Abstract: A microtube with a novel recessed concave top is described. The recessed top is at least 20-80% of the area of the entire cap and has a thickness from 0.025 mm to 1.0 mm. The recessed portion is smooth in structure and is optically transparent to allow all instrumental reading based on optical value reliable and accurate. The cap also has a unique plug design that has two parts. One part is the lower part that is a bit broader than the upper part. The upper part is a bit smaller than the opening. This structure allows the microtube maintain the structure and prevents the liquid from coming out when the microtube undergoes lab conditions such as heating, cooling, spinning, and boiling. The microtube holds a volume of about 0.01 ul to 1.00 ml of liquid.

Abstract: A specimen analyzer comprises a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable, a first inlet for loading the first consumable, a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section, a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other, and a storage for housing the second consumable sorted by the sorter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: Pressurized hermetically sealed bags disposed inside a cylindrical support and containing a septum with variable density of porosity and dividing the bag into two chambers are used to provide optimal mixing and gasification of nutrient media to grow a variety of biological cultures, particularly the cell cultures to produce a multitude of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in a disposable system.

Abstract: An analyzer comprises a container supplying unit which supplies a container, an agitating unit which agitates liquid in the container, and a measurement unit which performs a measurement using the liquid agitated by the agitating unit. The agitating unit comprises a base which is configured to move relative to the container supplying unit, a driving source which is mounted on the base, a container catcher which is configured to catch the container at one side, a transmitting member which transmits the power of the driving source to the other end side of the container catcher, and a supporting member which supports the container catcher at a position between one end and the other end of the container catcher.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: A sample-processing system that improves total system processing efficiency, and reduces a sample-processing time, by establishing a functionally independent relationship between a rack conveyance block with rack supply, conveyance, and recovery functions, and a processing block with sample preprocessing, analysis, and other functions. A buffer unit with random accessibility to multiple racks standing by for processing is combined with each of multiple processing units to form a pair, and the system is constructed to load and unload racks into and from the buffer unit through the rack conveyance block so that one unprocessed rack is loaded into the buffer unit and then upon completion of process steps up to automatic retesting, unloaded from the buffer unit. Functional dependence between any processing unit and a conveyance unit is thus eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specimen processing system that includes means 91 circularly disposed to carry a reaction vessel 2 used for separating and extracting desired substances from a specimen to be processed, a plurality of processing steps, executed as processing progresses along a transport line for the reaction vessel 2 on the transport means 91, for conducting various processes upon the specimen to be processed that is accommodated in the reaction vessel 2, suctioning and discharging means 94 that dispenses the specimen from a specimen container 1 supplied to the system, into the reaction vessel 2, and a filtering vessel section 2b provided as a part of the reaction vessel 2. This system configuration allows realization of a rapid preprocessing system capable of reducing the number of disposable parts of a low carry-over type, suppressing a decrease in cost performance, operating with high collection efficiency, and employing compact devices.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus for sample analysis. The apparatus employs an assay component containing a membrane having one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes through said membrane into said means for absorbing liquid. The apparatus is configured to be portable and provide a detector for detecting binding of an analyte to an analyte-specific binding agent, a plurality of data acquisition components, and a computer for integrating, analyzing and storing the detected analyte specific binding and acquired data.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for forming concentrates of platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow cells having user-defined concentrations, concentration ranges, and/or volumes. Whole blood or bone marrow samples can be passed through one or two separation operations in which platelets or bone marrow cells are separated from red blood cells and concentrated in a plasma. During this separation and concentrating, a total number of platelets or bone marrow cells or a concentration of either is determined and then used to ascertain what volumes and concentrations need be mixed in order to produce a platelet-rich plasma concentrate or a bone marrow-rich plasma concentrate having a target concentration and/or volume.

Abstract: A stirring device according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position and a rotation mechanism section configured to rotate the specimen container, thereby stirring the specimen therein.

