Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating and discharging a specific volume of liquid sample, such as specimen and reagent, has a reaction plate serving a holding function and having a plurality of reaction containers, is provided which is low in cost and compact in design. On one side of a belt applied on two pulleys driven by one driving source an arm for holding a pipet is provided, while a reaction plate holding part is mounted on the other side of the belt (112), thereby constructing an apparatus for aspirating and discharging a liquid sample. When the arm ascends, the holding part descends, and when the arm descends, the holding part ascends. Thus, the arm and holding part are moved mutually in opposite directions by one driving source.

Abstract: A dependable cost-effective clinical analyzer machine provides an efficient and easy-to-use diagnostics instrument and process to accurately, rapidly and automatically test and analyze samples in test packs for an analyte. In the clinical analyzer machine, remote-controlled trams transport test packs containing loading/unloading station to a processing/testing station via a carousel and vice versa. In the processing station, a special processor with mechanically-operated rollers mixing shoes, wastegate assembly, magnets, clamp plate and a thermal sealer, process samples in test packs with various reagents to detect an analyte. The carousel holds the test packs during incubation periods and rotates the tested disposable packs past an optical reader which optically senses the presence of an analyte in the sample. Bar code readers are provided to assist in identification of the test pack, patient and sample.

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: The present invention relates to an integrated analytical system which includes a plurality of remote laboratories and a central monitoring station. The remote laboratories include a specimen analysis member and a plurality of peripheral devices. The central monitoring station includes a computer for controlling predetermined functions of the peripheral devices. A local area network provides communication between each of the remote laboratories and the central monitoring station. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The system employs a robot which is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions.The mechanical functions include manipulating an analytical instrument, transporting the specimens to be analyzed through a variety of locations, and the manipulation of the container in which the specimen is housed.

Abstract: A method of and a robotic system for preparing product samples to be analyzed at a later time has a plurality of processing stations in different locations. Each station performs a different function of a process for preparing a product sample for later chemical analysis. A robot moves a first container between a container storage area and a prepared sample area for storing in a second container a product sample which has been prepared for analysis and in which the robot moves the first container from the container storage area to each of the processing stations in a predetermined sequence and then removes some of the prepared product sample from the first container and dispenses it into the second container which is located in the prepared sample area. A specific application of such a robotic sample preparation system is disclosed for use in preparing tobacco samples for analysis of nicotine and sugar content.

Abstract: An automated system for sampling and testing a fluid specimen using an analysis station. The fluid specimen is collected in a flexible container having an access port. A piercing element pierces the access port and is withdrawn, allowing the fluid specimen to drain from the container. Subsequently, the container can be resealed.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes and comprising an enclosable frame defining an interior volume for storing cuvettes. The frame includes a removable cover to aid in loading a plurality of cuvettes into the cassette. The frame also includes a side wall having a pivotally mounted door for pivoting between a closed position and an open position for dispensing the cuvettes from the cassette. And, the frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the door in the closed position to avoid an inadvertent dispensing of cuvettes. According to another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette.

Abstract: Sample numbers, which are encoded information about samples including a body fluid and contained in original containers, are affixed to the original containers. The test system memorizes the sample number including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack. Then, it determines whether or not a sample in the original containers should be dispensed in each dispensing container set in the dispensing container rack using the pre-dispensing sample positional information including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack, as a key.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing are disclosed for use in an analyzer providing wet assays in a cuvette. Preferably, they comprise protrusions that project into the path of the cuvette as it passes through preferably the incubator. The protrusions can be fixed or driven, and can project upwardly or sideways into the path of the moving curvette. The mixing is useful to cause thorough mixing of, e.g., a diluent with a liquid sample.

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: Sample numbers, which are encoded information about samples including a body fluid and contained in original containers, are affixed to the original containers. The test system memorizes the sample number including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack. Then, it determines whether or not a sample in the original containers should be dispensed in each dispensing container set in the dispensing container rack using the pre-dispensing sample positional information including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack, as a key.

