Abstract: An automated analysis device includes: a first measurement unit having a reaction disc for retaining a plurality of reaction cells containing a mixed solution of sample and reagent on a circumference, a light source for irradiating the mixed solution contained in the reaction cells with light, and a light-receiving unit for detecting the irradiated light; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the reaction cells having undergone measurement; disposable reaction containers for containing the mixed solution of sample and reagent; a second measurement unit that has a plurality of measurement channels for retaining the disposable reaction containers, and includes a light source for irradiating the disposable reaction containers retained in each of the plurality of measurement channels with light; a read unit for reading identification information; and a control unit for controlling an analysis condition for the sample on the basis of the information that has been read.

Abstract: A mechanical part-stream sampler includes a housing positionable over a conveyor belt from which material is to be sampled. The housing encases one or more cutter arms and adjustable cutters. The cutter arms rotate 360 degrees such that the cutters extract a sample of material from the conveyor belt and deposit the sample in a discharge chute in the housing for later analysis. A programmable logic controller and human machine interface screen can be used to operate the sampler and to control the timing and speed of the cutter arms.

Abstract: Embodiments validate cryogenic processing of metal-matrix validation articles according to destructive and/or non-destructive testing of witness articles. For example, validation can certify that the validation article has undergone a particular cryogenic treatment protocol, resulting in validated and/or certified enhancements in wear characteristics, resistance to corrosion, increases in electrochemical bonding of surface treatments, increases in theoretical useable lifespan, etc. According to some embodiments, processing results are validated by generating witness results from destructive and/or non-destructive testing of the witness articles subsequent to deep-cryogenic treatment. The processing (e.g., including witness results and/or analysis thereof) may then be entered into a computer-controlled, parametric analysis system that generates absolute and comparative validation and/or certification of the validation articles.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus comprising a motorized vehicle may be used to remove soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates and extends downwardly into the soil to collect a sample. The probe assembly is raised to dump the sample into a collection assembly, which transfers the sample to a bagging assembly, where the sample may be bagged for later analysis.

Abstract: Tobacco products (2), typically cigarettes, are manufactured on a line (1) including a cigarette maker (3) and a filter tip attachment machine (4), both equipped with a number of production devices and units connected to respective master control units (82, 83) and visual display units (84). Key characteristics of sample tobacco products (2) are tested by an auxiliary inspection unit (45) forming part of a monitoring and control system associated with the manufacturing line (1), and connected up to a common interface network (48) so that signals reflecting the monitored characteristics can be fed back to a number of control units (81) associated respectively with the devices and the units of the line (1) on which the characteristics in question depend, and programmed to pilot corrective actions in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: A system for sampling a bale of fibrous material is provided including a transportation mechanism for moving the bale from a first point to a second point and a first gripper for obtaining a sample from the bale when the bale is at a position between the first point and the second point. The gripper includes a movable finger for gripping the sample from the bale. An actuator comprising an actuating rod is provided for pushing the sample away from the movable finger.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample processing units, each processing a sample contained in a sample container; a transport apparatus that transports a sample rack holding a sample container to at least any one of the plurality of sample processing units; a rack feeding section that receives a sample rack and feeds the received sample rack to a transport line of the transport apparatus; and a controller configured to instruct the transport apparatus, according to a quantity of sample racks received by the rack feeding section, to transport a sample rack fed by the rack feeding section to either (a) a sample processing unit which can accept a subsequent sample rack more rapidly than any other sample processing unit or (b) a sample processing unit having a lower processing load than any other sample processing unit. Also, a sample rack transporting method.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for testing multilayer tablets in a multiple rotary press, in which die holes of a circulating die plate are successively filled with tablet material of different layers in consecutive filling devices, and the tablet material is compressed layer after layer to pressed articles having n layers by means of synchronously circulating compression punches in compression stations respectively associated to the filling devices, and the pressed articles are subsequently ejected and unloaded in a unloading station.

Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit; and a transportation device operable to transport a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a first rack and containing samples and a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a second rack and containing samples, to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation device comprises a first transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the first rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the first rack on a transport path, and a second transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the second rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the second rack on the transport path independently from movement of the first rack, is disclosed. A transportation device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for sampling material being conveyed on a primary conveyor comprises a diverter arranged to divert material onto a sampling conveyor running alongside the primary conveyor where it can be weighed by a weightometer and elevated to a discharge point before falling into a falling-stream sample cutter. Material is then returned to the primary conveyor at by a return conveyor. Options include the use of an impact conveyor between the diverter and the sampling conveyor, and the configuration of the sampling conveyor with a wider belt running at a slower speed to improve accuracy.

