Abstract: An analysis system for testing a biological sample wherein a sensor cover can be or is pneumatically lowered onto a sensor apparatus in order to detect an analyte of the sample.

Abstract: A fully automatic test card conveying apparatus for an instant testing instrument is used for conveying a test card and includes a test card conveying arm, frame, push rod, buffer support, buffer cartridge, and card extraction mechanism. A first electric motor, second electric motor, first sliding rail, and second sliding rail are provided on the arm. The frame is connected in a sliding manner to the first sliding rail via a sliding block, and connected to the first electric motor via a first synchronization belt. A stepping motor is provided on the sliding block and an output end of the stepping motor is connected to the frame. The push rod is connected in a sliding manner with the second sliding rail, and connected to the second electric motor via a second synchronization belt.

Abstract: An optical sensor (1) for detecting a chemical species includes a substrate (3), a mesoporous matrix (5) disposed on the substrate, and a microporous matrix (7) disposed within the mesoporous matrix. The microporous matrix (7) includes an indicator dye (9) dispersed therein, the indicator dye (9) exhibiting changes in its optical properties in response to the presence of the chemical species. This arrangement significantly increases the amount of dye present, while allowing the medium to be analyzed greater access through the porous structure, thereby increasing the performance of the sensor.

Abstract: A device for processing and cataloging of a sample, in a container having a label with identifying data, has a frame; a plurality of cameras mounted to the frame; and a controller system coupled to the cameras, the controller system including a controller and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause carrying out of computer processes that produce a catalog record output characterizing the sample, such record also including the identifying data.

Abstract: A controller is connected to controlled devices on a microfluidic chip with a multiplexer. Signal transmission band width is differently allocated amongst the plurality of controlled devices on the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An early warning system includes functional equipment, a first monitor unit, a second monitor unit, a calculation unit and a warning unit. The functional equipment is used to perform a functional operation. The first monitor unit is used to monitor the functional equipment so as to obtain a set of first data during a first period. The second monitor unit is used to monitor the functional equipment to obtain a set of second data during the first period. The calculation unit is used to receive the set of first data and the set of second data, obtain a correlation coefficient according to the set of first data and the set of second data, and compare the correlation coefficient with a threshold value. The warning unit is linked to the calculation unit and used to send a warning signal when at least the correlation coefficient reaches the threshold value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an automatic analyzing apparatus which comprises determination processing circuitry, an analyzer mechanism and data processing circuitry. The determination processing circuitry determines whether to continue reaction of a solution mixture based on reaction data. The analyzer mechanism generates analytical data based on test data generated by measuring the solution mixture. The data processing circuitry performs control such that the analytical data is generated in a first measurement section if it is determined that continuation of the reaction of the solution mixture is unnecessary, and the analytical data is generated by measuring the solution mixture after the first measurement section if it is determined that continuation of the reaction of the solution mixture is necessary.

Abstract: One actuator (a gripper mechanism and reagent bottle lid opening mechanism drive unit 120) drives a gripper mechanism 106 that holds a reagent bottle 10 and a reagent bottle lid opening mechanism 104 that incises a lid of the reagent bottle 10. The gripper mechanism 106 operates to ascend when the reagent bottle lid opening mechanism 104 operates to descend in order to incise the reagent bottle lid 112, and the reagent bottle lid opening mechanism 104 operates to ascend when the gripper mechanism 106 operates to descend in order to hold the reagent bottle 10. The reagent bottle lid opening mechanism 104 and the gripper mechanism 106 operate without interfering with each other's functions.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating droplets are provided. One or more geometric parameters of a microfluidic channel can be selected to generate droplets of a desired and predictable droplet size.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a droplet deflector configured to apply a deflection force to a flow stream at a plurality of different angles. Droplet deflectors according to certain embodiments include one or more sets of parallel metallic plates that are configured to apply a deflection force to droplets in a flow stream flowing therebetween. Systems and methods for sorting particles in a sample with the subject deflector plates are also provided.

Abstract: A reagent container transfer mechanism transfers a reagent container selected from among reagent containers stored in a second reagent container storage section to a first reagent container storage section. A controller controls the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container from a second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section on the basis of a predetermined priority condition. The predetermined priority condition is one of a reagent provided with an effective calibration curve result, a number of remaining tests, and an expiration date of a reagent.

