Systems and methods are provided for performing a work-flow, which may be in an IVD environment. A plurality of workcells can be used to perform tasks, while vessels can be automatically transported between the workcells using bulk transport trays along an inter-cell track, allowing each workcell to be independently adapted to one or more tasks in the work-flow.

According to an aspect of the invention, a sorting apparatus comprises; a holder station in which a plurality of holders each configured to hold a specimen container in an upright state are disposed; a sort conveyance unit including a plurality of sort conveyance paths configured to convey the holders; a transfer unit including a plurality of transfer arms, each configured to hold one of the holders and transfer the holder to any one of the sort conveyance paths; and a control unit configured to control a transfer destination of the holder in the transfer unit.

A system and method for independently routing container-located vehicles to create different finished products are disclosed. The vehicles are independently routable along a track system to deliver the containers to at least one unit operation station. At least some of the vehicles have a unique route associated therewith that is assigned by a control system to facilitate simultaneous production of different finished products.

A specimen transportation system is configured from linear modules, turn modules, and connection modules. The modules can freely combine with one another. Moreover, the modules form multiple paths through which specimen racks outputted from one specimen output device are transported to multiple analysis devices. When transporting a specimen rack from an upstream side to a downstream side, each module attaches a destination signal associated with the specimen rack to the specimen rack and transfers the destination signal to the downstream side. As a consequence of each module transporting the specimen rack from the upstream side to the downstream side that corresponds to the destination signal, the specimen rack becomes transported along a path that corresponds to the destination signal.

An apparatus for sorting containers of biological samples for an automation system of an analysis laboratory includes a transport line having a conveyor belt on which are transported carriers arranged to receive and support a container. Parallel spaced apart sorting lines extend from the transport line. Each sorting line is associated with a diverter member transversely movable to the transport line from an inoperative backward position to an advanced position configured to divert a carrier from the transport to the sorting line. Each diverter member, when activated, has a first forward movement to a first position in a middle of the transport line, and a second forward movement to the advanced position, to push the intercepted carrier in the respective sorting line. When the diverter member intercepts a carrier, it is static in the middle of the transport line thereby not producing any cross collision with the intercepted carrier.

Disclosed are high-throughput vessel receiving systems and methods of receiving sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for receiving a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample, and systems and apparatus for guiding, reorienting, collecting, and transporting a plurality of articles, including vessels, are disclosed.

An analysis system for analyzing biological samples is disclosed, and which may comprise two or more analysis system components for performing an analysis. A sample workflow manager and an instrument manager coupled to the sample workflow manager may be coupled to the system components for receiving a process status from the system components, wherein the sample workflow manager provides at least one preconfigured processing route to the instrument manager in accordance with the process status. The instrument manager may comprise a memory for storing the preconfigured processing route, wherein the instrument manager is adapted for receiving a test order for analyzing the biological sample using the system components, and wherein the instrument manager is adapted for generating commands for controlling a transport device for transporting the biological sample in accordance with the test order and the at least one preconfigured processing route.

Disclosed are high-throughput vessel receiving systems and methods of receiving sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for receiving a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample, and systems and apparatus for guiding, reorienting, collecting, and transporting a plurality of articles, including vessels, are disclosed.