Abstract: An aspirator probe, such as is used with a disposable tip in a clinical analyzer. The probe is pivotable to allow for horizontal displacement error in seating the probe at a liquid-dispensing station. To reduce the amount of "tip flick" that occurs by pivoting the tip about the pivot point as the probe starts to withdraw from the liquid-dispensing station, the pivot point is located from the fulcrum at the liquid dispensing station, a distance that is at least five times the length of the disposable tip measured from the fulcrum.

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: An automatic analysis apparatus for clinical examination is capable of performing analytical measurements with improved reliability by suppressing errors of data ascribable to the material of a reaction tube. Plural types of reaction tubes of mutually different materials are so arrayed as to arrive at a sampling position substantially in an alternate manner. In dependence on the item for analysis, the reaction tube of a material compatible with the analytical item is selected from plural types of the reaction tubes to be used for the analysis. The reaction tubes of mutually different materials are accommodated within respective containers. Upon performing the analysis, the reaction tube of the material compatible with the item for analysis is selected by a reaction tube transfer mechanism and set at a position from which the analysis is started, and then analysis is effected.

Abstract: The automatic chemical analyzer includes a turntable adapted to hold a plurality of disposable cuvettes. An optical system adjacent to the turntable can perform analytical absorbance or fluorescence tests on the contents of each cuvette as they are rotated on the turntable. A sample/reagent tray is rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the turntable axis. A common probe arm pivoted about a third parallel axis mounts a pipette that can be moved along an arcuate path intersecting a cuvette access station on the turntable and at least one container access station on the sample/reagent tray for transferring liquids as required by specific test procedures. A sample tube entry port is provided to support individual draw tubes that are manually delivered to the analyzer at a sample access station and to facilitate removal of samples by the pipette without exposing operating personnel to accidental contact with liquid materials in the draw tube.

Abstract: Methods for handling a plurality of sample containers to be processed by an instrument are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a retaining device holds the sample containers and is indexed to align one of the sample containers to a position where communication with a sample input port of the instrument is established. A stripper moves a sample container into engagement with the sample port and, most preferably, also urges the sample container into sealing engagement with the sample port. An interference fit created between the stripper an the sample container provides a positive force that permits the sample container to be withdrawn and returned to its initial position. A lower arm assembly is disclosed which acts as a stop relative to the sample container and thus, as the stripper continues to move while the sample container is being withdrawn it overcomes the force of the interference fit and disengages the stripper.

Abstract: An automated method of using a system for sampling and testing a fluid specimen including an analysis station comprising collecting the fluid specimen in a flexible container having an access port, piercing a housing of the access port, withdrawing the piercing element and allowing the fluid specimen to drain from the container.

Abstract: An incubator useful in an analyzer, and a method for locating a slide element properly in the incubator. The incubator and the method are provided with a referencing mechanism and step, respectively, effective to push back on the datum surface or edge of a slide element that has been inserted too far into a station of the incubator, to move the portion of the slide element that produces a detectable signal, back a distance which is predetermined for that station to be the one that gives the most effective reading of the slide element.

Abstract: Test carrier analysis system for analyzing a constituent of a body fluid, consisting of test carriers (2), code carriers (3) and an evaluation device (4). The test layers (5) of the test carrier (2) contain reagents whose reaction with the sample leads to a color change characteristic of the analysis in a detection layer. The code carriers (3) contain in machine-readable form an evaluation code with an evaluation curve required for the evaluation of the test carriers. The evaluation device (4) comprises a measuring device, a code reading device and evaluation electronics.

Abstract: A data collection and sample handling apparatus having a frame which supports a tray for holding a plurality of test containers. The tray has a plurality of through holes and each test container is mateable within a corresponding through hole. At least one detector assembly is used to detect data from the contents or sample contained within each test container. Each detector assembly is supported by the frame. The tray is positioned on a top of the frame such that at least one test container is exposed to each detector assembly while at least one other test container is isolated from the detector assembly. A drive mechanism automatically moves the tray with respect to the detector assemblies. The drive mechanism is also used to position each test container within a corresponding detector assembly.

