Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously performing at least two assays using certain reagents for a plurality of liquid samples on a continuous analytical system is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one reagent in a first reaction container to form a first assay reaction for each liquid sample, and combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one of the other reagents in a second reaction container to form a second assay reaction for each liquid sample. The method further comprises the steps of incubating the assay reactions of each assay being conducted at least one time, and performing other activities associated with each assay and using the first and second assay reactions to complete each assay, including analyzing the incubated assay reactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically identifying, handling, tracking, and processing dried blood samples in HIV-1 testing are disclosed. Dried blood samples are punched from test cards into incubation receptacles for incubation and further testing. Optionally, the location on the test card to be punched may be manually, semi-automatically or automatically selected, ranked, and punched in order of preference. Test results corresponding to a particular test subject are automatically tracked and reported while maintaining the anonymity of the subject.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus has a transfer device having a movable gripper, a pipetting device having a movable nozzle and a measuring unit. One of a plurality of tips arranged on a tip rack and one of a plurality of vessels arranged on a vessel rack are held by the gripper to be set in a tip holder. A nozzle pushes the tip on the tip holder to connect to the tip. A sample and reagents are delivered into a vessel on the tip holder by the tip connected to the nozzle. The used tip is detached from the nozzle. The vessel containing a reaction mixture is transferred to a sucking position with the gripper after incubation, and the reaction mixture is introduced into the measuring unit. The used vessel is transferred to a waste box with the gripper.

Abstract: continuous flow analysis system measures the cholesterol distribution among different lipoprotein classes in a blood sample. A blood plasma sample is separated into different lipoprotein classes by single vertical spin density gradient ultracentrifugation. The sample is then introduced in a continuous succession into a reagent stream which flows continuously through a detector. A sensor detects the end of the sample in a sample stream before it is introduced into said reagent stream. A wash solution is introduced into the sample stream in response to detection of the end of said sample. The wash solution back flows through the sample stream into the sample container to wash any residue and/or air bubbles from the sample stream. After a predetermined time period, the sample stream is closed and the process is repeated for the next sample.

Abstract: A dry chemical analysis film deposited with a sample liquid is inserted into an incubator to be incubated at a predetermined temperature, a coloring reaction of the chemical analysis film is measured after the incubation and then the chemical analysis film is discharged from the incubator. A plurality of chemical analysis films are subjected to these steps one by one after the preceding chemical analysis film is discharged from the incubator.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line. A detector housing is provided having a cavity therein. The detector housing has first and second openings into the cavity. The flow line is attached to the detector housing establishing a flow path through the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening, respectively. A pressure detector detects changes in pressure within the cavity, indicating the presence of an obstruction.

Abstract: A sample segment including a body and wells formed therein, selected wells including a flat exterior surface surrounding a tapered end. The sample segment may retain selected reagents, and a sealing cover is held by ribs, stretched and pressed against raised bosses formed around the well openings to provide a sure seal. The bosses are discontinuous between adjacent wells. Selected wells may contain a free mixing element for enhanced mixing. The segment is uniquely adapted for automated handling and processing.

Abstract: The method for automatic testing of a laboratory specimen of the present invention includes the initial step of obtaining a specimen to be tested and placing the specimen in a specimen container. Information regarding the specimen and any tests to be conducted thereon is entered into a computerized laboratory information system (LIS) which is connected to and communicates with a laboratory automation system (LAS) software. The specimen container is inserted in a specimen carrier, and the carrier marked with an identification code which uniquely identifies the specimen and, by virtue of the identification code, the tests to be conducted thereon. The specimen contained within the specimen carrier is entered into the LAS at a receiving station, which reads the identification code and thereby determines:1. If tests which require process/steps which can run at variety of workstations;2. If tests can have certain steps merged in an effort to ensure that they are carried out properly;3.

Abstract: A holder of slide test elements for use in an analyzer at a sample-dispensing station, the holder comprising two opposing holding surfaces for holding generally horizontally a slide test element at opposite side edges of the test element, and a tower extending above the holding surfaces for generally centering a dispensing tip above a held slide test element. The holder is improved in that one of the holding surfaces of the holder extends at least sufficiently for underneath a slide test element held by the holding surfaces to be disposed under an approximate center of the held test element, and includes a raised reference surface located under, and disposed for abutting against, an under-surface of the held slide test element, so that a held slide test element is prevented by the raised reference surface from warping downwardly away from a dispensing tip in the tower.

