Abstract: A transport unit for carrying a plurality of lidded containers includes two parallel retaining plates, which have an arrangement of openings for retaining the lidded containers. The lidded containers are tubular containers with a closure lid at the top of the container which projects radially outward with respect to the container. Lidded containers of a group of lidded containers are held parallel to each other by the openings of one retaining plate, and lidded containers of another group of lidded containers are held parallel to each other by openings of the other retaining plate. The lidded containers of the one group are disposed oppositely aligned to the lidded containers of the other group and nested within each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a cartridge that includes slots for storing biosample capillary tubes. The cartridge has the same form factor as data tape cartridges to allow the cartridge to be handled by the same robotic mechanisms that handle data cartridges in an automated tape library. One aspect of the disclosure concerns a cartridge comprising an enclosure that includes a movable door to provide access to a tube holder in the enclosure. The tube holder includes cylindrical holes or slots for receiving capillary tubes which contain biosamples scanned and analyzed an automated tape library.

Abstract: A vessel holder assembly is provided. A vessel holder, for receiving one or more vessels, includes a first set of attachment features. A cap assembly, for covering the vessel(s) includes a second set of attachment features. Respective attachment features of the vessel holder and the cap assembly may be complementary, such that engagement between complementary attachment members results in an attachment between the cap assembly and the vessel holder. Such an attachment may be manually removable, or may be locked so as to require a tool, or other suitable method, for detaching the cap assembly from the vessel holder.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A test tube rack insert device includes a base configured to be inserted into a test tube receiving chamber in a test tube rack. A semi-cylindrical test tube support member is coupled to the base at an edge of the base. The test tube support member extends perpendicularly from the base. The test tube support member is coupled to the base such that an angle between the base and the test tube support member is decreased by an exertion of force on an outer surface of the test tube support member to securely engage a test tube inserted into the test tube receiving chamber. A test tube rack configured to house test tubes of varying size using the test tube insert device and a method of housing test tubes of varying size using the test tube insert devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample rack configured to hold receptacles and to be inserted into the structure below the cover includes a sample rack having receptacle-receiving pockets, each with a resilient element and a positioning feature for holding receptacles of varying sizes in a predetermined position within the receptacle receiving pocket, and a cover including features for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle.

Abstract: A sample vessel may include a segmented tubule and an interface receiving the tubule. The segmented tubule may include an opening for receiving a sample material and at least one compressible section, the at least one compressible section having a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact with one another, and at least two segments of the tubule being fluidically isolated from one another by a bonding of a fluid-tight seal between opposed sections of the tubule wall, wherein said fluid-tight seal irreversibly opens upon application of fluid pressure greater than a threshold value to permit selective fluid communication between the opposed sections. The interface may facilitate delivery of a sample material to the tubule through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample. The apparatus includes a source for emitting high intensity ultrasound waves and is adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber containing the liquid sample, wherein the high intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a focus position at or near a nucleation element extending at least partially into the chamber.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run: Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.

Abstract: A rack device for a sample distribution system includes a rack having receptacles for sample carriers and a rack carriage. The rack carriage and the rack can be solidly connected to one another by a latching device that can be released without the use of tools.

Abstract: Sample handling system for handling samples contained in tubes (4), each tube (4) having a hollow body, a closed bottom and an open top for accessing the sample contained in the tube (4). The system comprises a micro-plate (1) comprising at least one grid insert (2) having a plurality of compartments. Each compartment comprises one or more side walls laterally confining a through-hole for receiving a said tube (4). The through-hole has a top opening and a bottom opening and extends between the top opening and the bottom opening. A frame (3) to which the at least one separate grid insert (2) is to be attached to form the micro-plate (1). The frame (3) laterally confines a through-opening which is dimensioned to allow for accessing each compartment (21) of the attached at least one grid insert (2) from above and from below. This allows for moving such tube (4) into and out of each compartment (21) through each of the top opening (202) and the bottom opening (203) of the through-hole (201).

Abstract: A gripper unit for handling a vessel for receiving biological material is proposed, inter alia. The vessel has a lid which can assume an open position and a closed position. The gripper unit comprises a gripper for gripping and releasing the vessel, and a lid holder, for holding a lid in a defined position in relation to the vessel. The defined position is an open position of the lid.

