УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ВЫПОЛНЕНИЯ АНАЛИЗОВ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ЖИДКОСТЕЙ И СООТВЕТСТВУЮЩИЙ СПОСОБ

Группа изобретений относится к измерению скорости осаждения частиц в биологических жидкостях, в особенности к измерению скорости осаждения эритроцитов. Устройство для измерения скорости осаждения в биологических жидкостях и, в частности, скорости осаждения эритроцитов в пробах крови, содержит держатели для пробирок, содержащих пробы биологических жидкостей; встряхивающие устройства для встряхивания пробирок; по меньшей мере, один детектор для измерения уровней внутри пробирок, причем держатели образованы в непрерывном гибком элементе, задающем замкнутый путь, вдоль которого расположены встряхивающие устройства и, по меньшей мере, один детектор. Представлен также способ измерения скорости осаждения в биологических жидкостях. Достигается повышение надежности и упрощение анализа. 2 н. и 43 з.п. ф-лы, 28 ил.

ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКАЯ СИСТЕМА И КОМПОНЕНТЫ

Группа изобретений относится к области проточной цитометрии. Проточный цитометр содержит лазерный луч, установленный для освещения частиц пробы в зоне обнаружения, щель, которая направляет поток частиц пробы через зону обнаружения, а также систему фильтрации. При этом система фильтрации включает в себя фильтр, имеющий множество отверстий, фильтр находится в зоне проточного цитометра, где скорость жидкости составляет менее 200 микролитров в минуту. Также раскрывается система фильтрации проточного цитометра для фильтрации частиц пробы и способ предотвращения засорения щели проточного цитометра. Группа изобретений позволяет предотвратить и устранить повреждение частиц или клеток в образце, при прохождении их через фильтр. 3 н. и 11 з.п. ф-лы, 18 ил.

ЛАБОРАТОРНАЯ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННАЯ СИСТЕМА С ДВУХДВИГАТЕЛЬНЫМ ТЯГОВЫМ УСТРОЙСТВОМ ДЛЯ КОНВЕЙЕРНЫХ ЛЕНТ

Лабораторная автоматизированная система содержит пару конвейерных лент (4), вмещающих устройства (5) для транспортировки биологических образцов и приводимых в действие моторизованным тяговым устройством (100), которое включает в себя первый и второй двигатели (111а, 111b). Каждый из двигателей (111а, 111b) выполнен с возможностью приведения в действие обеих указанных пар лент (4). Центральный блок (50) управления выполнен с возможностью управления одновременно или поочередно приведением в действие указанных двигателей (111а, 111b), способен различать сбой в работе первого двигателя (111а) и автоматически переключать задачу подачи пар лент на второй двигатель (111b) при таком сбое в работе или, если заданные пороговые значения превышены для некоторых определенных параметров двигателя. Центральный блок (50) управления обрабатывает данные и информацию, относящуюся к указанным определенным параметрам в течение времени, определяет, какие условия в прошлом чаще всего вызывали окончательный сбой ...

ОПТИЧЕСКАЯ СИСТЕМА РЕГИСТРАЦИИ ДЛЯ МОНИТОРИНГА РЕАКЦИИ ПЦР-РВ

Изобретение относится к оптической системе регистрации для мониторинга полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) в реальном времени в совокупности камер для образцов с помощью совокупности оптических блоков. Благодаря относительному движению оптических блоков относительно камер для образцов, можно объединять цветовое мультиплексирование и пространственное мультиплексирование для оптической регистрации патогенов в образце в процессе ПЦР и получения количественного результата. 4 н. и 10 з.п. ф-лы, 5 ил.

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОБРАБОТКИ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ОБРАЗЦОВ

Группа изобретений относится к устройству для обработки биологических образцов. Устройство для обработки биологических образцов способно облегчить приложение и отключение магнитного поля. Устройство для обработки биологических образцов включает в себя блок пипеток, модуль перемещения блока пипеток вперед и назад, модуль перемещения блока пипеток вверх и вниз, модуль приложения магнитного поля и нагревательный элемент. Блок пипеток соединен с возможностью отсоединения с множеством пипеток для всасывания или выпуска биологического образца в многолуночный планшет, в котором лунки расположены в форме матрицы вдоль направлений рядов и столбцов. Модуль перемещения блока пипеток вперед и назад перемещает блок пипеток вдоль направления вперед и назад вдоль направления процесса. Модуль перемещения блока пипеток вверх и вниз перемещает блок пипеток в вертикальном направлении. Модуль приложения магнитного поля размещен ниже многолуночного планшета для приложения магнитного поля к лунке многолуночного ...

СИСТЕМА ОБРАБОТКИ ОБРАЗЦОВ

... 1. Система обработки образцов для обработки образцов, содержащихся в пробирках (4), причем каждая пробирка (4) имеет полое тело (41), закрытый низ (42) и открытый верх (43) для доступа к образцу, содержащемуся в пробирке (4), причем система включает в себя микропланшет (1), содержащийпо меньшей мере одну отдельную решетчатую вставку (2), имеющую множество ячеек (21), причем каждая ячейка (21) содержит одну или более боковых стенок (22), ограничивающих по сторонам сквозное отверстие (201), причем сквозное отверстие (201) имеет верхнее отверстие (202) и нижнее отверстие (203) и проходит между верхним отверстием (202) и нижним отверстием (203), ирамку (3), к которой прикрепляется по меньшей мере одна решетчатая вставка (2), образуя микропланшет (1), причем рамка (3) ограничивает по сторонам сквозное отверстие (35), имеющее размеры, обеспечивающие доступ сверху и снизу в каждую ячейку (21) прикрепленной по меньшей мере одной решетчатой вставки (2) и позволяющие перемещать такую пробирку (4) ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ВЫПОЛНЕНИЯ АНАЛИЗОВ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ЖИДКОСТЕЙ И СООТВЕТСТВУЮЩИЙ СПОСОБ

... 1. Устройство для измерения скорости осаждения в биологических жидкостях и, в частности, скорости осаждения эритроцитов в пробах крови, содержащее держатели для пробирок, содержащих пробы биологических жидкостей, встряхивающие устройства для встряхивания пробирок, по меньшей мере, один детектор для измерения уровней внутри пробирок, отличающееся тем, что держатели образованы в непрерывном гибком элементе, задающем замкнутый путь, вдоль которого расположены встряхивающие устройства и, по меньшей мере, один детектор. 2. Устройство по п.1, отличающееся тем, что встряхивающие устройства расположены и выполнены для вызывания колебаний держателей. 3. Устройство по п.1, отличающееся тем, что вдоль замкнутого пути расположены по меньшей мере, одна зона встряхивания, в которой предусмотрены встряхивающие устройства, по меньшей мере, одна зона осаждения и, по меньшей мере, одна зона считывания, в которой установлен детектор. 4. Устройство по п.2, отличающееся тем, что вдоль замкнутого пути расположены ...

СПОСОБ ПОТОЧНОГО ИСПЫТАНИЯ УСТРОЙСТВ И УСТАНОВКА ДЛЯ ИСПЫТАНИЯ

МАССИВ, СОСТОЯЩИЙ ИЗ МНОЖЕСТВА СОЕДИНЕННЫХ СЕНСОРНЫХ ЧИПОВ, И СПОСОБ ЕГО ИЗГОТОВЛЕНИЯ

... 1. Массив, состоящий из множества соединенных сенсорных чипов, в котором соседние сенсорные чипы соединены друг с другом так, что они могут быть легко отрезаны. 2. Массив, по п.1, отличающийся тем, что сенсорный чип содержит подложку, защитный слой, полую реакционную камеру, расположенную между подложкой и защитным слоем, чувствительный элемент, расположенный в полой реакционной камере, терминал вывода данных для вывода на внешнее устройство сигнала, зарегистрированного чувствительным элементом, отверстие для ввода пробы для ввода пробы в полую реакционную камеру. 3. Массив по п.1, отличающийся тем, что соседние сенсорные чипы непосредственно соединены друг с другом участком со слабой связью, расположенным между этими сенсорными чипами. 4. Массив по п.2, отличающийся тем, что соседние сенсорные чипы непосредственно соединены друг с другом участком со слабой связью, расположенным между этими сенсорными чипами. 5. Массив по п.1, отличающийся тем, что соседние сенсорные чипы соединены друг ...

Normalisierung von Analysesystemen zu einer Standardanalysevorrichtung

Verfahren und Anordnung zur Inspektion von Tabletten

AUTOMATISCHES ANALYSIERGERAET

Vorrichtung zur chemischen Untersuchung von Proben

Automatische Analysevorrichtung

VORRICHTUNG ZUM BEHANDELN FLUESSIGER PROBEN IN PROBENBEHAELTERN

Schüttelgerät für Probengefäße

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Schütteln von Probengefäßen, insbesondere Mikrotiterplatten, und ein Schüttelgerät, mit einer die Probengefäße haltenden Schwingplatte und einem Erregerantrieb zur Erzeugung der Schwingbewegungen der Schwingplatte. Die Schwingplatte wird in Resonanzschwingungen versetzt, wobei die Schwingplatte vorzugsweise durch wenigstens vier aus mehreren Einzelfedern bestehende Federelemente schwingfest mit einer Gerätebasis verbunden und in einer Schwingebene gehalten ist.

CHEMICAL MANIPULATOR

VACUUM-OPERATED VALVE ASSEMBLY

... 1307087 Valves BECKMAN INSTRUMENTS Inc 31 March 1970 [8 April 1969] 36979/71 Heading F2V A valve assembly for use in automatic analysis (see Divisions B1-B2) comprises two identical independent valve units 103, 105 mounted on a common manifold 106. Valve unit 105 comprises manifold 106 as valve body, fluid recess 107 formed in the body, flexible diaphragm 109 extending over the recess, fluid inlet passage 100, 128 communicating with the recess, fluid outlet passage 130, 102 closed from the recess when valve poppet 125 is in valve seat on 135, housing 111 secured to body 106, a poppet guide comprising disc 117 and shaft 118 slidable in bore 114 in the housing with a centre portion of diaphragm 109 tightly sandwiched between poppet 125 and disc 117 and yieldably acting means in the housing, for example spring 120 retained between cap 115 and screw fitting 123 in poppet 125 for yieldably urging the poppet into engagement with valve seat 135 and a vacuum passage 126, 104 in the housing, whereby ...

A delay transfer device

... 1,121,729. Device for delayed transfer of test tubes &c. COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE. 4 Aug., 1966 [6 Aug., 1965], No. 35068/66. Heading B1X. A device for delayed transfer of an object e.g. a test tube, between two positions Comprises an arm 4 movable about a fixed axis 6 and adapted to receive said object 1, a bolt 12 which is movable between a first position (as shown) in which it locks the arm and it second position in which it permits the arm to pivot about said axis, said bolt having a toothed rack 23 engaging a drive pinion 24 which moves the bolt into said second position at a predetermined speed, means (cam 10) being provided to release the rack from the pinion to return the bolt to its first position. As shown in Fig. 1 to which the above numerals relate, when the bolt is raised to corner 16, the cam is released and spring 20 attached to fixed axis 6 rotates the cam assembly, which carries the arm 4, into the second position. Movement is terminated by stop 7 engaging rod ...

Device for processing tissue samples

A device (20) for processing tissue samples has a processing space (22) for receiving and processing the tissue samples (20) and a chamber (34) which communicates with the processing space (22). At least one filling level sensor (28, 30, 32) detects a measurement value representative of a filling level of a liquid in the chamber (34). A calculating unit determines a filling level of the liquid in the processing space (22) depending on the filling level of the liquid in the chamber (34). Also shown is a device for processing tissue samples having at least one filling level sensor having a predetermined angle of less than 90° with a wall of the processing space, preferably an angle of 55. Also shown is a device for processing tissue samples having a heating device for at least one filling level sensor.

Device for treating specimens and method for determining the fill level of reagent containers

A device (10) for treating specimens comprises a plurality of reagent containers (12) which are arranged in predetermined positions, a transport mechanism (22a, 22b) for transporting at least one transport container (16a, 16b) which accommodates at least one carrier (20) carrying at least one specimen, and a sensor (34) for determining the fill level (44) of the reagent containers (12) with reagents (42), the sensor (34) being arranged on the transport mechanism (22a, 22b). The sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor. Also shown is a method of determining the fill level of reagent containers.

Method and apparatus for de-capping tubes and multi-well plates

A method of de-capping capped tubes in a microplate/tube rack array said method comprises the steps of:- (i) placing a microplate array of capped tubes into an adhesive film application device; (ii) applying an adhesive film onto the top of the array of tube caps; (iii) applying an upward force on the film, away from the plane of the microplate array, to peel the tube caps away from the tubes, complete with the film to which the tube caps are attached, thus separating the tube caps from the tubes. The invention also includes specially designed adhesive film that incorporates robotic handling means as well as apparatus for performing the above method in an automated or semi automated fashion using robotic handling techniques as required.

Automated embedding machine and method of embedding histological samples

Analytical sample vessel

A sample manipulator comprises a centrifugal separator (1) having a rotary table (4) adapted to carry a plurality of reaction vessels (3); first drive means (1a) for rotating said rotary table (4); a first bath (14) disposed below said rotary table (4); second drive means (19) for effecting relative movement between the first bath (14) and the said rotary table to enable a reaction vessel (3) carried by the latter to be introduced into the first bath (14); a sample supply nozzle (7) for introducing a sample into a reaction vessel (3) carried by the rotary table; at least one second bath (32-34) which is spaced from the first bath (14); an automatic carrying device (35) for moving a said reaction vessel (3) between the rotary table (4) and the or each second bath (32-34); and a sequence controller (26) for controlling the operation of the first and second drive means (1a, 19), the supply nozzle (7), and the automatic carrying device (35). ...

Cuvette transport

The invention relates to a device 1 for sorting and aligning cuvettes and their transport into neighboring devices of an automated analyser system, wherein the device comprises a cuvette funnel 10, which is connected to a cuvette rail 20, which is connected to a cuvette slide 40. The cuvette slide comprises a cuvette gate (42, Fig 4) at its lower end, which is connected to a cuvette carrier 50. Optionally, a vibrating motor 30 can be used to move the cuvettes along the rail 20. The loading slot 12 of the loading tray 11 of the funnel 10 can be configured to ensure that the cuvettes only enter it in a top-up position. A light barrier cuvette sensor 41 may be present on the slide 40 at its upper end. The cuvette carrier 50 may be mounted on a stepper motor.

Method and apparatus for de-capping tubes and multiwell plates

An adhesive film (20) for de-capping tubes in an array and multiwall plates incorporates robotic handling means enabling a robot machine to engage with the adhesive film once sealed to the tube caps in order to peel away the tube caps from the array. The robotic handling means may comprise apertures or one or more tabs.

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADVANCING A PLURALITY OF SAMPLES TO A FIXED STATION

... 1292296 Liquid transfer devices; chromatographic sampling and elution CHOAY SA 3 Dec 1969 [16 Dec 1968] 59015/69 Heading B1X A liquid transfer device comprises a vertically reciprocable distributor 3, Fig. 1, having elution heads 7a, 7b connected to an elution pump (not shown) via tubes 9a, 9b. Upon descent of the distributor the heads 7a, 7b engage containers 4a, 4b located along one radius of an indexable turntable 1. The turntable 1 is indexed by means of the abutment of a peripheral peg 12 by a lower end of an inclined surface 16, Fig. 2, of a lever 13 which pivots about pin 14 until its upper arm 13a engages a surface 19, by which time the peg 12 has travelled in the direction of arrow 17 whereupon the lower end of the surface 16 contacts a following peg 12a so preventing further turntable movement. The distributor 3 is prevented from descending further by means of its base 22 engaging table 23, however the elution heads continue to descend against the bias of a spring 24 to engage ...