Abstract: A reaction vessel having a platform and a plurality of wells extending below the platform from openings in the platform. A support skirt extending below the platform by an opening therein, secures a cuvette to the reaction vessel. At the rear of the reaction vessel, a reaction vessel tab is disposed below the reaction vessel for facilitating transport of the reaction vessel through the automated analytical system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel shuttle which can be used, for example, for moving reaction vessels to or from an assay resource station in an automated chemical analyzer. The vessel shuttle has a plurality of movable plates including first and second vessel carrying plates adapted to move cooperatively with respect to one another to advance a vessel stepwise along a linear path without net motion of the first and second vessel carrying plates as the vessel is advanced one step. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second vessel carrying plates each comprise a plurality of fingers defining recesses for receiving vessels and the first vessel carrying plate is adapted to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vessels' linear path and the second vessel carrying plate is adapted to move rectilinearly both generally parallel to and generally perpendicular to that linear path.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods for detecting errors in a blood analysis system. The system includes a blood analyzer and a molded plastic rotor with a series of chambers and capillary channels through which blood is processed and distributed to cuvettes which contain lyophilized reagents. The rotor is placed in the analyzer which spins the rotor, and an optical system reads the cuvettes as light is flashed through the cuvettes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatically analyzing specimens are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay or reaction apparatus of modular construction permitting true random operation at the discretion of the user. The apparatus is an automated multi-test capability assay or reaction apparatus (1) in modular form, comprising a reagent and an assay sample storage module (2,3), an incubation module (11), a reaction detection/measurement module (17), and a module (16) for independently and, as desired, both transporting an incubation container (58) between the incubation module (11) and reaction detection/measurement module (17), and transferring reagent(s) and/or assay sample(s) between different modules without reagent(s) and/or assay sample(s) intended for different tests or reactions.

Abstract: A blood analysis system or instrument, generally, including an incubator station, a sample and reagent holding station, a pipette assembly, a centrifuge, an analysis station, and a transport assembly. Generally, the incubation station holds containers while reagents and fluids are being dispensed in those containers, and, if desired, for incubating the containers. The sample and reagent holding station holds samples and a plurality of reagents, and the pipette assembly transfers fluids from that sample and reagent holding station to containers in the incubation station. The centrifuge is provided for centrifuging the container, and the analysis station is provided to analyze the containers optically to identify reactions therein. The transport assembly carries the containers between the incubator station, the centrifuge, and the analysis station.

Abstract: This invention provides an automated chemical analyzer with improved processing flexibility and ease. In one embodiment of this invention, the analyzer includes an incubation station, a wash station and a read station. The incubation station includes an elongated, movable track to carry reaction vessels along an incubation path, the wash station includes a movable track to carry vessels along a wash-cycle path, and the read station is adapted to move vessels along a read path. A first transfer station is positioned adjacent a first end of the wash-cycle path to transfer vessels from the incubation path to the wash-cycle path and a second transfer station is positioned adjacent a second end of the wash-cycle path and a first end of the read path for selectively transferring a vessel from the wash-cycle path to either the incubation path or the read path.

Abstract: An improved, automatic slide specimen staining apparatus. The apparatus includes a covered housing containing a plurality of baths, input and withdrawal drawers and a three direction slide racks transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is controlled in its movement of slide racks, from bath to bath between an initial position to a final position; the transport mechanism is under the control of a microprocessor control system programmed with a series of staining schedules that are operator selective for a given slide rack input from the initial position, the microprocessor control system interactively determining individual slide rack movement timing through selected baths.

Abstract: A conveyor and a method of providing a reaction cuvette using a conveyor, wherein a sensor is included to sense whether more than one cuvette is being conveyed. Because the cuvettes are received from a stack, one at a time, the sensor determines if two stacked cuvettes are present on the conveyor instead of one, by sensing the presence or absence of a cuvette projecting above the top of the desired cuvette.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out automatically in several successive steps an immunoassay of at least one biological substance in a plurality of biological samples, and the method and the reagents for the use of the said apparatus.