Abstract: The cuvette delivery apparatus for an automatic chemical analyzer includes a magazine that stores multiple stacks of substantially rectangular cuvettes. A ram outwardly adjacent to the magazine moves an exposed cuvette from a selected stack into an awaiting compartment of a turntable. Random access is provided to all stacks within the magazine. A mechanical follower monitors the selected stack and provides stack information for updating of cuvette inventory.

Abstract: An incubator and an incubator method using two independently driven incubator rings each holding and transferring a liquid-containing cuvette between processing stations. At least one reagent addition station is disposed permanently adjacent each of the two rings. One advantageous result is enhanced throughput compared to having only one such ring for all reagent addition stations.

Abstract: There are disclosed a shuttle apparatus and method for catching a test element ejected from an incubator, for carrying it to a station outside the incubator, e.g., a wash station, and for returning it to a loading station. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a simplified catcher plate and means for moving the plate in an arcuate path around a portion of the circumference of the incubator. The plate cooperates with stop means disposed above said arcuate path, to capture a washed element upon reloading, so that the washed element can be reloaded by returning it to the original path used to load elements into the incubator in the first instance.

Abstract: An analyzer for chemical assays includes a turntable which supports sample containers and reagent containers within a cooled volume and test cells about the periphery of the cooled volume. A probe is carried by a rotating arm for withdrawing liquid from the containers and dispensing the liquid. Fixed stations are also provided in the path of the probe. One such station serves to both wash the tip of the probe and to receive samples for flow-through analysis. Heaters associated with the probe and with the test cells increase the rate of reaction. Curved walls of test cell segments match the optics of an optical analyzer so that light from the analyzer lamp is generally orthogonal to the curved surfaces. The light voltage of the lamp may be controlled as a function of lamp wavelength required for particular assays. The system provides multiple-point calibration and automatic dilution of samples.

Abstract: A method for conveying a sample container from a sample tray which has a designated location for supporting the container. The container is placeable on the tray at a location separated from the designated location such that the container will have an orientation which differs from a desired orientation.

Abstract: A blood analyzer system incorporates a conveyor for handling and transporting sample blood through at least one blood analyzer and an automatic blood smear generator under the control of a programmable controller. Blood samples are stored in sample containers having identifiers for the sample blood that they contain. These sample containers are transported through the system in protective racks that permit the reading of the identifiers. The results of analysis by one or more blood analyzers in the system determine the need for performing or omitting subsequent operations on a particular sample blood. When a smeared blood sample is to be made, the controller assures that the smear thickness is consistent with other samples regardless of the thickness or viscosity of the sample blood. If the system fails to make a required smeared blood sample, a detector sounds an alarm, warning of a system failure.

Abstract: A rack supply part, an analysis unit part and a rack storage part are formed as units which are separable from each other, and a rack carrier part is integrally mounted on the analysis unit part. The respective units are provided with locating members for coupling the units in a direction for transferring a sample rack.Since the rack carrier part is integrated with the analysis unit part, relative positional relation between a position for stopping the sample rack and a position for stopping a sample dispensing pipetter provided in the analysis unit part for attraction is not displaced even if the units are separated from each other and then recombined with and mounted on each other. Thus, location is easy and no fine adjustment of positional relation is required.

Abstract: A temperature controlled chamber for an analytical instrument which includes a circular conveyor for transporting assay cartridges, the chamber enclosing the outer peripheral part of the conveyor on which the assay cartridges reside. The temperature controlled chamber has a bottom wall of polymeric material located beneath the conveyor, an outer wall of polymeric material extending upward above the conveyor, a metallic top wall and a metallic inner wall which extends downward to the upper surface of the conveyor. Thermal control, including rapid thermal response to compensate for temperature perturbations induced by periodic introduction of assay cartridges which are at a temperature less than that of the chamber, is accomplished by heating elements located above and below the conveyor. The heating elements are pulsed by an electrical circuit at a rate substantially faster than the rate of introduction of new assay cartridges.

