Laboratory container storage system

Abstract

To provide a laboratory container storage system, a laboratory system comprising the laboratory container storage system, and a method of operating the laboratory system.SOLUTION: A laboratory container storage system 10 comprises one or more laboratory container storage devices 12. Each laboratory container storage device 12 comprises a frame 14 and a storage element 18 comprising a holding means 21 adapted for receiving and releasing a laboratory container 38 horizontally and for holding the laboratory container 38 in a suspended position above a horizontal surface. The storage element 18 is mounted movably on the frame 14 and adapted to be moved between a first transfer position 32 and a storage position 34 and between the storage position 34 and a second transfer position 36. In the first and second transfer positions 32 and 36, the holding means 21 is positioned to receive or release the laboratory container 38 horizontally. The storage position 34 is located between the first and second transfer positions 32 and 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of automated in vitro diagnostic laboratory tests. In this field, the disclosure is related to laboratory container storage systems, laboratory systems, and methods of operating laboratory systems.

Background Art

[0002] In diagnostic laboratory systems, laboratory containers such as test reagent containers, test sample containers, and laboratory consumable containers are transported between multiple stations such as pre - analysis, analysis, and post - analysis stations according to a predefined laboratory workflow in order to provide test results that are accurate, reliable, and represent information that is extremely important to physicians. Usually, such laboratory containers are transported in laboratory container carriers. In a fully automated diagnostic laboratory system, the carrier moves on the transport surface of a laboratory conveyance system to distribute containers and the containers to connected pre - analysis stations, analysis stations, and post - analysis stations that can perform different sample processing steps such as preparation, analysis, or archiving of test samples.

[0003] Typically, a diagnostic laboratory system consists of a laboratory container storage system that stores laboratory containers under predefined conditions and retrieves the laboratory containers when additional test sample processing steps such as additional tests or analysis of test samples are required.

[0004] EP3139175A1 (Patent Document 1) discloses a laboratory cargo distribution system including at least one storage device. The storage device enables storage by a transportation carrier, and laboratory cargo is stored in the storage device by the assigned transportation carrier. Since each laboratory cargo is stored by the assigned transportation carrier, the weight and space generated by the transportation carrier are created for storing laboratory cargo. Furthermore, with the improvement of throughput, the improvement of turn-around time, and the expansion of the test portfolio of the automated diagnostic laboratory system, the number of laboratory containers that need to be stored and the demand for the corresponding storage space are increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to make the most of the storage space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to re-identify carriers in the laboratory transportation system in a simple, reliable, and cost-effective manner after a system failure, thereby better meeting the needs of automated in vitro diagnostic laboratory tests.

[0007] This disclosure refers to a laboratory container storage system, a laboratory system, and a method of operating a laboratory system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a laboratory container storage system including one or more laboratory container storage devices. Each laboratory container storage device includes a frame and storage elements including holding means adapted to horizontally receive and release laboratory containers and to hold the laboratory containers in a suspended position on a horizontal plane. The storage elements are movably mounted on the frame and are adapted to move between a first transfer position and a storage position and between the storage position and a second transfer position. In the first and second transfer positions, the holding means are arranged to horizontally receive or release the laboratory containers. The storage position is between the first and second transfer positions.

[0009] The present disclosure also relates to a laboratory system including the laboratory container storage system described herein, a laboratory container carrier configured to couple, hold, transport, and separate laboratory containers, and a transport system including a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane is a transport surface and the laboratory container carrier is configured to move on the transport surface. The laboratory container storage system is arranged adjacent to the transport system. In the second transfer position, the holding means are arranged above the transport surface, such that the laboratory container carrier can be arranged under the held laboratory container to couple and / or separate the held laboratory container.

[0010] The present disclosure further relates to a method of operating a laboratory system as described herein. The method consists of the following steps. a) Moving the storage element to a first transfer position b) Loading a laboratory container into the holding means of the storage element c) Moving the storage element to a transfer position d) Moving the storage element to a second transfer position such that the laboratory container is held in a suspended position above the transport surface e) Moving the laboratory container carrier under the laboratory container f) Coupling the laboratory container to the laboratory container carrier g) Releasing the laboratory container from the holding means by moving the laboratory container carrier away from the holding means.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a laboratory container storage system including one or more laboratory container storage devices. Each laboratory container storage device includes a frame and a storage element including holding means adapted to horizontally receive and release a laboratory container and hold the laboratory container at a suspension position on a horizontal plane. The storage element is movably mounted on the frame and is adapted to move between a first transfer position and a storage position and between the storage position and a second transfer position. At the first and second transfer positions, the holding means is arranged to horizontally receive or release the laboratory container. The storage position is between the first and second transfer positions.

[0012] As used herein, the term "laboratory container" refers to test reagents (e.g., reagents for histological tests, immunochemical tests, clinical chemistry tests, coagulation tests, hematological tests, or molecular biology tests, etc.), test samples (e.g., tissues, blood, urine, serum, plasma, or liquefied biopsy samples, etc.), laboratory consumables (e.g., pipette tips, cuvettes, glass slides, microwell plates, etc.). Thus, a laboratory container can be a test reagent container, a test sample container, or a laboratory consumable container. Depending on the content of the laboratory container, the processing steps of the test sample, and the manufacturer, the material and the dimensions of the laboratory container, such as diameter, side length, height, shape, etc., may vary.

[0013] As used herein, the term "laboratory container storage system" relates to an experimental apparatus for handling test reagents, test samples, and consumables in situations where they are received, stored, released, or retrieved. In one embodiment, the laboratory container storage system includes a housing for protecting test reagents, test samples, or consumables from environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, or dirt. Since the storage position is inside the housing and the first and second transfer positions are outside the housing, test reagents, test samples, and consumables can be stored under predefined and controlled storage conditions. In one embodiment, the laboratory container storage system includes an annealing unit for maintaining a defined temperature range inside the housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first transfer position, the storage position, and the second transfer position are arranged adjacent to each other on a straight line. Thus, the first transfer position is on one side of the storage position, and the second transfer position is on the opposite side of the storage position. Thus, test reagents, test samples, or consumables can be loaded and released / acquired from two opposite sides of the laboratory container storage system.