Abstract: A sample analyzer which transports and analyzes samples, includes: a first measurement apparatus which measures samples; a second measurement apparatus which is arranged downstream, in a transport direction, from the first measurement apparatus, and which measures samples; a transporting apparatus which transports samples to a first supply position for supplying a sample to the first measurement apparatus, and to a second supply position for supplying a sample to the second measurement apparatus; and a controller which controls transportation of a sample present at the first supply position, in accordance with a processing status of a sample present at the second supply position.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of measuring units, each of which measures a sample; a sample conveyance unit for conveying a sample to at least one of the plurality of measurement units; a display unit; and a display controller for controlling the display unit to display an analysis result of a sample which the analysis result has been obtained based on the measurement by at least one of the plurality of measurement units, and controlling the display unit to display conveyance status information indicating a conveyance status of the sample which analysis result has not been obtained yet based on the measurement by at least one of the plurality of measurement units, is disclosed. A sample information display apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample processing system which comprises a plurality of process order issuing units, in which each process order issuing unit issues a process order for instructing processing of a sample. The sample processing system further comprises a sample processing unit that processes the sample based on a process order issued by one of the process order issuing units. The sample processing system further comprises a controller that causes a display unit to display progress information indicating a progress situation of the processing of the sample based on the process order issued by the one of the process order issuing units. The progress information includes identification information for identifying the process order issuing unit that issued the process order.

Abstract: Method for sampling individual rod-like articles of the tobacco-processing industry from an article massflow via a sampling unit. The article massflow includes a plurality of rod-like articles arranged longitudinally and axially parallel to each other and is conveyed along a conveying section at a predetermined conveyor speed. The method includes moving the sampling unit parallel to a conveyor direction of the article massflow, capturing at least one individual rod-like article from the article massflow with the sampling unit, and removing the captured at least one individual rod-like article from the article massflow in a direction at an angle to the conveyor direction of the article massflow.

Abstract: A cross-belt sampler (100) for material (70) on a belt-conveyor (60) has a cutter head (50), where the cutting edges (9) of the side plates (3,4) lie on lines co-incident with the axis of rotation (1) of the cutter head (50). The rear plate (5) lies on a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (1) and a truncated plate (6) eliminates a sharp corner in which the material (70) may be compacted. The axis of rotation (1) of the cutter head (50) is offset a distance (28) relative to the longitudinal axis of the belt conveyor (60).

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The material sample collector is adapted to divert a sample of material from a trough conveyor for analysis of the sample. The collector includes at least one, and preferably two or more, laterally offset wheels rotating on axles. The wheels are in a vertical plane forming an acute dihedral angle with a vertical plane in which the central longitudinal axis of the conveyor is disposed. Each wheel subtends an elliptical segment extending across a portion of the width of the conveyor when viewed from an end of the conveyor. A sample chute extends laterally from the conveyor. The wheels are normally raised above the conveyor and its contents, and lowered when a sample is taken. The lowered wheels bear against the conveyor and/or its contents, diverting material from the conveyor onto a chute. The device is preferably manually operated, but may be powered and automated.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: first and second units for processing specimens; a conveyance unit for conveying a specimen rack in a first direction from a first position where the specimen is retrieved by the first unit to a second position where the specimen is retrieved by the second unit, and a second direction opposite to the first position; a detector common to the first and second units for executing a detection process with respect to the sample containers; and a conveyance controller controlling the conveyance unit to convey some sample containers of the detected sample containers executed with the detection process to the first position, and to convey the other sample containers of the detected sample containers to the second position, the some sample containers and the other sample containers being held by a common rack, is disclosed. A specimen processing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a bulk material belt conveyor system and a carryback sampling device. The bulk material belt conveyor system comprises a belt and a structural frame. The belt is supported by the structural frame and has a downwardly facing portion. The belt is configured to traverse relative to the structural frame. The carryback sampling device comprises at least a first support member, a carryback receptacle, and a carryback scraper. The first support member is pivotally attached to the structural frame about an axis. The carryback scraper and the carryback receptacle are attached to the structural frame via the first support member in a manner such that pivotal movement of the first support member about the axis relative to the structural frame brings the carryback scraper into engagement with the downwardly facing portion of the belt with the carryback receptacle positioned therebeneath.