Abstract: A method for assessing a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant, comprises providing a test kit comprising a first chamber containing an acid buffer and a solvent immiscible therein and a second chamber containing an indicator, the second chamber being in fluid communication with the first chamber and being configured such that retraction of the second chamber draws fluid into the first chamber and advancement forces fluid into the second chamber; drawing a coolant sample into the first chamber; contacting the coolant sample with the acid buffer and solvent in the first chamber and extracting the corrosion inhibitor into the solvent; allowing the solvent and buffer to separate in the first chamber; forcing a portion of the separated solvent into the second chamber; contacting the separated solvent with the indicator in the second chamber, and obtaining a visual indication of the presence of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant sample.

Abstract: An improved tube including a closure portion, a strap integrally connected to the closure portion and being configured for defining a living hinge, a body portion having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall generally circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and being integrally and hingedly connected with the closure portion by way of the strap. The body portion including a sample portion being generally elongated along the longitudinal axis and being configured for elastic deformation along a portion of its length, including in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis so that at least a portion of the wall structure compressively and resiliently deforms and engages a wall defining an opening in a sample block of a polymerase chain reaction amplification device, and the first outer wall dimension of the sample portion reduces to a smaller second outer wall dimension.

Abstract: A test tube holder holds various types of test tubes substantially perpendicular, and is structured to be durable against extraction and insertion of the test tubes. The test tube holder includes a housing part having a hollow portion, a holding part positioned on an upper side of the housing part and having an opening portion, which accepts a test tube, and a housing portion, which houses the accepted test tube. An elastic part is formed inside the holding part so as to abut on the housed test tube. The test tube holder has a weight housed inside the hollow portion. The holding part and the elastic part may be integrally formed. Inside the hollow portion of the housing part, besides the weight, an individual identification tag, an electromagnetic wave absorbent, and a support member for a tapered test tube can be housed in accordance with usage.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder for decomposition or extraction of a sample material, the sample holder comprising: a frame adapted to receive at least two open-ended sample recipients thereon for holding the sample material; and a rack cover releasably securable to the frame and comprising at least two compression caps to be positioned above the at least two open-ended sample recipients to form pressure-relief valves thereon.

Abstract: A rack for a plurality of capped tubes, including a frame having a longitudinally extending bottom base member having a row of spaced open top recesses adapted to receive the capped tubes. Vertical supports at the ends of the row of recesses fix a cover member above the base member. The cover member has openings therethrough smaller than the capped tubes. A wall is along one longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member, with the other longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member being open. The base member and cover member are vertically spaced a distance sufficient to permit tipped capped tubes to be moved into the frame with the tipped tubes then dropped into the recesses and tipped back to an upright vertical position.

Abstract: The system for management of racks and tubes position for clinical chemistry laboratories of the invention comprises tubes (10) capable of containing human biological material, a rack (20) configured for receiving and/or holding the tubes (10) to be stocked, a supporting base (30) configured for supporting the rack (20) thereon, reading means (50) configured for reading an identificator (RID) of the rack (20) to be put onto the supporting base (30) and an identificator (TID) of the tube to be put into the rack (20), a camera (40) for detecting the rack (20) on the supporting base (30), and at least one of the tubes (10) into the rack (20), a processing unit (60) for mapping the detected rack (20) into a plurality of allowed positions (Pi) and the detected tube (10) into a tube position (P) comprised in said plurality of allowed positions (Pi).

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A foldable specimen rack includes a foldable box that moves from a closed, storage position to an open in-use position. The foldable box may include and open box and open bottom when the box is in the open position. The foldable specimen rack may also include a removable insert member situated adjacent the open top of the foldable box. The removable insert member includes multiple specimen holder receiving slots. Different removable insert members may includes slots that accommodate different size specimen holders.

Abstract: A multiple cuvette strip comprises a plurality of wells and a reversible interlocking device. The well strips can be reversibly interlocked to other well strips to form a sample holder system. One embodiment of a well strip comprises a flange and a slot to form a reversible interlocking device.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive sample carrier carrying one or more samples for processing by the sample processing apparatus, and a thermal control system that controls a thermal cycling of the one or more samples for processing by the sample processing apparatus by selectively varying a pressure over a fluid in substantial thermal communication with the sample carrier, thereby varying a boiling point temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automatic analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method, for example, an immunoassay method, for separating out target molecules in a magnetic field and then analyzing those target molecules with a luminometer.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for processing fluids and to a fluid processing device (1) for use in a centrifuge comprising: (a) a first holder (14) form-fit to the shape of a first tube (18) for holding said first tube (18) whereby said first tube (18) has a first cross section (A1); and (b) a second holder (22) form-fit to the shape of a second tube (26) for holding said second tube (26) whereby said second tube (26) has a second cross section (A2) that is different from said first cross section (A1). With the fluid processing devices and the methods according to the invention, it is possible to simplify the centrifugal processing steps for a given fluid processing sequence and to automate them.