[0015] In one embodiment, the frame includes a guide element to which the storage element is movably connected. The guide element is adapted to guide the movement of the storage element between the storage position and the transfer position. In a more specific embodiment, the guide element is linear.

[0016] In one embodiment, the storage element includes a handle so that the storage element can be manually moved between the storage position and the first transfer position. Thus, the operator can move the storage element from the storage position to the first transfer position for loading laboratory containers. After loading the laboratory containers, the operator can return the storage element to the storage position for storing the laboratory containers.

[0017] Alternatively, the laboratory container storage system includes an actuator for moving the storage element between the storage position and the first transfer position. The actuator can be further configured to move the storage element between the storage position and the second transfer position.

[0018] The storage element includes holding means adapted to receive, release, and hold the laboratory container horizontally at a suspension position on a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the holding means is a horizontal holding slot, as described further below. In an alternative embodiment, the holding means is a horizontal holding rod. In a further alternative embodiment, the holding means is a magnet. In a further alternative embodiment, the holding means is a latch fit or snap latch.

[0019] As used herein, the term "hanging position" relates to the position of a laboratory container held relative to a horizontal plane such that the bottom of the laboratory container does not directly contact the horizontal plane. Thus, the laboratory container is hanging above the horizontal plane. Depending on the position of the storage element, the distance to the horizontal plane and the laboratory container may vary. For example, in the first transfer position, the horizontal plane is the floor or workbench. In the storage position, the horizontal plane is the bottom of the laboratory container storage system or the top of a further laboratory container held by a further storage element of a further laboratory container storage device located below the laboratory container storage device. In the second transfer position, the horizontal plane is the transport surface of the transport system, as further described below.

[0020] In one embodiment, the holding means comprises a horizontal holding slot having two opposing side edges, a rear edge, and an open side. The two opposing side edges are adapted to hold the laboratory container, and the open side is adapted to receive or release the laboratory container horizontally. In certain embodiments, the distance between the two opposing edges, the width of the rear edge, and the width of the open side are of the same length. In a more specific embodiment, the rear edge has a U-shape.

[0021] In one embodiment, the storage element comprises a plurality of horizontal holding slots arranged in a line. Thus, the storage element is configured to receive, hold, and release a plurality of laboratory containers simultaneously. Thus, the storage capacity of the storage element is improved. For example, the storage element comprises six horizontal holding slots for receiving, holding, and releasing six laboratory containers. In certain embodiments, the open sides of each horizontal holding slot are directed in the same direction. Thus, a plurality of laboratory containers can be loaded or retrieved from the same side. In certain embodiments, the open sides of two adjacent horizontal holding slots are directed in two opposite directions relative to each other. Thus, a plurality of laboratory containers can be loaded or retrieved from two opposing sides of the storage element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the storage element includes a first group of horizontal holding slots and a second group of horizontal holding slots. The first group of horizontal holding slots are arranged side by side on a first straight line, and the open sides of each horizontal holding slot in the first group are directed in the same direction. The second group of horizontal holding slots are arranged side by side on a second straight line, and the open sides of each horizontal holding slot in the second group are directed in the same direction. The first and second straight lines are parallel to each other. And the open sides of the first group of horizontal holding slots and the open sides of the second group of horizontal holding slots are directed in two opposite directions. Therefore, the storage capacity of the storage element is further improved, and it is possible to load or retrieve a plurality of laboratory containers from two opposite sides of the storage element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the laboratory container storage device includes a plurality of storage elements arranged in parallel and movably attached to the frame. Each storage element can be moved individually. Therefore, laboratory containers can be loaded onto and / or removed from individual storage elements. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the laboratory container storage device is further improved.

[0024] In one embodiment, the laboratory container storage system includes at least two container storage devices. The at least two container storage devices are arranged at intervals in a direction perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the laboratory container storage system includes a lifting device. The at least two container storage devices are attached to the lifting device. The lifting device is configured to move the at least two container storage devices up and down along a vertical axis. The at least two container storage devices remain continuously horizontally aligned during the up and down movement. Therefore, the lifting device can position each of the at least two container storage devices relative to the horizontal plane, such that when the storage element is in the second transfer position, the held laboratory is positioned in a suspended position above the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the lifting device is an elevator.

[0025] In another embodiment, the laboratory container storage system includes at least two container storage devices. The at least two container storage devices are spaced apart vertically from each other. The laboratory container storage system further includes a circulation device. The at least two container storage devices are attached to a lifting device. The circulation device is configured to circulate the at least two container storage devices horizontally and vertically along a circulation path. The at least two container storage devices remain continuously horizontally aligned during the circulation movement. The circulation device can position each of the at least two container storage devices relative to a horizontal plane such that when the storage element is in the second transfer position, the held laboratory container is positioned in a suspension position above the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the circulation device is a peristaltic elevator.

[0026] In one embodiment, the laboratory container storage system further includes a laboratory container that includes a holding portion configured to engage with / disengage from the holding means or to couple to / disengage from the holding means.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the holding means is a horizontal rod and the holding portion comprises a hook or hole adapted to engage with / disengage from the horizontal rod.

[0028] In another particular embodiment, the holding means includes a magnet and the holding portion includes a magnetic surface adapted to couple to / disengage from the holding means.

[0029] In another particular embodiment, the holding means includes a latch fit or snap latch and the holding portion includes a corresponding counter snap latch or latch fit adapted to couple to / disengage from the holding means.

[0030] In another particular embodiment, the holding means is a horizontal holding slot and the holding portion comprises the shape or geometric form of a laboratory container adapted to engage with / disengage from the horizontal holding slot.

