Abstract: A cyclic capillary electrophoresis device includes a capillary channel that forms a closed loop. The capillary channel comprises an inner half facing toward a space enclosed by the loop, where the inner half having an inner wall of first charge density, and an outer half facing away from the space enclosed by the loop, where the outer half having an inner wall surface of second charge density. A difference between the first and the second charge densities exists or can be turned on. The difference is configured to create a smaller average electroosmotic flow velocity in the inner half than in the outer half.

Abstract: A droplet generating method includes the steps of providing a micro-pipe having an outlet end; providing a liquid driving device to generate a flow of a first liquid; locating and positioning the micro-pipe which extends along a vertical longitudinal axis; connecting the liquid driving device with the micro-pipe so that the first liquid flows and is emitted out from the outlet end; providing a container, which is positioned at least in-part below the micro-pipe and adapted to contain a second liquid including a liquid surface disposed at a position located between a highest and a lowest positions; and either vertically or horizontally vibrating the micro-pipe, and thereby forming a plurality of droplets of the first liquid emitted from the outlet end at a position below the liquid surface of the second liquid.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided that is configured to measure a biomarker value of an animal milk sample, including a cassette including a carrier tape having test zones indicating the biomarker value, and an inspective window. The carrier tape is disposed on first and second spools configured to cooperate with a cassette external motor. The arrangement also includes a service module including a camera configured to inspect the test zone, a motor configured to be engaged with a cassette spool, and a tube element configured to provide the milk sample to the test zone.

Abstract: A diagnostic tester for analysing a body fluid includes a test tape having test zones configured to receive the body fluid. The tester further includes a chamber configured to contain the test tape and a seal. The tester further includes an opening of the chamber which is at least partially bordered by the seal. The tester further includes a face on the chamber that borders the opening, at least part of the face being formed by the seal. The tester further includes a closing leaf spring sealed onto the face, the closing leaf spring shielding the opening from an environment outside the chamber. The tester further includes an exit gap formed between the closing leaf spring and the seal through which the test tape is configured to exit the chamber.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a droplet dispensing apparatus include a droplet ejecting array having a plurality of nozzles from which solution can be ejected into a microplate on a baseplate, a sensor configured to detect a solution amount in the microplate, and a controller configured to detect that a nozzle in the plurality of nozzles is malfunctioning during a solution ejection process based on an initial solution amount in the microplate and a final solution amount in the microplate as detected by the sensor, and control a supplemental droplet dispensing operation in which an additional solution amount is ejected into the microplate based on the initial solution amount and the final solution amount in the microplate.

Abstract: Provided is a portable urine analysis device including: a main housing including: a tray including a tray driving unit in which a strip is loaded to introduce and withdraw the strip, wherein the strip that is completely analyzed is dropped via the tray, and a urine analysis module analyzing urine of the strip to generate urine analysis information; a sub-housing coupled under the main housing and including an accommodation box which is slidable while the accommodation box has a space that temporarily stores the dropped strip; and a support supporting the sub-housing. According to the portable urine analysis device, urine is analyzed by using the strip as a medium, portability is reinforced with a compact and slim structure, and a completely analyzed strip is disposed of hygienically.

Abstract: Maintenance carriers can include one or more tools to perform a maintenance operation. These carriers may include removable cartridges that include the tool or consumables, such as a cleaning fluid, compressed gas, or disposable items. Maintenance carriers can also be configured to move along with other carrier traffic in the automation system and may be selectively deployed.

Abstract: A method for processing a biological material sample includes dispensing a sample into wells of an array tape from a sample plate, dispensing a reagent into the wells of the array tape from a reagent plate, and sealing the sample and the reagent in the array tape. The method further includes cooling the array tape and detecting biological material in the wells of the array tape.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for reagent cards having a leading end, a trailing end and a length between the leading end and the trailing end comprises a travel surface assembly having a card travel surface and an edge. A test analyzing mechanism is adjacent to the travel surface, and a waste receptacle is adjacent to the edge below the travel surface. The waste receptacle has a side and a waste cavity. A ramp member positioned below the travel surface has an end and a sloped surface, and is movable between an extended position where the sloped surface extends into the waste cavity, and a retracted position where the end is spaced from the side a distance greater than the length of the reagent card. A moving mechanism operably coupled with the ramp member is configured to move the ramp member between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing and analyzing a plurality of cell suspensions (5) comprising at least the following successive steps: (a) loading a plurality of bottles (4) onto a reception plate (6), each bottle (4) comprising a cell suspension (5) to be analyzed; (b) loading a plurality of analysis containers (32, 34, 36) onto the reception plate (6); and (c) taking a sample of a cell suspension (5) from a bottle (4) and depositing this sample in an analysis container (34, 36); wherein step (c) is repeated for each bottle (4) to be analyzed. Step (c) of taking a sample of a cell suspension from a bottle (4) and depositing this sample in an analysis container (34, 36) comprises at least one step of breaking up the cell clusters by virtue of pipetting distribution means (20). The invention also relates to an automated device for implementing this process.

Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.

Abstract: The discharge device includes a nozzle unit, a storage unit for supplying a pressure transmission medium under regulated pressure to the nozzle unit side, a pressurization unit for supplying a pressurized gas under regulated pressure to the storage unit side, a pump mechanism, a branch unit for communicating the nozzle unit, the storage unit, and the pump mechanism with each other, a discharge valve for establishing or blocking communication between the branch unit and the nozzle unit, and a supply valve for establishing or blocking communication between the branch unit and the storage unit. In a state of the discharge valve being closed and the supply valve being opened, the pressurized gas under pressure regulated by the pressurization unit is supplied to the storage unit side and the pressure transmission medium in liquid phase under pressure regulated by the storage unit is supplied to the supply valve side.

Abstract: A specimen transporter for transporting a specimen plate to a specimen imaging apparatus, where one side of the smearing pate is a smearing surface. The specimen transporter including a specimen transport section that transports the specimen plate to the specimen imaging apparatus. A posture changing section receives the specimen plate from the specimen imaging apparatus with the smearing surface facing upward, and changes the posture of the specimen plate so that one end side in a longitudinal direction of the received specimen plate is positioned above the other end side. A specimen inserting section inserts the specimen plate, having the changed posture, into a plate storage rack.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tape cassette having a reeled-up carrier tape that carries at least one type of functional elements, namely test elements and/or puncturing elements, that are arranged at a distance from each other in a tape direction. The distances in the tape direction from a functional element to the next functional element of the same type change periodically in space at a period P. Moreover, there is disclosed a method for manufacture of a tape cassette of this type.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a volume of fluid includes at least one emitter configured to project a signal toward a predetermined position of a sample container, at least one receiver configured to receive the signal after the signal interacts with the sample container and a fluid transfer device in communication with the receiver and sample container. A change in the signal received by the receiver indicates when the fluid has dropped below the predetermined position. The apparatus determines a volume of fluid that the fluid transfer device has removed from the sample container when the receiver detects that the fluid has dropped below the predetermined position.

Abstract: A sample is cleaned up for spectroscopic analysis by receiving a slide substrate having the sample thereon, fixing the sample to a substrate surface of the slide substrate by applying heat to the slide substrate for a predetermined heating time and incubating the sample on the slide substrate for a predetermined incubation time after fixing the sample to the slide substrate. The sample is further cleaned by washing the sample on the slide substrate after the sample has been incubated and drying the sample by applying heat to the slide substrate for a predetermined drying time, wherein the sample on the slide substrate after drying has retained particles of interest and interferant particles are removed from the substrate. A substrate is also provided for sample collection, which is culturable and Raman silent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grünwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grünwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.

Abstract: A device (600) for performing at least part of an analytical process comprises a communicator (605) to facilitate communication with the device, and a data handler (610) to handle data of the analytical process and/or the device. In an embodiment, the device (600) is a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device. A method for performing at least part of an analytical process using a device comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a sample into the device; (b) handling data associated with the test using a data handler of the device; and (c) facilitating communications about the test using a communicator of the device. In another embodiment, the method is performed using a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A sampling system for collecting a liquid sample, having at least one analytic auxiliary means is proposed. The sampling system has a coupling element for coupling onto the analytic auxiliary means and at least one drive unit for driving a movement of the coupling element from a rest position into a deflected position. The drive unit comprises an energy transducer which is designed to generate a rotational movement with different rotational directions. The drive unit furthermore has a coupling device with at least one rotational-direction sensitive element, wherein the coupling device is designed to couple the energy transducer to a first system function in a first rotational direction, and to couple said transducer to a second system function which differs from the first system function in a second rotational direction which differs from the first rotational direction.

Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample. The device has an opening for introducing the liquid sample into a first chamber for collecting the liquid sample, and a second chamber connected to the first chamber by a passageway and containing a test element. The device also has a third chamber connected to the second chamber by a channel and containing a movable member having first and second positions. The third chamber is divided by the movable member into first and second zones, and the first zone has a vent hole. The movable member is in contact with at least one wall of the third chamber to prevent gas communication between the first and second zones.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained assay facility built in a modified standard shipping container that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.

