Patent Description:
In vitro diagnostic testing has a major effect on clinical decisions, providing physicians with pivotal information. Particularly, there is great emphasis on providing quick and accurate test results in critical care settings. In vitro diagnostic testing is usually performed using instruments operable to execute one or more processing steps or workflow steps on one or more biological samples and/or one or more reagents, such as pre-analytical instruments, post-analytical instruments and also analytical instruments.

Analytical instruments or analyzers are configured to obtain a measurement value. An analyzer is operable to determine via various chemical, biological, physical, optical or other technical procedures a parameter value of the sample or a component thereof. An analyzer may be operable to measure said parameter of the sample or of at least one analyte and return the obtained measurement value. The list of possible analysis results returned by the analyzer comprises, without limitation, concentrations of the analyte in the sample, a digital (yes or no) result indicating the existence of the analyte in the sample (corresponding to a concentration above the detection level), optical parameters, DNA or RNA sequences, data obtained from mass spectroscopy of proteins or metabolites and physical or chemical parameters of various types. An analytical instrument may comprise units assisting with the pipetting, dosing, and mixing of samples and/or reagents.

In the field of medical or chemical laboratories, a sample transport system may be used for distributing sample tubes between analytical instruments. The tubes may comprise a wide variety of samples, such as blood, blood serum or plasma, urine or chemical substances and the tubes could also be of several types having different shapes, diameter, colors, heights etc. The transport system may comprise a plurality of cavities for receiving sample tubes for delivering them to the respective analytical instruments.

An exemplary embodiment of a system for transporting containers between different stations is described in <CIT>. A system for transporting containers between different stations is described. The containers are accommodated in container carriers. The system comprises a control unit, which controls the transportation of the container carriers, a transporting surface, which is subdivided into sub-surfaces and on which the container carriers can be arranged in a movable manner, and drive means. The drive means are activated by the control unit and one drive means in each case is assigned to one sub-surface in each case. A drive means in each case is designed in order to provide an associated container carrier with driving power.

<CIT> describes a laboratory distribution system for use in a laboratory automation system with a number of diagnostic laboratory container carriers and a conveyor device. The conveyor device comprises an endless drive member, in particular a belt or a chain, defining a closed-loop conveyor pathway, and a number of supporting elements attached to the endless drive member, which supporting elements are adapted for receiving one diagnostic laboratory container carrier and for transporting said diagnostic laboratory container carrier in an upright position along at least a section of the conveyor pathway. The supporting elements are each mounted pivotally about a horizontal pivot axis to the drive member for maintaining the supporting elements in an upright use position while travelling along the conveyor path.

Typically, laboratory automation systems comprising one or more sample transport systems which may be used for distributing sample tubes between analytical instruments are largely dimensioned. Exemplarily, the laboratory automation system may have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>. For the purpose of achieving a horizontal alignment of the sample transport system and the analytical instruments, the laboratory automation system may comprise a plurality of adjustable feet to compensate differences in height. The differences in height may exemplary emerge from high differences of a floor on which the laboratory automation system is installed. Further, differences in height may result from a sinking of the adjustable feet into the ground. Thus, there is a need to further improve a horizontal alignment.

Several devices including positioning parts which can be adjustable in the vertical and horizontal directions are known. Thus, <CIT> describes an apparatus for holding an object in an essentially weightless state, having the following features: a carrier-device part with a constantly vertical axis, a positioning-device part, which is coupled to the carrier-device part and can be adjusted vertically in relation to the carrier-device part, and moreover can be displaced in a horizontal plane, and it also exhibits a load-bearing securing means for attaching the object, a constantly horizontal, first linear guide part, for the horizontal adjustment of the load-bearing securing means in relation to the carrier-device part, and a constantly horizontal axis about which the object can rotate.

