Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a smaller size, allowing a larger number of reagents to be loaded, and having a higher processing capability. Reagent disks are disposed inside and outside a reaction disk. Reagent probes are disposed to be able to suck reagents from the reagent disks and eject the reagents at common positions. A plurality of reagent probes are alternately accessed one by one to each of the reagent disks per cycle. Each reagent probe comprises two arms rotatable independently of each other so that the reagent probe is able to access a plurality of points and interference between the plurality of reagent probes can be avoided. A first reagent and a second reagent can be loaded on each of the reagent disks, and the number of loadable reagents can be increased without enlarging an overall system size. Thus, an automatic analyzer having a shorter cycle time and a higher processing capability can be realized.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer having the capability to operate at both a higher and lower throughput, depending upon the assay load demand experienced by the hospital or laboratory, so that analyzer throughput most closely matches assay demand.

Abstract: A device for separating and drying a fluid sample in one embodiment includes an upper layer including a sample window and a viewing window extending therethrough, the viewing window spaced apart from the sample window, an absorbent layer, having a width and a length, positioned beneath the upper layer and extending beneath the sample window and the viewing window, and a non-absorbent layer positioned beneath the absorbent layer, the non-absorbent layer having a width and a length greater than the width and the length of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis method and an automatic analyzer which are suitable for improving throughput by changing reagents during analysis without placing a load on an operator, and without stopping the analysis. There is provided an automatic analysis method comprising the steps of: while moving a reagent transfer mechanism with respect to a reagent pipettor, dispensing a reagent placed in the reagent transfer mechanism by use of the reagent pipettor to cause a sample to react with the dispensed reagent; and measuring the reacted sample so as to analyze specified analysis items of the sample. A reagent is transferred from a reagent storage unit to a reagent changing mechanism. Then, the reagent changing mechanism is moved in synchronization with the reagent transfer mechanism so that reagents are changed during the synchronization.

Abstract: An ozonesonde for in-situ measurement of stratospheric ozone concentration profiles by balloon launches includes a hydrothermal buffer having a vessel surrounding a measurement cell having an aqueous reaction solution. The aqueous reaction solution has melting and boiling points dependent on a salt content. A pump is configured to pass ambient air through the aqueous reaction solution. The vessel of the hydrothermal buffer is fillable with water to a level that is at least as high as a level of the aqueous reaction solution in the measurement cell.

Abstract: Reigniting a flame in a volatile organic compound (VOC) detector in the event that the flame has gone out. In one implementation, a signal is received at a handheld personal computer indicating that a flame in the VOC detector has gone out. The flame in the VOC detector may then be reignited using the handheld personal computer and a Bluetooth enabled device facilitating communication between the handheld personal computer and the VOC detector.

Abstract: A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reaction cuvette wash unit comprising a cleaning needle assembly, a straight guide pair, a slide screw pair, a motor, a trigger component associated with a cleaning needle of the cleaning needle assembly in a manner to move with that cleaning needle, and a sensor used to sense the position of the trigger component. When the trigger component moves to a predetermined position, the sensor is triggered and sends a signal to a controller such that the controller controls in a manner to stop the motor. Each of cleaning needle components further comprises a sheath holder and an elastic member. The elastic member is designed to provide an elastic contact while the cleaning needles touch the bottom surface of the reaction cuvette, such that a relatively small force is exerted upon the bottom of the reaction cuvette, thereby effectively protecting the reaction cuvette from damage.

Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus 10 has a plurality of fluid handling subassemblies 16 arrayed on a plate body 12. Each of the fluid handling subassemblies includes: an injecting section 26 for injecting a fluid; a fluidized section 28 for allowing the fluid to continuously flow downwards; a fluid housing chamber 30 for receiving the fluid from the fluidized section; a wall portion 20 formed between the fluid housing chamber and the fluidized section; slits 20b for allowing the fluid to enter the fluid housing chamber; and a surface-area increasing means 22 for increasing the area of a contact surface with the fluid in the fluidized section. The slits extend from a lower end positioned in the vicinity of the lower end of the fluidized section, to an upper end higher than the upper end of the fluidized section, for allowing the injecting section and fluidized section to be communicated with the fluid housing chamber.