[0031] In a more specific embodiment, the laboratory container comprises a bottom and a first horizontal cross-section at a first height from the bottom. The holding portion is composed of a second horizontal cross-section at a second height from the bottom. The first height is greater than the second height. The width of the first horizontal cross-section is greater than the distance between two opposing ends. The width of the second horizontal cross-section is the same as or less than the distance between two opposing ends. Thus, the holding portion of the laboratory container can engage two opposing edges for holding the laboratory container at a suspension position on a horizontal plane.

[0032] For example, the laboratory container has a cylindrical or cubic form, and the holding portion includes continuous notches on the side wall so that the laboratory container can engage / disengage with two opposing edges of a horizontal holding slot. Alternatively, since the laboratory container is conical, the laboratory container can engage / disengage with two opposing ends of a horizontal holding slot.

[0033] The present disclosure also relates to a laboratory system including a laboratory container storage system described herein, a laboratory container carrier configured to couple, hold, transport, and separate laboratory containers, and a transport system including a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane is a transport surface, and the laboratory container carrier is configured to move on the transport surface. The laboratory container storage system is disposed adjacent to the transport system. At a second transfer position, the holding means is disposed above the transport surface, such that the laboratory container carrier can be disposed under the held laboratory container to couple and / or separate the held laboratory container.

[0034] As used herein, the term "laboratory carrier" relates to an apparatus configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release a test solution. For transporting or moving a laboratory container, the laboratory container is coupled to a laboratory container carrier. Thus, after coupling the laboratory container, the laboratory container carrier holds the laboratory container for moving the laboratory container on a transport surface. To remove the laboratory container from the transport surface, the laboratory container is detached from the laboratory container carrier by a holding means, and the laboratory container is moved to a storage position by moving a storage element from a second transfer position to the storage position. Thus, only the laboratory container is stored in the laboratory container storage system, and the laboratory container carrier is not stored. Thus, less space is required for the laboratory container storage system. Further, since a laboratory container carrier is not required to store a laboratory container, the weight and cost are also reduced.

[0035] In one embodiment, the laboratory container and the laboratory container carrier comprise a coupling mechanism configured to couple the laboratory container to the laboratory container carrier and to detach the laboratory container from the laboratory container carrier.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a magnet constituted by the laboratory container carrier and a magnetic surface constituted by the bottom of the laboratory container.

[0037] In another particular embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a latch fit and a snap latch. The latch fit or the snap latch is constituted by the laboratory container. A corresponding counter-snap latch or latch fit is constituted by the laboratory container carrier.

[0038] In a further particular embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a clamp constituted by the laboratory container. The laboratory container carrier has a shape or geometric form such that the clamp of the laboratory container can engage / disengage with the laboratory container carrier.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the carrier comprises at least one magnetically active device that interacts with a magnetic field such that a magnetic force is applied to the carrier to move it on the transport surface. In a further embodiment, the carrier further comprises a bottom plate on which the carrier slides on the transport surface of the laboratory transport system. A carrier comprising at least one magnetically active device that interacts with a magnetic field and a bottom plate for sliding on the transport surface is well known in the art and can be designed as described in reference numeral 10 of FIG. 1 and the corresponding description of European Patent Application Publication No. 2988134, or as described in reference numeral 1 and the corresponding description of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 of European Patent Application Publication No. 3070479.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the laboratory vessel carrier is a self-propelled carrier that includes an actuator and wheels for actively moving on the transport surface.

[0041] In one embodiment, the laboratory vessel carrier includes the height of the carrier. In the second transfer position, the holding slot of the storage element is disposed above the transport surface. The distance between the two opposing ends of the holding slot and the transport surface is composed of the initial height of the laboratory vessel and the height of the carrier.

[0042] As used herein, the term "laboratory transport system" relates to a system designed to transport or distribute payloads, such as test sample containers, test reagent containers, or test consumable containers, to an analyte pre-station, an analysis station, or an analyte post-station of a connected diagnostic laboratory system. The analyte pre-station can typically be used for the pre-treatment of test samples or test sample containers. The analysis station can be designed to use a test sample or a portion of the test sample and a test reagent, for example, to generate a measurable signal that can determine whether an analyte is present and, if necessary, at what concentration. The analyte post-station is used for the post-treatment of test samples or test sample containers, such as the archiving of test samples or test sample containers. Such analyte pre-stations, analysis stations, analyte post-stations, and devices are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the analyte post-station is a laboratory container storage system as described herein.

[0043] The conveying system comprises a conveying surface on which carriers can be transported or moved. The carriers can move along the transport route of the conveying surface. As used herein, the term "transport route" relates to the path along which a carrier moves from a starting position to a destination position on the conveying surface. The carrier can move directly from the starting position to the destination position or via one or more intermediate positions between the starting position and the destination position. In the latter case, the transport route defines the order of the intermediate positions through which the carrier passes on its path from the starting position to the destination position. Usually, the starting position, the destination position, and one or more intermediate positions between the starting position and the destination position are arranged at connected pre - analysis stations, analysis stations, and post - analysis stations such that test sample processing steps according to a predefined laboratory workflow are carried out. For example, the starting position and the destination position can be arranged in a laboratory container storage system. One or more intermediate positions between the starting position and the destination position can be arranged at one or more connected analysis stations where test samples are aspirated from test sample containers for analysis of the test samples. Furthermore, one or more intermediate positions can be arranged in a dedicated area (buffer area) on the conveying surface for temporary placement or parking of the carriers.

[0044] In one embodiment, the laboratory conveying system comprises a plurality of electromagnetic actuators arranged stationary below the conveying surface and adapted to generate a magnetic field for moving the carriers. The carriers comprise magnetically active devices that can interact with the magnetic field such that a magnetic force is applied to the carriers to move them on the conveying surface. Such laboratory conveying systems are well - known in the art and can be designed as described in reference numeral 100 and the corresponding description in Figure 1 of European Patent No. 2566787.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the conveying system includes a stable conveying surface on which a self - propelled laboratory container carrier can move.