<CIT> describes a device for supporting and centering optical components which comprises two supports carried by two arms adapted to slide in a frame and situated opposite one another at a regulatable distance according to the length of optical component. The first support consists of two concentric rings arranged as a universal joint and the second support consists of a floating ring cooperating with two shanks fast with micrometer screws which can be displaced in translational movement in two non-parallel directions. The optical component is locked in position by means of a screw in the central ring and by means of an element such as a screw in ring. The ring is pressed by spring against friction shoes or ball bearings on the end of shanks. The frame can slide in direction Y on a support which itself slides on a base in direction Z, the base being also capable of pivotal movement about a pivot pin.

<CIT> describes the precise adjustment in the three spatial directions which is obtained with the aid of an operating member consisting of a handle, the rotation of which acts by a gimbal on the parts of the base which are used to move the instrument in height, and into an internal lever which, when the actuator is tilted around the center of rotation defined by the gimbal is connected without play to the handle and thus produces the horizontal displacement of the base relative to the base. The internal lever is housed, so as to be able to swing in all directions, in a socket fixed to the base and its lower end in the form of a spherical foot which rests directly on the base. The socket in which the internal lever houses is arranged in or near the plane of the gimbal; the radius of the spherical foot corresponds to the distance between the socket and the base.

<CIT> describes a two-dimensional plane translation adjusting device, which comprises an outer frame, a middle frame and an inner frame. The top wall and the left wall of the outer frame are provided with a screw hole I and a screw hole II, respectively, and the right wall of the outer frame is provided with a through hole I. The center of the top of the outer frame is provided with a vertical adjustment top wheel matched with the top wall of the inner frame, and a horizontal adjustment top wheel matched with the outer wall of the middle frame is arranged at the center of the right wall of the outer frame. The outer frame sleeves the middle frame, and the middle of the top wall of the middle frame is provided with a through hole II matched with the vertical adjustment top wheel at the center of the top of the outer frame. A screw hole III and a screw hole IV arranged in the right wall and the bottom wall of the middle frame, respectively, and the bottom wall of the outer frame is provided with a guiding groove. The two-dimensional plane translation adjusting device disclosed by the invention is simple in structure, and convenient and quick to operate, effectively reduces the friction coefficient of movement at the vertical direction and the horizontal direction movement, and ensures smoothness and no sticking during the movement.

Other documents, such as <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe different examples of devices suitable for adjustably connecting two components of a laboratory system.

Despite the advantages achieved by the known methods and devices several technical challenges remain. Specifically, an alignment of a device which extends over several meters remains a technical challenge. Connected devices may move in a vertical axis or may sink at different rates during operation of the device. Thus, there is a need for a device which compensates high differences which emerge after installation and over longer time periods. Further, a realization of a twist-proof configuration remains a technical challenge.

It is therefore desirable to provide connecting joint for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system, a laboratory automation system and to a method for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system which at least partially address the above-mentioned technical challenges of known methods and devices of similar kind. Specifically, a connecting joint for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system and a method for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system shall be proposed which improve an alignment of a laboratory automation system and a laboratory automation system shall be proposed with an improved alignment.

This problem is addressed by a connecting joint for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system, a laboratory automation system and to a method for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments which might be realized in an isolated fashion or in any arbitrary combinations are listed in the dependent claims as well as throughout the specification.

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

The term "laboratory" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to at least one environment comprising at least one instrument configured for preparing and/or analyzing at least one sample, such as a test sample, e.g. a chemical sample and/or a biological sample. Specifically, the sample may be contained in at least one container such as a sample tube. The laboratory may be a location configured for work in the field of the natural sciences and/or engineering in the sense that it offers the opportunity to conduct corresponding measurements and controls.

The term "laboratory automation system" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a system which is configured for handling samples automatically. Specifically, the laboratory automation system may be configured for processing samples, specifically samples contained in container such as sample tubes in which samples are enclosed autonomously and/or fully or partially automatically. The laboratory automation system, as an example, may comprise at least one laboratory distribution system, such as an actuator, configured for transferring the at least one sample from one position to another position. The laboratory automation system may further comprise one or more handling stations for handling and/or processing one or more of the samples. The laboratory automation system may further comprise at least one laboratory station for sample analysis.

