal cross-section of the housing device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the container according to the present invention for housing pipette tips. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional view of the container according to the present invention in the form of a microtiter plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] From this point forward, the same reference number refers to the same element or an element with the same function (in different figures). The addition of an apostrophe can be used to distinguish similar elements or elements with the same or similar function in subsequent versions.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a storage station 11 for storing or housing containers 13, where containers 13 are designed for laboratory use and to house pipette tips 15 and / or fluids. The top surface of the storage station 11 is formed by a storage surface 16, which has a housing device 17. Two containers 13, 13' are arranged on the storage surface 16, each of which is located within a housing device 17, and a third container 13'' is shown above the housing device 17 to which it is assigned. A pipetting unit 19 is positioned above the storage station 11. The pipetting unit 19 can house pipette tips 15, fill these pipette tips 15 with fluid from the fluid container 13'', and empty this fluid into a container 13'' which may be designed as a microtiter plate. The pipetting unit 19 can be connected to the storage station 11 to allow for the exchange of information between these two components. In another embodiment, the storage surface 16 may have only one housing device 17, which can accommodate only one container 13 at a time. In such a design, containers for housing pipette tips and / or fluids are arranged successively within the housing device 17.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the container 13 from below. The illustrated container 13 has a rectangular base 21 with rounded corners 25. The width of the base is about half its length. Side walls 23 extend perpendicularly from the edge of the base. The height of the side walls 23 is about half the width of the base. Two adjacent side walls 23 are connected to each other via rounded edges. The rounded edges have the same curvature as the rounded corners 25, and the edges protrude from these corners 25. A marking 27 is provided on the underside of the base 21. The shape of the marking 27 is designed as a circle, which is formed by an inner circle 29 and an annular surface 30 adjacent to this inner circle. Since the marking 27 is located in the center of the base, the center of the circle of the marking 27 is at the intersection of the diagonals of the base. In the illustrated version, the diameter of the circle of the marking 27 is about twice the diameter of the inner circle 29.

[0045] The side walls 23 of the container shown in Figure 2, which extend generally perpendicular to the bottom surface, have edges at the top of each ridge. The container may be composed of multiple parts, in which case the container consists of a reservoir for containing fluid and a bottom element. The bottom element receives the reservoir and serves to form a sheet for positioning the container 13 within the containment device 17. The side walls 23 have outward-facing steps 33 at the bottom of their ridges. Thus, the steps at the bottom of the ridges form the maximum dimensions of the container in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a section with a storage surface 16 that has a storage device 17. The storage device 17 is formed by placing a frame 35 on the storage surface 16. The area of ​​the storage surface 16 surrounded by the frame 35 forms a storage surface 36 on which the container 13 is placed. The storage surface 36 is approximately the same size as the bottom surface 21 of the container 13, including the step 33. The frame 35 surrounds the storage surface 36 so that the container 13 can be inserted into and removed from the storage device 17 in a direction perpendicular to the storage surface 36. The inner contour of the frame 35 is adapted to correspond to the outer contour of the container 13. That is, if the outer contour of the container 13 has rounded edges, cylindrical recesses are provided at the corners of the inner contour of the frame, having a radius smaller than the rounded edges of the container. Alternatively, the frame 35 is formed by raised edges on the storage surface 36. In the illustrated version, the housing surface 36 is formed by two surfaces. The frame 35 has an inwardly extending portion at the lower inner side of the ridge, which forms a step. The upper surface of the step forms a support surface 38, which forms a first region of the housing surface. A second region of the housing surface is formed by the portion of the storage surface 16 enclosed by the frame 35 with the step. Thus, the housing surface 16 can consist of a region of the storage surface and a support surface 38 surrounding this region. A perforation 37 is provided in the center of the housing surface 36, which is cylindrical in the simplest design shown. The cylindrical axis of the perforation 37, which is positioned perpendicular to the housing surface 36, is located in the center of the housing surface 36. The center of the housing surface 36 can be formed by the intersection of two diagonals. A sensor device 39 is disposed inside or below the perforation 37. The sensor device 39 comprises a photodetector and a light source facing the housing surface 36. A protective device 41 is provided above the sensor device 39. The version shown here is made of glass, but it can also be made of another material that is transparent to radiation from the sensor device. The glass 41 is coplanar with the housing surface 36.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the housing device 17 of Figure 3, cut in the longitudinal direction. The storage station 11 has a cavity inside. Therefore, the top surface of the storage station is formed by a wall having a certain thickness. The sensor device 39 is disposed in a perforation 37 that runs through the wall of the storage station. In the illustrated embodiment, the perforation 37 has a step in which the protective device 41 is placed, and the distance between this step and the housing surface 36 is selected so that the top surface of the protective device is coplanar with the housing surface 36.

[0048] Figures 6 and 7 show further possible embodiments of the container 13 according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows the container 13 for housing pipette tips. The container has a rectangular base with rounded corners 25. The four side walls extend vertically from the base of the container and are of the same height. A holder for housing pipette tips within the container can be designed as needed. A marking is located in the center of the base. The marking encloses a circular area. For example, the marking includes information that the container is suitable for housing pipette tips, and optionally, the size of the pipette tips in the container. The information is included in the marking as a code. The content of the information is determined by comparing the measured code with a pre-stored code.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a microtiter plate as another possible embodiment of the container 13 according to the present invention. It has markings on its bottom surface, which are not visible in the perspective view shown in Figure 7. The microtiter plate has a bottom edge formed by a rectangle with rounded corners 25. The microtiter plate forms a container for holding fluid. For this purpose, the microtiter plate has multiple wells, which are isolated from each other and evenly spaced lengthwise and widthwise.