DETERMINING BLOOD PROTHROMBIN TIME

... 1,244,355. Determination of prothrombin time; controlling mixing by viscosity. XEROX CORP. 14 Oct., 1968 [20 Oct., 1967], No. 48547/68. Headings B1C and B1X. Apparatus for use in determining the prothrombin time of a blood sample comprises a container 10 (Fig. 4) for the sample and for reagents, for example thromboplastin and calcium chloride originally stored in solid or liquid form in upper reagent storage chambers (20) (Fig. 2), a freely movable ferromagnetic member 24 in the container, a magnetic field source which may comprise magnet 100, means for example motor 94 for producing relative movement between the magnetic field source and the container, the intensity of the field source being such that on clotting of the sample its increased resistance causes relative movement of the ferromagnetic member 24 and the magnetic field source, and means which may comprise coil 104 rotating with magnet 100 and connected to slip-rings 106, 108 for producing a signal in response to the relative ...

SUPPLY OF REACTION CUVETTES INTO AN AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS MACHINE

EQUIPMENT FOR CHEMICAL REACTIONS.

MECHANISM FOR THE AUTOMATIC INVESTIGATION OF BLOOD TESTS

For the unique use of certain Reaktionsbehälter for the execution of chemical analyses

PROMOTER AND SENSOR FOR CUVETTES

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS

TEST COLUMN WITH SEVERAL SITUATIONS

Fluidic system and related methods

Fluidic systems including cartridges with modular components (cassettes) and/or microfluidic channels for performing chemical and/or biological analyses are provided. The systems described herein include a cartridge comprising, in some embodiments, a frame, one or more cassettes which may be inserted into the frame, and a channel system for transporting fluids. In certain embodiments, the one or more cassettes comprise one or more reservoirs or vessels configured to contain and/or receive a fluid (e.g., a stored reagent, a sample). In some cases, the stored reagent may include one or more lyospheres. The systems and methods described herein may be useful for performing chemical and/or biological reactions including polymerase chain reactions (PCR) such as those performed within a laboratory, clinical (e.g., hospital), or research setting.

PROTECTION MEANS FOR PROCESS INSTRUMENTATION

Imaging analyzer for testing analytes

Abstract The invention provides analyzers that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient and specific selection and sensitive imaging detection of individual microscopic targets at low 5 magnification. Automated embodiments allow efficient walk-away, on-demand, random-access high-throughput testing. The analyzers perform tests without requiring wash steps thus streamlining engineering and lowering costs. Thus, the invention provides analyzers that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests for analytes. 7004816_1 (GHMatters) P86909.AU.1 SARAHVV 14/10/2015 mC C c o p 0) wT ...

Imaging analyzer for testing analytes

Abstract The invention provides analyzers that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient and specific selection and sensitive imaging detection of individual microscopic targets at low 5 magnification. Automated embodiments allow efficient walk-away, on-demand, random-access high-throughput testing. The analyzers perform tests without requiring wash steps thus streamlining engineering and lowering costs. Thus, the invention provides analyzers that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests for analytes. 7004816_1 (GHMatters) P86909.AU.1 SARAHVV 14/10/2015 mC C c o p 0) wT ...

AUTOMATIC CHEMICAL ANALYSIS APPARATUS

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY PERFORMING CHEMICAL PROCESSES

MEDICAL DATA PROCESSING

METHOD OF PROCESSING A SAMPLE CONTAINING AT LEAST ONE BIOLOGICAL ELEMENT

... ²²²Embodiments described herein provide methods of processing a sample containing ²at least one biological element. In one method, a first conductor and a second ²conductor are introduced into or located adjacent the sample. A voltage is ²applied between the first conductor and the second conductor. The voltage is ²adjusted to reduce an ability of the at least one biological element to be ²amplified or detected in a PCT reaction process, such that the biological ²element is removed from a binding member, and/or to unzip the at least one ²biological element.² ...

ASSAY APPARATUSES, CONSUMABLES AND METHODS

We describe apparatuses, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of liquid samples in a clinical point of care setting.

CHEMICAL REACTION APPARATUS

A CHEMICAL REACTION APPARATUS A chemical reaction apparatus having a plurality of capillary tubes and a conveying device for holding the tubes substantially horizontal such as to convey the tubes. A feeding device for reagent and the like is mounted on the conveying device and feeds a reagent and the like for use in a chemical reaction to the interior of the capillary tubes. Thereafter the reagent and the like remains in a stable condition with these discharged into the entire length of each of the tubes.

SAMPLE CUP FEEDING SYSTEM

A feeding system (2) for feeding disc-shaped objects such as sample cups (4) to an analyzer. The system (2) includes as infeed trade (22) angled downward from horizontal and the outfeed track (24) angled downward, plus a reject chute. The disc feeding system (2.) uses two RFID readers/writers, one (32) a standalone desktop and a second ( 190) proximate the sample bay of the analyzer for more comprehensive track-and-trace capability. The information read from the cup (4) tag as it is scanned is also stored with the resultant spectra so that predictive processing is applied properly and without error. For post scan (after the sample scan is completed) the scan information itself may be written directly to the sample cup RFID tag including, reflection/transmission, characteristics, constituent results etc.

MODULAR APPARATUS

A new apparatus is disclosed that can be assembled quickly and reliably. The apparatus contains a transfer module, at least two support modules firmly connected to said transfer module and at least two carrier elements firmly connected to said transfer module and bearing said transfer module. The apparatus is particularly useful for performing multistep analytical processes that require precise access of tools of a transfer tool to items on a working area.

INTERFEROMETRY TESTING OF LENSES, AND SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR SAME

Modified MZ (Mach-Zender) interferometers preferably are utilized to analyze the transmitted, aspherical wavefront of an ophthalmic lens by mounting the lens in a cuvette having a rotatable carousel that can hold multiple lenses. Fresh, temperature controlled, saline solution is circulated about the lenses, and the cuvette is positioned in a vertical test arm of the interferometer configuration. Reverse raytracing preferably is utilized to remove aberrations induced into the wavefront as it is imaged from immediately behind the lens to the detector of the interferometer.

FULL-AUTOMATIC INSTANT CHECK METER

A full-automatic instant check meter, comprising a shell, a frame body (1), a sample rack (2), a sample input device, a shaking device, a detection card stack, a sample reaction device, a detection card conveying device, a detection device and a control panel, wherein the sample input device, the shaking device, the detection card stack, the sample reaction device, the detection card conveying device and the detection device are all arranged on the frame body (1); the sample rack (2) is arranged in the sample input device, and a sample test tube (3) is placed on the sample rack (2); the shaking device is arranged behind the sample input device; and the sample reaction device, the detection card conveying device and the detection device are all arranged behind the shaking device. The full-automatic instant check meter has a simple structure and high integration and automation degrees, and supports non-stop loading.

AUTOMATED COLORIMETRIC POLYSACCHARIDE ASSAYS

A method of automated determination of saccharide concentration is provid ed herein. The method includes preparing one or more saccharide standards an d one or more diluted polysaccharide test samples, transferring a portion of the one or more saccharide standards and the one or more diluted polysaccha ride test samples along with a diluent to a series of wells in a multiwell p late, transferring a portion of an acid reagent to the series of wells in th e multiwell plate, mixing the contents of the series of wells in the multiwe ll plate, heating and cooling the contents of the series of wells in the mul tiwell plate, shaking the multiwell plate, and measuring the radiant energy absorbance of the contents of the series of wells in the multiwell plate, wh ere all steps are performed in the absence of human intervention.

DROPLET ACTUATOR DEVICES AND METHODS EMPLOYING MAGNETIC BEADS

A method of providing a droplet in contact with a magnetically responsive bead and having a reduced quantity of a substance. The method generally includes the steps of (a) providing a droplet actuator (200) comprising: (i) a substrate (210) comprising electrodes (214) arranged for conducting droplet operations on a surface; (ii) a starting droplet (218/222) comprising: (1) one or more magnetically responsive beads (220); (2) a starting quantity of the substance; and (3) a starting volume; (b) magnetically immobilizing the one or more magnetically responsive beads at a location which is at a distance from a target droplet splitting zone, (224); (c) conducting one or more droplet operations comprising droplet dividing operations selected to divide the combined droplet to yield a set of droplets comprising: (i) a droplet (218) comprising substantially all of the one or more magnetically responsive beads and having a decreased quantity of the substance relative to the starting concentration ...

METHOD FOR DETECTING ANALYTES

The invention provides an improved method for sensitive and specific detection of target molecules, cells, or viruses. The inventive method uses large area imaging to detect individual labeled targets complexed with a target-specific selection moiety. The invention eliminates wash steps through the use of target-specific selection through one or more liquid layers that can contain optical dye and density agents. By eliminating washes the invention simplifies instrumentation engineering and minimizes user steps and costs. The invention uses sensitive image analysis to enumerate individual targets in a large area, is scalable, and can be deployed in systems ranging in complexity from manual to highly automated.

ASSAY PREPARATION PLATES, FLUID ASSAY PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PREPARING AND ANALYZING ASSAYS

Assay preparation plates are provided which include an array of wells, a magnet, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate and remote relative to the array. A fluid assay preparation and analysis system is provided which includes a pipette disposed above an assay plate receiving area, a magnet disposed below the assay plate receiving area in approximate alignment with the pipette, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate the assay plate receiving area. A method for preparing and analyzing an assay includes injecting a sample into a sample well of an assay preparation plate and inserting the assay preparation plate into a fluid assay analysis system. The method further includes mixing the sample with one or more reagents in an assay plate receiving area of the system and subsequently aspirating the prepared assay into an examination chamber of the system.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ANALYSING SAMPLES WHEN PROSPECTING

The present invention relates to a device and a method for prospecting analysis along samples, such as cores or cuttings, extracted during the exploration of natural resources such as ore, oil and gas. The device includes a supporting structure, a receiver for at least one sample and an analysis unit arranged to follow a scanning path along the sample and to produce a scanned data output. The analysis unit and the receiver of the sample are movably arranged relative to each other, whereby the receiver of the sample is movably arranged relative to the support structure by means of a first positioning unit for movement in a first direction, X-direction, and the analysis unit is movably arranged relative to the support structure by means of a second and a third positioning unit for moving the analysis unit in a second and a third direction, Y- and Z- direction. The positioning units are controlled by a control unit. Further, the device comprises a position determining means arranged for determining ...

INSTALLATION FOR CARRYING OUT SEVERAL SUCCESSIVE CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE SAME CONTAINER

DESCRIPTIVE In order to successively carry out several chemical reactions in the same container (10), e.g. dosing uranium in the presence of plutonium and fission products used in the Davies and Gray method, said container is placed in a working station above which issue tubes (16, 20) for supplying the products necessary for the reactions. When a product has to be introduced, a computer controls the descent of the corresponding tube. When the product may react inopportunely if it drops into the container (10) outside the time intended for this purpose, the lower end of the product supply tube (16) is automatically laterally displaced with respect to the container, when said tube is in the top position, e.g. by the cooperation of a pawl (1021 with a slot (100) forming a cam. (Fig. 3) ...

AUTOMATIC IMMUNOLOGICAL MEASURING SYSTEM

An automatic immunoassay apparatus utilizes cartridges each having at least two wells, a first well of said wells containing solid phase material carrying antigen or antibody, a second well of said wells containing antibody or antigen labelled with labelling compound. The wells may be sealed with a suitable sealing film before use and the sealing film is broken when the cartridge is to be used. The cartridges are transported to a predetermined position on a steppingly movable reaction line and conveyed thereby at a predetermined interval. While the reaction line steps, a sample, labelled antigen or antibody contained in the second well and substrate, if necessary, are added to the first well and stirred at predetermined timings and reaction between the sample and a reactive solution is measured under control of a control device having memory means storing operator selectable programs for various measuring methods.

AUTOMATED ANALYZER

An automated analyzer for automatically assaying a specific component in a sample by utilizing a top-opened reaction vessel containing a reagent capable of reacting with the specific component, and which is sealed with a seal foil on which a symbol for the reagent is shown: said analyzer comprising means for breaking the seal foil, means for dispensing the sample to the vessel, and means for detecting a reaction signal caused by a reaction with the specific component and the reagent; means for transferring the reaction vessel and means for discriminating the symbol shown on the seal foil, which is placed at a position on a transfer route of the reaction vessels transferred by the transferring means and at a position before the seal-foil breaking means.

SUB-COMPACT BLOOD CULTURE APPARATUS

The present invention describes an apparatus for detecting biological activities in a large number of blood culture vials. The vials are placed in a plurality of arcuate shaped drawers that together form a drum that is rotated about a central horizontal axis. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes five drawers with each drawer containing forty-eight vials. The apparatus includes a door on the front that opens and permits the lower drawer to be removed from the apparatus by lab personnel to load the entire drawer with up to forty-eight vials and unload the same when necessary from the top of the drawer. Another embodiment has an indicator associated with each vial in the drawer to provide additional information to lab personnel about the status of each vial in the drawer.

DOOR-MOUNTED WASH STATION

Appareil servant à détecter la formation dans un liquide à examiner et un réactif liquide d'un produit réactionnel

Récipient pour échantillon destiné à être utilisé pour le mélange d'un fluide

Dispositif de tube à échantillon utilisable pour l'analyse chimique ou biochimique

Speicher- und Ausgabevorrichtung

Vorrichtung zum Absaugen von Flüssigkeiten

Verfahren zum Betrieb eines automatisch arbeitenden Analysiergerätes

Dispositif pour amener successivement des échantillons à un poste de travail

Vorrichtung zur chemischen Analyse

Anlage mit einem Probenverteiler und mit mehreren verschiedenartigen Messgeräten

Testbeutel für chemische, beispielsweise biochemische Untersuchungen

Einrichtung zur verwechslungsfreien Zuordnung von den Körper eines bestimmten Patienten betreffenden physikalischen oder chemischen Messwerten zu diesem Patienten

Kartenförmiger Informationsträger

Verfahren zur Herstellung neuer Spiro-azatetramethylen-Derivate

Reaktionsbehälter zur Durchführung chemischer Analysen

Automatisierte Zentrifugeneinrichtung

Procédé et dispositif destinés à l'analyse de milieux liquides susceptibles de former des agglutinats

Chemical analyzer - for dissolved substances using electrical detection and comparison of titrated test and refere

The test soln. (which can be of medicinal-clinical, biochemical or industrial nature) is dispensed into a reaction chamber together with a reagent and measured amount of reacted mixture fed into a dilution chamber where it is continuously diluted with a solvent whilst a suitable physical characteristic is measured and converted into an electrical signal which is compared, also continuously with the electrical reference equivalent to that produced by a standard soln., i.E, one with known conc. of the substance being determined. When the balance condition is reached the feed of solvent is stopped and from the electrical reading at that point the conc. in the test soln. is computed. Fully automatic system which can be incorporated in a larger installation.

Verfahren zur Herstellung neuer Spiro-azatetramethylen-Derivate

Dispositif de transfert à temporisation

Reaktionsbehälter zur Durchführung chemischer Analysen

Verfahren zur Herstellung neuer Spiro-azatetramethylen-Derivate

Beschlagpaar für ein Vorhängeschloss zur Befestigung an der Tür und am Türrahmen

Automated chemical analyzer

Automated chemical analyzer. Particularly for body fluids such as blood, urine etc., utilizing a disposable reaction container within which a plurality of prepacked reagents are stored and can be led to one or more reaction (admixing) compartments as required. A portion of each reaction compartment is optically transparent so that at can be utilized as a luvette for optical analysis.

Appareil pour le traitement d'échantillons

Probenverteiler für flüssiges Untersuchungsgut

Verfahren und Einrichtung zum aufeinanderfolgenden Zentrifugieren von flüssigen chemischen Proben

Verfahren zur Herstellung neuer Spiro-azatetramethylen-Derivate

SUPPLY DEVICE FOR SAMPLE ANALYSIS APPARATUS.