A laboratory in which the laboratory automation system is used may be for example a medical laboratory such as a clinical laboratory, a forensic laboratory or a blood bank. Further, the laboratory in which the laboratory automation system is used may be a chemical laboratory, such as an analytic laboratory. Also, other applications may be feasible.

For exemplary embodiments of laboratory systems which may also be used in the context of the present invention, with the modifications as discussed herein, reference may be made e.g. to <CIT>. Other laboratory systems, however, may also be used.

The term "component" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a part of a mechanical and/or mechatronical system. The component may be handled independently or may be coupled, connectable or integratable in order to fulfill at least one common function. The terms "first component" and "second component" may be considered as nomenclature only, without numbering or ranking the named elements, without specifying an order and without excluding a possibility that several kinds of first components and second components may be present. Further, additional components such as one or more third components may be present.

The first component may be a laboratory station of the laboratory automation system and the second component may be a laboratory distribution system of the laboratory automation system or vice versa. Thus, the first component may be the laboratory distribution system of the laboratory automation system and the second component may be the laboratory station of the laboratory automation system. Further details on the laboratory station and the laboratory distribution system are given below.

The term "connecting joint" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary element which is configured for forming a mechanical coupling between at least two physical objects. Thus, at least one first physical object may be mechanically coupled to at least one second physical object via the element. Specifically, the element may be mechanically connectable to the first physical object and the element may be mechanically connectable to the second physical object. The mechanical connection specifically may be selected from the group consisting of: an interlocking connection, a frictional connection, a substance-to-substance bond. Thus, the element may be configured for restricting a mobility between the first physical object and the second physical object.

The connecting joint may be configured for adjustably connecting the at least two components. The term "configured for adjustably connecting" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a property of an arbitrary joint of being configured for restricting a mobility between at least two physical objects in an adaptable matter. Thus, a relative position of a first physical object to the second physical object may be adaptable via the joint. Specifically, the relative position of the first physical object to the second physical object may be changeable by a rotational movement and/or a translational movement of one of the first physical object and the second physical object relative to the other physical object via the joint. Specifically, the joint may be configured for forming a mechanical connection to the first physical object and to the second physical object, respectively, and, thereafter, the relative position of the first physical object to the second physical object may be adjusted. Exemplarily, the joint may have at least two parts which are translationally and/or rotationally moveable relative to each other.

As outlined above, the connecting joint comprises the horizontal bearing unit and the vertical bearing unit. The term "unit" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary element being configured to interact with another element in order to fulfill at least one common function. Specifically, the elements may be coupled to each other, connectable to each other or integratable into each other in order to form a common component. Thus, the unit may also be referred to as part or as component.

The term "bearing unit" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary device or component which is configured for carrying and/or supporting at least one further device or component. The bearing unit specifically may be configured for constraining a relative motion between at least two physical objects to only a desired motion between the physical objects. Further, the component may be configured for reducing friction between the physical objects. The bearing unit may be configured for preventing a motion by controlling one or more vectors of normal forces that bear on the physical objects.

The term "vertical bearing unit" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary bearing unit which is configured for enabling a movement between at least two physical objects in a vertical axis. The vertical axis may correspond to an axis z and may be arranged perpendicular to the axes x and y as defined above.

The term "vertical axis" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a property of an axis of standing perpendicular to a horizontal level of a system such as the laboratory automation system, and/or to the level surfaces of the earth's gravity field in the direction of the resultant from the earth's gravitation and the centrifugal force due to the earth's rotation.

The term "horizontal bearing unit" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary bearing unit which is configured for enabling a movement between at least two physical objects in a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may exemplarily extend along an axis x and an axis y which are arranged perpendicular to each other.

The term "horizontal plane" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a plane parallel to a horizontal working surface in a system such as the laboratory automation system. Thus, the horizontal plane is perpendicular to the vertical axis as defined above.