Abstract: A method including automatically displaying information obtained from a first identifier associated with a slide and a second identifier associated with a reagent cartridge. The method further including generating a staining log based on the information obtained from the first identifier and the second identifier. A further method includes displaying a location of a slide within a sample processing system and information obtained from a first identifier associated with the slide in a first table and displaying a location of a reagent cartridge within a sample processing system and information obtained from a second identifier associated with the reagent cartridge in a second table. The first table is then aligned with the second table.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass plate (2) for use in a device (1) for stretching sample sections having a sectioning knife, the glass plate (2) being arranged at the back (3) of the sectioning knife in such a way that a defined gap (4) for reception of the sectioned sample is formed between the back (3) of the sectioning knife and the plate (2), the glass plate (2) possessing, at least on one of its longitudinal sides (21, 22), edges (211, 212; 221, 222) ground and polished to optical flatness.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a plurality of processing stations. Each processing station includes a plurality of tissue receiving areas that are each configured to accommodate a tissue sample as well as physically isolate that tissue sample from other tissue samples at other receiving areas of the same processing station. Each processing station is configured to separately and individually process the tissue sample at each receiving area to either reduce or eliminate any potential for cross-contamination between the tissue samples undergoing processing at the same processing station. For each receiving area of each processing station, the system is configured to immerse a tissue sample at a particular receiving area in processing fluid for a pre-determined time according to a pre-defined protocol that is based upon parameters of that tissue sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hand-held analysis device for analyzing a body fluid in which in each case at least one test means for single use is automatically provided in consecutive measuring cycles by means of a control device where each measuring cycle in a measuring mode of the control device is triggered by a start actuation. According to the invention it is proposed that a defined control intervention puts the control device into a maintenance mode in which the automatic provision of a test means is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) includes a device (20) for moving at least one compartment (2) in the apparatus, the compartment forming a support for tubes (3), which apparatus further includes elements (50) for taking a specimen of a product contained in the tubes, the movement device (20) including elements (21) for guiding the compartment during movement of the compartment and further including stirring members (27) for the guiding elements, the movement device being mounted on a chassis (4) of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transport unit for transporting a sample container to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining measurement item information indicating a measurement item of the sample contained in the sample container; and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the second measurement unit when a first measurement item and a second measurement item different from the first measurement item are indicated in the measurement item information, and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit when the first measurement item is indicated and the second measurement item is not indicated in the measurement item information.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for attaching an RFID tag to a memory cassette for tissue specimens and a memory cassette for tissue specimens having the RFID tag attached thereto, in which the RFID tag is attached to the memory cassette for tissue specimens and the RFID tag operates stably even when the memory cassette having the RFID tag attached thereto comes in contact with chemicals or is submerged in various chemical solutions. The method includes forming the memory cassette for tissue specimens provided on an inclined plane of a front surface of a body with an RFID tag insertion groove, inserting the RFID tag into the RFID tag insertion groove provided on the inclined plane of the body, and attaching a protective cap onto the top of the inclined plane of the body in which the RFID tag is inserted into the RFID tag insertion groove, and coupling the protective cap to the inclined plane of the body by ultrasonic welding to adhere the RFID tag to the body of the memory cassette for tissue specimens.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus is described, which is suitable for the withdrawal of portions of biological material from a parent test tube (1), mobile in a conveyor (6) of a test tube transport plant by means of transport devices (8) of single test tubes, to be loaded in one or more child test tubes (2) countermarked beforehand with suitable identification means and to be sent to different biological material analysis instruments interfaced to said transport plant.

Abstract: A controller for an automated immunoassay system is provided to manage the system resources and control the flow of samples under test. The controller allows tests to be run dynamically instead of in a serial, first in first out flow. The controller evaluates the set of tests to be run and generates a sequencing strategy. The sequencing strategy is based on the paths specified for each type of assay, the numbers of tests to be run, the priority of each test and the resources required for each test. In addition, the controller can resolve resource allocation conflicts and modify the sequencing strategy as test conditions change during operation.

Abstract: A lancing system comprising a lancing elements carrier tape carrying a plurality of lancing elements, a tape transport unit for moving the lancing elements consecutively into a usage position by transporting the lancing elements carrier tape, a lancing drive for causing a lancing element located in the usage position to perform a lancing movement, and test elements with detection reagents for analyzing a body fluid sample obtained by a puncture is presented. Additionally, a test elements carrier tape is provided, which carries the test elements. The lancing elements carrier tape and the test element carrier tape are located on top of one another with tape sections that carry unused test elements or unused lancing elements.

Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into a slot in the protective sheath and is held into place by retainers running on the interior face of the protective sheath. A paraffin block cassette accepts a paraffin block and slides into a sample block sleeve holder disposed on one edge of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated opening/closing of one or more fluid containers is presented. Each container comprises an opening and a cap for closing the opening. The cap is pivotable with respect to the container body so as to open or close the container. A mount and a carriage supported by the mount by a translating mechanism bidirectionally translate the carriage with respect to the mount. The carriage comprises a base portion and a pivoting portion supported by the base portion by a pivoting mechanism that bidirectionally pivots the pivoting portion with respect to the base portion. The pivoting portion has a contact member that contacts a projecting portion of the cap of each of the fluid containers while pivoting the pivoting portion so as to open and optionally close the opening. A drive is coupled to the carriage for translating the base portion and pivoting the pivoting portion.