Abstract: An automated assay system includes a temperature controlled chamber with a conveyor therein. The conveyor carries berths past a port in a sidewall of the chamber to permit insertion and extraction of assay cartridges via the port into respective ones of the berths. An injector disposed outside the chamber and at the port includes a loader arm for advancing cartridges along a path through the port to accomplish insertion and extraction of a cartridge. A track is provided in the injector for guiding the assay module. A portion of the track connects by a swing arm to a pivot allowing the track portion to be swung away from the path for ejection of a cartridge. A door which provides for opening and closing of the port is connected to the swing arm to move concurrently with the swinging of the track portion. This allows for automatic closure of the port subsequent to an insertion or an extraction of a cartridge, and automatic opening of the port prior to insertion or extraction of the cartridge.

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

Abstract: A method used in low temperature storage of biological specimens comprises the steps of (a) maintaining a multiplicity of biological specimens within a predetermined low temperature range in a cryogenic storage unit, (b) selecting at least one biological specimen for removal from the storage unit, (c) determining a respective thaw period and thaw rate for the selected specimen, (d) automatically retrieving the selected specimen from the storage unit at removal time in accordance with the respective determined thaw period, and (e) automatically thawing the selected specimen at the respective thaw rate. An associated thawing system comprises a storage unit for maintaining a plurality of biological specimens within a predetermined low temperature range, a plurality of thawing chambers, and a heat exchange assembly for implementing a temperature change in each of the chambers independently of temperature changes in the other chambers.

Abstract: A shuttle apparatus and method for catching a test element ejected from an incubator, for carrying it to a station outside the incubator, e.g., a wash station, and for returning it to a loading station. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a simplified catcher plate and a device for moving the plate in an arcuate path around a portion of the circumference of the incubator. The plate cooperates with a stop disposed above said arcuate path, to capture a washed element upon reloading, so that the washed element can be reloaded by returning it to the original path used to load elements into the incubator in the first instance.

Abstract: Method for generating an automatic chemical analyzer for measuring given substances in samples in accordance with an enzyme-immunoassay including a turntable rotated intermittently at a given pitch and holding a number of reaction tubes arranged equidistantly along a periphery of the turntable to define a circular reaction line; a carrier supply device for supplying carriers into reaction vessels one by one at a given position in the reaction line, the carrier having given antibody or antigen fixed thereto; a sample delivery device for pouring given amounts of samples into reaction vessels at a given position in the reaction line; a washing device for washing reaction vessels and carriers contained therein to effect B-F separation; a color reagent delivery device for pouring given amounts of a color reagent into reaction vessels to form test liquids; a colorimeter for photometering the test liquids; and a carrier discharge device for removing carriers out of reaction vessels.

Abstract: A system for a plurality of specimen containers for performing assays, such as chemo- or bioluminescence measurements, includes a support element used for transporting the specimen containers through a measuring instrument, and a holder in which a plurality of specimen containers are received and which, for performing the measurement, can be mounted on the support element. The holder is a disposable component, so that once the measurement has been performed it can be discarded along with the specimen containers. For receiving multiple holders outside the measuring instrument, a stand is provided. Both on the holder and on the stand and support element, special provisions are made for positioning of the specimen containers both in the stand and in the support element in a way that both assures satisfactory measurement and precludes any mistake in the order of the specimen containers during the measurement or during the preparatory steps in the process.

Abstract: There is disclosed micro-processor controlled bio-fluid assay apparatus wherein microtitre plates are on carriers having machine readable labels and wherein the samples of bio-fluid and reagent dispensers also preferably carry machine readable labels whereby the micro-processors which controls movement of the plates through the apparatus can verify correct operation thereof. Movement of the plates is effected by a plate carrier transfer mechanism which has the ability to move the plate carriers in any order and in either direction along each of the x,y and z axes.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and mixing blood samples comprises separate storage and mixing discs for storing and mixing blood samples in containers. The discs are driven independently and are provided with complementary grooves. A loading device loads the containers into the storage disc where they are transported to a transfer device. The transfer device successively transfers the containers into an oppositely situated groove of the mixing disc. The mixing disc mixes the blood samples via rotation thereof, after which the containers are transferred to a blood removal device which rotates each container with its blood sample about the lengthwise axis thereof so that a bar code reading device can read a bar code applied to the container. Blood is then withdrawn from the container and delivered to a blood analyzer, after which the container is ejected from the mixing disc by rotation of the mixing disc.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument and method indexes plural, sequentially actuated reaction vessels, stepwise to several processing positions. Several positions effecting wash have wash probes that are gauged together. Sample and/or reagent are not added to a number of vessels leading and trailing sample containing vessels. The processing of the sample is controlled according to different time-templates and the first use of the wash probes occurs in the same cycle for different sets of analytical tests.