As outlined above, the horizontal bearing unit is connectable to the first component and the vertical bearing unit is connectable to the second component. The term "connectable to a component" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a property of an element of being mechanically couplable to an arbitrary component. Thus, the element and the component may have a mechanical connection. The mechanical connection may be selected from the group consisting of: an interlocking connection, a frictional connection, a substance-to-substance bond. Also other embodiments may be feasible. Further details on the mechanical connection between the horizontal bearing unit and the first component and on the mechanical connection between the vertical bearing unit and the second component are given below in more detail.

Specifically, the horizontal bearing unit may be fixedly connectable to the first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system. The term "being fixedly connectable" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a property of an object of being of an element of being mechanically couplable to an arbitrary component such that a movement of the element relative to the component is suppressed completely or at least to a large extent. Specifically, the horizontal bearing unit may be fixedly connectable to the first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system by a force-fit connection. Thus, the horizontal bearing unit and the first component may be pressed together and may stay in their position by static friction. Specifically, the horizontal bearing unit may comprise one or more connecting elements, specifically one or more through holes, for fixedly connecting the horizontal bearing unit to the first component. The horizontal bearing unit may further comprise one or more screws. The horizontal bearing unit may configured to be screwed to the first component.

The horizontal bearing unit may comprise at least one first part having at least one first linear guide, preferably at least one first elongated hole, and at least one second part having at least one second linear guide, preferably at least one second elongated hole. The terms "first part", "first linear guide", "first elongated hole" as well as "second part", "second linear guide", "second elongated hole" may be considered as nomenclature only, without numbering or ranking the named elements, without specifying an order and without excluding a possibility that several kinds of first parts, first linear guides and first elongated holes as well as second parts, second linear guides and second elongated holes may be present. Further, additional parts, linear guides and elongated holes such as one or more third parts, third linear guides and third elongated holes may be present.

The first linear guide may have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably of <NUM>. The second linear guide may have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably of <NUM>.

The first part and the second part may be arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. The term "essentially perpendicular" may comprise slight deviations from a perpendicular arrangement such as arrangements which deviate from a perpendicular arrangement by no more than <NUM> degrees, preferably by no more than <NUM> degrees. Specifically, the first linear guide and the second linear guide may be arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first part and the second part, specifically the first linear guide and the second linear guide, may be arranged in a T-configuration to each other.

The term "linear guide" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary element being designed to provide free motion in one direction. Specifically, it is referred to an element with the help of which a component can be moved against on a straight line. As outlined above, the linear guide may specifically be an elongated hole. The elongated hole may be a through hole.

Specifically, the first part and the second part may be adjustably mounted on each other. Thus, a position of the first part relative to the second part may be adaptable. Specifically, the position of the first part relative to the second part may be adjustable along an axis defined by the second linear guide. The first part may be configured to be screwed to the second part via one or more screws, specifically via at least two screws. The screws may be received at least partially in the second linear guide of the second part. In a first state, the screws may be loosely screwed to the first part and the first part may be movable along the axis defined by the second linear guide. In a second state, specifically when a desired position of the first part and the second part relative to each other is adjusted, the screws may be screwed down, specifically such that a relative movement of the first part to the second part may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent. As outlined above, the first part may be configured to be screwed to the second part specifically via at least two screws. Due to the utilization of at least two screws, a twisting of the first part and the second part relative to each other may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent.

The vertical bearing unit may comprise at least one slide bearing. The term "slide bearing" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary bearing having at least one bearing surface. A shaft may be configured for being in contact with the bearing surface and for sliding over the bearing surface. Specifically, the slide bearing may comprise at least one bearing bore. The bearing bore may be configured for partially receiving the slider bar. The bearing bore may comprise at least one bearing surface. The bearing surface may be configured for being in contact with the slider bar.

