A diagnostic test reader system including two or more reader modules and at least one mother module is provided. Each of the reader modules includes a unique code and is configured for reading a specific test cartridge type. Each of the reader modules is configured to be in data communication with the mother module for receiving instructions from the mother module and for transmitting read and/or derived data to the mother module. The mother module is configured for communicating individually with each of the reader modules.

A module for an automated laboratory system is disclosed. The module comprises a module connector configured to releasably connect to a component of the automated laboratory system, a detector at least configured to detect at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module, a processor configured to calculate a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation, and a alignment device configured to align the module to the target position based on the position alignment data. Further, an automated laboratory system and a method for aligning a module are disclosed.

The invention is concerned with improvements in the technical field of laboratory devices. To this end, what is proposed, inter alia, is a laboratory device (1) that has, on its housing (2), at least one coupling interface (3) and at least one mating coupling interface (4) compatible with the coupling interface (3). The coupling interface (3) and the mating coupling interface (4) are configured to transfer power and/or to transfer information.

A connecting joint for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system is disclosed. The connecting joint comprises a horizontal bearing unit connectable to a first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system; a vertical bearing unit connectable to a second component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system; and a slider bar connecting the horizontal bearing unit with the vertical bearing unit, wherein the slider bar is movably mounted along a vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit; and wherein the slider bar is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit, wherein the slider bar is adjustable in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis by the horizontal bearing unit.

A biological analysis system comprising at least one inlet and one outlet, at least two biological analysis devices connected to one another by a conveyor defining a closed circuit, each biological analysis device comprising a region for the exchange of tube holding racks with the conveyor. The conveyor and the at least one inlet of the biological analysis system comprise a reader of an identifier of a tube holding rack which reader is designed to communicate an identifier it has read to a controller of the biological analysis system, which controller is designed to apply a specific treatment to a tube holding rack identified by the reader of the conveyor and the identifier of which has not previously been read by the reader of the at least one inlet of the biological analysis system.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

The present invention relates to a method of operating an apparatus for analyzing biological samples, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle for receiving a replaceable sensor module, the sensor module comprising one or more sensors and a writable memory; a measurement unit configured to bring a biological sample into operational interaction with at least a first sensor of the one or more sensors of a sensor module received by said receptacle, to obtain a measurement result responsive to the interaction between at least the first sensor and the biological sample and to output the obtained measurement result; a control unit configured to control operation of the measurement unit; an data exchange interface configured to receive data from the writable memory and to forward data to the sensor module for storage in the writable memory; and a communications interface for communicating with a remote host system; wherein the method comprises performing the following steps by the control unit: receiving, from the remote host system via said communications interface, one or more operational parameters associated with the sensor module; causing writing, via said data exchange interface, the received one or more operational parameters to the writable memory; and controlling operation of the measurement unit in accordance with the received one or more operational parameters.

A transport device transports a container used in a sample measurement device or a rack housing the container. The transport device may include: a robotic arm configured to transport the container or the rack between a first sample measurement device and each of other sample measurement devices different from the first sample measurement device; and a controller that controls operation of the robotic arm.