Procedure for balancing sample tubes, feeding arrangement as well as work station.

Ein Verfahren zum Wägen von Proberöhren (6) und zum Beladen einer Zentrifuge (2). Dabei wird zunächst vor der Entnahme einer Proberöhre (6) aus einem Proberöhrenbehälter (7) das Gesamtgewicht dieses Proberöhrenbehälters (7) ermittelt. Das Gewicht der Proberöhre (6) wird als Differenz dieses Gesamtgewichts und des nach der Entnahme verbleibende Gesamtgewicht des Proberöhrenbehälters (7) bestimmt. Nach der Gewichtsbestimmung wird die Zentrifuge (2) mit der gewogenen Proberöhre (6) beladen. Eine Zuführeinrichtung (1) für Proberöhren (6) weist eine Waage (17) auf, mit der diese Proberöhren (6) gewogen werden. Das Verfahren kann ebenfalls mittels einer Arbeitsstation durchgeführt werden, die eine solche Zuführeinrichtung (1) mit einer Waage (17) umfasst.

Specimen measurement system, and rack loading and unloading method

BASIN OF REACTION FOR MACHINE APPARATUS Of ANALYSIS.

Hygrometer for measuring percentage of humidity of surrounding air, has upstream storage zone receiving specimen carrier container and conveyor unit automatically transferring container from upstream storage zone to measuring zone

... - Hygromètre avec dispositif automatisé de transport d'échantillons. - L'invention concerne un hygromètre (1) comprenant une zone de mesure (3) destinée à recevoir au moins un récipient porte-échantillon (4) apte à contenir au moins une substance (2) à analyser par ledit hygromètre caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte d'une part au moins une zone de stockage amont (10) apte à accueillir au moins un récipient porte-échantillon (4) et d'autre part des moyens de convoyage (11) aptes à transférer automatiquement ledit au moins un récipient porte-échantillon (4) de la zone de stockage amont (10) à la zone de mesure (3). - Hygromètres.

CHEMICAL MANIPULATOR

DEVICE Of ACTUATION FOR an AUTOMATISM COMPRISING a PLURALITY Of MOBILE BODIES COMBINE

정량분석 진단기기

... 본 발명의 일실시예에 따른 정량분석 진단기기는 하부 하우징 일면상에 복수개 배열되고 내부에 서로 다른 검사시약이 수용되도록 형성된 카트리지, 상기 카트리지 내부에 수용되어 상기 검사시약에 반응되도록 피검사체를 고정 결합하여 이동하는 홀더부, 상기 홀더부가 상기 카트리지 내부에 수용되는 방향으로 상하 구동되도록 결합되는 제1 구동부, 및 상기 제1 구동부의 상하구동방향에 수직한 평면상에서 상기 홀더부가 이동하도록 상기 제1 구동부와 결합되는 제2 구동부를 포함한다.

AUTOMATIC SPECIMEN ANALYZING DEVICE AND SPECIMEN ANALYSIS METHOD

The present invention provides an automatic specimen analyzing device and a specimen analysis method comprising a specimen case transferring device of a gas analyzing device, wherein a tag having specimen information and combustion operation information written thereon is attached to each specimen case, a scanner capable of recognizing the tag is attached to the device, a combustion improver is added to the specimen case in which a basis weight of a specimen to be analyzed has been completed and stored, the specimen case is transported to a mounting unit and is introduced into a combustion furnace, analysis tasks are automatically performed to improve work productivity, and labor costs can be reduced. According to the present invention, by attaching the tag having the specimen information and the combustion operation information written thereon to each specimen case rather than a prior art analyzer of which sub-section is automated, attaching the scanner capable of recognizing the specimen ...

dispositivo para realizar análises em fluidos biológicos e método relacionado

método e aparelho de análise

Anordning och metod för provanalys vid prospektering

Instrument for cassette for sample preparation

A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Analyzer Assembly Platform

A method for mounting and combination of an analytical apparatus with a platform for mounting such an apparatus comprising at least two units, and a platform on which said apparatus is mounted is disclosed, said platform comprising at least one platform element, and multiple feet for placing the platform elements on a surface. The feet are individually adjustable in height.

Single column immunological test elements

A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus. Each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. Individual test elements can be stored, retained and dispensed for testing patient samples.

Automatic analyzer with the function of rendering reagent information unreadable

The invention provides an automatic analyzer suitable for efficient reagent management. The analyzer allows continued use of existing reagent information storage media because reagent ID information that is no longer needed is overwritten so that it is unrecognizable to any analyzer. The invention relates to a method for automatically analyzing particular properties of an analyte by putting the analyte and a reagent into a vessel and measuring the reacted analyte-reagent mixture. The analyzer of the invention comprises: an information reader/writer for reading or writing regent information to/from storage media attached to reagent vessels; means for managing reagent information read from the storage media; means for processing reagents based on the managed information; and means for overwriting reagent information that has been judged unnecessary based on the managed information so that the unnecessary information is unrecognizable to any analyzer.

Sample analyzer

A sample analyzer comprising: a sample dispenser for dispensing a sample into a reaction container; a sample transporter for sequentially transports a plurality of reaction containers along a transporting path; a processing station including a plurality of processing sections and a transferring section that transfers a reaction container between the sample transporter and the processing sections; and a controller is disclosed. The sample dispenser sequentially dispenses samples at intervals. The controller alternates the interval when problem occurred at any of the processing sections.

Article conveying system and sample processing system

An object of the present invention is to provide a sample processing system, wherein writing to each RFID is equalized to eliminate unevenness in the use of sample containers. The configuration of the present invention can be realized by controlling the numbers of times (write counts) data is written to RFIDs, and by skipping data writing according to frequencies in the use of sample containers. Setting use information (count) of each IC tag, and comparing the use information with an average value of the use of the IC tags, make it possible to limit the write counts, which enables the equalization of writing to the IC tags, thereby making it possible to uniform the use of the sample containers in the system.

Specimen processing system

Disclosed is a specimen processing system that includes means 91 circularly disposed to carry a reaction vessel 2 used for separating and extracting desired substances from a specimen to be processed, a plurality of processing steps, executed as processing progresses along a transport line for the reaction vessel 2 on the transport means 91, for conducting various processes upon the specimen to be processed that is accommodated in the reaction vessel 2, suctioning and discharging means 94 that dispenses the specimen from a specimen container 1 supplied to the system, into the reaction vessel 2, and a filtering vessel section 2 b provided as a part of the reaction vessel 2. This system configuration allows realization of a rapid preprocessing system capable of reducing the number of disposable parts of a low carry-over type, suppressing a decrease in cost performance, operating with high collection efficiency, and employing compact devices.

Sample analyzer and sample processing apparatus

A sample analyzer is disclosed. The sample analyzer comprises: a reader for reading ID of a sample from a sample container; an aspirator that aspirates a sample in a sample container; an analyzing section that analyzes the aspirated sample; a manual input receiver for receiving a manual input of an ID of a sample; an start instruction receiver for receiving a start instruction to cause the aspirator to aspirate a sample; and a controller. When receiving the start instruction without receiving the manual input, the controller controls the reader to read an ID from a sample container and then controls the aspirator to aspirate the sample from the sample container. When receiving the start instruction after receiving the manual input, the controller controls the aspirator to aspirate a sample without reading of an ID of the sample.

Specimen processing device, specimen conveyance device, and specimen conveyance method

A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

Automatic analyzer

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer comprises a light source, a spectroscope, a photo detection unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and a calculation unit. The storage unit stores photo detector identifiers related to photo detectors and wavelength band identifiers in association with each other. The selection unit selects a specific photo detector from photo detectors. The specific photo detector corresponds to a specific photo detector identifier associated with a wavelength band identifier of a wavelength band according to a measurement item of a sample. The calculation unit calculates an absorbance related to the measurement item based on a signal from the selected specific photo detector.

Sample Distribution

A method is described for distributing samples within an automated analyzer from a linear arrangement of sample vessels to a processing plate in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement wherein samples are sorted, followed by transfer with a pipetting device with a linear arrangement to a processing vessel in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement and subsequent processing of samples using a second pipetting device which has a two-dimensional n×m arrangement.

Multi-well rotary synthesizer

An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Automated sample processing system

After being dispensed, a sample that needs to be quickly measured passes through another unit and is transported to an automatic analyzer. A plurality of units are provided for functions of processing including a dispensing unit that dispenses the sample stored in a sample vessel into another sample vessel. At least one discharge line discharges the sample from the dispensing unit to a transport line and a line that is perpendicular to the discharge line. A reverse direction transport line transports the sample in a direction reverse to a direction in which the sample loaded in the system is transported to the dispensing unit. The sample that is processed by the dispensing unit is transported to a storage unit located on the upstream side of the system, through the reverse direction transport line.

Automatic analyzer

The automatic analyzer includes: a first reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a regent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent from a reagent container stored in the first reagent container storage section; a second reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a reagent container transfer mechanism for transferring a reagent container selected from among reagent containers stored in the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section; and a controller configured to control the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container from the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section on the basis of a predetermined priority condition. The predetermined priority condition is one of a reagent provided with an effective calibration curve result, a number of remaining tests, and an expiration date of a reagent.

Optical fiber measurement device and measurement method using same

Disclosed is a highly reliable optical fiber measurement device and measurement method having a simple and compact structure. The device includes a planar liquid holder having a plurality of liquid holding portions arranged along a flat face; a plurality of light receiving optical fibers for transmitting fluorescence generated in the liquid holding portions; a plurality of light emitting optical fibers for transmitting excitation light into the liquid holding portions; a measurement head capable of being positioned in the each liquid holding portion while supporting a plurality of measurement ends having a bundle of one light receiving end of the light receiving optical fibers and one light emitting end of light emitting optical fibers; a light reception selecting element that, by sequentially selecting one by one from plural the light receiving optical fibers and sequentially selecting one by one from plural kinds of wavelength or wavelength bands, sequentially guides the light of the selected wavelength or wavelength band of the fluorescence received by the selected light receiving optical fibers to one photoelectric element; and a photoelectric element for sequentially conducting photoelectric conversion on the guided fluorescence.

Sample analyzer and sample container supplying apparatus

A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.

Apparatus and method for separation of liquid phases of different density and for fluorous phase organic syntheses

A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates.

Systems and methods for high-throughput detection of an analyte in a sample

Provided are high-throughput detection systems. The systems include a magnetic sensor device, a magnetic field source and a reservoir plate that includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs. The magnetic sensor device includes a support with two or more elongated regions each having a magnetic sensor array disposed at a distal end. Also provided are methods in which the subject high-throughput detection systems find use.

Rack for sample tubes and reagent holders

A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

Sample conveying system

Conventional conveying lines have required building according to the particular shapes of test tube racks and test tube holders. For this reason, at least two types of dedicated lines, one for test tube racks and one for test tube holders, have been needed in one system, so there has been a tendency for systems to be complex in structure and disadvantageous in cost. To solve these problems, this invention provides a sample conveying system designed so that test tube racks and test tube holders can move on the same line, and high in both cost-effectiveness and reliability.

Automated analyzer for clinical laboratory

A laboratory automation system that is capable of carrying out clinical chemistry assays, immunoassays, amplification of nucleic acid assays, and any combination of the foregoing, said laboratory automation system employing at least one of micro-well plates and deep multi-well plates as reaction vessels. The use of micro-well plates as reaction vessels enables the laboratory automation system to assume a variety of arrangements, i.e., the laboratory automation system can comprise a variety of functional modules that can be arranged in various ways. In order to effectively carry out immunoassays by means of micro-well plates, a technique known as inverse magnetic particle processing can be used to transfer the product(s) of immunoassays from one micro-well of a micro-well plate to another.

System for handling slides having a linear transport mechanism for transporting the racks

The present invention relates to a system ( 10, 100 ) for handling slides, including an input compartment ( 14 ) for inputting racks ( 16 ) and the slides held therein, and a coverslipper module ( 30, 32 ) for coverslipping slides. The system ( 10, 100 ) further includes an output compartment ( 22 ) for outputting racks ( 16 ), a transport unit ( 20 ) for transporting the racks ( 16 ), and a control unit ( 52 ) for controlling the transport unit ( 20 ). The transport unit ( 20 ) is designed to be capable of transporting the racks ( 16 ) between the input compartment ( 14 ), the coverslipper module ( 30, 32 ) and the output compartment ( 22 ).

Handling package of cuvettes

Automatic analyzers, in which the liquids to be analyzed are in so-called reaction vessels, simultaneously acting as optically high-quality cuvettes ( 10 ), are used in laboratories for analyzing various liquids. This publication discloses a handling package for cuvettes. According to the invention a removable bonding strip ( 100 ) is fastened on the row of cuvettes, the strip binding the row of cuvettes during transport and being easily removable when the cuvettes are loaded into the instrument. The cuvettes ( 5 ) are loaded into the instrument by supporting the package in its place from the brackets located in the ends of the cuvettes so that the strip ( 100 ) can be pulled off the supported package of cuvettes.

Instrument And Method For The Automated Thermal Treatment Of Liquid Samples

An instrument and a method for the automated thermal treatment of liquid samples are disclosed. An inter-distance between a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples and end portions of optical fibers can be varied, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels and wherein the optical fibers have first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion of each optical fiber is fixed with respect to each other for transmitting light, wherein the variation of the inter-distance allows the vessels to be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle and to enable detection of light from the samples contained in the one or more receptacle-loaded vessels.

Instrument and Method for Clinical Examinations and Cleaning Method Therefor

An automated clinical analyzer and method is offered which can clean the nozzles of a reaction cuvette wash unit. A first detergent is put in first reagent containers located on a first reagent turntable. A computer controller drives a first reagent pipette to aspirate the detergent from the first reagent containers and to deliver the detergent into reaction cuvettes. The controller drives a reaction turntable to bring each reaction cuvette holding the detergent therein to the reaction cuvette wash unit. The controller drives the reaction cuvette wash unit to aspirate the detergent from inside the reaction cuvettes using reaction cuvette wash nozzles to thereby clean the wash nozzles. A second detergent is then used to clean the nozzles.

Analysis device and reagent container

An analysis device for particle analysis, configured in such a manner that a reagent container is set in the device by inserting the reagent container from a side surface of the device toward the inside thereof, the reagent container having, near the forward end thereof, a suction pipe entrance portion into which a suction pipe can enter. The analysis device is provided with: a reagent container holding portion which holds the reagent container inserted from the suction pipe entrance portion side; and the suction pipe which enters, from above, the suction pipe entrance portion of the reagent container held by the reagent container holding portion and which sucks a reagent within the reagent container. The reagent container holding portion includes a guide member for guiding the insertion of the reagent container, which is inserted from the suction pipe entrance portion side, into the reagent container holding portion.

Analytical apparatus and detection method employed in analytical apparatus

Disclosed is an analytical apparatus wherein a container is automatically transferred and the container is automatically closed with a cap member, said analytical apparatus being provided with a suitable mechanism that reliably closes the container. The analytical apparatus is provided with an optical sensor composed of at least one pair of a light source ( 4 ) and a light detector ( 5 ), which face each other with the container disposing position therebetween, and which are disposed such that the container disposing position is irradiated with light, and the analytical apparatus detects whether the container ( 1 ) is disposed or not or the absence/presence of the cap of the container, corresponding to a transmitted light quantity detected by means of the optical sensor. Thus, cap closing is prevented from being performed if there is no container, and the container is prevented from being transferred without the cap.

Sample analyzer and method for controlling sample analyzer

A sample analyzer transports a first rack and a second rack, the first rack including a first number of supporters for supporting containers that contain biological samples of subjects, and the second rack including a second number of supporters for supporting containers that contain standard samples. The sample analyzer determines whether a transport object is the first rack or the second rack. When it has been determined that the transport object is the second rack, the sample analyzer performs a transporting operation according to the second rack and measure the standard samples in the containers supported by the second rack in a predetermined order, and prepares a calibration curve used for analyzing a measurement result of a biological sample, based on a plurality of measurement results of the standard samples.