Specifically, the vertical bearing unit may be fixedly connectable to the second component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system. Specifically, vertical bearing unit may be fixedly connectable to the second component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system by a force-fit connection. Specifically, the vertical bearing unit may comprise one or more connecting elements, specifically one or more eyelets, for fixedly connecting the vertical bearing unit to the second component. The vertical bearing unit may further comprise one or more screws. The vertical bearing unit may configured to be screwed to the second component.

The term "slider bar" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary longitudinal element which is configured to perform a sliding movement from one position to at least another position and vice versa. The slider bar may comprise at least one cylindrically shaped portion, specifically at least one circular cylindrically shaped portion. Specifically, the cylindrically shaped portion may be at least partially received in the vertical bearing unit. Further, the slider bar may comprise at least one first end and at least one opposing second end. At least one of the first end, the second end may be conically shaped.

The slider bar may have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>. A distance between the first part of the horizontal bearing unit and the second component of the laboratory automation system may be <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably of <NUM>.

As outlined above, the slider bar connects the horizontal bearing unit with the vertical bearing unit. Thus, the slider bar may form a mechanical coupling between the horizontal bearing unit and the vertical bearing unit. Specifically, the slider bar may be mechanically connectable to horizontal bearing unit. Further, the slider bar may be mechanically connectable to the vertical bearing unit. Further details on the connection between the slider bar and the horizontal bearing unit as well as on the connection between the slider bar and the vertical bearing unit are given below in more detail.

As outlined above, the slider bar is movably mounted along a vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit. Specifically, the slider bar may be arrangeable along the vertical axis. The slider bar may be arrangeable along the vertical axis. The term "movably mounted" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a state of an object of being capable of performing a movement in at least one direction in a mounted state. The movement may specifically refer to a sliding movement. The term "movably mounted along an axis" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a state of an object of being capable of performing a movement along an axis in a mounted state. Thus, the object may be capable of performing a movement in a direction defined by the axis. The slider bar may be slidably mounted along the vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit. Specifically, the slider bar may be slidably mounted in the bearing bore of the slide bearing.

As outlined above, the slider bar is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit. The term "adjustably mounted" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a property of an object of being mounted, wherein a position of the object is adaptable. Specifically, the object may be arrangeable relative to another object in a desired position.

As outlined above, the slider bar is adjustable, e.g. arrangeable in a desired position, in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis by the horizontal bearing unit. The term "essentially perpendicular" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to the fact that a perpendicular orientation is preferred. However, slight deviations from a perpendicular orientation may be feasible, such as orientations which deviate from a perpendicular orientation by no more than <NUM> degrees, preferably by no more than <NUM> degrees.

A position of the slider bar relative to the first part may be adjustable along an axis defined by the first linear guide. The slider bar may be configured to be screwed to the first part of the horizontal bearing unit via one or more screws. The screw may be received at least partially in the first linear guide of the first part. In a first state, the screws may be loosely screwed to the slider bar and the slider bar may be movable along the axis defined by the first linear guide. In a second state, specifically when a desired position of the slider bar and the first part relative to each other is adjusted, the screws may be screwed down, specifically such that a relative movement of the slider bar to the first part may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent. One end of the slider bar unit may be partially received in the first linear guide, specifically in the first elongated hole. Due to this arrangement, a twisting of the slider bar transverse to the axis defined by the first linear guide may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent.

The slider bar may be fixedly mounted in an adjustable position in the at least one dimension perpendicular to the vertical axis in the horizontal bearing unit. The term "fixedly mounted" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a property of an object of being mounted, wherein a movement of the object relative to another object is suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent.

One or more of the slider bar, the vertical bearing unit, the horizontal bearing unit, further components of the mechanical joint, may be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: steel, specifically stainless steel; brass; aluminum; a composite material; a polymer. Also other materials may be feasible.