Abstract: An automatic infinitesimal liquid reactor equipped with a pipetter for dispensing reagents employs two stages which are capable of sliding horizontally. A microplate which has a plurality of recesses in rows is placed in one stage and reagent bottles are placed on the other stage. The pipetter is supported on a horizontal guide rail operating slidably horizontally and along an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the two stages slide. The horizontal guide rail is supported on a vertical guide rail so as to operate slidably in a vertical direction. Thus the pipetter can be moved in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the two stages slide. When reagents are sucked from reagent bottles, the second stage is slid so that a reagent bottle is superposed below the pipetter and the pipetter is moved downwardly into the reagent bottle to draw in a reagent.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus useful in an analyzer, comprising a first mechanism for moving a stack of elements around at least one generally circular, horizontal track, a second mechanism for temporarily holding a stack on the track, and a third mechanism for altering the second mechanism between two states, one which holds the stack on the track and the other which releases the stack from the track.

Abstract: There is described a stopper detector for use in combination with a stopper remover, so that containers of liquid can be automatically unstoppered in an analyzer if they are in fact stoppered. The stopper detector includes a mechanism for discriminating between a container having a stopper, and an unstoppered container, including one with a cup inserted into the top of the container. It also includes means for generating a signal in response to the discriminating means that is indicative of whether or not a stopper is present, such signal being effective, if present, to activate a following stopper remover.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay analyzser comprising a transfer route on which test plates each having a plurality of chambers for immunological reaction opened upwards are transferred continually with a constant interval of time, and devices of at least A, B, C and D described below which are arranged on the transfer route from upstream to downstream in the order referred to in which the device A is for injecting the sample comprising a vertically and horizonally driven support, a pipet fixed to the support, and a nozzle tip usable for a single sample and removably attached to the lower end of the pipet, the device B is for B/F separation and the device C is for injecting the substrate solution and both devices are integratedly combined and comprise a vertically and horizontally driven support, a washing tube supported by the support, a temperature controllable solution reservoir block fixed to the support, a substrate injection tube provided to the lower side of the reservoir block, the washing tube and the substr

Abstract: An automatic cuvette loading apparatus for use in an automatic chemical analyzer includes a first slider for moving magazines stocked in a container into a cuvette loading position and for pushing the cuvettes contained in the magazine in a direction perpendicular to a discharging direction, a second slider for pushing a cuvette array situated in the cuvette loading position in the cuvette discharging direction so as to supply the cuvettes to the reaction line one by one, and a third slider for supporting cuvettes in the magazine when the cuvettes are fed in the direction perpendicular to the discharging direction and then the third slider is arranged to be removed from the cuvettes when the cuvettes are loaded into a reaction line of the chemical analyzer. Thus, the cuvettes in the magazine can be loaded without being strongly affected by a frictional force between side walls of the cuvettes and the inner wall of the magazine.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing pump mechanisms to test tubes sealed by a closure such that the contents of the test tubes may be discharged without removing the closure. The apparatus includes a rack for holding a plurality of pump mechanisms, each of the pump mechanisms including a downwardly extending needle or the like for penetrating the closure of the test tube. The test tubes are arranged within a tray in a plurality of rows, and each row is sequentially advanced into position. As each row is in position, the pump mechanism is moved toward the row of test tubes to penetrate the test tube closures. The pump mechanisms thereafter released, the rack filled with a next series of pump mechanisms, the test tube array indexed, and the cycle of steps is repeated. The pump mechanism needles are initially imbedded in a protective packaging. The apparatus strips away the protective packaging to expose the sharpened points or tips of the pump mechanism.