Abstract: A test strip overturning mechanism in an automated analyzer for arranging test strips such that the right sides thereof may face in one direction, which comprises: an overturning device having an arm portion with suction holes being formed thereon; and a motor connected to the overturning device via a rotary shaft, wherein the suction holes formed on the arm portion are aligned in a straight line with suction holes formed on a transportation stage, arranged in the direction orthogonal to the direction that the test strips are moved; and a turntable is disposed at the position corresponding to the location of the arm portion when the overturning device is turned 180.degree. around the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for an automated assay of a DNA probe, which is performed by hybridizing a nucleic acid in a sample with a DNA probe marked with an enzyme and optically measuring a change that occurs in the substrate by catalysis of the enzyme which is bound with the DNA probe. The DNA probe hybridizes with the nucleic acid in the sample to assay the nucleic acid in the sample. Comprising (A) a sample-reagent unit, (B) a sample-reagent dispense unit, (C) a reaction vessel transport unit, (D) a hybridization unit, (E) a B/F separation unit, and (F) a light measurement unit; also presented is a method for assaying a nucleic acid in a sample by the apparatus of the present invention. According to the measurement apparatus of the present invention, a continuous and highly precise measurement is attainable.

Abstract: In order to reduce liquid effluents and solid waste in an analysis chain receiving liquid samples contained in jugs (16), the proposal is to automate all the operations performed in analysis units or boxes (10a, 10b). Moreover, when the sampling operations necessary for the analyses have been carried out in the analysis units (10a, 10b), the jugs can be automatically dispatched to a recycling apparatus (52).

Abstract: An incubator assembly useful in a clinical analyzer having at least two incubators, each having a rotationally driven rotor assembly having a plurality of slide element holding stations, which incubators are stacked one above the other to define a substantially vertical arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, in which the incubators are of varying size, the smaller rotor assembly is horizontally offset so that the outside diameter of each rotor assembly is coincident in one location, preferably an input station, so that slide elements can be loaded into and removed more conveniently from either rotor assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for automatically transferring by pushing and pulling a reagent module onto and off of a rotor of modules. A surface of the module and the transfer mechanism are cooperatively shaped with a loose-fitting tongue and arcuate groove, both the tongue and groove having a curved extension along an arc concentric with the axis of rotation of the rotor, such that modules mounted on the rotor can be rotated off the transfer mechanism by sliding the tongue relative to the groove in a rotational direction. An additional groove is provided at an angle to said arcuate groove, along which the tongue or arcuate groove, whichever is on the transfer mechanism, reciprocates to push or pull a module into or out of the rotor.

Abstract: A chemical analysis film cartridge with a box-like casing body having first and second end walls opposed to each other between which a plurality of dry frameless chemical analysis film chips are stored in a stack. A first opening is formed in a side wall of the casing body near the first end wall so that only the film chip nearest the first end wall can be taken out of the casing body through the first opening by moving the film chip in a direction perpendicular to the stack. A second openings which permits a suction pad to hold the film chip nearest the first end wall and to remove it from the casing body through the first openings is formed in the first end wall. The width of the first opening is larger than the thickness of one film chip and smaller than double the thickness of one film chip over at least a portion of the first opening.

Abstract: A processing station for making a fluorescence polarization measurement on a sample in a cell under examination in a device for chemical and biochemical analysis, the analytical device containing a conveyor for conveying cells. In order to make fluorescence polarization measurements outside the conveyor, the processing station is separated from the conveyor and contains a measuring device means for making fluorescence polarization measurements on a sample in a cell, and an automatically controlled change-over and positioning device for removing individual cells from the conveyor, transferring a removed cell to a measuring position in the measuring device, and returning the cell to its original position on the conveyor after the measurement.

Abstract: An incubator and its cover are provided for an analyzer, and especially a mechanism for raising and lowering the cover. Such a mechanism includes a connector between the cover and incubator that allows the cover to be raised to a superimposed position, but not rotated. A pivot pin is mounted directly between the connector and the cover so that the cover can be pivoted relative to the connector to complete exposure of the incubator for access. A latch is provided on the connector for automatically latching the cover in the raised position as soon as the cover is pivoted in the plane at least part way from the superimposed position.

Abstract: A system for analyzing sample liquids using dry reagents which is particularly suitable for the determination of clinical parameters. The system includes an analysis instrument containing the individually sealed test elements to carry out an analytical test. Shape and nature of the test elements were designed to match the analysis system. The system is particularly suitable for analyses where the available test elements exhibit a low storage stability when brought into contact with the environment.

Abstract: An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample and reagents to a reaction vessel without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable to a processing workstation, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample are achieved during incubation.

Abstract: Pretreatment apparatus and process for analysis of sugar, the apparatus including a mechanical work hand which moves a vial containing a sample to various stations where reagents are added to the vial and where other pretreatment processes are performed on the sample. The pretreatment apparatus automatically controls the movement of the vial from one station to another and the various processes performed at each station, the processes including removal and storage of the vial's cap, addition of reagents into the vial, centrifugation and heating of the sample, and evaporation of excess reagents.