Abstract: An electronic device test apparatus includes a plurality of testers on which are mounted test heads that are connected to test outputters for outputting test signals to the electronic devices and for receiving response signals from the electronic devices. A loading transporter is provided at a frontmost stage of the testers that transports the electronic devices from a previous process conveyance medium to a test tray before loading the electronic devices into the testers. An unloading transporter is provided at a rearmost stage of the testers that unloads the electronic devices from the test tray to a later process conveyance medium corresponding to the response signals. A transporter is provided between the testers that transports the test tray from a previous process tester to a later process tester. The transporter includes a buffer that holds test trays to absorb a waiting time due to differences in processing capacities between test trays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting, sorting and storing samples from multiple batches of copper cathode is disclosed. Samples are collected at a sampling station and transferred to a collection container. The samples are then transferred to a sorting container by way of chutes forming a continuous path from the collection container to the sorting container. The sorting container is affixed on the top surface of an automated carousel having a plurality of sorting containers for sorting samples from multiple batches. Samples in the sorting containers are recovered into storage containers through an access door panel and a funnel placed beneath the access door.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of measuring units, each of which measures a sample; a sample conveyance unit for conveying a sample to at least one of the plurality of measurement units; a display unit; and a display controller for controlling the display unit to display an analysis result of a sample which the analysis result has been obtained based on the measurement by at least one of the plurality of measurement units, and controlling the display unit to display conveyance status information indicating a conveyance status of the sample which analysis result has not been obtained yet based on the measurement by at least one of the plurality of measurement units, is disclosed. A sample information display apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

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: According to an aspect of the present invention, a sample conveyor apparatus for conveying a sample holder which permits a sample container to be held therein, the sample container permitting a sample to be received therein, includes, a belt base extending along a conveyance path, a conveyor belt stretched on the belt base and to be run to form the conveyance path, and a frame unit including a pair of guide rails which extend along the conveyance path to guide the sample holder along the conveyance path, the frame unit being detachable from the belt base, the conveyor belt being detachable from the belt base.

Abstract: A cross-belt sampler (100) for material (70) on a belt-conveyor (60) has a cutter head (50), where the cutting edges (9) of the side plates (3, 4) lie on lines co-incident with the axis of rotation (1) of the cutter head (50). The rear plate (5) lies on a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (1) and a truncated plate (6) eliminates a sharp corner in which the material (70) may be compacted. The axis of rotation (1) of the cutter head (50) is offset a distance (28) relative to the longitudinal axis of the belt conveyor (60).

Abstract: A method for positioning a sample in a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing two or more sample carriers on a conveyor; providing a fixed registration element for each sample carrier at predetermined locations along the conveyor; providing a flexure device positioned between the sample carrier and the conveyor; advancing the sample carrier beyond the fixed registration elements; reversing the conveyor direction to back at least one of the sample carriers into contact with its corresponding registration elements; continuing to reverse the conveyor until all sample carriers are in contact with their respective registration elements; whereby the flexure elements of the sample carriers in contact with the respective registration elements will deform as the conveyor reverses to allow all sample carriers to contact their respective registration elements, thereby providing a known position of the sample carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing samples of a finely granular and dry material for measuring the residual carbon content thereof. The material is fed by a torque monitored conveyor screw to a measuring chamber and is progressively compacted therein. At an abrupt increase in screw torque feeding of the material ceases yielding a sample in the measuring chamber of a reproducible degree of compaction.

Abstract: A probe for use in sampling rods from a mass flow of parallel rods moving perpendicular to their axes, the probe including an elongate body of generally wedge shaped cross section which has first and second main faces diverging away from a narrow edge to a wider base and which is for mounting parallel to such rods to extend across and laterally beyond such mass flow with the narrow edge facing upstream; an elongate passage extending within the body longitudinally thereof for accommodating a rod from such mass flow; a first elongate opening in the first face through which a rod from such mass flow can fall laterally into the passage for longitudinal transport along the passage away from such mass flow; and a second elongate opening through which a rod can drop laterally from the passage out of the body after such longitudinal transport.

Abstract: An arrangement for the withdrawal of samples from a flow of harvested crop flowing in a conveying channel in a harvesting machine includes a guide element mounted so as to cover a sample withdrawal opening provided in a wall of the channel. The guide element is mounted for movement between a first position wherein it blocks the withdrawal opening, and in a second position wherein it opens the withdrawal opening and includes a region that is inserted into the conveying channel so as to forcibly deflect a crop sample through the withdrawal opening.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. An incoming mail mailbox includes a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor and then placed in a receptacle having an environment that is tested using a second sensor.

Abstract: An on-line moisture analyzer and method of analyzing the moisture content of an ore concentrate. A sample conveyor moves a sample of the concentrate to be analyzed to an aluminum pan that receives and holds the sample of the concentrate. A horizontal linear slide having a pneumatic vertical lift mounted to rotary arm is detachably connected to the aluminum pan by gripping fingers that detachably engage the pan. A scale is accessible by the conveyance member for weighing the sample. An oven also accessible by the conveyance member has a door that has a complimentary shape relative to a cross section of the sample container and conveyance member is used for heating the sample. A programmable logic controller controls the conveyance member and the oven door. A data processing unit receives data from the scale and determines a moisture content based on the data.