Sample processing apparatus

A sample processing apparatus comprises a sample processing unit for processing a sample, a control unit for accepting a stop instruction to stop the operation of the sample processing unit, and an output unit. The control unit is configured to control the output unit to output consumable good information related to lack of the consumable good that occurs if the consumable good runs out before completion of next starting of the sample processing unit when accepting the stop instruction.

Automatic analysis device

Disclosed is an automatic analysis device including light detectors that detect scattered light, whereby highly reliable analysis results can be obtained by reduction of the effect of noise components. Highly reliable concentration analysis with little effect from noise components can be achieved by calculating the correlation between scattered light detected by a plurality of light detectors before calculating concentration, and by performing concentration analysis using scattered light with high correlation.

System for the analysis of samples

The invention relates to a system for the analysis of samples of the type comprising a work surface ( 10 ) on which are arranged a number of racks ( 4 ) to support tubes or containers, characterized in that the work surface ( 10 ) is realized by means of a plurality of parallel guides ( 11 ) having a cross section which is complementary matchable with a corresponding seat ( 44 ) of said rack ( 4 ), said seat ( 44 ) of said racks ( 4 ) having a width which is multiple of the value of the section of said guide ( 11 ) and having opposing portions ( 410 ) which are corresponding to the profile of the guides ( 11 ).

TRANSPORT APPARATUS, TRANSPORT METHOD, TRANSPORT PROGRAM, AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM

A transport apparatus for transporting a sample as an analysis objective in a state of being accommodated in a sample container comprises a judging unit which judges whether or not the sample container is positioned at each of first and second collection positions for collecting the sample from the sample container in order to perform each of first and second analysis processes and which outputs each of judgment results thereof as first and second collection position data; and a sample container identification unit which performs individual identification of the sample container in a transport route for the sample container and which outputs an identification result thereof as individual identification data. Further, it is confirmed whether or not the transport of the sample container to the second collection position is adequate on the basis of the first collection position data, the second collection position data, the individual identification data, and data to indicate a predetermined transport amount calculated in accordance with the first and second collection positions. 1. A transport apparatus for transporting a sample as an analysis objective in a state of being accommodated in a sample container , the transport apparatus comprising:a first judging unit which judges whether or not the sample container is positioned at a first collection position for collecting the sample from the sample container in order to perform a first analysis process and which outputs a judgment result thereof as first collection position data;a second judging unit which judges whether or not the sample container is positioned at a second collection position for collecting the sample from the sample container in order to perform a second analysis process and which outputs a judgment result thereof as second collection position data;a container transport unit which successively transports the sample container to the first collection position and the second collection position;a sample ...

Automatic analyzer and automatic analysis method

An automatic analyzer is capable of reducing the influence of scattered light having noise components to enhance the S/N ratio properties of a light reception signal. Data is obtained at a plurality of angles by a plurality of detectors and a signal obtained by one detector selected from among the detectors is selected as a reference signal. An approximation is applied by an approximation selection unit, and an approximation calculation unit calculates an approximation using the selected approximation. A degree of variability of the reference signal is determined and a data correction unit corrects the signal of the detector by dividing the signal of the detector by the degree of variability of the reference signal. A concentration calculation processing unit performs the concentration calculation by use of the corrected signal data, and a result output unit outputs the results on a display.

Sample analyzer and a sample analyzing method

Herewith disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section configured to perform a measurement on a sample and generate a measurement value according to the concentration of an analyte in the sample; a memory storing a calibration curve; an analysis section; an output section; and an instruction receiver. When the instruction receiver receives an instruction to perform a diluting measurement on a calibration sample, the measurement section dilutes the calibration sample by a predetermined ratio and performs a measurement on the diluted calibration sample, and the analysis section determines the concentration of the analyte in the diluted calibration sample by applying a measurement value obtained from the diluted calibration sample to the calibration curve. Information generated based on the determined concentration and the known concentration is output.

Cell analyzer, cell processing apparatus, specimen preparing apparatus

The present invention provides a cell analyzer which comprises: a cell dispersion unit which causes aggregated cells in a biological specimen to be dispersed, through a shearing force applying process of applying a shearing force to the aggregated cells and an ultrasonic dispersion process of dispersing the aggregated cells, by using ultrasonic waves; a detection unit which detects characteristics information reflecting properties of the cells in the biological specimen on which the shearing force applying process and the ultrasonic dispersion process have been performed; and an analysis unit which analyzes the cells in the biological specimen, based on a detection result from the detection unit.

Systems for immunoassay tests

This invention relates to a cartridge for an immunoassay test. The cartridge comprises (a) a probe well comprising a probe and a cap, the cap being in a closed position to enclose the probe in the probe well, wherein the probe has a bottom tip coated with analyte-binding molecules; (b) a sample well to receive a sample; (c) one or more reagent wells; (d) a plurality of wash wells each containing a first aqueous solution; and (e) a measurement well having a light transmissive bottom, the measurement well containing a second aqueous solution; wherein the openings of the sample well, reagent well, measurement well and wash wells are sealed. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for loading and releasing a probe. The apparatus comprises a push pin and a groove to load and transfer the probe to a plurality of locations, such as different wells in the above-mentioned cartridge, to conduct the immunoassay test.

Fluid sensing and control in a fluidic analyzer

Instrument-cartridge interfaces for fluidic analyzers that have an instrument and a removable cartridge are disclosed. For example, and in one illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a needle that is adapted to penetrate a septum on a removable cartridge. In another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a plunger that is adapted to deform a deformable membrane on a removable cartridge. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a nozzle that is adapted to mate and seal with a flow channel on a removable cartridge. Techniques for detecting the flow rate in a flow channel on a removable cartridge, as well as the position of fluid in a flow channel of a removable cartridge, are also disclosed.

System for performing automated solid phase extractions

The invention provides an improved instrument for automation of solid phase extraction chemistries typically used in biotechnology labs. The instrument includes a mechanism for transferring samples dissolved in a liquid from initial containers to reaction columns that are used to perform solid phase extractions. Samples, reaction columns and collection containers are in microtiter plate format or tubes that are on 18 millimeter centers. The transfer system is automatically cleaned after use in preparation for the next use. A dispense manifold is used to dispense various reagents into the reaction columns. Pressure differential is used to move reagents through reaction columns. A sliding cover is used to divert the reagent exiting reaction columns to waste or allowing collection of sample as it exits outlets of reaction columns. Samples are automatically collected in microtiter plates or in individual tubes or vials.

Conditioning chamber for storing samples in a time-controlled manner and method for storing samples in a time-controlled manner

The invention relates to an air-conditioning space ( 10 ) for storing samples in a time-controlled manner, comprising a device ( 22 ) for automatically feeding sample containers ( 18 ) into a climatically sealed space ( 12 ) having at least one wall ( 43 ), into which a sample container ( 18 ) can be inserted into the climatically sealed space ( 12 ) through an opening ( 40, 42 ), wherein the feed device ( 22 ) has at least one drive and control unit, and an incubator receptacle ( 30 ) for receiving the samples ( 18 ) is provided inside the climatically sealed space ( 12 ). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the feed device has an automatic feed arm ( 22, 24 ) which grips a sample container ( 18 ) from a receiving position outside the climatically sealed space ( 12 ) and deposits the sample container ( 18 ) there in a clear deposit position in an incubator receptacle ( 30 ).

Laboratory system for handling sample tube racks, an alignment element for sample tube racks and a rack tray receiver assembly

A laboratory system for handling sample tube racks, an alignment element for sample tube racks and a rack tray receiver assembly are disclosed. The laboratory system to handle laboratory sample tube racks comprises a robotic arm () with a gripper () for gripping primary racks (PR), wherein the primary racks (PR) to be handled comprise a first end surface () and a second end surface (), the first end surface () having a first surface geometry and the second end surface () having a second surface geometry, and wherein the gripper () comprises a first gripping arm () and a second gripping arm (), with the first gripping arm () having a gripping surface being complementary to the first surface geometry, and the second gripping arm () having a gripping surface being complementary to the second surface geometry. 1230212. An alignment element () for aligning one or more primary racks (PR) on a primary rack positioning area () of a laboratory system , wherein:{'b': 76', '78', '76', '78, 'the one or more primary racks (PR) comprise a first end surface () and a second end surface (), the first end surface () having a first surface geometry and the second end surface () having a second surface geometry;'}{'b': 230', '232', '236', '233', '234', '235', '234', '234', '235', '233', '240', '230', '212', '230, 'the alignment element () comprises a top surface (), first and second end sides (), a bottom side (), a first longitudinal side () and a second longitudinal side () opposed to the first longitudinal side (), wherein the first longitudinal side () is complementary to the first surface geometry and the second longitudinal side () is complementary to the second surface geometry, and wherein the bottom side () comprises a positioning element () for positioning the alignment element () on the primary rack positioning area () in uniform orientation with other alignment elements (); and'}{'b': 234', '235', '237', '239', '234', '235', '234', '1', '235', '1', '234', '2', '235', '2', ' ...

Sample analysis system and sample analyzer

A sample analysis system includes a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit arranged to a downstream side of the first measurement unit, and an information processing section which obtains a measurement result of a sample. The information processing section determines, based on the measurement result of the sample measured by the first measurement unit, whether or not a retest of the sample by the first measurement unit is necessary. When the retest by the first measurement unit is necessary, the information processing section causes the sample container to be transported to a first sample supply position for the first measurement unit and causes the first measurement unit to perform measurement of the sample.

Sample processing method, device and system for an assembly line workstation

A method of processing a sample for an assembly line workstation for a body fluid test includes: receiving application information including a sample number; checking a sample of a sample rack to acquire a sample checking result; matching the sample checking result with the sample number to determine if a match succeeds; and if a match is not successful, pausing dispatch of the sample rack.

Microplate reader with lid lifter for microplates

Microplate reader with optical measuring/detection device has housing, a microplate support and a moving unit. The moving unit moves the microplate support out and into the housing and horizontally within the housing. The reader has an integrated lid holding apparatus within the housing for lifting and placing a microplate lid on the microplate. The lid holding apparatus moves the microplate lid and/or the microplate support for moving the microplate in one respective vertical direction. A method for optically measuring a microplate in such a microplate reader places a covered microplate on the microplate support, retracts it into the housing, lifts the lid from the microplate, measures the microplate with the lifted lid, replaces the lid, and extends the support and the covered microplate out of the housing.

Reaction container and method for producing same

The invention relates to a reaction container and a method for producing the reaction container, and provides a low-cost reaction container which is capable of consistently, quickly, and efficiently performing a process that includes a reaction such as extraction or amplification of a nucleic acid, while saving user's trouble without increasing the scale of the device. The reaction container is configured to comprise: one or two or more housing parts for reactions comprising: a narrow-mouthed piping part in which a reaction reagent or a portion thereof is housed or is housable; a wide-mouthed piping part that is communicated with the narrow-mouthed piping part and provided on an upper side of the narrow-mouthed piping part, and has an aperture that is wider than an aperture of the narrow-mouthed piping part; and a punchable film provided such that it partitions an interval between the wide-mouthed piping part and the narrow-mouthed piping part.

JUNCTION AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING SAMPLE RACKS

A junction for transporting sample racks in an analytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the junction may include a main transport line, a turntable having a rotatable transport line, and one or more bypass transport lines. The main transport line can transport first sample racks and second sample racks having different sizes via the turntable. The turntable further comprises a recess for diverting second sample racks from the main transport line to the bypass transport line or vice versa when rotated. 1. A switch for changing the direction of transport of sample racks in an analytical system , the switch comprising: at least one rotatable transport line for transporting first and/or second sample racks along a main transport line when aligned with the main transport line, wherein the first sample racks have a bigger rack size than the second sample racks with respect to transporting direction of the main transport line; and', 'a recess for receiving a second sample rack when the turntable is rotated such as to align the recess with the main transport line, and for diverting the second rack to a bypass transport line when the turntable is rotated in the direction of the bypass transport line., 'a turntable, the turntable comprising,'}2. A junction for transporting sample racks in an analytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples , the junction comprising:a main transport line that transports first sample racks and second sample racks or only second sample racks, wherein the first sample racks have a bigger rack size than the second sample racks with respect to transporting direction of the main transport line;at least one turntable coupled to the main transport line and comprising a rotatable transport line that allows transport of the first sample racks and/or the second sample racks when aligned with the main transport line; andat least one bypass transport line connected to the ...

SAMPLE SORTING APPARATUS, SAMPLE PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND SAMPLE SORTING METHOD

A sample sorting apparatus used in a sample processing system comprises a sample supplying apparatus, a sample processing apparatus, and a transporting apparatus connected to the sample processing apparatus. The sample sorting apparatus comprises a first entrance for receiving a sample rack from the sample supplying apparatus, a container conveyor configured to take out a sample container from the sample rack received through the first entrance and configured to set the taken out sample container on a sample rack, a first exit for sending the sample rack on which the sample container is set to the transporting apparatus, a second entrance for receiving the sample rack from the transporting apparatus, a second exit for sending the sample rack received through the second entrance to the sample supplying apparatus, and a transporter configured to transport the sample rack from the second entrance to the second exit. 1. A sample sorting apparatus used in a sample processing system comprising a sample supplying apparatus , a sample processing apparatus , and a transporting apparatus connected to the sample processing apparatus , the sample sorting apparatus comprising:a first entrance for receiving a sample rack from the sample supplying apparatus;a container conveyor configured to take out a sample container from the sample rack received through the first entrance and configured to set the taken out sample container, on a sample rack;a first exit for sending the sample rack on which the sample container is set, to the transporting apparatus;a second entrance for receiving the sample rack from the transporting apparatus;a second exit for sending the sample rack received through the second entrance to the sample supplying apparatus; anda transporter configured to transport the sample rack from the second entrance to the second exit.2. The sample sorting apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container conveyor transfers the sample container taken out from the sample rack to ...

Automatic analyzer

A convey mechanism is a moving mechanism used to move a rack, which can store cuvettes, along a linear moving direction. A driving unit drives the convey mechanism to intermittently move the rack along. A detection unit outputs an error signal when it detects that a placement state of the rack on the convey mechanism corresponds to an error placement which does not allow the convey mechanism to normally convey the rack, and does not output any error signal when it detects that the placement state does not correspond to the error placement. A controller controls the driving unit to stop a convey operation of the rack when the error signal is output. The controller controls the driving unit to execute the convey operation of the rack when the error signal is not output.

Specimen storage device, specimen storing method, and rack

To provide a specimen storage device capable of preventing liquid such as immersion oil and the like attached to the specimen plate from leaking to the outside of the rack and capable of enhancing the operation efficiency by automating the supply and discharge of the rack. Provided is a specimen storage device which stores a imaged specimen plate in a bottomed-shaped rack having an opening at an upper part, the specimen storage device including a rack transport mechanism which transports the rack with the opening directed upward, and a specimen transport mechanism which transports the specimen in an up-down direction, wherein the rack transport mechanism transports the rack to a predetermined specimen storage position, and the specimen transport mechanism stores the specimen to the rack positioned at the specimen storage position from above the rack.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING INTERLOCKED CAP AND RECEPTACLE

An apparatus for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises a top wall and a cap removal station. The cap removal station comprises an opening, a raised collar for engaging and releasing interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle, and tabs on a side of the top wall opposite the raised collar for retaining the receptacle within the opening when the cap is separated from the receptacle. A method for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises moving the cap and receptacle in a first direction into a cap removal station, contacting interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle with a raised collar to thereby release the interlocking elements, retaining the receptacle within the cap removal station; and with the interlocking elements released and the receptacle retained within the cap removal station, moving the cap in a second direction opposite the first direction to separate the cap from the receptacle. 1. An apparatus for separating a cap from a receptacle with which the cap is interlockingly engaged , the apparatus comprising:a top wall; and an opening formed through the top wall;', 'a raised collar adjacent to the opening and configured to engage interlocking elements of a receptacle and interlocked cap inserted into the opening to release the interlocking elements and thereby permit the receptacle and cap to be separated from each other; and', 'two or more tabs adjacent to the opening on a side of the top wall opposite the raised collar, wherein the tabs are configured to retain the receptacle within the opening when the cap is separated from the receptacle., 'one or more cap removal stations, each cap removal station comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a base extending about a perimeter of the top wall in supporting cooperation with the top wall.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the raised collar circumscribes the opening.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the opening is circular in shape.5. The ...