[0046] In one embodiment, the laboratory container carrier includes the height of the carrier. The positioning carrier and the storage element comprise a further coupling mechanism. The positioning carrier is configured to couple / decouple to the storage element or to engage with / detach from the storage element. The positioning carrier is further configured to move the storage element between a storage position and a second transfer position.

[0047] In one embodiment, the further coupling mechanism includes a first part constituted by the positioning carrier and a second part constituted by the storage element. The first and second parts are adapted to couple / separate from each other or to engage / disengage from each other. In a particular embodiment, the first part includes a magnet and the second part includes a magnetic surface. In a further particular embodiment, the first part includes a latch fit or snap latch and the second part includes a corresponding counter-snap latch or latch fit. In a further particular embodiment, the first part includes a vertical rod and the second part is a hook.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the carrier comprises at least one magnetically active device that interacts with a magnetic field such that a magnetic force is applied to the carrier to move it on a transport surface. In an alternative embodiment, the positioning carrier is a self-propelled carrier.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the laboratory container storage system comprises an actuator for moving the storage element between a storage position and a second transfer position. The actuator can be further configured to move the storage element between a storage position and a first transfer position.

[0050] In one embodiment, the transport surface includes a linear edge, and the laboratory container storage system is adapted to move along the linear edge. For example, the laboratory container storage system is movably attached to another frame. The further frame includes a further guide element parallel to the linear edge. The laboratory container storage system is movably connected to the further guide element. The further guide element is adapted to guide the movement of the laboratory container storage system along the linear edge of the transport surface by a further actuator.

[0051] In one embodiment, the laboratory system further includes a control unit communicatively connected to the laboratory container storage system and the transport system. The control unit is configured to control the movement of the storage elements between a first transfer position and a storage position, and between the storage position and a second transfer position. The control unit is further configured to control the movement of the laboratory container carrier on the transport surface. In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to control the movement of the positioning carrier.

[0052] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate an actuator for moving the storage element between the first transfer position and the storage position, and / or between the storage position and the second transfer position. In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to release the lock of the locking mechanism when the storage element is in the storage position, such that the storage element can be manually moved between the storage position and the first transfer position, or the storage element can be moved by the positioning carrier between the storage position and the second transfer position.

[0053] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate a lifting device or a circulating device to arrange at least one of the two container storage devices relative to the transport surface of the transport system such that the held laboratory container can be held at a suspended position above the transport surface when the storage element is in the second transfer position.

[0054] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate electromagnetic actuators, in particular to individually actuate each actuator, to move the laboratory container carrier or the positioning carrier by applying a magnetic driving force to the laboratory container carrier or the positioning carrier.

[0055] As used herein, the term "control unit" encompasses any physical or virtual processing device that can be configured to control the operation of the laboratory system described herein. The control unit can be embodied, for example, as a programmable logic controller adapted to execute a computer-readable program having instructions to cause the laboratory system to perform method steps, as further described below. Additionally, the control unit can be communicatively connected to a database including the laboratory container inventory of the laboratory container storage system. The inventory of laboratory containers consists of information regarding the ID, content, and location of each laboratory container stored in the laboratory container storage system. The location information of the laboratory container can be determined by the storage element and the holding means that hold the laboratory container. Next, this information is used to move a specific storage element from a storage position to a second position and, when it is necessary to move this specific laboratory container to a connected pre-analysis station or analysis station, to move the laboratory container carrier under the specific laboratory container.

[0056] The present disclosure further relates to a method of operating a laboratory system as described herein. The method consists of the following steps. a) Moving a storage element to a first transfer position b) Loading a laboratory container into the holding means of the storage element c) Moving the storage element to the transfer position d) Moving the storage element to a second transfer position such that the laboratory container is held at a suspended position above the transport surface e) Moving the laboratory container carrier under the laboratory container f) Coupling the laboratory container to the laboratory container carrier g) Releasing the laboratory container from the holding means by moving the laboratory container carrier away from the holding means.

[0057] In one embodiment, the storage element is moved to a first transfer position by an actuator in step a). Alternatively, manually move the storage element to the first transfer position.

[0058] In one embodiment of step b), the holding means of the storage element loads the laboratory container by inserting the laboratory container manually or automatically, for example by a robotic arm, through the open side into the holding slot.

[0059] In one embodiment, the storage element is moved to a storage position by an actuator in step c). Alternatively, manually move the storage element to the storage position.

[0060] In one embodiment, the storage element is moved to a second transfer position by an actuator in step d). In an alternative embodiment, the storage element is moved to the second transfer position by a positioning carrier. The positioning carrier can be moved by a conveying system, or the positioning carrier can be a self-propelled carrier that actively moves on the conveying surface to move the storage element between the storage position and the second transfer position.

[0061] In one embodiment, the laboratory container carrier is moved under the laboratory container by the conveying system of step e). Alternatively, the positioning carrier is a self-propelled carrier that actively moves under the laboratory container.

[0062] In one embodiment, the laboratory container is coupled to the laboratory container carrier by a coupling mechanism in step f). Thus, by moving the laboratory container carrier under the laboratory container, the coupling mechanism couples the laboratory container to the laboratory container carrier.

[0063] The laboratory container is released from the holding means by moving the laboratory container carrier away from the holding means. Alternatively, the positioning carrier is a self-propelled carrier that actively moves away from the holding means. For example, the laboratory container carrier is moving in the direction of the open side to release the laboratory container from the holding slot.

[0064] This method further includes the following steps: h) Move the laboratory container carrier towards the holding means, thereby loading the laboratory container into the holding means of the storage element. i) Disconnect the laboratory container from the laboratory container carrier. j) Move the storage element to the transfer position.

[0065] In one embodiment, the laboratory container carrier is moved towards the holding means by a transport system for loading the laboratory container into the holding means of the storage element in step h). Alternatively, the laboratory container transport carrier is a self-propelled transport carrier that actively moves towards the holding means.

[0066] In one embodiment, disconnecting the laboratory container from the laboratory container carrier in step i) includes further moving the laboratory container carrier in the same direction. By further moving the laboratory container carrier in the same direction, the coupling mechanism disconnects the laboratory container from the laboratory container carrier. The laboratory container carrier can be moved by a transport system. Alternatively, the laboratory container transport carrier is a self-propelled transport carrier that actively moves towards the holding means.

