Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic analysis apparatus wherein the liquid sample to be analysed is arranged in a cup (C) containing a ferromagnetic ball (BE) driven in a periodic motion under the effect of a magnetic field. In order to detect the ball (BE) movements representing the physical state of the sample, an electronic camera (CM1 to CM3) is oriented towards the cup (C) while a processor (P) determines, from the cup (C) image, the modifications in the ball (BE) movements. The invention is useful for producing small-size and medium-size automatic appliances.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hollow needle axially mobile so as to pierce a container stopper. Said needle comprises a pointed end with a cutting edge tangent to the needle cylindrical body generatrix, an oblique shape linking the edge to said cylindrical body and a side outlet orifice of the channel centred on said generatrix and a site spaced from the edge, said orifice being centred perpendicular to the needle longitudinal axis. This invention is applicable to automatic and semiautomatic analytical equipment.