Automatic analysis device

An automatic analysis device is provided with: a sample disk for holding a sample container that accommodates a sample; a reagent disk for holding a reagent container that accommodates a reagent; at least two different measuring units that respectively perform different types of analyses; a control part that controls the measuring units; and a display part that displays: a work flow area in which the flow of operation of the two or more measuring units is displayed; and an overview area in which the usable or unusable states of the respective measuring units are displayed, wherein the overview area has a unit necessity-of-use selection part that can select whether using each of the measuring units is necessary, and the control part controls the display part so as to change the display of the work flow area on the basis of the information set in the unit necessity-of-use selection part.

Measuring Container Supplying Device

An alignment transfer section () transfers measurement containers () that align along an alignment rail (). A step () of each measurement container () that is formed by a body and a neck comes in contact with an upper side () of the alignment rail (). The alignment rail () is disposed to slope downward toward the end thereof. The alignment transfer section () includes an upthrust plate () that comes in contact with the bottom of the measurement containers () supported by the alignment rail (), and transfers the measurement containers () toward the end of the alignment rail () by causing the upthrust plate () or the alignment rail () to make an upward-downward motion. 1. A measurement container supply device that is included in an automatic analyzer , the measurement container supply device comprising:a storage section that stores a measurement container;a carry-out section that carries the measurement container out of the storage section;an alignment transfer section that transfers the measurement container that has been carried by the carry-out section and aligned along an alignment rail toward an end of the alignment rail; anda supply section that holds the measurement container that has been transferred to the end of the alignment rail, and transfers the measurement container to a predetermined supply position,the measurement container including a body and a neck that has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the body, a step that is formed by the body and the neck coming in contact with an upper side of the alignment rail so that the measurement container is supported by the alignment rail in a suspended state,the alignment rail being disposed to slope downward toward the end, andthe alignment transfer section including a plate-like member that comes in contact with a bottom of the measurement container that is supported by the alignment rail, and transferring the measurement container toward the end of the alignment rail by causing at least one of ...

SAMPLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRANSPORTING IN AND OUT RACK

A sample measurement system includes: a measurement unit that measures a sample stored in a sample container; a transport unit that transports a rack capable of holding sample containers via the measurement unit; a first transport-in/transport-out unit and a second transport-in/transport-out unit in each of which racks can be set alongside in a first direction, and that send the set racks to be transported to the measurement unit and receive the racks transported from the measurement unit; and a controller that controls the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit so that the racks are sequentially sent from the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit. The first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit are disposed alongside in a second direction crossing the first direction, and each send the racks from one side in the first direction, and receive the racks from the other side. 1. A sample measurement system comprising:a measurement unit that measures a sample stored in a sample container;a transport unit that transports a rack capable of holding sample containers via the measurement unit;a first transport-in/transport-out unit and a second transport-in/transport-out unit in each of which racks can be set alongside in a first direction, and that send the set racks to be transported to the measurement unit by the transport unit and receive the racks transported from the measurement unit by the transport unit; anda controller that controls the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit so that the racks are sequentially sent from the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit,wherein the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit are disposed alongside in a second direction crossing the first direction, and each send ...

MICROPLATE READER WITH INCUBATION DEVICE

Microplate reader has measuring space, action source, measuring device for biological structure signals of microplate wells, transport support for positioning wells in relation to an optical axis of the device and controller for the action source, the measuring device and the transport support. An incubation apparatus with a frame accommodates a microplate with wells having bottoms for reducing liquid evaporation. The frame has a first opening surrounded by an inner wall for the microplate and an outer wall parallel to the inner wall and connected thereto by an intermediate bottom so that a channel is formed and the intermediate bottom for accommodating a liquid adjusted to the content of the microplate wells. The incubation apparatus has a support surface with a second opening for a microplate and, as a result, at least a portion of the well bottoms is freely accessible by the second opening. 123. A microplate reader () , at least comprising:{'b': '43', 'a) a measuring space ();'}{'b': 45', '2', '3, 'b) an action source (′) which is configured for producing an interaction with biological structures in wells () of a microplate () and for effecting or generating a measurable signal;'}{'b': 46', '2', '3', '45', '2', '3', '46', '51, 'c) a measuring device () which is configured for detecting a signal emitted by the biological structures in wells () of a microplate (), or which was effected or generated by the action source (′) in or on biological structures in wells () of a microplate (), wherein the measuring device () defines an optical axis ();'}{'b': 22', '23', '2', '3', '51', '46', '23', '22', '43, 'd) a transport support () which can be extended at least partly out of the measuring space () and which is configured for positioning wells () of a microplate () in relation to the optical axis () of the measuring device () of the microplate reader (), in that the transport support () is configured to be movable in at least one direction within the measuring space (), ...

Analysis apparatus and analysis method

This analysis apparatus includes a transporter transporting the specimens to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, and a control portion so controlling the transporter as to transport a first specimen container, stored in the rack, storing a first specimen to the first measurement unit and as to transport a second specimen container, stored in the rack along with the first specimen container, storing a second specimen to the second measurement unit.

Spectrometric device for the analysis of environmental and geological samples

A system and method for analyzing contaminants such as hydrocarbons in soil and ground water utilizes a reaction device comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a permeable material and processes that device in contact with a contaminant in an analytical device in order to generate a spectrogram indicative of the contaminants in the soil and ground water.

DEVICES AND CARTRIDGES FOR EXTRACTING BIO-SAMPLE REGIONS AND MOLECULES OF INTEREST

Methods, devices, and systems for integrating extraction and purification of bio-sample regions and materials with patient analysis, diagnosis, follow up, and treatment. The invention provides a means to insert disclosed substrates, cartridges, and cartridge-processing instrument or instruments into a standard clinic or pathology laboratory workflow. Specifically, we disclose methods, devices, and systems for inserting standard pathology slides into disclosed cartridges and cartridge-processing instruments, either manually, semi-automatically, automatically, or by robotic means. 110-. (canceled)11. A method of extracting biological material from a biological sample , comprising:mounting a biological sample upon a slide;attaching the slide to a cartridge that contains a film pre-loaded on the cartridge, wherein the film comprises a substrate suitable for extracting biological material from the biological sample;pressing the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide;ending the pressing of the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide;removing the film from the cartridge by using a pull tab attached to the film;extracting biological material from the biological sample that has adhered to the film.12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the attaching the slide to a cartridge comprises inserting the slide into grooves in the cartridge that enable the cartridge and slide form a single unit claim 11 , wherein the entire slide is fully enclosed by the cartridge.13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the attaching the slide to a cartridge comprises inserting the slide into grooves in the cartridge that enable the cartridge and slide form a single unit claim 11 , wherein the slide is only partially enclosed by the cartridge.14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the pressing the film against the biological sample mounted upon the slide comprises closing a hinged mechanism which links a top half of the cartridge to a bottom half of the cartridge claim ...

AUTOMATIC ANALYZER

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes dispenser, measurer, thermostat, cooler and cleaner. Dispenser dispenses a specimen and a reagent into a reaction vessel. Measurer measures a solution mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the vessel. Thermostat heats the mixture to a first temperature at which thermoresponsive polymers contained in the reagent aggregate. Cooler cools a cleaning fluid used to clean the vessel to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, at which the polymers contained in the reagent disperse. Cleaner cleans the vessel from which the mixture has been drained, using the cooled fluid. 16-. (canceled)7. An automatic analyzer comprising:a storage configured to keep a reagent container storing a reagent containing thermoresponsive polymers and a cleaning fluid container storing a cleaning fluid;a cooler cooling the reagent container and the cleaning fluid container in the storage;a specimen dispenser dispensing a specimen into a reaction vessel;a reagent dispenser dispensing the reagent into the reaction vessel;a thermostat unit heating a solution mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessel to a temperature at which the thermoresponsive polymers aggregate;a measurement unit measuring the solution mixture in the reaction vessel; anda cleaner discharging the cleaning fluid cooled to the temperature of the storage toward the reaction vessel from which the solution mixture has been drained, thereby dispersing the thermoresponsive polymers in the reaction vessel, and cleaning the reaction vessel.8. An automatic analyzer of claim 7 , whereinthe cooler cools the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid container to a temperature at which the thermoresponsive polymers disperse.9. The automatic analyzer of claim 7 , wherein an inspection item to be analyzed includes a biochemical inspection item and an immunoassay item.10. The automatic analyzer of claim 7 , further comprising a magnet arranged on an outer ...

SAMPLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF RETRIEVING TRAY IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

A sample measurement system may include: a measurement unit that measures a sample in a sample container; a transport unit that transports a rack that can hold sample containers, via the measurement unit; a collection unit that is detachably provided with a tray in which racks can be set, and that collects the rack transported from the measurement unit by the transport unit and sets the rack in the tray; a storage that stores sample identification information, rack identification information, and tray identification information in association with each other; an input part; a display part; and a controller that, in a condition in which the input part receives input of the sample identification information or the rack identification information, causes the display part to display the tray identification information stored in association with the inputted sample identification information or the inputted rack identification information. 1. A sample measurement system comprising:a measurement unit that measures a sample stored in a sample container;a transport unit that transports a rack that can hold a plurality of sample containers, via the measurement unit;a collection unit that is detachably provided with a tray in which a plurality of racks can be set, and that collects the rack transported from the measurement unit by the transport unit and sets the rack in the tray;a storage that stores sample identification information of the sample, rack identification information of the rack, and tray identification information of the tray in association with each other;an input part;a display part; anda controller that, in a condition in which the input part receives input of the sample identification information or the rack identification information, causes the display part to display the tray identification information stored in association with the inputted sample identification information or the inputted rack identification information, whereinthe storage stores ...

CONTAINER MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND WIRELESS TAG

A container management apparatus is provided with: a container storing unit that can store a plurality of tubular sample containers one by one separately, each of the plurality of tubular sample containers being provided with a two-dimensional bar code on the bottom surface thereof, and container-identifying information being coded in the two-dimensional bar code; and a reading unit that reads the two-dimensional bar code of each of the tubular sample containers stored in the container storing unit and retrieves the container identifying information. The reading unit has, in correspondence with each storing position, an LED that irradiates the two-dimensional bar code with irradiation light and an imaging unit that receives reflection light from the two-dimensional bar code. 1. A container management apparatus comprising:a container storage section that is capable of storing a plurality of containers while separating the plurality of containers from each other, each of the plurality of containers being provided with an irradiation target body at a bottom surface of the container, the irradiation target body including container identification information;irradiation sections provided in one to one correspondence with storage positions of the containers in the container storage section to irradiate the irradiation target bodies with irradiation light beams, respectively;an information acquiring section that acquires the container identification information from at least one of the irradiation target bodies irradiated with the irradiation light beams; anda control section that receives the container identification information from the information acquiring section, wherein:the control section receives the container identification information when the container is stored at a predetermined storage position,generates position registration information that associates the received container identification information with storage position information indicating the ...

METHOD FOR MONITORING SLIDING CONTACTS

The invention relates to a measuring system for measuring a sample in an automated analysis machine. The measuring system comprises a measuring device for recording measurement values of a measured variable and a first controller and a second controller for processing the measurement values and a sliding contact system with sliding contacts, wherein the measurement values are transferred from the measuring device to the first controller and wherein the measurement values are transferred from the first controller to the second controller via the sliding contacts. The measuring system comprises an error counter which captures the errors occurring during the transfer of the measurement values from the first controller to the second controller via the sliding contacts. 1. A measuring system for measuring a sample in an automated analysis machine , the measuring system comprising a measuring device for recording measurement values of a measured variable and a first controller and a second controller for processing the measurement values , wherein the measuring device and the first controller are movable relative to the second controller , and the measurement values are transferable from the measuring device to the first controller , wherein:the measuring system comprises a sliding contact system having sliding contacts,the measurement values are transferable from the first controller to the second controller via the sliding contacts, andthe measuring system comprises an error counter for capturing errors occurring during a transfer of measurement values from the first controller to the second controller via the sliding contacts.2. The measuring system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a power supply of the first controller or the measuring device is effected by the sliding contacts.3. The measuring system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first controller and the measuring device are rotatably mounted and the sliding contact system comprises a slip ring system.4. The ...

Production-line-type High-throughput Screening System

The present invention provides a production-line-type high-throughput screening system, which relates to the field of biotechnology and testing equipment. The system comprises of four manipulators, three parallel conveyor belts with fixed slots, 2-DOF slipway and fixed fixtures, 96-channel pipetting system, coloring device, oscillating mixing device, microplate reader, well plates loading platform and well plates recycling platform. Manual operation takes five minutes to detect one 96-well plate, while this system can handle 20 96-well plates per minute. It expands the number of screening targets, making the screening process more clearly and concisely and liberating manual labor. The system makes effective contributions to the development of microbial breeding technology. 1. A production-line-type high-throughput screening system , comprising manipulators , conveyor belts with fixed slots , a 2-DOF slipway and fixed fixtures , a multi-channel pipette , a coloring device , a oscillating mixing device and a microplate reader.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said system comprises four manipulators claim 1 , a well plate loading platform claim 1 , a pipette head container recycling platform and a deep-well plate recycling platform claim 1 , and a shallow-well plate recycling platform; wherein said conveyor belts with fixed slots comprises three parallel belts claim 1 , with a first conveyor belt for conveying pipette head container claim 1 , a second conveyor belt for conveying deep-well plate claim 1 , and a third conveyor belt for conveying the shallow-well plate claim 1 , respectively; wherein the 2-DOF slipway stretches across the three parallel belts and the multi-channel pipette is configured to be mounted on the 2-DOF slipway; along a moving direction of a sample on the third conveyor belt claim 1 , the coloring device claim 1 , the oscillating mixing device and the microplate reader are arranged sequentially.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein a first ...

LABORATORY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

A laboratory distribution system is presented. The system comprises diagnostic laboratory container carriers and a conveyor. The conveyor comprises an endless drive defining a closed-loop conveyor pathway. The system comprises supporting elements attached to the endless drive. The supporting elements receive a container carrier and transport the container carrier in an upright position along a pathway section. The supporting elements are mounted pivotally about a horizontal pivot axis to the drive and structured such that a center of gravity of the supporting element with or without an empty or loaded container carrier is arranged below and vertically aligned with the pivot axis when the supporting element is in an upright position such that each supporting element is free to pivot about the associated pivot axis under the effect of gravitational forces acting on the supporting element for maintaining the supporting elements in an upright position while travelling along the path. 1. A laboratory distribution system for use in a laboratory automation system , the laboratory distribution system comprising:a plurality of diagnostic laboratory container carriers; and an endless drive member defining a closed-loop conveyor pathway, and', 'a plurality of supporting elements attached to the endless drive member,, 'a conveyor device, the conveyor device comprising,'}the supporting elements are configured to receive one diagnostic laboratory container carrier and to transport the diagnostic laboratory container carrier in an upright position along at least a section of the conveyor pathway, wherein the supporting elements are each mounted pivotally about a horizontal pivot axis by a pivot bearing to the drive member and structured such that a center of gravity of the supporting element with or without an empty or loaded diagnostic laboratory container carrier is arranged below and vertically aligned with the pivot axis when the supporting element is in an upright use ...