[0067] In one embodiment, the storage element is moved to the storage position by an actuator in step j). In an alternative embodiment, the storage element is moved to the storage position by a positioning carrier. The positioning carrier can be moved by a transport system, or the positioning carrier is an actively self-propelled carrier on the transport surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0068]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 3D

Figure 3E

Figure 3F

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 4E

Figure 4F

Figure 4G

Figure 4H

Figure 4I

Figure 4J

Figure 4K

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0069] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a laboratory system (62) including a laboratory container storage system (10), a laboratory container (38), laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66), and a transport system (68). The illustrated laboratory container storage system (10) includes one laboratory container storage device (12). As shown in Figure 2, the laboratory container storage device (12) includes a frame (14) and three storage elements (16, 18, 20), each including six holding means (21) adapted to horizontally receive and release the laboratory container (38) and hold the laboratory container in a suspended position on horizontal planes (69, 70, 71). The storage elements (16, 18, 20) are movably attached to the frame (14) and are adapted to move between a first transfer position (32) and a storage position (34), and between the storage position (34) and a second transfer position (36). As shown in Figure 1, one storage element (16) is in the first transfer position (32), where the six holding means (21) are arranged to horizontally receive or release the laboratory container (38), as indicated by the arrow, for example, by manual loading / unloading of the laboratory container storage system (10). One storage element (20) is in the second transfer position (36) where the six holding means (21) are arranged to horizontally receive or release the laboratory container (38) by the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66). One storage element (18) is in the storage position (34) located between the first and second transfer positions (32, 36). As further shown in Figure 1, each storage element (16, 18, 20) includes a handle (17) so that the storage element (16, 18, 20) can be manually moved between the storage position (34) and the first transfer position (32). Alternatively, the laboratory container storage system (10) includes an actuator (not shown) for moving the storage elements (16, 18, 20) between the storage position (34) and the first transfer position (32). In the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory system (62) further includes a positioning carrier (72). The positioning carrier (72) and the storage elements include further coupling mechanisms (73, 74).The further coupling mechanism (73, 74) includes a first part (73) constituted by the positioning carrier (72) and a second part (74) constituted by the storage elements (16, 18, 20), and the first and second parts (73, 74) are adapted to be coupled / separated from each other or engaged / disengaged with each other. Thus, the positioning carrier (72) is configured to be coupled / separated to / from the storage elements (16, 18, 20) or to be engaged / disengaged with the storage elements (16, 18, 20). In the illustrated embodiment, the first part (73) includes a magnet and the second part (74) includes a magnetic surface. The positioning carrier (72) is further configured to move the storage elements (16, 18, 20) between the storage position (34) and the second transfer position (36). As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, the positioning carrier (72) moves away from the laboratory container storage system (10) to move the storage element (20) from the storage position (34) to the second transfer position (36). Alternatively, the laboratory container storage system (10) comprises an actuator (not shown) for moving the storage elements (16, 18, 20) between the storage position (34) and the second transfer position (36). The laboratory container storage system comprises a housing (44) for protecting the laboratory container from environmental factors when the storage element (18) is in the storage position (34) located within the housing (44). In the illustrated embodiment, the holding means (21) comprises a horizontal holding slot (22) having two opposing side edges (24, 26), a rear edge (28), and an open side (30). The two opposing side edges (24, 26) are adapted to hold the laboratory container (38) as further described in FIG. 3, and the open side (30) is adapted to horizontally receive or release the laboratory container (38). The illustrated transport system (68) includes a horizontal plane (71) which is the transport surface (71) of the transport system (68). The laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) are configured to move on the transport surface (71). As further shown in FIG. 1, the laboratory container storage system (10) is arranged adjacent to the transport system (68).At the second transfer position (36), the holding means (21) is arranged above the transport surface (71) and below the laboratory container (38) held by the laboratory container carrier (65) to hold the laboratory container (38). Three laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) are shown in FIG. 1. The first laboratory container carrier (64) is moving towards the held laboratory container (38) as indicated by the arrow. The second laboratory container carrier (65) is arranged directly below the held laboratory container (38), and the laboratory container (38) is coupled to the laboratory container carrier (65) by a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may include a magnet constituted by the laboratory container carrier (65) and a magnetic surface constituted by the bottom of the laboratory container (46) (not shown in the figure). An alternative embodiment of the coupling mechanism is shown in FIG. 4. As indicated by the arrow, the third laboratory container carrier (66) moves away from the holding means (21), whereby the laboratory container (38) is released from the holding means (21). In the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory system (62) further comprises a control unit (76) communicatively connected to the laboratory container storage system (10) and the transport system (68).

[0070] FIG. 2, like FIG. 1, shows a schematic side view of a laboratory system (62), a laboratory container storage system (10), a laboratory container (38), laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66), and a transport system (68). As shown in FIG. 2, each of the three storage elements (16, 18, 20) comprises six holding means (21) adapted to horizontally receive and release the laboratory container (38) and hold the laboratory container in a suspended position above the horizontal planes (69, 70, 71). Thus, the bottom (46) of the laboratory container (38) is not in direct contact with the horizontal planes (69, 70, 71). Depending on the position of the storage elements (16, 18, 20), the horizontal planes (69, 70, 71), and the distance between the horizontal planes (69, 70, 71) and the laboratory container (38) may vary. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal plane is the floor (69) when the storage element (16) is in the first transfer position (32). The horizontal plane is the bottom (70) of the laboratory container storage system (10) when the storage element (18) is in the storage position (34). The horizontal plane is the transport surface (71) of the transport system (68) when the storage element (20) is in the second transfer position (36). In the second transfer position (36), the holding slots (22) of the storage element (20) are arranged above the transport surface (71) to couple and / or separate the held laboratory container (38) to / from the laboratory container carrier (65), and the laboratory container carrier (65) is arranged below the held laboratory container (38). For example, the distance between the two opposing edges (24, 26) of the holding slot (22) and the transport surface (71) includes the first height (50) of the laboratory container and the height (67) of the carrier.