Abstract: In a first measurement stage, reaction solutions of samples are optically measured by a biochemical analyzer, and the measurement result of the analysis item which is an index of the disease status regarding the samples is compared with the check index. This check index is stored in memory beforehand. When the measurement result corresponds to the check index, the sample processing goes to a second measurement stage for measuring a specific item. In the second measurement stage, the sample is measured by an immuno-assay apparatus or a nucleic acid analyzer, and the measurement result is outputted.

Abstract: A test strip supply apparatus comprises a cylindrical container having an elongate test strip fitting penetration slot formed in its side wall, a container support having a semicylindrical concave surface formed in its upper portion and a test strip take-out hole formed at the center of the concave surface for allowing a test strip dropped from the penetration slot of the container to pass therethrough, and a test strip transfer stage for receiving the test strip dropped from the penetration slot and transferring it. A test strip reversing function is also provided such that during the transfer of the test strip by the transfer stage, optical means determines whether the test strip is placed facing properly or not and, if the back surface is on the upper side, the test strip is reversed upside down before further transfer.

Abstract: An automated analytical instrument for conducting assays for components of interest in fluid samples. The instrument includes a rotably mounted supply unit or segment adapted to hold a plurality of foil-sealed magazines containing assay modules, a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest using an assay module, an assay module transport assembly for transporting an assay module from a magazine in the supply unit to the testing system, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the automated analytical instrument.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the automatic examination of blood samples with one test station, in which blood is taken from a supply vessel and is fed through an aperture in a part held in an aperture holder. At least one test head is provided, to which is fed from a first magazine holder, supply vessels with blood, and from a second magazine holder, aperture holders are fed. After performance of at least one measurement on one aperture holder, the used aperture holder and the used supply vessel are removed from the test head and the test head is cleaned by a cleaning device.

Abstract: A sample container containing a urine sample is transferred by a sample positioning device to a liquid level sensing position. At this sensing position, the liquid level in the sample container is detected by a level sensor, followed by transfer of the sample container to a dipping position. A liquid level rising member is then inserted into the sample container. While being held by a handling device, a test strip is dipped into the sample in the sample container with the liquid level raised. Thereafter, the test strip is lifted out of the sample container and transferred to a measuring device. Color development in reagent sections on the test strip is measured by a photometer in terms of the reflected light strength. With the present invention, analysis using test strips can be implemented even when the sample volume into the sample container is small.

Abstract: An incubator comprises a rotor ring with two sets of apertures displaced along an arc of rotation, holding a cuvette in them. The apertures of one set are connected to an aperture of the other by a slot sized to allow passage of an elevator lead screw, but not a cuvette, between the apertures, the cuvette being raised on the top of the elevator during such passage. The elevator can also be used to move the cuvette into contact with a luminometer.

Abstract: Reaction segment for a colorimetric analyzer is removably mounted on a revolving plate of the analyzer so that the reaction vessels of the segment are brought one after the other into contact with a measuring device of the analyzer. The segment consists of transparent vertical reaction vessels which are rigidly fixed to a horizontal bar having connected thereto a horizontal plate to which is affixed a device for positioning and guiding into loading and unloading devices of the analyzer and into the opening of the revolving plate.

Abstract: A universal stripper plate for operating on a plurality of different types of collection containers or tubes. The universal stripper plate includes a universal button for aligning and seating the various tube stoppers or caps for piercing. The universal button is mounted onto a stripper plate, which can be driven into the tube seating/alignment, tube piercing and aspiration and tube release positions. The universal stripper plate also can include a bar code tab to provide a bar code reference and a piercing needle alignment for the various tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line. A detector housing is provided having a cavity therein. The detector housing has first and second openings into the cavity. The flow line is attached to the detector housing establishing a flow path through the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening, respectively. A pressure detector detects changes in pressure within the cavity, indicating the presence of an obstruction.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system has a chemical analysis film cartridge having a box-like casing for accommodating therein a plurality of chemical analysis films which are stacked in a predetermined direction. Each chemical analysis film is composed of a base and a reagent layer formed on the base. A spring is provided on the inner side of a first end wall of the casing and urges the stack of the chemical analysis films toward a second end wall of the casing, the first and second end walls being opposed to each other in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A luminescence measuring system comprises an apparatus for supplying samples located in separate test tubes. In the measuring chamber of a luminometer, the samples are in turn presented to a light detector, such as photomultiplier. Two mutually displaceable components, which are cup-shaped and fit into one another with the cup bottoms facing outwards, define the measuring chamber. The component shells are provided with holes which can be aligned by relative displacement of the components so as to admit the test tube into the luminometer and the measuring chamber and subsequently to discharge it therefrom under the action of gravity. The test tubes are conveyed to the luminometer by a sleeve-chain conveyor having a bottom with a through hole.