High-throughput Screening System Based on Single Manipulator

The invention provides a high-throughput screening system based on a single manipulator, and belongs to the field of biotechnology and detection equipment. A high-throughput screening system based on single manipulator, comprises of one manipulator which is surrounded by deep well plate loading platform, shallow well plate loading platform, pipetting head loading platform, control cabinet, waste pipetting heads container platform, shallow well plate recycling platform, deep well plate recycling platform, Microplate Reader with oscillating mixer and items-placing platform in a counterclockwise or clockwise order. The present invention is a combination of microbiology and mechanics. It promotes the automation of microbial high-throughput screening system for screening microorganisms with specific properties. It effectively contributes to the development of microbial breeding technology and further promotes the development of microbial science. 1. A high-throughput screening system based on single manipulator , comprising an automated loading and unloading manipulator , a deep well plate loading platform , a shallow well plate loading platform , a pipetting head loading platform , a control cabinet , a waste pipetting heads container platform , a shallow well plate recycling platform , a deep well plate recycling platform , a microplate reader with an oscillating mixer and an items-placing platform in a counterclockwise or clockwise order.2. The high-throughput screening system based on single manipulator according to claim 1 , comprising an automated loading and unloading manipulator claim 1 , a 96-deep well plate loading platform claim 1 , a 96-shallow well plate loading platform claim 1 , a 96-pipetting head loading platform claim 1 , a control cabinet claim 1 , a 96-waste pipetting heads container platform claim 1 , a 96-shallow well plate recycling platform claim 1 , a 96-deep well plate recycling platform claim 1 , a microplate reader with an oscillating mixer ...

MODULE FOR AN AUTOMATED BIOLOGY LABORATORY SYSTEM WITH AN INTERFACE TO TRANSFER MICROPLATES OR LAB-WARE

A module for an automated biology laboratory system includes a housing and a storage device located within the housing. The storage device has a plurality of plate slots for receiving microplates or lab-ware with a microplate footprint or containers. The laboratory system further includes a transfer slot to transfer the microplates or containers between an inside of the module and an outside of the module; indexing means to facilitate alignment of the transfer slot with a microplate transfer interface comprising an aperture of the housing; and connection means for fixedly connecting the transfer interface of the module to a transfer interface of an adjacent module. 1100120. A module ( , ) for an automated biological laboratory system , comprising:{'b': '102', 'a housing ();'}{'b': 108', '330', '102', '108', '330', '110', '116', '320', '322', '324', '360', '326', '327, 'a storage device (, ) located within the housing (), the storage device (, ) having a plurality of plate slots () for receiving (i) plates (, , , ) or lab-ware with a microplate footprint () or (ii) containers (, );'}{'b': 113', '116', '320', '322', '324', '326', '327', '100', '120', '100', '120, 'a transfer slot () to transfer said plates (, , , ) or containers (, ) between an inside of the module (, ) and an outside of the module (, );'}{'b': 140', '142', '113', '130', '134', '102, 'indexing means (,) to facilitate alignment of the transfer slot () with a transfer interface (, ) comprising an aperture of the housing ();'}{'b': 132', '133', '134', '130', '134, 'connection means () for fixedly connecting the transfer interface (, ) of the module to a transfer interface (, ) of an adjacent module; and'}{'b': 160', '116', '320', '322', '324', '326', '327', '110', '113', '130', '134', '160', '100', '120, 'a robotic handling device () for transferring one or more of the plates (, , , ) or containers (, ) between one of the plate slots () and the transfer slot (), and through the aperture of the transfer ...

MULTIPLE CAROUSEL CARTRIDGE-BASED DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD

An improved system and method for the selection and dispensing of reagents onto a target testing medium in an automated laboratory environment. The system utilizes multiple carousels rotatably-mounted upon a central turntable. The position of the central turntable, as well as the rotation of each carousel is controlled by a microprocessor-based control system. Multiple dispensers, each capable of storing and dispensing a particular reagent, are mounted about the circumference of each carousel. This configuration provides much higher reagent density than previously available. The testing medium is positioned at one or more loading stations. The control system directs the central turntable to a position from which a selected one of the carousels can be rotated so as to position a selected dispenser above the testing medium. The selected dispenser is then actuated to release a predetermined reagent onto the testing medium. The system can be configured so that multiple reagents can be dispensed, each from an associated dispenser, onto a single or multiple testing mediums. Each of these actuated dispensers being positioned over the targeted testing medium(s) positioned at one or more loading stations. 1. A reagent dispensing system comprising:a control system comprising a processor and a memory;a rotatably mounted central turntable positionable in response to commands received from the control system;a plurality of carousels, rotatably mounted upon the rotatably mounted central turntable, each positionable in response to command received from the control system; anda plurality of dispenser cartridges, mounted about a circumference of the plurality of carousels, wherein a mechanical actuation of a dispenser cartridge results in dispensing of a predetermined reagent contained within the actuated dispenser cartridge.2. The reagent dispensing system of claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical actuator adapted to actuate at least one of the plurality of dispenser cartridges ...

AUTOMATIC ANALYZER

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes a magnetic field generator, a photometric unit, a measurement unit, and a decision unit. The magnetic field generator causes magnetic separation in a reaction liquid stored in a cuvette by magnetic particles. The photometric unit includes a light source unit configured to generate light, and a detection unit configured to detect the light generated by the light source unit and generate an output signal corresponding to the detected light. The measurement unit measures a measurement item based on the output signal. The decision unit decides the use range of the output signal to be used to measure the measurement item in accordance with spatial unevenness of the magnetic separation by the magnetic field generator. 1. An automatic analyzer comprising:a magnetic field generator configured to cause magnetic separation in a reaction liquid stored in a cuvette by magnetic particles;a photometric unit including a light source unit configured to generate light, and a detection unit configured to detect the light generated by the light source unit and passed through the reaction liquid stored in the cuvette and generate an output signal corresponding to the detected light;a measurement unit configured to measure a measurement item based on the output signal; anda decision unit configured to decide an use range of the output signal to be used to measure the measurement item in accordance with spatial unevenness of the magnetic separation by the magnetic field generator.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit repetitively generates the output signal corresponding to the light that has passed through the reaction liquid stored in the cuvette claim 1 , andthe decision unit decides, as the use range, a time range to be used to measure the measurement item out of the repetitively generated output signal in accordance with the spatial unevenness of the magnetic separation by the magnetic field ...

Mixing Device

[Object] To provide a mixing device capable of accurately mixing a solution in a multi-well plate. [Solving Means] A mixing device 1 is configured to be attachable to a multi-well plate 30 and includes a casing 100, a plurality of stirrers 11, a plurality of motors 12 as a drive portion, and a mounting portion 16. The casing 100 includes a main surface portion 101 facing an upper surface 301 of the multi-well plate 30. The stirrers 11 protrude from the main surface portion 101 toward wells 31 of the multi-well plate 30. The motors 12 are disposed to the casing 100 and rotate the stirrers 11 about axes thereof. The mounting portion 16 is provided to the casing 100 and is mounted to the multi-well plate 30 to position the casing 100 on the multi-well plate 30.

SYSTEM AND PROCESSES FOR ISOLATION AND ENRICHMENT BY MAGNETIC SEPARATION

Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes. 1. A rack for magnetic bead-based sample preparation comprising:a mounting surface for vials and pipettes wherein the rack is configured to hold pipette tips and a combination of sample and supply vials at a plurality of defined positions compatible with at least one pipettor,at least one slidable magnet disposed for contact or near contact with a side wall of a vial, the magnet comprising at least one of a motor actuator, manual actuation, or nests mate-able with the pipettor heads wherein the pipettor actuates the magnets, configured to be slid adjacent to and away from at least one vial.2. The rack of further comprising a pipette disposal position(s) accessible by the pipettor for changing out of pipettes between fill claim 1 , empty claim 1 , washing claim 1 , mixing claim 1 , and magnet movement operations.3. The rack in further comprising an empty compartment where standard pipet tip refill/reload wafers easily snap into the rack for multiplexed sterile refilling of pipet tips.4. The rack of further comprising an empty compartment where pre-filled/sealed reagent vial wafers easily snap into the rack for sterile refilling of reagents.5. The rack of wherein the ...

SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING THE IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA IN URINE

A system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in urine samples which includes: 1) several disposable cartridges for holding four disposable components including a centrifuge tube, a pipette tip having a 1 ml volume, a second pipette tip having a 0.5 ml volume, and an optical cup or cuvette; 2) a sample processor for receiving the disposable cartridges and processing the urine samples including transferring the processed urine sample to the optical cups; and 3) an optical analyzer for receiving the disposable cartridges and configured to analyze the type and quantity of micro-organisms in the urine sample. The disposable cartridges with their components including the optical cups or cuvettes are used in the sample processor, and the optical cups or cuvettes containing the processed urine samples are used in the optical analyzer for identifying and quantifying the type of micro-organism existing in the processed urine samples. 1. An optical cup or cuvette for holding a processed fluid sample and for use in an optical analysis , comprising:a container having an open portion through which a light travels for the optical analysis of the fluid sample, said container including a reflective surface for enhancing the optical analysis, said container having sidewalls that are continuously tapered along their length,and wherein during optical analysis, the light is directed downwardly through the open portion of the container and into the fluid sample, wherein the tapered sidewalls are configured to assist with the optical analysis and the reflective surface of the container reflects fluorescent emissions back in an upwardly direction out of the fluid sample and through the open portion of the container to an optical collection unit for optical analysis.2. The optical cup or cuvette of claim 1 , wherein the fluid sample is urine.3. The optical cup or cuvette of claim 1 , wherein the light comprises ultra violet (UV) light.4. ...

AUTOMATED ANALYSIS DEVICE

Provided is an automated analysis device with which sufficient reaction process data can be acquired irrespective of the scale of the device, and with which it is possible to ensure freedom of the device configuration. An automated analysis device is provided with: a reaction disk which circumferentially accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels a specimen dispensing mechanism which dispenses a specimen into the reaction vessels a reagent dispensing mechanism which dispenses a reagent into the reaction vessels a measuring unit which measures a reaction process of a mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessels and a cleaning mechanism which cleans the reaction vessels after measurement. Further, the automated analysis device includes a controller which controls the drive of the reaction disk such that in one cycle the reaction vessels move by an amount A in the circumferential direction in such a way that N and A are mutually prime, B and C are mutually prime, and the relationship A×B=N×C±1 holds, where N is the total number of reaction vessels accommodated in the reaction disk the reaction disk moves through C (where C>1) rotations+an amount equivalent to one reaction vessel after B (where B>2) cycles, and the number of reaction vessels moved in one cycle is A (where N>A>N/B+1). 1. An automatic analysis device , comprising:a reaction disk which accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels capable of accommodating a dispensed specimen and reagent such that the reaction vessels are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals circumferentially;a specimen dispensing mechanism which dispenses a predetermined amount of the specimen into the reaction vessel;a reagent dispensing mechanism which dispenses a predetermined amount of the reagent into the reaction vessel;a measuring unit which measures a reaction liquid during a reaction process and/or after reaction of a mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessel;a cleaning ...

AUTOMATIC ANALYZER

The automatic analyzer includes: a first reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a regent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent from a reagent container stored in the first reagent container storage section; a second reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a reagent container transfer mechanism for transferring a reagent container selected from among reagent containers stored in the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section; and a controller configured to control the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container from the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section on the basis of a predetermined priority condition. The predetermined priority condition is one of a reagent provided with an effective calibration curve result, a number of remaining tests, and an expiration date of a reagent. 1. An automatic analyzer comprising:a first reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers;a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent from a reagent container stored in the first reagent container storage section;a second reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers;a reagent container transfer mechanism transferring a reagent container selected from among the reagent containers stored in the second reagent container storage section, to the first reagent container storage section; anda controller configured to control the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container containing a reagent already provided with an effective calibration curve result from the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section prior to other reaction containers, wherein the controller is configured to control the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer the reagent ...

AUTOMATIC ANALYZER

With the increase in the speed of operation of a device, it is necessary to perform washing to drying for a wide range of a probe in a short time. A probe, a washing nozzle which ejects a washing liquid, a vacuum nozzle which sucks air, a washing tank, which is connected to the washing nozzle and the vacuum nozzle, and in which washing and drying of the probe is performed by ejecting the washing liquid from the washing nozzle and then sucking air by the vacuum nozzle, a waste liquid flow path, which is connected to the washing tank, and into which the washing liquid is discharged, and a shielding member which shields a flow path between the washing tank and the waste liquid flow path after the washing liquid is ejected from the washing nozzle. 1. An automatic analyzer , comprising:a probe which sucks and ejects a reagent or a specimen sample;a washing nozzle which ejects a washing liquid;a vacuum nozzle which sucks air;a washing tank, which is connected to the washing nozzle and the vacuum nozzle, and in which washing and drying of the probe is performed by ejecting the washing liquid from the washing nozzle and then sucking air by the vacuum nozzle;a waste liquid flow path, which is connected to the washing tank, and into which the washing liquid is discharged, anda shielding member which shields a flow path between the washing tank and the waste liquid flow path after the washing liquid ejected from the washing nozzle is discharged into the waste liquid flow path, whereinthe shielding member is disposed between the washing tank and the waste liquid flow path, and is moved by a suction force accompanying the suction by the vacuum nozzle so as to shield the flow path between the washing tank and the waste liquid flow path.2. (canceled)321. The automatic analyzer according to claim , whereinthe shielding member is a spherical member, 'the spherical member comes in contact with the movement restraining member accompanying the suction by the vacuum nozzle so as to ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-ANALYSIS

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. 18-. (canceled)9. A method of performing an assay on a blood sample , comprising: one or more receptacles for receiving the whole blood sample;', 'a first processing unit for receiving a first processed blood sample obtained from the whole blood sample;', 'a sample handling system;', 'at least one detection unit;', 'all reagents for performing a first assay on the first processed blood sample to detect a first analyte;, 'receiving in a biological sample processing system a whole blood sample obtained from a subject, wherein the biological sample processing system comprisesprocessing in the biological sample processing system the whole blood sample contained in the one or more receptacles to obtain the first processed blood sample; wherein the first processed blood sample is selected from a portion of the whole blood sample, plasma, serum, and cells;transferring with the sample handling system the first processed blood sample to the first processing unit;performing in the biological sample processing system the first assay on the first processed blood sample to detect the first analyte; anddetecting the first analyte with the at least one detection unit.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the whole blood sample is a whole blood sample obtained from a fingerstick.11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the whole blood sample is 500 μl or less.12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the processing comprises at least one processing step selected from centrifugation claim 9 , filtration claim 9 , ...