Abstract: Devices for the preparation of a plurality of samples on mass-spectrometric sample supports are presented, where the samples are prepared by the application of liquids such that they are suitable for ionization in a mass spectrometer, for example ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI). The invention proposes that the dispenser and sample sites are positioned with respect to each other by means of two rotations about two eccentric axes. As acids and aggressive solvents are used, which have to evaporate on the samples, the preparation can be carried out in a closed chamber with air circulation, filter, dispenser and mounting table for the sample support. Drives for positioning the dispenser and sample support relative to each other are preferably kept outside the chamber because aggressive vapors would very quickly damage the motors and the complex cross-rails of the XY translation stages used to move the sample supports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g., a well-plate); a liquid handling system comprising at least one robotic pipettor for aspirating, mixing, and dispensing reagent mixtures to the microfluidic cartridge; systems for data storage, processing, and output; and a system controller to coordinate the various devices and functions.

Abstract: A method of wasting tips in an automated processing module is disclosed, which includes at least three positions for holding sample racks. One of the positions is a tip waste rack position holding a tip waste rack, which includes tip receiving openings. Furthermore, it includes a SWAP rack holding mechanism for temporarily holding a sample rack. The method includes transferring the tip waste rack from the tip waste rack position to an adjacent sample rack position. Once the tip waste rack is placed in the adjacent sample rack position, the error pipette tip is discarded into one of the tip receiving openings of the tip waste rack. Following this, the tip waste rack is transferred back to the tip waste rack position. The sample rack temporarily placed in the SWAP rack holding mechanism is transferred from the SWAP rack holding mechanism to the adjacent sample rack position.

Abstract: A sample processing system is configured for analyzing, preprocessing, or carrying out other operations for a biological sample such as blood or urea. With the sample processing system, it is possible to store samples to be stored in a thermally insulated state or specimens required for accuracy control in the thermally insulated state for preventing evaporation or denaturing of the samples and specimens. Also it is possible to carry in or out the samples, rack by rack, according to necessity. Further, the sample processing system is provided with a buffer unit in a cold container having a capability for cold storage and also by accessing a sample rack at random for carrying in or out a rack with a transfer mechanism provided outside of the cold container.

Abstract: A method and an associated apparatus for treating fine-grained material in a spouted bed. Here, the method and design for an associated apparatus for treating fine-grained material in a spouted bed eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art, allow different process conditions in the process chamber to be adjusted in a regulated manner, and has a simple and inexpensive structure. The method is provides that a nearly circular gas flow of the fluidizer is generated in the process chamber (5) by an external annular gap (7) lying on the y-z plane, the diameter of the nearly circular gas flow expands outward in the direction of the x axis inside the process chamber (5), and a nearly circular gas flow of the fluidizer is generated by an internal annular gap (8) lying on the y-z plane, the diameter of the nearly circular gas flow expands inward within the process chamber (5).

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is provided that can promptly process a request for additional test items for a sample being analyzed or an error that has occurred in the sample. The automatic analyzer can output measurements of a sample analyzed, determine whether or not re-analyzing is necessary, and perform the re-analyzing. The automatic analyzer includes a buffer area for standby until analysis is completed and measurements are outputted. Each of analysis units includes a pair of buffer units that can randomly access the buffer area. The automatic analyzer further includes a position disposed near the buffer area, at which a sample can be unloaded and reloaded. A rack that stands by within the buffer area can be unloaded onto the unloading position by a command to unload issued by an operator. Subsequent reloading of the sample allows samples other than the sample in question to be analyzed continuously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having reagent disks disposed inside and outside a reaction disk. A plurality of reagent probes are alternately accessed one by one to each of the reagent disks per cycle. Each reagent probe comprises two arms rotatable independently of each other so that the reagent probe is able to access a plurality of points and interference between the plurality of reagent probes can be avoided. A first reagent and a second reagent can be loaded on each of the reagent disks.

Abstract: A specimen transport apparatus according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a cup-like specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position, a chain member disposed along a predetermined transport path, and a supporting portion provided in a predetermined position on the chain member and configured to support the holder.