[0050] Further exemplary embodiments In one preferred embodiment, the material for marking the container includes a fluorescent material.

[0051] The same beneficial effect can be achieved if the container marking contains a material that induces photon upconversion instead of a fluorescent material. This allows the marking to emit visible electromagnetic radiation when irradiated with infrared electromagnetic radiation. In such applications, a negative Stokes shift is used instead of the positive Stokes shift in the case of fluorescence, so the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking is shorter than that absorbed by the marking.

[0052] In the context of this invention, "material that causes a shift in the wavelengths between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed and emitted by the marking" refers to an organic or inorganic molecule or element exhibiting such properties. Organic molecules capable of causing photon upconversion are typically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Inorganic materials capable of causing photon upconversion are mainly ions of elements located in the d or f blocks of the periodic table. For a non-exclusive list of such ions, see Ln 3+ Ti 2+ Ni 2+ Mo 3+ Re 4+ , and Os 4+ Examples include these. These molecules can be incorporated into markings. This is achieved by mixing the above molecules or elements into the plastic material during manufacturing, for example, in an extrusion molding machine. Alternatively, the above molecules can be incorporated into a matrix and applied as a coating or film.

[0053] Although specific embodiments have been described above, it is clear that various combinations of the embodiments shown can be used, as long as the embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is clear that modifications, alterations, and combinations can be carried out without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] Storage station for 11 containers 13 Container 15 pipette tips 16 Storage surface 17. Housing Devices 19 Pipetting Unit 21 Bottom of the container 23 Side walls of the container 25 Corners of the container 27 Marking 29 Inner circle of the marking 30 Annular surface of marking 31 Gap between side walls 33. Steps on the side walls of the container 35. Frame of containment device 36 Storage surface 37 Perforation of the containment surface 38 Support surface 39 Sensor Devices 41 Protective devices

Claims

1. A container (13) for housing pipette tips (15) for use in a laboratory, comprising a bottom (21) and at least one side wall (23), At least one of the bottom portion (21) or the side wall (23) has a marking (27) applied to the outer surface of the bottom portion (21) or the side wall (23), The marking (27) indicates the type of pipette tip to be placed in the container (13), in the container (13), The container (13) is characterized in that the marking (27) is made of a material that causes a wavelength shift between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking (27) and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking (27).

2. The container (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the difference in wavelength between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking (27) and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking (27) is at least 20 nm.

3. The container (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking (27) is 100 nm to 3000 nm.

4. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the marking (27) is made of a fluorescent material that causes a shift in the wavelength of the emitted radiation.

5. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the marking (27) is placed on the bottom (21) of the container.

6. The container (13) according to claim 5, characterized in that the marking (27) is located in the center of the bottom (21) of the container.

7. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the marking (27) is placed on the side wall (23) of the container.

8. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the container (13) has a rectangular planar shape.

9. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the marking (27) is composed of at least two materials, each of which causes a different wavelength shift between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking.

10. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the marking (27) has an axisymmetric surface.

11. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the marking (27) has a point-symmetric surface.

12. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the shape of the marking (27) is circular or square.

13. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the marking (27) has two or more surfaces.

14. The container (13) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first surface is located in the center of the marking (27), and the other surfaces each form a frame surface that completely surrounds the first surface.

15. The container (13) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that each surface is made of a material that causes a different wavelength shift between the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the marking and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the marking.

16. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the container (13) has a length of 120 to 130 mm and a width of 80 to 90 mm, and is characterized in that it conforms to the ANSI standard in the SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening) format.

17. The container (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the shortest dimension of the marking (27) is at least 10 mm.

18. The container (27) is characterized in that it is made of plastic, particularly polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or cycloolefin copolymer, as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A container (13) is housed in a pipetting device (17), In a housing device (17) comprising a housing surface (36) on which the container (13) is placed, and a frame (35) that forms the edge of the housing surface and protrudes perpendicularly from the housing surface (36), The sensor device (39) is arranged on the housing surface (36) and has a radiation detector and two radiation sources, the two radiation sources emitting electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, and the radiation detector detects the wavelength of the received electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that the housing device (17) is a sensor device (39).

20. The housing device (17) according to claim 19, wherein the sensor device (39) is connected to a data storage device that stores a database of reference measurement data, and the reference measurement data includes an assignment of the type of container to a combination of wavelengths.

21. The housing device (17) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the maximum distance of the sensor device (39) from the center of the housing surface (36) is 30 mm, particularly 20 mm.

22. The housing device (17) according to claim 21, characterized in that the sensor device (39) is positioned in the center of the housing surface (36).

23. The housing device (17) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the first radiation source is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm, and the second radiation source is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation having different wavelengths of 10 nm to 410 nm or 750 nm to 3000 nm.

24. The housing device (17) according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the housing device (17) has a protective device (41) for the sensor device (39).

25. The housing device (17) according to claim 24, characterized in that the protective device (41) is positioned above the sensor device (39).

26. The housing device (17) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the protective device (41) is made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation.

27. The housing device (17) according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that the housing surface (36) has a perforation (37), and the sensor device (39) is arranged within the perforation (37).

28. The protective device (41) seals the perforation (37), as described in any one of claims 24 to 27, for the containment device (17).

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