Abstract: An incubator and method of transfer in such incubator in an analyzer, wherein a simple transfer mechanism is provided for moving a cuvette from one incubator ring to another adjacent one. The mechanism comprises a shuttle disposed above said rotors, said shuttle having an aperture sufficiently large as to receive, but not retain by friction, one of said vessels, a mechanism for moving the shuttle and its aperture to traverse from one ring to the other, and a pusher member and mechanism for moving the pusher member to raise a cuvette from one ring into the shuttle. When the shuttle aperture aligns with the aperture of the other ring, a cuvette in the shuttle simply falls under the influence of gravity into the other ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing various solutions which are used in the production lines of various industrial fields. Particularly, in the case where the ingredients of a solution is to be analyzed, the test sample is taken in an automatic manner, and carried over a long distance. The carried test sample is subjected to an automatic pre-treatment and an automatic ingredient analysis. Thus the ingredients of a solution can be analyzed in a speedy and accurate manner. Further, the results of the analysis are treated with an on-line real time to be fed back in a speedy manner, and therefore, it is made possible to strictly control the solution ingredients, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of products. Furthermore, the expensive analyzing instruments can be protected from corrosion.

Abstract: A plurality of measuring modules are arranged on a table of a reaction part. The measuring module has one removable cell, and is provided with light sources and photodetectors. In proximity to the reaction part is a cell transfer part for mounting and dismounting the cell on and from the measuring module, a sampling probe for dispensing a sample into the cell, and a reagent probe for dispensing a prescribed reagent into the cell in response to a measurement item. A time from supply of each cell or dispensing of each sample to or in the reaction part to dispensing of a first reagent is controlled to be constant with no regard to the measurement items.

Abstract: An annular train of reaction vessels is formed on an intermittently rotatable turntable. In order to measure test items requiring different analysis times, samples and necessary reagents are successively added to the reaction vessels. The analysis times for the test items assigned to the respective reaction vessels are stored in association with positions or numbers of the reaction vessels. Reactions for the test items requiring different analysis times proceed in parallel on the turntable. The reaction vessel whose required analysis time has expired is renewed by a vessel renew device such as a washing device and prepared for receiving the next sample. When a sample for a test item requiring a short analysis time is added to a second reaction vessel after a sample for a test item requiring a long analysis time has been added to a first reaction vessel, the second reaction vessel is renewed earlier than the first reaction vessel.

Abstract: An analyzer and an elevator therein for moving a slide element from a distributor operating preferably in a single horizontal plane, to one of plural incubators disposed at different vertical levels. A drive mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the elevator, and a pusher is provided, such as a pusher blade within the elevator, to push a slide element from the distributor to a support in the elevator, and then into one of the incubators.

Abstract: A liquid sample automatic analyzer is achieved in which if any test strip is not placed at a photometric position for such a reason that a test strip automatic supply device has failed to supply the test strip, this failure is detected to enable automatic judgment on that the measured results of examination correspond to which samples. A presence/absence detector is provided in the test strip automatic supply device, and a pressure detector for detecting whether the test strip is gripped or not is provided in a grip device. Detection signals from the presence/absence detector and the pressure detector are supplied to a control unit. Based on those detection signals, the control unit determines a failure in taking out or gripping the test strip, if occurs.

Abstract: A novel fluid sampling device has been developed. This device provides for sample entry to be handled automatically by the instrument, thus allowing the operator to be involved in other activities while the sampling process is underway. It also assures reproduceable sample size, automatically cleans the sampling device between samples, and reduces the risk of user injury. Furthermore, the sampling system allows for the use of any forseeable collection mechanism.

Abstract: A processing station for making a fluorescence polarization measurement on a sample in a cell under examination in an apparatus for chemical and biochemical analysis, the analytical apparatus containing a conveyor for conveying cells. In order to make fluorescence polarization measurements outside the conveyor, the processing station is separated from, but is apt to mechanically communicate with, the conveyor and contains a measuring device means for making fluorescence polarization measurements on a sample in a cell, and an automatically controlled change-over and positioning device for removing individual cells from the conveyor, transferring a removed cell to the measuring position in the measuring device, and returning the cell to its original position on the conveyor after the measurement.