Further disclosed is a laboratory automation system is disclosed. The laboratory automation system comprises a plurality of laboratory stations. Further, the laboratory automation system comprises at least one laboratory distribution system. The laboratory distribution system is configured to distribute laboratory cargo between the laboratory stations. Further, the laboratory automation system comprises at least one connecting joint as described above or as will further be described below in more detail. The connecting joint connects at least one of the laboratory stations to the laboratory distribution system.

The term "laboratory station" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a device which, as a component of the laboratory system as defined above, is configured for performing at least one laboratory task or step in the laboratory system, such as at least one task selected from the group consisting of a sample preparation and a sample analysis. Specifically, the laboratory system may be configured for analyzing the at least one sample, in particular a plurality of samples, and/or for performing at least one step in a process chain of sample analysis, e.g. at least one of a biological step, a chemical step and an analytical step. Thus, the samples to be analyzed may be prepared for the analysis using at least one reagent. Specifically, the laboratory analyzer may be used for electrochemical and/or spectroscopic experiments. The laboratory station may be used in the field of medical or chemical laboratories, in particular for in vitro diagnostics (IVD). The laboratory station may be configured for executing one or more processing steps and/or workflow steps on one or more biological samples and/or reagents. The term "processing step" thereby refers to physically executed processing steps such as centrifugation, aliquotation, sample analysis and the like. The laboratory station may be a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station. Also other embodiments may be feasible. The "laboratory station" may also be referred to or be configured as a "laboratory analyzer", an "analytical station", an "analyzing instrument" or an "analytical system".

The term "laboratory distribution system" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to any device configured to hold one or more laboratory cargo and for distributing laboratory cargo to a target destination within the laboratory automation system, specifically via a conveying or transport line. The laboratory distribution system can be used in order to distribute laboratory cargo between the laboratory stations and other equipment. The laboratory distribution system may be or may comprise one or more of: at least one robot arm, a conveying system, a carrousel. Other laboratory distribution systems such as transport modules are known and may be used. The "laboratory distribution system" may also be referred to as a "laboratory transport system".

The term "laboratory cargo" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary laboratory diagnostic container, such as a vessel or a tube, configured for one or more of containing, storing or transporting a sample. The sample may refer to an aliquot of a substance such as a chemical or biological compound. Specifically, the sample may be or may comprise at least one biological specimen, such as one or more of: blood; blood serum; blood plasma; urine; saliva. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory cargo and/or the sample may be or may comprise a chemical substance or compound and/or a reagent. Also other embodiments may be feasible.

One of the laboratory stations may be connected to the laboratory distribution system via at least two of the connecting joints. Due to the usage of at least two of the connecting joints a twisting of the laboratory distribution system and the laboratory station relative to each other may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent.

Further disclosed is a method for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system is disclosed.

The method comprises the following steps which specifically may be performed in the given order. It shall be noted, however, that a different order is also possible. Further, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Further, it is possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or in a timely overlapping fashion. The method may comprise further method steps which are not listed.

The first component of the at least two components may be a laboratory station of the laboratory automation system. The second component of the at least two components may be a laboratory distribution system of the laboratory automation system. The laboratory station, the laboratory distribution system and the laboratory automation system are described in further detail and will further be described below in more detail.

The method may comprise adjustably mounting the slider bar in the horizontal bearing unit. Further, the method may comprise adjusting the slider bar in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis via the horizontal bearing unit.

The devices and method show advantages over known devices and methods. An alignment of a device which extends over several meters may be realized. During installation of the laboratory automation system, specifically of the laboratory stations on the laboratory distribution system, an adjustment in the horizontal plane may be achieved. Specifically, once the adjustment is realized, the axes defining the horizontal plane may be fixed. Further, during operation of the laboratory automation system, a mobility in the vertical axis may be given. Commonly, the connected devices may move in a vertical axis or may sink at different rates during operation of the device. Due to the connecting joint according to the present invention, high differences which emerge after installation and over longer time periods may be compensated. Further, a twist-proof configuration may be achieved.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an exemplary embodiment of a connecting joint <NUM> in an assembled state (<FIG>) and in an exploded view (<FIG>) according to the present invention.