SURFACE MARKINGS FOR AN OPTICALLY GUIDED DEVICE

Methods and systems for use with an automation system in an automated clinical chemistry analyzer can include one or more surfaces configured to dynamically display a plurality of optical marks, a plurality of independently movable carriers configured to move along surfaces and to observe them to determine navigational information from the plurality of optical marks, and a processor configured to update the plurality of optical marks to convey information that pertains to each respective independently movable carrier. The plurality of marks can include two-dimensional optically encoded marks, barcodes oriented in a direction of travel of the carriers, marks that dynamically convey data, dynamic lines configured to be followed by the carriers, marks indicating a collision zone, or dynamic marks displayed at a location coincident with the location of a pipette. 1. An automation system for use with an automated clinical chemistry analyzer comprising:one or more surfaces configured to dynamically display a plurality of optical marks; a plurality of independently movable carriers configured to move along the one or more surfaces and observe them to determine navigational information from the plurality of optical marks; anda processor configured to update the plurality of optical marks to convey information that pertains to each respective independently movable carrier.2. The automation system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of marks comprise at least one two-dimensional optically encoded mark.3. The automation system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of marks comprise at least one barcode oriented in a direction of travel of the plurality of independently movable carriers.4. The automation system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of marks comprise at least one line configured to be followed by one or more of the plurality of independently movable carriers claim 1 , wherein the line changes to dynamically instruct each carrier to move in a predetermined direction.5. ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-ANALYSIS

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. 18-. (canceled)9. A biological sample processing system for performing assays with two or more different types of biological samples obtained from at least one subject comprising:an insertable and removable cartridge comprising (i) a first location for receiving a first sample vessel for collecting a first biological sample obtained from the at least one subject; (ii) a second location for receiving a second sample vessel for collecting a second biological sample obtained from the at least one subject, wherein the first and second biological samples are different; (iii) a first assay unit for performing a first assay on the first biological sample to detect a first analyte; (iv) a second assay unit for performing a second assay on the second biological sample to detect a second analyte; and (v) all reagents for performing the first and second assays; anda sample processing device comprising a cartridge receiving location for receiving the insertable and removable cartridge, at least one optical detector, and at least one automated sample handling system.10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the at least one automated sample handling system is configured to transfer (i) the first biological sample to the first assay unit; (ii) the second biological sample to the second assay unit; and (iii) the first and second assay units to the at least one optical detector.11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the device comprises (i) a first automated sample handling system configured to transfer at ...

TRANSPORT OF LIQUID CONTAINERS IN AN AUTOMATED ANALYZER

The invention relates to a device and a method for the transfer of a liquid container with the aid of a clamping gripper in an automated analyzer. For this purpose, the clamping gripper has a controllable expansion device. 1. An automated analyzer comprising a first and a second receiving device , each with a multiplicity of receiving positions for liquid containers , and a device , which is secured on an automatically movable transfer arm , for transferring a liquid container from a receiving position on the first receiving device to a receiving position on the second receiving device , wherein the device for transferring a liquid container comprises a passive clamping gripper with two gripper arms , between which a liquid container can be clamped by a horizontal movement of the clamping gripper , and wherein the clamping gripper comprises a controllable expansion device which , in an active position , exerts a force on the gripper arms such that the gripper arms are pressed away from each other , and which , in a passive position , does not exert a force on the gripper arms , wherein the automated analyzer further comprises a control device which is configured such that it controls a method with the following steps:checking whether the liquid container to be transferred contains a volume of liquid or is empty; and (i) moving the transfer device horizontally to produce a clamped connection between the clamping gripper and the liquid container in the receiving position of the first receiving device;', '(ii) raising the transfer device to remove the liquid container from the receiving position;', '(iii) moving the transfer device horizontally to a receiving position of the second receiving device;', '(iv) lowering the transfer device to position the liquid container in the receiving position of the second receiving device; and', '(v) moving the transfer device horizontally to release the clamped connection;', 'wherein the expansion device is located exclusively in ...

AUTOMATED ANALYZER AND LIQUID RESERVOIR

Provided are an automated analyzer for analyzing a substance contained in an unknown sample and a liquid reservoir, the analyzer and the reservoir being capable of saving users' operation without remarkably increasing the number of components. A flow path outlet of an overflow portion of the liquid reservoirs projects closer to the inner circumferential side of a drain flow path than to an inner circumferential surface side of an outer wall of the drain flow path serving as a destination to which liquid overflows. In addition, the flow path outlet projects so as to come into contact with an outer wall of the inner pipe. The flow path outlet of the overflow portion projects into the drain flow path so as to be located below an upper end of the outer wall of the drain flow path. 1. An automated analyzer comprising:a liquid reservoir installed in the automated analyzer to store liquid used for analysis, provided at an upper end with an opening for accepting the liquid, and provided on an upper end side of a side surface with an overflow portion to overflow the liquid outwardly;a liquid reservoir holding member for holding the liquid reservoir; anda discharge flow path for discharging the liquid allowed to overflow from the overflow portion of the liquid reservoir;wherein the overflow portion comprises a flow path inlet disposed on an upper end side of the side surface of the reservoir, a flow path bottom surface monotonously inclined obliquely downward from the flow path inlet, and a flow path side wall disposed on a lateral side of the flow path bottom surface and shaped to have a cutout on a flow path outlet side, anda flow path outlet of the overflow portion projects into the discharge flow path so as to be located closer to an inner circumferential side of the discharge flow path than to an inner circumferential side of an outer wall of the discharge flow path and below an upper end of the outer wall of the discharge flow path.2. The automated analyzer according to ...

Instrument for analytical sample preparation

An instrument for extraction based molecular sample preparation and related processes is disclosed. The instrument includes a thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber and a thermally conductive sample cup positioned in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber for heating liquids and solids together in the thermally conductive sample cup. A liquid delivery inlet fixture in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber delivers liquids (solvent) from a supply to the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber, and a chiller in liquid communication with the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber receives heated liquids from the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber when the chamber is opened to atmospheric pressure.

Instrument for Analytical Sample Preparation

An instrument for extraction based molecular sample preparation and related processes is disclosed. The instrument includes a thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber and a thermally conductive sample cup positioned in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber for heating liquids and solids together in the thermally conductive sample cup. A liquid delivery inlet fixture in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber delivers liquids (solvent) from a supply to the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber, and a chiller in liquid communication with the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber receives heated liquids from the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber when the chamber is opened to atmospheric pressure. 1. A combination for solvent extraction comprising:a heated, pressure-sealed reaction chamber;a heat conductive sample cup in said reaction chamber, said reaction vessel including one open filtered end and a mouth opposite said open filtered end;an extraction sample in said sample cup; anda liquid extraction solvent inside said sample cup and outside said sample cup between the exterior of said sample cup and the interior of said reaction chamber.2. A combination according to wherein said reaction chamber is formed of a thermally conductive material.3. A combination according to wherein said opened filtered end is a foraminous floor and a filter media on foraminous floor.4. A combination according to wherein said filter media is selected from the group consisting of filter paper claim 3 , glass fibers claim 3 , quartz fibers claim 3 , nonwoven polymers and combinations thereof.5. A combination according to wherein said extraction sample is selected from the group consisting of soil claim 1 , plastics claim 1 , prepared foods claim 1 , food packaging claim 1 , agricultural products claim ...

METHOD OF TRANSPORTING RACK AND SAMPLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

A sample measurement system according to an embodiment may include: sample measurement units that receive supply of containers and perform measurement on samples; a rack setting unit in which a rack storing the containers to be supplied to at least one of the sample measurement units is set; a first transport path that transports the containers from the rack setting unit to at least one of the sample measurement units; a second transport path that is provided at a position different from the first transport path in a height direction and that transports the containers from at least one of the sample measurement units to the rack setting unit; and a transfer path that transfers the containers between the first transport path and the second transport path. 1. A method of transporting a rack storing containers , the method comprising:transporting the rack from a rack setting unit in which the rack is set, in a first direction by using a first transport path;supplying the containers, stored in the rack transported by the first transport path, to a sample measurement unit;transferring the rack from which the containers have been supplied to the sample measurement unit, to a second transport path provided at a position different from the first transport path in a height direction; andtransporting the rack, transferred to the second transport path, in a second direction different from the first direction by using the second transport path.2. The method of transporting a rack according to claim 1 , wherein transferring the rack from which the containers are supplied to the sample measurement unit to the second transport path is performed by a lifting-lowering mechanism that transports the rack in the height direction.3. The method of transporting a rack according to claim 1 , wherein transporting the rack by using the second transport path is performed below transporting the rack by using the first transport path.4. The method of transporting a rack according to claim 1 , ...

REAGENT DEPOSITION VERIFICATION

A reagent substrate may include a reagent sample deposition area on which a sample of a reagent is deposited, and a number of diagnostic regions on which a diagnostic sample of the reagent is deposited for verification of deposition of the diagnostic sample. A reagent dispensing system may include a conveyor surface to convey a number of substrates, at least one reagent module located in-line with respect to the conveyor surface where the reagent module includes at least one reagent dispensing device to dispense a reagent on the substrates, and at least one optical sensor to verify the dispensing of the reagent at a number of diagnostic regions of the substrate.

SAMPLE PROCESSING AND DETECTING KIT WITH A MATERIAL TRANSFER STRUCTURE

A sample processing and detecting kit with a material transfer structure comprises a kit body defined by an outer shell. A top outer shell of the kit body comprises an opening-and-closing sample port. An inner side of the kit body is disposed with a material circular plate holder and a middle of the material circular plate holder is disposed with a circular hole. A waste liquid storage chamber, a first lock groove, a second lock groove, and a sealing hole are arranged on the material circular plate holder at a periphery of the circular hole. A sample processing plastic tube member is hermitically disposed in the first lock groove. A detection reaction plastic tube member is hermetically disposed in the second lock groove. 1. A sample processing and detecting kit with a material transfer structure , comprising: a top outer shell of the kit body comprises an opening-and-closing sample port,', 'an inner side of the kit body is disposed with a material circular plate holder,', 'a middle of the material circular plate holder is disposed with a circular hole,', 'a waste liquid storage chamber, a first lock groove, a second lock groove, and a sealing hole are arranged on the material circular plate holder at a periphery of the circular hole,', 'a sample processing plastic tube member is hermitically disposed in the first lock groove,', 'a detection reaction plastic tube member is hermetically disposed in the second lock groove,', 'the material circular plate holder is rotatably connected to the material transfer structure through the circular hole,', 'the material transfer structure comprises a hollow rotor disposed with a pipette tip,', 'a bottom end of the hollow rotor is disposed with a hollow pointed structure for piercing a sealing film,', 'a rotatable connection structure surrounds a bottom end of the hollow rotor,', 'a silicone seal disposed below the bottom end of the hollow rotor is disposed in the rotatable connection structure,', 'a spring surrounds an outer ...

Automatic Analysis Device

The present invention is provided with a reagent disc on which a plurality of reagent containers each containing therein a reagent to be used for specimen analysis are loaded; a reagent loader that loads a reagent from the outside onto the reagent disc and that carries a reagent to the outside; a display unit that displays the reagents in the plurality of reagent containers arranged on the reagent disc, so as to be paired with corresponding analysis items for which the reagents are used; and a control unit that causes the reagent loader to simultaneously carry, to the outside of the reagent disc, a reagent which is selected, on the display unit, by an operation device used for an operation input from an operator instructing the reagent loader to take out the reagent and simultaneously carry a reagent which is to be used for a different analysis item to be performed simultaneously with the analysis item for the selected reagent. Thus, when a reagent is taken out or loaded, acts of mistaking the reagent or failing to load the reagent can be suppressed. 18. to . (canceled)9. An automatic analysis device comprising:a reagent disc on which a plurality of reagent containers are loaded, the reagent disc holding a reagent used for an analysis of a specimen;an incubator having a plurality of reaction vessels arranged, the reaction vessel allowing the specimen and the reagent to be reacted;a sample dispensation mechanism for dispensing the specimen into the reaction vessel arranged in the incubator;a reagent dispensation mechanism for dispensing the reagent held in the reagent container loaded in the reagent disc into the reaction vessel loaded in the incubator;a reagent loader for loading the reagent from the outside into the reagent disc, and unloading the reagent to the outside;a display unit for displaying the reagents of the plurality of reagent containers arranged in the reagent disc and analysis items to be analyzed using the reagents, the reagent and the analysis item ...

SAMPLE ANALYSIS SUBSTRATE, SAMPLE ANALYSIS DEVICE, SAMPLE ANALYSIS SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM FOR SAMPLE ANALYSIS

A sample analysis substrate rotatable to transfer a liquid includes a substrate including a rotation shaft, a first holding chamber, a second holding chamber holding a first liquid discharged from the first holding chamber, a main chamber holding the first liquid discharged from the second holding chamber, a first flow path with the first holding chamber and the second holding chamber, and a second flow path having a third opening and a fourth opening respectively connected with the second holding chamber and the main chamber. The first holding chamber includes a portion farther from the rotation shaft than a position thereof connected with the first opening. The second holding chamber includes a portion farther from the rotation shaft than a position thereof connected with the second opening. In the second flow path, the third opening is closer to the rotation shaft than the fourth opening. 1. A sample analysis substrate rotatable to transfer a liquid , the sample analysis substrate comprising:a substrate including a rotation shaft;a first holding chamber located in the substrate, the first holding chamber having a first space usable to hold a first liquid;a second holding chamber located in the substrate, the second holding chamber having a second space usable to hold the first liquid discharged from the first holding chamber;a main chamber located in the substrate, the main chamber having a third space usable to hold the first liquid discharged from the second holding chamber;a first flow path located in the substrate, the first flow path having a first opening and a second opening respectively connected with the first holding chamber and the second holding chamber; anda second flow path located in the substrate, the second flow path having a third opening and a fourth opening respectively connected with the second holding chamber and the main chamber;wherein:the first holding chamber includes a portion that is farther from the rotation shaft than a position ...

ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING A SAMPLE

An analysis system and a method for testing a biological sample is provided, wherein the sensitivity of the evaluation electronics of a fluid sensor is specified and/or changed depending on a phase of the test sequence and/or a cartridge identifier of the cartridge, and/or in that the fluid sensor comprises a sensor electrode that is intended for measuring electrical capacitance and is operated in a manner in which it is electrically connected to the evaluation electronics by a single pole and/or by means of a shielded sensor line. 148-. (canceled)49. A method for testing a sample by means of an analysis system , comprising:receiving the sample in a cartridge of the analysis system, the cartridge comprising a fluid system that has a sensor portion through which fluid can flow; andreceiving the cartridge by an analysis device of the analysis system, and subsequently carrying out a test using the received cartridge, the analysis device comprising at least one fluid sensor that has evaluation electronics for detecting a content change in the sensor portion,wherein the sensitivity of the evaluation electronics is at least one of specified or changed depending on one or more of a phase of a test sequence and a cartridge identifier of the cartridge.50. The method according to claim 49 , wherein the fluid sensor comprises a sensor electrode that is configured for measuring electrical capacitance electrically connected to the evaluation electronics by a shielded sensor line.51. The method according to claim 49 , wherein the fluid sensor measures claim 49 , as a measurement result claim 49 , one or more of an electrical variable or capacitance claim 49 , the electrical variable or capacitance being dependent on one or more of a property of the content of the sensor portion claim 49 , permittivity of the content of the sensor portion claim 49 , electrical conductivity of the content of the sensor portion claim 49 , and a liquid front moving within the sensor portion.52. The ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THERMAL CONTROL OF INCUBATION SYSTEM IN DIAGNOSTIC ANALYZER

An incubation system for use in an in vitro diagnostic analyzer utilizes a fixed base and a rotatable ring that holds reaction cuvettes. Thermal regulation is provided by directly mounting a heating element to the rotatable ring and controlling the temperature using a temperature controller and thermal sensor for detecting the temperature of the ring, either of which may be mounted to the ring. 1. A thermally regulated incubator for use in an immunoassay , comprising:a fixed base;an incubation ring comprising a body configured to hold a plurality of cuvettes, rotatably coupled to the fixed base;a heating element thermally affixed to the incubation ring, such that the heating element rotates with the incubation ring;at least one thermal sensor configured to directly measure a temperature of the incubation ring; anda thermal controller configured to control the heating element in response to real time measurement of the at least one thermal sensor to maintain the incubation ring within a predetermined temperature range.2. The thermally regulated incubator of claim 1 , wherein the heating element is a flexible heating element comprising a conductive material and a polymer material.3. The thermally regulated incubator of claim 1 , wherein the thermal controller is mounted to the incubation ring.4. The thermally regulated incubator of claim 1 , further comprising electrical slip rings configured to conduct power from the fixed base to the incubation ring.5. The thermally regulated incubator of claim 4 , wherein the thermal controller is mounted to the fixed base and at least one slip ring is configured to conduct an electrical signal from the thermal controller to the heating element.6. The thermally regulated incubator of claim 1 , wherein the at least one thermal sensor is mounted in thermal contact with a surface of the incubation ring.7. A thermally regulated incubator for use in an immunoassay claim 1 , comprising:a fixed base; a plurality of slots configured to ...