Abstract: A test tape device is disclosed herein for use with a replaceable analytical tape cassette, where the device includes a housing having a cassette compartment covered by a cassette door and a housing opening for sample application, a protective cover that can be moved between a closed position covering the housing opening and a release position allowing access to the housing opening and a door lock for retaining the cassette door in the closed position, wherein the protective cover is coupled with the door lock via an interlocking mechanism, such that the door lock can only be unlocked in the release position of the cover.

Abstract: An interface apparatus between a pneumatic mail system and a feeding system of biological products to a laboratory automation system is described, the apparatus comprising a capsule suitable for being conveyed in a pneumatic mail system which accommodates therein one or more biological material containers, said capsule opening and connecting to a device for transferring said biological material containers contained in said capsule into at least one recruiting device of said biological product containers, said at least one recruiting device being used to load said containers of biological products into a positioning device interfaced with a gripping device of said biological product container for transferring said biological product container on an automatic conveyor belonging to a laboratory automation system. Said capsule has an inner chamber containing foam elements adapted to withhold said biological product containers present in said capsule.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: A method for fixation of organic tissue samples includes immersing a tissue sample in a solution of Formalin at a temperature of between 2° C. and 10° C. for a first time period (A), and immersing the tissue sample in a cold fixation dehydrating agent for a second time period (B) following the first time period. An automated tissue fixation system for fixating organic tissue samples in Formalin is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve structure for a microfluidic channel, where the valve serves the opening and closing of a channel (8) on a second level raised through channel pillars from the plane of the microfluidic channel network at the first level of a base plate (1), and where the channel wall is formed of a resilient material. The valve structure consists of a base plate (1) part, of protruding supporting walls (3, 3?) belonging to the base plate (1) and of a resilient part (7) between the supporting walls (3, 3?), within which the channel (8) is formed, and it consists furthermore of pressing appliances (9, 9?) situated on the two sides of the channel, as well as of displacement appliance (10) ensuring the movement of the pressing appliances in the direction of the mid-line of the channel (8).

Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.

Abstract: A tape cassette for a medical handheld device is disclosed as comprising a carrier tape, which carries test fields for assaying a sample of a human or animal bodily fluid and/or lancets as functional elements, a supply chamber, in which a supply section of the carrier tape comprising unused functional elements is positioned, a winding unit, in order to wind up the carrier tape and draw it through a tape exit opening of the chamber, so that the functional elements may be brought sequentially into a usage position. The carrier tape in the tape exit opening is oriented transversely to the supply section positioned in the supply chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diagnostic tape unit with a test tape that can be wound onto a spool which comprises a transport tape and a plurality of test elements mounted thereon, where the test elements have an analytical reagent layer, a carrier foil supporting the reagent layer and a piece of adhesive tape connecting the carrier foil with the transport tape, and where the front side of the reagent layer facing away from the carrier foil is designed for the application of a sample substance. According to the invention it is proposed that the test elements in combination with the light transmitting transport tape in each case form an optical multi-layer system for a rear-side reflection-photometric measurement of the reagent layer.

Abstract: A cell isolation instrument includes: a first container which has an opening in an upper portion; a filtration member which defines at least a part of a lower portion of the first container; an isolation member which is movably housed in the first container to collide with a tissue, thereby isolating cells; and a second container which houses the first container in a manner that the first container can be taken out.

Abstract: Hand-held analytical devices are provided for blood sugar tests. The devices can incorporate a replaceable test tape cassette having a test tape with a plurality of analytical aids and have a tape drive having a DC motor and gearing that can be coupled to the test tape cassette for successive provision of the analytical aids. The devices also include a control device for rotational speed control of the DC motor. Methods also are provided for operating such hand-held analytical devices.

Abstract: A holding unit pivotally holds a plurality of reagent bottles which store reagents. A reagent case houses the holding unit and has an edge higher than at least the housed holding unit. The reagent cover is a cover for closing the reagent case. A cooling unit is mounted on one outer surface of the reagent case and cools air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover through one outer surface. A circulating unit is mounted on the holding portion and circulates the cooled air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape cassette is disclosed that includes an analytical test tape, a supply spool for winding off unused test tape and a take-up spool for winding used test tape, a housing and a rotational lock for the take-up spool at least against inadvertent unwinding of test tape. The rotational lock includes one of a locking teeth arrangement, friction elements, and a catch spring and spring latch arrangement.