The connecting joint <NUM> comprises a horizontal bearing unit <NUM> connectable to a first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system. Further, the connecting joint <NUM> comprises a vertical bearing unit <NUM> connectable to a second component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system. The first component, the second component and the laboratory automation system are not shown in <FIG>. Reference is made to <FIG> below. Further, the connecting joint <NUM> comprises a slider bar <NUM> connecting the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> with the vertical bearing unit <NUM>. The slider bar <NUM> is movably mounted along a vertical axis <NUM> within the vertical bearing unit <NUM>. The slider bar <NUM> is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit <NUM>. The slider bar <NUM> is adjustable in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis <NUM> by the horizontal bearing unit <NUM>.

The horizontal bearing unit <NUM> may be fixedly connectable to the first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system. Specifically, the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> may comprise one or more connecting elements <NUM>, specifically one or more through holes <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The connecting elements <NUM> may be configured for fixedly connecting the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> to the first component. The horizontal bearing unit <NUM> may further comprise one or more screws <NUM>. The horizontal bearing unit <NUM> may be configured to be screwed to the first component.

The horizontal bearing unit <NUM> may be configured for adjusting a position of the slider bar <NUM> in a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may exemplarily extend along an axis x and an axis y which are arranged perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> may comprise at least one first part <NUM> having at least one first linear guide <NUM>, preferably at least one first elongated hole <NUM>, and at least one second part <NUM> having at least one second linear guide <NUM>, preferably at least one second elongated hole <NUM>. The first linear guide126 may preferably have a length l<NUM> of <NUM>. The second linear guide may preferably have a length l<NUM> of <NUM>. The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first linear guide <NUM> and the second linear guide <NUM> may be arranged essentially perpendicular to each other.

The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be adjustably mounted on each other. Thus, a position of the first part <NUM> relative to the second <NUM> part may be adaptable. Specifically, the position of the first part <NUM> relative to the second part <NUM> may be adjustable along an axis <NUM> defined by the second linear guide <NUM>. The first part <NUM> may be configured to be screwed to the second part <NUM> via two screws <NUM>. The screws <NUM> may be received at least partially in the second linear guide <NUM> of the second part <NUM>. In a first state, the screws <NUM> may be loosely screwed to the first part <NUM> and the first part <NUM> may be movable along the axis <NUM> defined by the second linear guide <NUM>. In a second state, specifically when a desired position of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> relative to each other is adjusted, the screws <NUM> may be screwed down such that a relative movement of the first part <NUM> to the second part <NUM> may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent.

The vertical bearing unit <NUM> may comprise at least one slide bearing <NUM>. Specifically, the slide bearing <NUM> may comprise at least one bearing bore <NUM>. The bearing bore <NUM> may be configured for partially receiving the slider bar <NUM>. The bearing bore <NUM> may comprise at least one bearing surface <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The bearing surface <NUM> may be configured for being in contact with the slider bar <NUM>. The vertical bearing unit <NUM> may be fixedly connectable to the second component of the laboratory automation system (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Specifically, the vertical bearing unit <NUM> may comprise one or more connecting elements <NUM>, specifically one or more eyelets <NUM>, for fixedly connecting the vertical bearing unit <NUM> to the second component. The vertical bearing unit <NUM> may be configured to be screwed to the second component.

The slider bar <NUM> may comprise at least one cylindrically shaped portion <NUM>, specifically at least one circular cylindrically shaped portion <NUM>. Specifically, the cylindrically shaped portion <NUM> may be at least partially received in the vertical bearing unit <NUM>. Further, the slider bar <NUM> may comprise at least one first end <NUM> and at least one opposing second end <NUM>. At least one of the first end, the second end may be conically shaped.

The slider bar <NUM> may exemplarily have a length l<NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM>. Further, a distance d between the first part <NUM> of the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> and the vertical bearing unit <NUM> may exemplarily be <NUM>.