Abstract: Automated sample processing systems may include onboard efficient high-speed mixing of at least two components with an automatic vertical force fluidic turbulent component mixer of which a mixed component may be aspirated and high-speed dispensed in a mixing vial. Other aspects may include single sweep applying a multi-treatment cleaning cycle to at least one slide. A multi-treatment cleaning cycle may include a washing treatment and a drying treatment. In yet other aspects the present invention may include an automated recovery sample processing system with the capability of detecting at least one immediate condition of a fortuitously terminated automatic sample processing run and perhaps even an automatic terminated sample processing run reconstruction calculator.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting: a) a flat, flexible test tube holder ring and b) a mechanism to manipulate the angular orientation of the flat flexible test tube holder ring. The test tube holder ring includes: (1) an outer circumference, (2) an inner circumference, and (3) apertures to hold test tubes, wherein alternate apertures have circumferential walls to enable positioning the test tubes higher compared to their adjacent test tubes. The mechanism includes means to engage and to orient the angle of the test tube holder ring. When the angle of the means to engage the test tube holder ring is at one angle, the test tube holder ring is flat and planar, and when the angle of the means to engage the test tube holder is at a different angle the test tube holder ring has a conical shape.

Abstract: Magnetic rack system comprising a holder having trough-holes for receiving tubes, a base having a plurality of receptacles with at least one magnet, wherein trough-holes in the holder are arranged relative to the base such that each tube can be positioned in a respective receptacle in a pre-determined position relative to the magnet, and an adapter, wherein the adapter is designed to allow transmission of motion to the tubes (2) positioned in the holder (1).

Abstract: A reagent container pack for storing, preserving, and automatically unsealing and resealing a plurality of reagent containers in a reagent container pack on-board an automated clinical sample analyzer for analyzing analytes in a body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat retaining device for solving problematic adhesion of a container to the heat retaining device. The heat retaining device includes a supporting rod, a top plate, a bottom plate, a heat retaining body, and a supporting spring. A pressing force applied to the container contained in the hole of the heat retaining body compresses the supporting spring to move the heat retaining body downward along the supporting rod. Release of the pressing force moves the heat retaining body upward by an elastic force of the supporting spring until the heat retaining body comes into contact with the top plate.

Abstract: A tube strip handling and heating frame having a rectangular outer frame having two spaced longitudinal walls extending in a longitudinal direction, and two spaced lateral walls extending in a lateral direction and extending between respective ends of the longitudinal walls. The outer frame forms an enclosure having an open upper side and an open lower side. The frame also has a number of tube strip wells located inside the outer frame, each tube strip well has a slot elongated in the lateral direction, and each slot is configured to receive a respective tube strip through the open upper side and support the respective tube strip in a vertical direction. The tube strip wells are arranged in a series along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An automated sample tube blotting system having one or more rotating grippers, a supply of absorbent material, a transporter, and an absorbent material removal mechanism. Each rotating gripper has a respective holder configured to selectively mate with a respective interface on a tube strip, and the one or more rotating grippers are rotatable between a first position in which the tube strip is upright and a second position in which the tube strip is inverted. The transporter is configured to move the rotating gripper in a lateral direction from a starting location to a location above the absorbent material, and in a vertical direction towards and away from the absorbent material.

Abstract: An automated sample tube decanting system having one or more decanting grippers, a decant waste receptacle, a transporter, and means for rotating the decanting gripper. Each decanting gripper has a respective holder configured to selectively mate with a respective interface on a tube strip. The one or more decanting grippers are rotatable between a first position in which the tube strip is upright and a second position in which the tube strip is inverted. The transporter is configured to move the one or more decanting grippers in a lateral direction from a starting location to a location above the decant waste receptacle.

Abstract: A specimen rack can be used for specimen containers irrespective of kinds thereof and irrespective of whether or not the specimen containers are rotated. An adapter is used for an automatic analyzer and a specimen pre-processing device and is adapted for a specimen rack capable of holding specimen containers. The adapter is provided with a specimen rack mounting section inserted and fixed to an adapter insertion section of a specimen rack body, a specimen container positioning section for holding the specimen containers, and a sleeve.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided for orientating a plurality of laboratory sample cassettes (2) each having a marking surface (3) disposed on a main body (4) of the cassette (2). A cassette (2) is held by a clamp so that a printer can print on the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2). When the cassette (2) is released from the clamp, it is moved via a belt (13) to an opening (20) of a rotatable structure (15) in a cassette receiving position. When the cassette (2) has been received in the opening (20), the rotatable structure (15) is rotated so that the opening (20) is moved to a cassette releasing position. A rack (23) is positioned beneath the rotatable structure (15) in order to receive the cassette (2) from the rotatable structure opening (20) when the opening (20) is in its cassette releasing position. The cassette (2) is received into a rack slot (24) so that the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2) is at the top of the cassette (2).