[0071] Figures 3A - F show two embodiments of the holding means (21) of the holding part (47) of the laboratory container (38) and the corresponding storage element (16). As shown in FIGS. 3A - C, in the first embodiment, the holding means (21) is a horizontal holding slot (22), and the holding part (47) includes the shape or geometric form of the laboratory container (38) configured to engage with or disengage from the horizontal holding slot (22). FIG. 3A shows a top view of the horizontal holding slot (22) including two opposing side edges (24, 26), a rear edge (28), and an open side (30). The two opposing side edges (24, 26) are adapted to hold the laboratory container (38) by engaging with the holding part (47) of the laboratory container (38). The open side (30) is adapted to receive or release the laboratory container (38) horizontally. FIG. 3B shows a side view of the same holding means shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3C, the laboratory container (38) includes a bottom (46) and a first horizontal cross - section (48) at a first height (50) from the bottom (46). The holding part (47) includes a second horizontal cross - section (52) at a second height (54) from the bottom (46). The first height (50) is higher than the second height (54). The width (56) of the first horizontal cross - section (48) is greater than the distance (58) between the two opposing ends (24, 26). The width (60) of the second horizontal cross - section (52) is the same as or smaller than the distance (58) between the two opposing ends (24, 26). Thus, the holding part (47) of the laboratory container (38) can engage / disengage with the two opposing edges (24, 26) to hold / release the laboratory container (38).

[0072] Figures 3D and 3E show a top view and a side view of a second embodiment where the holding means (21) is a horizontal rod (23). The corresponding holding part (47) of the laboratory container (38) includes holes adapted to engage with or disengage from the horizontal rod (23), as shown in FIG. 3F.

[0073] Figures 4A - D show an embodiment of coupling a laboratory container (38) to a laboratory container carrier (64). Figures 4E - H show an embodiment of detaching the laboratory container (38) from the laboratory container carrier (64). Figures 4I - K show an embodiment of coupling, moving, and separating a storage element (16) from a positioning carrier (72).

[0074] Figures 4A - D show bottom views of a laboratory container (38), a laboratory container carrier (64), and a storage element (16). The laboratory container (38) is held by the holding slots (22) of the storage element (16), and the laboratory container carrier (64) is moving towards the laboratory container (38) as indicated by the arrow in Figure 4A. The laboratory container (38) comprises a coupling mechanism (39). In the embodiment shown, the coupling mechanism (39) includes a clamp. The laboratory container carrier (64) comprises a cylinder with a circular cross - section such that the clamp of the laboratory container (38) can engage the laboratory container carrier (64) when the laboratory container carrier (64) moves under the laboratory as shown in Figure 4B. In Figure 4C, the laboratory container carrier (64) is directly below the laboratory container (38), whereby the laboratory container is coupled to the laboratory container carrier (64). To release the laboratory container (38) from the holding slots (22), the laboratory container carrier (64) is moving away from the holding slots (22) as indicated by the arrow in Figure 4D.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 4A-D, FIGS. 4E-H show bottom views of the laboratory container (38), the laboratory container carrier (64), and the storage element (16). As shown in FIG. 4E, the laboratory container carrier (64) to which the laboratory container (38) is coupled is moving toward the holding slot (22) of the storage element (16) as indicated by the arrow. In FIG. 4F, the laboratory container carrier (64) is directly below the holding slot (22), and as a result, the laboratory container (38) is in the holding slot (22) of the storage element (16). The clamp of the coupling mechanism (39) of the laboratory container (38) can be removed when the laboratory container carrier (64) moves further in the same direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4G. Since the laboratory container (38) is restrained by the trailing edge (28) of the holding slot (22), when the laboratory container carrier (64) moves further in the same direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4H, the laboratory container (38) is separated from the laboratory container carrier (64).

[0076] FIGS. 4I-K show top views of the positioning carrier (72) and the storage element (16). The positioning carrier (72) and the storage element (16) include additional coupling mechanisms (73, 74). The additional coupling mechanism includes a first portion (73) constituted by the positioning carrier (72) and a second portion (74) constituted by the storage element (16). In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion (73) includes a vertical rod and the second portion (74) is a hook. The vertical rod is adapted to engage the hook as the positioning carrier (72) moves toward the hook as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4I. After engagement, the positioning carrier (72) is further adapted to move the storage element (16) between the storage position (34) and the second transfer position (36). As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4J, the positioning carrier (72) is moving the storage element (16) from the storage position (34) to the second transfer position (36). To disconnect the positioning carrier (72) from the storage element (16), the positioning carrier is moving away from the hook as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4K.

[0077] FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a laboratory container storage system (10). The illustrated laboratory container storage system (10) includes three container storage devices (12). The three container storage devices (12) are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to each other. The laboratory container storage system (10) further includes a lifting device (40) to which the three container storage devices (12) are attached. The lifting device (40) is configured to move the three container storage devices (12) up and down along a vertical axis (42), as indicated by the arrows. During the up and down movement, the three container storage devices (12) remain continuously horizontally aligned. As further shown in FIG. 5, the lifting device (40) can position each of the three two container storage devices (12) relative to a transport surface (71) of a transport system (68) so as to hold the laboratory container (38) in a suspended state above the transport surface (71). In the example shown, a part of the storage element (20) of the central container storage device of the three shown container storage devices (12) is in a second transfer position (36).