The slider bar <NUM> may form a mechanical coupling between the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> and the vertical bearing unit <NUM>. Specifically, the slider bar <NUM> may be mechanically connectable to horizontal bearing unit <NUM>. Further, the slider bar <NUM> may be mechanically connectable to the vertical bearing unit <NUM>.

A position of the slider bar <NUM> relative to the first part <NUM> may be adjustable along an axis <NUM> defined by the first linear guide <NUM>. The slider bar <NUM> may be configured to be screwed to the first part <NUM> of the horizontal bearing unit <NUM> via a screw <NUM>. The screw <NUM> may be received at least partially in the first linear guide <NUM>. In a first state, the screw <NUM> may be loosely screwed to the slider bar <NUM> and the slider bar <NUM> may be movable along the axis <NUM> defined by the first linear guide <NUM>. In a second state, specifically when a desired position of the slider bar <NUM> and the first part <NUM> relative to each other is adjusted, the screw <NUM> may be screwed down, specifically such that a relative movement of the slider bar <NUM> to the first part <NUM> may be suppressed or at least reduced to a large extent. The second end <NUM> of the slider bar <NUM> unit may be partially received in the first linear guide <NUM>, specifically in the first elongated hole <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an exemplary embodiment of a laboratory automation system <NUM> in a perspective view (<FIG>) and in a detailed view (<FIG>).

The laboratory automation system <NUM> comprises a plurality of laboratory stations <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG> one laboratory station <NUM> is exemplarily shown. Further, the laboratory automation system <NUM> comprises at least one laboratory distribution system <NUM>. The laboratory distribution system <NUM> is configured to distribute laboratory cargo between the laboratory stations <NUM>. Further, the laboratory automation system comprises at least one connecting joint <NUM>. The connecting joint <NUM> connects the laboratory station <NUM> to the laboratory distribution system <NUM>. The connecting joint <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> corresponds to the connecting joint <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>. Thus, reference to the description of <FIG> and <FIG> above is made.

The laboratory distribution system <NUM> may have a transport line (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) configured for distributing laboratory cargo to a target destination within the laboratory automation system <NUM>. Further, the laboratory distribution system <NUM> may have a plurality of racks and/or drawers (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) for storing the laboratory cargo. In <FIG> an opening <NUM> configured for receiving the laboratory cargo is shown.

Typically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the laboratory automation system <NUM> comprises a plurality of adjustable feet <NUM> to compensate differences in height which may specifically result from a sinking of the adjustable feet <NUM> into the ground. A further improvement of a horizontal alignment may be achieved by the connecting joints <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a detailed view of the laboratory station <NUM>. The laboratory station <NUM> is illustrated with two single sample carriers <NUM> and two camera modules <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A connecting joint (<NUM>) for adjustably connecting at least two components (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a laboratory automation system (<NUM>), the connecting joint (<NUM>) comprising:
A. a horizontal bearing unit (<NUM>) fixedly connectable to a first component (<NUM>) of the at least two components (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the laboratory automation system (<NUM>);
B. a vertical bearing unit (<NUM>) fixedly connectable to a second component (<NUM>) of the at least two components (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the laboratory automation system (<NUM>); and
C. a slider bar (<NUM>) connecting the horizontal bearing unit (<NUM>) with the vertical bearing unit (<NUM>),
- wherein the slider bar (<NUM>) is movably mounted along a vertical axis (<NUM>) within the vertical bearing unit (<NUM>); and
- wherein the slider bar (<NUM>) is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit (<NUM>), wherein the slider bar (<NUM>) is adjustable in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis (<NUM>) by the horizontal bearing unit (<NUM>);
wherein the first component (<NUM>) is a laboratory station (<NUM>) of the laboratory automation system (<NUM>) and wherein the second component (<NUM>) is a laboratory distribution system (<NUM>) of the laboratory automation system (<NUM>) or vice versa.