Improved sampler device

A sampler device for gas chromatography includes a first unit that supports and moves a second, single instrument holding unit carrying at least two instruments with respective control plungers for taking/inserting samples to be analyzed, and a third unit that actuates the plungers simultaneously. The first unit is mounted on a base and moves the second and third units along horizontal and vertical directions and between a first and a second station, at least one of which is defined beyond the plan encumbrance of the base. A control unit automatically controls the movement of the first unit between the first station, with the third unit controlled by the control unit to simultaneously take the samples to be analyzed by the two instruments, and the second station, with the third unit controlled by the control unit to simultaneously insert the previously taken samples within two distinct injectors of a gas chromatograph. 12. An improved sampler device () for gas chromatography comprising:{'b': 4', '41', '61', '61', '6', '6', '42', '61', '61', '6', '6, 'a first unit () adapted to support and move both a second, single instrument holding unit (), on which at least two instruments are mounted, provided with respective control plungers (′, ″), for taking/inserting (′, ″) samples to be analyzed, and a third unit () adapted to simultaneously actuate the respective control plungers (′, ″) of said at least two instruments (′, ″),'}{'b': 4', '5', '41', '42', '5', '5, 'said first unit () being mounted on a base () and configured to move said second () and third units () along at least one direction (X, Y) substantially horizontal and parallel to said base () and along a direction (Z) substantially vertical and perpendicular to said base (),'}{'b': 4', '41', '42', '20', '22', '20', '22', '5', '4, 'said first unit () being also configured to move said second () and third units () between a first station () and a second station (), at least one of said first () or said second ...

Sample Transporting Device, System and Method

In sample transporting devices, the operation sound of a belt conveyor and the driving sound of a drive motor are caused by operating a transporting line when transporting samples, and reducing the driving sound and operation sound is required. In the present invention, a detection signal of the detection sensor is detected by a detection unit and a control unit performs controlling to change the current value and the driving frequency of a belt driving motor of a transporting line and change the driving torque and the driving rotary speed of the transporting line on the basis of the amount and number of samples transported by a belt wherein the amount and number of samples transported by the belt can be obtained by the detection signal or a sample amount measured by a sample transporting system. Accordingly, noise reduction is achieved by driving the belt driving motor under suitable conditions according to the amount and number of the samples transported by the transporting line, and reducing the operation sound of the belt driving motor or mechanisms and the like. 1. A sample transporting device comprising:a transport unit that transports a sample to a predetermined position;a driving unit that drives the transport unit;a drive control unit that controls the driving unit by a driving frequency, current;a detection unit that detects the sample on the transport unit; anda control unit that processes a sample detection signal of the detection unit, wherein the control unitoutputs a value of driving frequency, current selected based on a result obtained by processing the sample detection signal to the drive control unit and controls so that the driving unit is driven by the corresponding driving frequency, current.2. The sample transporting device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unitprocesses the sample detection signal, calculates the number of samples on the transport unit, and selects the driving frequency, current based on the number of samples.3. The ...

AUTOMATIC ANALYZER

An automatic analyzer that sets thresholds of measurement items and remaining reagent amounts. A reagent is dispensed, and checked whether a dead volume is set. If the dead volume is not set, and if the amount of a reagent in a reagent bottle is equal to or larger than a dead volume default value, the process proceeds to the measurement of the next specimen, and the amount is smaller than the default value, the use of the reagent bottle is ended, the reagent bottle is replaced, and the measurement is continued. If the dead volume is set, if the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent bottle is equal to or larger than the setting amount, the process proceeds to the measurement of the next specimen, and if not, the use of the reagent bottle is ended, the reagent bottle is replaced, and the measurement is continued. 1. An automatic analyzer comprising:a reagent dispensing mechanism that sucks a reagent in a reagent vessel, and dispenses the sucked reagent to a reaction vessel;an analyzing unit that analyzes a sample in the reaction vessel;a storage unit a dead volume setting value of the reagent in the reagent vessel; anda control unit that controls operation of the reagent dispensing mechanism, whereinthe control unit judges whether or not an amount of the reagent in the reagent vessel is equal to or larger than the value of the dead volume installation value set on the storage unit, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism to stop the sucking of the reagent from the reagent vessel if the amount of the reagent in the reagent vessel is smaller than the dead volume setting value.2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores the dead volume setting value for each measurement item.3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 , wherein the storage unit stores the value of the dead volume setting value for each measurement item and for each vessel shape.4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit ...

Systems and Methods for Multiple Analyte Detection

Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials. 1. A system for distribution of a biological sample , the system comprising:a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber;a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate; anda sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber,wherein the substrate is constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sealing instrument is configured to be placed in contact with an exterior portion of the substrate.3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sealing instrument is configured to be placed in contact with the substrate at least one of before a reaction process that occurs in the sample chambers and during a reaction process that occurs in the sample chambers.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the sealing plate is configured to be placed in contact ...

MODULAR POINT-OF-CARE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. 178-. (canceled)79. A method of on-demand assembly of a cartridge for automated detection of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample , wherein the cartridge comprises a housing , said housing comprising: an array of addressable assay units , wherein an individual assay unit of the array is configured to run a chemical reaction that yields a detectable signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte; and an array of addressable reagent units , wherein an individual reagent unit of the array is addressed to correspond to the individual assay unit , said method comprising:(i) placing according to the analyte to be detected an array of addressable assay units, wherein an individual assay unit of the array is configured to run a chemical reaction that detects an analyte of interest ordered by said end user, into the housing;(ii) placing according to the analyte to be detected an array of reagent units, wherein an individual reagent unit of the array corresponds to the individual assay unit, into the housing; and(iii) securing the arrays of (i) and (ii) within the housing of the cartridge.wherein the reagent units; the assay units; at least one pipette tip, and at least one touch-off pad are all arranged in a two-dimensional pattern and not together in a single row in the cartridge.80. The method of further comprising selecting an analyte to be detected.81. The method of further comprising sealing the cartridge.82. The method of further comprising labeling the cartridge with a readable label indicating the analyte to be detected.83. The method of claim 82 , wherein the readable label is a bar code or RFID. This application is a ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEVELOPING FORMULATIONS

The various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated apparatus, wherein the automated apparatus is configured to formulate a target entity, thereby developing formulations of the target entity by using a high throughput screening (HTS) procedure and method of employing the presented automated apparatus is also disclosed herein. Other advantages that are understood from the present disclosure will further be apparent to the reader. 1. An automated system for developing new formulations of a target entity , the system comprising: a plurality of screening lines, wherein each of the plurality of screening lines comprises:', 'a plurality of upstream storage containers adapted to receive raw materials, wherein the raw materials comprise the target entity and secondary ingredients;', 'at least one device that is adapted to condition before they are received in the storage containers, while they are in the storage containers, or after they exit the storage containers;', 'a dispensing system comprising a central common collector and a plurality of conduits connected to each of the storage containers;', 'a dosing system that measures amounts of the target entity and the secondary ingredients to be combined as an ingredient combination;', 'a collector that pools the target entity and the secondary ingredients as the ingredient combination;', 'a plurality of formulation chambers adapted to prepare formulations from the ingredient combination and perform stress treatment on the prepared formulations;', 'a plurality of in-line sensors installed in the formulation chambers for monitoring properties of the ingredient combination and screening formulations of the ingredient combination;', 'a plurality of actuators comprising pumps, valves, nozzles, and stirrers adapted to transfer raw materials and formulation between compartments and chambers;', 'at least one injector that is adapted to administer additional target entity and secondary ingredients into ...

Systems and methods for a thermal cycler heated cover

A thermal cycler system for use with a sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples includes a sample block configured to receive the sample holder, a cover lid configured to move in a direction toward the sample block from an open position to a closed position, a heated cover operatively coupled to the cover lid and configured to move in a direction toward the sample block from a raised position to a first lowered position, in which the heated cover contacts the sample holder when the sample holder is received by the sample block, and a drive assembly including a motion guide configured to move in a direction toward the sample block from a first position, wherein the cover lid is in the open position and the heated cover is in the raised position, to a second position, wherein the cover lid is in the closed position.

AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS DEVICE

To efficiently prevent a decrease in measurement accuracy caused by a change in a test cartridge and an environmental temperature, provided is an automatic analysis device. The automatic analysis device includes: a constant-temperature reservoir () to be heated by a heating source () so as to keep a liquid temperature at least in the reaction cell () of the test cartridge () in the test stage (KT) at a constant environmental temperature set previously; constant-temperature reservoir control means () including a temperature detector (), for controlling a set temperature of the heating source () of the constant-temperature reservoir () so that the set temperature of the heating source () is higher when the internal environmental temperature is lower than a previously-determined threshold value than when the internal environmental temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, based on the internal environmental temperature detected by the temperature detector ().

REUSABLE BELT WITH A MATRIX OF WELLS

A system for processing and analyzing a sample includes a belt with wells that proceeds through the system, a dispensing station that dispenses the sample and reagents into the wells of the belt, and a detection station that detects an analyte in the wells of the belt. The system further includes a wash and decontamination station for decontaminating the wells of the belt. 130-. (canceled)31. A system for processing and analyzing a sample , the system comprising:a belt that proceeds through the system, the belt including a plurality of wells;a dispensing station that dispenses the sample and reagents into the plurality of wells of the belt;a detection station that detects an analyte in the plurality of wells of the belt; anda wash and decontamination station for decontaminating the plurality of wells of the belt.32. The system of claim 31 , wherein the wash and decontamination station comprises:a washing station for washing the plurality of wells of the belt;a vacuum station for applying a vacuum to the plurality of wells of the belt;a decontamination station for applying a chemical solution or radiation to the plurality of wells of the belt; anda drying station for drying the plurality of wells of the belt.33. The system of claim 31 , wherein the wash and decontamination station is contained within a sealed chamber.34. The system of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of wells of the belt is arranged in a plurality of matrices.35. The system of claim 34 , wherein the belt includes a plurality of gaps and each matrix of the plurality of matrices covers one of the plurality of gaps of the belt.36. The system of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of wells is on a top side of the belt and the dispensing station is positioned above the belt such that the dispensing station dispenses the sample and the reagents into the plurality of wells of the belt from above the belt.37. The system of claim 36 , wherein the detection station is positioned above the belt such that the ...

Microplate-reader with a controlled gas atmosphere and a corresponding method of controlling the gas atmosphere

The invention relates to a microplate reader and a respective method, wherein the microplate reader comprises at least one measuring device and a holding device for accommodating at least one microplate and for positioning the samples-containing wells of this(these) microplate(s) in relation to the at least one measuring device. The at least one measuring device is used for detecting light which is emitted by samples in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader and/or which is influenced by samples transilluminated by light in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader. The microplate reader comprises a control unit for controlling the temperature of a gas atmosphere surrounding the wells containing the samples of microplates used in this microplate reader.

APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR SUSPENDING AND WASHING THE CONTENTS OF A PLURALITY OF CUVETTES

Apparatuses and methods for washing a plurality of fluid samples are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for washing a plurality of fluid samples respectively located within a plurality of cuvettes includes a rotor configured to rotate the plurality of cuvettes about an axis, a traveler mechanism located beneath the rotor, the traveler mechanism configured to move a plurality of magnets parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor to position the plurality of magnets so that each cuvette of the plurality of cuvettes is located adjacent to at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets, and a wash system located above the rotor, the wash system configured to at least one of inject fluid into or aspirate fluid from the plurality of the cuvettes, while the plurality of magnets suspend magnetic particles located within each of the plurality of cuvettes. 1. A system for washing a plurality of fluid samples respectively located within a plurality of cuvettes , comprising:a rotor configured to rotate the plurality of cuvettes about an axis;a traveler mechanism located beneath the rotor, the traveler mechanism configured to move a plurality of magnets parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor to position the plurality of magnets so that each cuvette of the plurality of cuvettes is located adjacent to at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets; anda wash system located above the rotor, the wash system configured to at least one of inject fluid into or aspirate fluid from the plurality of the cuvettes, while the plurality of magnets suspend magnetic particles located within each of the plurality of cuvettes.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the axis of rotation of the rotor is a vertical axis.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wash system is configured to inject fluid into and aspirate fluid from the plurality of the cuvettes.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of magnets includes a plurality of first magnets with a first polarity and a ...

Sample Rack Conveying Apparatus and Automated Analysis System

This sample rack conveying apparatus is provided with a pusher unit, a linear motion guide, and a conveyance drive mechanism. The pusher unit has a base portion, a moving member, and a base-side guide. The base portion is supported by the linear motion guide so as to be movable in a first guide direction. The moving member is provided with a pusher that pushes a sample rack. The base-side guide supports the moving member such that the moving member is movable in a second guide direction that crosses the first guide direction. 1. A sample rack conveying apparatus comprising:a pusher unit that pushes a sample rack in which a sample container is stored so as to convey the sample rack;a linear motion guide that supports the pusher unit such that the pusher unit is movable in a first guide direction; anda conveyance drive mechanism that moves the pusher unit in the first guide direction,the pusher unit includinga base portion which is supported by the linear motion guide so as to be movable in the first guide direction,a moving member which is provided with a pusher which presses the sample rack, anda base-side guide which is provided on the base portion and which supports the moving member such that the moving member is movable in a second guide direction which crosses the first guide direction.2. The sample rack conveying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:the pusher unit includesa rotating shaft which is provided on the moving member, anda rotating member which is supported by the rotating shaft so as to be rotatable within a plane formed by the first guide direction and the second guide direction; andthe pusher is provided in the rotating member.3. The sample rack conveying apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a unit guide that guides moving of the moving member in the first guide direction and in the second guide direction,wherein the pusher unit includes an urging member which urges the moving member to the unit guide.4. The sample rack ...

Automatic Analyzer

A reagent-bottle lid opening mechanism is disclosed, which has a needle for piercing a lid of a reagent bottle to be delivered to a reagent disk, has an aligning mechanism of automatically adjusting a position of the needle with respect to the lid such that a needle body of the needle can stick in the center of the lid, and accurately and repeatedly makes an incision in the center of the lid. As a result, an automatic analyzer is provided that is capable of unsealing the center of the lid of the reagent bottle with accuracy even if the central axis of the needle and the central axis of the lid are offset from each other.

INSPECTION DEVICE

The purpose of the present invention is to embody an inspection device wherein dew condensation in a sample container, in particular, in the lid thereof can be prevented or quickly removed without giving heat shock to a sample in the sample container. For this purpose, provided is an inspection device comprising an isothermal part which comprises a rack and maintains a sample container storing a sample in a temperature-controlled environment, said sample container comprising a plate and a lid, a detection part which comprises an optical device for observing and inspecting the sample stored in the sample container, and a transportation part which transports the sample container from the isothermal part to the detection part and vice versa, wherein at least one of the isothermal part, detection part and transportation part is provided with a member by which the lid of the sample container is held in a state lifted from the plate. 1. An inspection device comprising:an isothermal part that includes a rack and is configured to hold a sample container storing a sample in a temperature-controlled environment, the sample container including a plate and a lid;a detection part that includes an optical device configured to observe and inspect the sample stored in the sample container; anda transportation part that is configured to transport the sample container between the isothermal part and the detection part, whereina member configured to hold the lid of the sample container in a state of being lifted from the plate is provided in at least one of the isothermal part, the detection part, and the transportation part.2. The inspection device according to claim 1 , whereinthe member includes a lift portion configured to hold the lid of the sample container and a column configured to support the lift portion, andwhen the sample container is transferred to any one of the rack of the isothermal part, a stage of the optical device of the detection part, and a transportation ...