[0078] FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a laboratory container storage system (10). The laboratory container storage system (10) shown includes eight container storage devices (12). The eight container storage devices (12) are spaced apart from each other in the vertical and / or horizontal directions. The laboratory container storage system (10) further includes a circulation device (41). The eight container storage devices (12) are attached to the circulation device (41). The circulation device (41) is configured to circulate the eight container storage devices (12) horizontally and vertically along a circulation path (43). During the circulation movement, the eight container storage devices (12) remain continuously horizontally aligned. The circulation device (41) can position each of the eight container storage devices (12) relative to a transport surface (71) of a transport system (68) so as to hold a laboratory container (38) suspended above the transport surface (71) when a storage element (20) of the container storage device (12) is in a second transfer position (36). As shown in FIG. 6, one of the eight container storage devices (12) is moved from a storage position (34) to a second transfer position (36) by a positioning carrier (72) as indicated by the arrow.

[0079] Figures 7A - B show flowcharts of two embodiments of a method (78) for operating a laboratory system (62) as described herein. In a first embodiment as shown in Figure 7A, storage elements (16, 18, 20) are moved to a first transfer position (32) in step a) (80) of the method (78). The storage elements (16, 18, 20) can be moved manually or by an actuator. Next, a laboratory container (38) is loaded into the holding means (21) of the storage elements (16, 18, 20) in step b) (82) of the method (78). Step b) (82) can be performed manually or automatically. Subsequently, in step c) (84) of the method (78), the storage elements (16, 18, 20) are moved to a storage position (34). The storage elements (16, 18, 20) can be moved manually or by an actuator. In step d) (86) of the method (78), the storage elements (16, 18, 20) are moved to a second transfer position (36), such that the laboratory container (38) is held suspended above the transport surface (71) of the transport system (68). In this step, the storage elements (16, 18, 20) may be moved by a positioning carrier (72), the positioning carrier (72) may be moved by the transport system (68), or the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) may be self - propelled carriers that actively move on the transport surface (71). Alternatively, the storage elements (16, 18, 20) may be moved by an actuator. Next, the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) move under the laboratory container (38) in step e) (88) of the method (78). The laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) can be moved by the transport system (68), or the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) can be self - propelled carriers that actively move under the laboratory container (38). In step f) (90) of the method (78), the laboratory container (38) is coupled to the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66). When the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) are directly below the laboratory container (38), the laboratory container (38) is coupled to the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) by a coupling mechanism (39).Finally, the laboratory vessel carriers (64, 65, 66) move away from the holding means (21), whereby the laboratory vessel (38) is released from the holding means (21) in step g) (92) of the method. (78). The laboratory vessel carriers (64, 65, 66) can be moved by a transport system (68) or the laboratory vessel carriers (64, 65, 66) can be self-propelled carriers that move away actively from the holding means (21).

[0080] Figure 7B shows a second embodiment of method (78). Steps a) through g) (80, 82, 84, 85, 88, 90, 92) of the second embodiment of method (78) are the same steps a) through g) (80, 82, 84, 85, 88, 90, 92) as described above for the first embodiment of method (78). After the laboratory container (38) is released from the holding means (21) in step g) (92) of method (78), the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) can move along the transport route of the transport surface (71) together with the laboratory container (38). For example, the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) can move together with the laboratory container (38) from the starting position to the target position or through one or more intermediate positions between the starting position and the target position. The starting position and the target position can be arranged in the holding means (21) of the storage elements (16, 18, 20) at the second transfer position (36). For example, the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) can move to the target position arranged in the holding means (21) of the storage elements (16, 18, 20) together with the laboratory container (38) in order to store the laboratory container (38) again in the laboratory container storage device (12). Thus, in step h) (94) of method (78), the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) moves towards the holding means (21), thereby loading the laboratory container (38) into the holding means (21) of the storage elements (16, 18, 20). The laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) can be moved towards the holding means (21) by the transport system (68), or the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) is a self-propelled carrier that actively moves towards the holding means (21). Subsequently, the laboratory container (38) is separated from the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) in step i) (96) of method (78), for example, by further moving the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) in the same direction. Finally, the storage elements (16, 18, 20) are moved to the storage position (34) in step j) (98) of method (78).The storage elements (16, 18, 20) may be moved to the storage position (34) by a positioning carrier (72), which is moved by a conveying system (68), or the positioning carrier (72) is a carrier that actively moves on its own on the conveying surface (71). Alternatively, the storage elements (16, 18, 20) may be moved to the storage position (34) by an actuator.

[0081] In the foregoing description and figures, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the present teachings. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0082] In particular, modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are surely possible in light of the above description. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described in the above examples within the scope of the appended claims.

[0083] Also, references throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example" or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "an example" or "an example" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0084] 10 Laboratory container storage system 12 Laboratory container storage device 14 Frame 16 Storage element 17 Handle 18 Storage element 20 Storage element 21 Holding means 22 Horizontal holding slot 23 Horizontal Rod 24 Side End 26 Side End 28 Rear End 30 Open Side 32 First Transfer Position 34 Storage Position 36 Second Transfer Position 38 Laboratory Container 39 Coupling Mechanism 40 Lifting Device 41 Circulation Device 42 Vertical Axis 43 Circulation Path 44 Housing 46 Bottom of Laboratory Container 47 Holding Part of Laboratory Container 48 First Horizontal Section 50 First Height 52 Second Horizontal Section 54 Second Height 56 Width of First Horizontal Section 58 Distance between Two Opposite Ends 60 Width of Second Horizontal Section 62 Laboratory System 64 First Laboratory Container Carrier 65 Second Laboratory Container Carrier 66 Third Laboratory Container Carrier 67 Height of Carrier 68 Conveying System 69 Horizontal Plane / Floor 70 Horizontal Plane / Bottom of Laboratory Container Storage Device 71 Horizontal Plane / Conveying Surface of Conveying System 72 Positioning Carrier 73 First Part of Further Coupling Mechanism 74 Second Part of Further Coupling Mechanism 76 Control Unit 78 Method 80 Step a) of Method 82 Step b) of Method 84 Step c) of Method 86 Step d) of Method 88 Step e) of Method Step f) of the method 90 Step g) of the method 92 Step h) of the method 94 Step i) of the method 96 Step j) of the method 98

