A lab system identifies a set of steps associated with a protocol for a lab meant to be performed by a robot within the lab using equipment and reagents. The lab system renders, within a user interface, a virtual representation of the lab, a virtual robot, and virtual equipment and reagents. Responsive to operating in a first mode, the lab system simulates the identified set of steps identify virtual positions of the virtual robot within the lab as the virtual robot performs the steps and modifies the virtual representation of the lab to mirror the identified positions of the virtual robot in real-time. Responsive to operating in a second mode, the lab system identifies positions of the robot within the lab as the robot performs the identified set of steps and modifies the virtual representation of the lab to mirror the identified positions of the robot in real-time.

A lab system calibrates robots and cameras within a lab. The lab system accesses, via a camera within a lab, an image of a robot arm, which comprises a visible tag located on an exterior. The lab system determines a position of the robot arm using position sensors located within the robot arm and determines a location of the camera relative to the robot arm based on the determined position and the location of the tag. The lab system calibrates the camera using the determined location of the camera relative to the robot arm. After calibrating the camera, the lab system accesses, via the camera, a second image of equipment in the lab that comprises a second visible tag on an exterior. The lab system determines, based on a location of the second visible tag within the accessed second image, a location of the equipment relative to the robot arm.

A laboratory sample vessel distribution system is presented. The system comprises a cabinet, sample vessel carriers for receiving sample vessels, and a cabinet drawer for receiving a sample vessel carrier. The drawer is locatable in different positions: closed, opened, and fully opened. An actuator moves the sample vessels and the sample vessel carriers between different locations. An actuator driver drives the actuator and applies a first mode of operation with a first speed and a second mode of operation with a second reduced speed compared to the first speed. A sensor device detects between opened and closed positions and provides position signals. A control device is connected to the actuator driver and the sensor device. The control device provides control signals to the actuator driver instructing the actuator driver to apply either the first mode, if in the closed position, or the second mode, if in the opened position.

An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

There is provided a dispensing unit capable of alleviating the load on a dispensing unit and other components at the time of a collision while maintaining the vibration-suppressing function. Also, an automated analyzer having this dispensing unit is provided. The dispensing unit has a dispensing probe, a drive mechanism, an arm member, a first probe holder, a second probe holder, a first support spring, second support springs, and vibration dampers. The second probe holder is supported to the first probe holder so as to be movable vertically and holds the dispensing probe. The second support springs bias the second probe holder against the first probe holder and in combination have a spring constant smaller than that of the first support spring. The vibration dampers are bridged from the arm member to the second probe holder.

A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises an optical inspection device adapted to optically inspect items that need to be optically inspected, at least one mirror device, a driver adapted to move the items to be optically inspected and to move the at least one mirror device, and a control device configured to move an item to be optically inspected relative to the optical inspection device by controlling the driver such that a field of view of the optical inspection device is extended.

A positioning system for positioning a consumable rack in a diagnostic system is disclosed. The positioning system comprises a rack comprising an upper surface comprising holding positions and a receiving compartment comprising a rectangular chassis comprising front, rear, and two lateral sides. The receiving compartment comprises a holding structure coupled to the chassis to move between first and second positions. The rack comprises sidewalls. At least three sidewalls have a center alignment element. The chassis comprises three chassis alignment elements on the rear and two lateral sides. The holding structure comprises a corner push element between the chassis front and lateral sides to push against a side edge of the rack between two sidewalls when the holding structure is moved from the first position towards the second position forcing the three alignment elements against a chassis alignment element and laterally holding the rack in position by the chassis alignment elements.

An analysis device includes an optical disc drive, a gate information processing unit, a detection circuit, and a gate shift processing unit. The optical disc drive rotates a specimen analysis disc and detects a measurement radial position for an optical pickup. The detection circuit generates gate signals shifted by a gate shift amount in each measurement radial position in a rotating direction of the specimen analysis disc, and generates count values of the respective gate signals. The gate shift processing unit divides a gate signal-corresponding region of the corresponding gate signal by a unit gate shift amount in the rotating direction of the specimen analysis disc to define a plurality of divided regions and sets count values of the divided regions based on the count values of the gate signals.

A cover member for use in the treatment of a sample on a substrate is disclosed. The cover member has fluid flow features and is adapted for use in an instrument, such as a laboratory instrument. The cover member comprises at least one orientation feature detectable by the instrument for ascertaining an orientation of the cover member. An automated method for detecting orientation of a cover member in a sample treatment assembly is also disclosed, in which a processor compares data corresponding to one or more images collected from the sample treatment assembly, with data representing a reference image to determine if a cover member is in the sample treatment assembly.

A method for performing a laser microdissection for cutting a dissectate from a specimen using a laser includes the step of providing the specimen in a light path of an illumination system. The specimen is illuminated by the illumination system. A detector detects light emanating from the specimen. The light detected by the detector is analyzed. It is determined, based on the analysis of the light detected by the detector, whether a receptacle for collecting the dissectate is disposed in a predetermined collection position, at which the dissectate is to be collected in the receptacle after it is cut from the specimen. Laser cutting of the dissectate from the specimen is initiated based on it having been determined that the receptacle is in the predetermined collection position.