Abstract: This device measures the level of a certain chemical in a liquid infiltrated into a piece of test paper impregnated with a test chemical the optical properties of which alter according to the level of the certain chemical. It includes: a test paper holder, provided in a test paper insertion unit provided in a casing; a device for emitting light and a device for sensing light, both provided to oppose a piece of test paper held by the holder; a cover, slidably mounted to the casing, for selectably covering over the insertion unit; a device for biasing this cover in one direction; a device for engaging this cover in an extreme position in the opposite direction; and a device for releasing the engagement of the engaging device. This engagement releasing device may be a press button provided to the casing; and the sliding direction of the cover may be its opening direction of movement, or alternatively may be its closing direction of movement.

Abstract: An analyzer and sample trays are disclosed which permit more random sampling of patient samples than is conventional. The trays are open at the sides, and preferably include flags for sensing, and structure on the bottom wall for releasibly engaging a conveyor. The analyzer provides a separate linear track for each of the trays, in which the trays are mounted, and another conveyor for reciprocating each of the trays within its respective track and to a position that intersects a path taken by a moving aspirating and dispensing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and analyzing blood serum includes an input rack for holding test tubes containing whole blood specimens and separator gel, a centrifuge, an optical sensing unit for receiving centrifuged test tubes and generating output signals indicative of whether the centrifuging was successful and, if it was, the boundary position between the separator gel and the blood serum, and a computer connected to receive and analyze the output signals of the optical sensing unit. An aspirator/dispenser needle unit is positioned above the sensing unit and is capable of lowering a needle, under the control of the computer, to puncture the stopper of a test tube and then withdraw blood serum.

Abstract: A procedure for assuring the identification of samples when transferring such samples into a sample register for the measuring process by an apparatus performing analysis of the samples. The apparatus consists of a sample register, through apertures in its cover a sample container is insertable into the sample register at one desired location only. The computer of the apparatus performing the analysis finds the address of a given sample in its memory and moves the sample register relative to the cover so as to make the respective location in the register accessible through the aperture. When this takes place in the order in which the samples were presented, all confusion of samples will be avoided because the computer retains the address of each patient sample in its memory throughout the analysis procedure.

Abstract: An autonomous continuous analysis method and apparatus using Dip and Read type analytical implements. A series of operations of taking out analytical implements, dipping them in the sample solution, optical measurement, calculation, and disposal of the used sample solution are performed automatically.The dip stage, in particular, is automated by use of an analytical-implement automatic supply device and an analytical implement automatic handling device which, holding an analytical implement, dips it in the sample solution, and sets it ona reaction turntable. A number of analytical implements are put in a storage section comprising a bottom section provided with an analytical implement groove and at least one inside surface which is parallel with the groove, are taken out one by one by the relative movement of the groove and in normal and reverse direction and by stopping in a specified position after confirming by a detector that an implement has been caught in the groove.

Abstract: There are described the apparatus and a process for using it, wherein a wash station is provided apart from a continuously rotating incubator. Means are provided for moving a test element to the wash station before or in the middle of its incubation, and from the wash station to the incubator after it is washed.

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer comprises a first rotating table supporting a plurality of reaction tubes along a circular first arrangement line and adapted to be intermittently rotated by a first drive motor, and a second rotating table supporting another plurality of reaction tubes along a circular second arrangement line concentric with the first arrangement line and adapted to be intermittently rotated in synchronism with the first table by a second drive motor. The reaction tubes are transferred between the first and second tables. A sampling nozzle, a diluent nozzle, and a plurality of reagent nozzles are fixedly arranged right over the reaction tubes supported by the first and second tables. A specimen, diluent and reagents are injected into the reaction tubes through the nozzles. The absorbance or other property of mixtures of the specimen, diluent and reagents are measured by a measuring system whose measuring point moves along the second arrangement line.