Claims

1. A laboratory container storage system (10), comprising: one or more laboratory container storage devices (12), each laboratory container storage device (12) comprising: a frame (14); a storage element (16, 18, 20) having holding means (21) adapted to receive and release a laboratory container (38) in a horizontal direction and hold the laboratory container (38) in a suspended position above a horizontal plane (69, 70, 71); a housing (44) for protecting the laboratory container (38) from environmental factors; wherein the storage element (16, 18, 20) is movably mounted on the frame (14) and is adapted to move between a first transfer position (32) and a storage position (34), and between the storage position (34) and a second transfer position (36); at the first and second transfer positions (32, 36), the holding means (21) is positioned to receive or release the laboratory container (38) in a horizontal direction; the storage position (34) is located between the first and second transfer positions (32, 36), and at the storage position (34), the laboratory container (38) is located inside the housing (44); the horizontal planes (69, 70, 71) are, at the first transfer position (32), the floor of a laboratory system (62) in which the laboratory container storage system (10) is disposed, at the storage position (34), the bottom of the housing (44), and at the second transfer position (36), a transport surface (71) on which the laboratory container (38) is transported, the laboratory container storage system (10).

2. The holding means (21) comprises a horizontal holding slot (22) having two opposing side edges (24, 26), a rear edge (28), and an open side (30); the two opposing side edges (24, 26) are adapted to hold the laboratory container (38); the open side (30) is adapted to receive or release the laboratory container (38) in a horizontal direction, the laboratory container storage system (10) according to Claim 1.

3. The storage element (16, 18, 20) comprises a plurality of horizontal holding slots (22) arranged linearly side by side, the laboratory container storage system (10) according to Claim 2.

4. The laboratory container storage device (12) includes a plurality of storage elements (16, 18, 20) arranged in parallel and movably attached to the frame (14), and each storage element (16, 18, 20) can be individually moved. The laboratory container storage system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least two laboratory container storage devices (12) arranged at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to each other, and a lifting device (40). The at least two laboratory container storage devices (12) are attached to the lifting device (40), The lifting device (40) is configured to move the at least two laboratory container storage devices (12) up and down along a vertical axis (42), The at least two laboratory container storage devices (12) always remain horizontally aligned during the up and down movement. The laboratory container storage system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. At least two laboratory container storage devices (12) arranged at a distance from each other in a vertical and / or horizontal direction, and a circulation device (41). The at least two laboratory container storage devices (12) are attached to the circulation device (41), The circulation device (41) is configured to circulate the at least two laboratory container storage devices (12) horizontally and vertically along a circulation path (43), The at least two laboratory container storage devices (12) always remain horizontally aligned during the circulation. The laboratory container storage system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The laboratory container storage system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further includes a laboratory container (38) having a holding portion (47) configured to engage / disengage with or couple / uncouple from the holding means (21).

8. The laboratory container (38) includes a bottom (46) and a first horizontal cross-section (48) at a first height (50) from the bottom (46), The holding portion (47) includes a second horizontal cross-section (52) at a second height (54) from the bottom (46), The first height (50) is higher than the second height (54), The width (56) of the first horizontal cross-section (48) is larger than the distance (58) between the two opposing side edges (24, 26). The laboratory container storage system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the width (60) of the second horizontal cross-section (52) is the same as or smaller than the distance (58) between the two opposing side edges (24, 26).

9. A laboratory system (62), comprising: The laboratory container storage system (10) according to claim 7; A laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) configured to couple with, hold, transport, and decouple from the laboratory container (38); A transport system (68) having a horizontal plane (71), wherein the horizontal plane (71) is a transport surface (71), and the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) is configured to move on the transport surface (71); wherein the laboratory container storage system (10) is disposed adjacent to the transport system (68); In the second transfer position (36), the holding means (21) is positioned above the transport surface (71) so as to be able to position the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) below the held laboratory container (38) for coupling and / or decoupling with the held laboratory container (38). A laboratory system (62).

10. The laboratory system (62) according to claim 9, wherein the laboratory container (38) and the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) comprise a coupling mechanism (39) configured to couple the laboratory container (38) to the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) and to decouple the laboratory container (38) from the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66).

11. Further comprising a positioning carrier (72), wherein the positioning carrier (72) and the storage elements (16, 18, 20) comprise further coupling mechanisms (73, 74), wherein the positioning carrier (72) is configured to couple / decouple with or engage / disengage from the storage elements (16, 18, 20), The laboratory system (62) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the positioning carrier (72) is further configured to move the storage elements (16, 18, 20) between the storage position (34) and the second transfer position (36).

12. The laboratory container storage system (10) and a control unit (76) communicably connected to the transport system (68) are further provided, the control unit (76) is configured to control the movement of the storage elements (16, 18, 20) between the first transfer position (32) and the storage position (34), and between the storage position (34) and the second transfer position (36), the control unit (76) is further configured to control the movement of the laboratory container carriers (64, 65, 66) on the transport surface (71). The laboratory system (62) according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The control unit (76) is further configured to control the movement of the positioning carrier (72). The laboratory system (62) according to claim 12.

14. A method (78) of operating the laboratory system (62) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, a) moving the storage element (16, 18, 20) to the first transfer position (32) (80); b) loading the laboratory container (38) into the holding means (21) of the storage element (16, 18, 20) (82); c) moving the storage element (16, 18, 20) to the storage position (34) (84); d) moving the storage element (16, 18, 20) to the second transfer position (36) such that the laboratory container (38) is held at a position suspended above the transport surface (71) (86); e) moving the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) below the laboratory container (38) (88); f) coupling the laboratory container (38) to the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) (90); g) releasing the laboratory container (38) from the holding means (21) by moving the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) away from the holding means (21) (92); comprising a method (78).

15. h) loading the laboratory container (38) into the holding means (21) of the storage element (16, 18, 20) by moving the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66) towards the holding means (21) (94); i) a step (96) of decoupling the laboratory container (38) from the laboratory container carrier (64, 65, 66); j) a step (98) of moving the storage elements (16, 18, 20) to the storage position (34); The method (78) according to claim 14, further comprising.

Images