Abstract: A tube sorter comprising: a rack stocker configured to have stocked therein a sample rack capable of holding one or more sample tubes; a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a tube conveyor configured to perform an unloading operation of unloading a sample tube from a sample rack that was transported by the transporting section and a loading operation of loading the sample tube onto a sample rack supplied from or stocked in the rack stocker; and a rack conveyor configured to convey an empty sample rack or a sample rack to be emptied to the rack stocker, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a breakable multi-specimen storage vessel. The vessel comprises a tubular container comprising a lower end and an upper end. At least said upper end has an open end opening. The length of said container is continuously formed and provided with break portions at predetermined positions alongside thereof. Said container is adapted to be broken into a plurality of specimens. Further, an external surface of said container may be provided with a screw thread. Said screw thread is provided extending longitudinally along substantially the entire length of said tubular container and said internal surface is substantially smooth. The invention further relates to a break tool for breaking off specimens from a multi-specimen storage vessel such as a storage vessel according to the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample is provided. The apparatus includes a source and is adapted to receive a cartridge in such a way, that the apparatus focuses the HIFU waves emitted from the source onto a liquid air interface that is present within the cartridge. This focusing is performed when the cartridge is inserted into a receiving section of the apparatus.

Abstract: A syringe, defined by a cylinder and by a piston slidingly engaged in the cylinder itself, is actuated after having inserted the cylinder within a gripper and having axially fed the syringe through the gripper so as to move an outer flange of the cylinder into contact with the gripper and/or the piston in a stop position within the cylinder.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: A tube rack generally includes two or more rows of wells and at least one coupling member for coupling a pair of rows. The rows extend substantially parallel to one another. Each coupling member is configured to adjust a distance between the pair of rows as the rows of wells are separated or pushed together, thereby enabling the tube rack to expand and contract.

Abstract: A sample presentation device for radiation-based analytical equipment comprising a mounting base, a carrier carried by, and adjustable in position, relative to the mounting base, and an arm extending from the carrier and having at its opposite end a terminal member; Each of the carrier and terminal member has a coaxial connector for receiving two opposite end regions of a capillary tube that forms, in use, a reaction cell; A radiant heater, typically an infrared heater, is radially offset from the axis of the coaxial connectors for heating, in use, a capillary tube mounted by way of the coaxial connectors; The carrier and terminal member preferably have heaters associated therewith for heating the flow passages through them; The terminal member preferably has a passage generally coaxial with the connector for receiving a communications conductor carrying a temperature sensor at its end that is operatively located generally centrally within a capillary.

Abstract: In a cassette for test tubes for use e.g. in a fraction collector the test tubes are kept in a fixed position by means of flexible springs arranged on an adjustable hold and release plate, which, when moved to its release position, releases the test tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a test tube in which insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction is performed includes a heat sink and a tube rack. The heat sink has a main body with a through hole for insertion of the test tube. The through hole has a relatively big diameter section and a relatively small diameter section located below the relatively big diameter section. The tube rack is mounted on the heat sink for insertion of the test tube. The apparatus can ensure that the temperature at the liquid level of the reaction mixture is lower than the temperature suitable for conducting the primer annealing step in the polymerase chain reaction process.

Abstract: A decapping/recapping device for removing closures from sample tubes and for reclosing sample tubes with the same closures is presented. The device comprises individual closure holders, each holder comprising a passive closure gripper for holding a closure, at least one actuator for actuating the passive closure gripper when removing a closure from a tube or reclosing a tube with its respective closure and at least one tube gripper cooperating with the at least one actuator for biasing a tube and its closure away from each other when removing the closure and for biasing the tube and its closure towards each other when reclosing the tube. One actuator is coupled to one passive closure gripper of a closure holder when removing a closure from a tube or when reclosing a tube with its respective closure and is decoupled from a passive closure gripper when the closure holder is holding a closure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent slot, a sample tray and a combination kit used in biochemical test; this reagent slot is used to be mounted in the sample tray. Specifically, the reagent slot has a main frame which has plural holding holes, and the sample tray includes a plate portion, which is equipped with plural inserting holes and plural inserting slots, and a support portion which is used to support the plate portion.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.