Abstract: An analysis system for testing a biological sample wherein a sensor cover can be or is pneumatically lowered onto a sensor apparatus in order to detect an analyte of the sample.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method for operating an automated analyzer, including transporting a liquid containing a plurality of particles into a chamber, such as a reactor chamber and/or measuring cell chamber of the analyzer, introducing a gas or gas mixture, for example, air into the chamber, such as through the liquid present in the chamber so that the particles in the liquid are stirred up, and subsequently draining at least part of the liquid from the chamber through a fluid line ending in the chamber and an open valve arranged in the fluid line.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes: a reagent container holder including a reagent container holder body configured to hold a reagent container, and a tilt changing part configured to change a tilt of the reagent container holder body; a reagent dispenser configured to aspirate a reagent contained in the reagent container held in the reagent container holder body; a detector configured to detect a signal for analysis from a measurement specimen containing a sample and the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispenser; and a controller that analyzes the sample on the basis of the signal detected by the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a plurality of articles (10) includes a transport belt (6), a bumper stopper (14), and a rotator (12). A motor moves the transport belt which is adapted to rotate the rotator as the belt conveys the plurality of articles. The stopper can move between first and second positions relative to the transport belt wherein the bumper stopper guides one article toward the rotator when the bumper stopper is in the first position. The bumper stopper allows the article to be conveyed to another location when the bumper stopper is in the second position. The transport belt can continue to convey other articles while the one article is temporarily held in place by the bumper stopper. The rotator is configured to rotate the article conveyed by the transport belt. The article can remain in contact with the transport belt while the rotator is rotating the article.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for nucleic acid extraction and an operation method thereof. The apparatus for nucleic acid extraction includes: a first rack having a plurality of sample tube receivers arranged in a circle; a second rack having a plurality of elution tube receivers arranged in a circle on an outer side thereof and a washing solution receiver positioned at the center thereof, a part of the washing solution receiver extending outwards to have projections formed in alternation with a plurality of the elution tube receivers; a main body having the first and second racks arranged to position the first rack on the top of the second rack; a rotational driver for separately rotating the first and second racks; a dispenser for separately dispensing a washing solution and an eluting solution into sample tubes; and a pressurizer for maintaining the inside of the sample tubes under raised pressure.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes a sealing member having interior grooves and panels. Also provided herein are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes (i) a sealing member having a concave surface at a distal region, and (ii) a flat proximal surface. Provided also are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes an engagement member at an edge of the cap, where the engagement member includes a surface having curvature and a taper. Also provided herein are fluid handling tubes that include a cap comprising a tube sealing member, an anterior engagement member, and one or more channels (e.g., one or more furrows or grooves) between the sealing member and the engagement member that function as a hinge or pivot.

Abstract: An automatic analysis device and method having a BF separation process, wherein the width in a container conveyance direction of a surface facing a reaction container of a magnet for preliminary magnetic collection of a first magnetic generation part (32p) is set to have a length including a region for housing a liquid sample of the reaction container conveyed to a magnetic collection position of the first magnetic generation part. An end in the container conveyance direction of a surface facing the reaction container of a magnet for regular magnetic collection of a second magnetic generation part (32m) is designed to be close to the center of the region for housing the liquid sample of the reaction container conveyed to a magnetic collection position of the second magnetic generation part.

Abstract: Improved sub-assemblies and methods of control for use in a diagnostic assay system adapted to receive an assay cartridge are provided herein. Such sub-assemblies include: a brushless DC motor, a door opening/closing mechanism and cartridge loading mechanism, a syringe and valve drive mechanism assembly, a sonication horn, a thermal control device and optical detection/excitation device. Such systems can further include a communications unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device of a user so as to receive a user input relating to functionality of the system with respect to an assay cartridge received therein and relaying a diagnostic result relating to the assay cartridge to the mobile device.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system includes a sample preparation system and a sample analysis system. The sample preparation system prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system includes an analyzer that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link communicates data from the sample preparation system to the sample analysis system to reconfigure the analyzer in accordance with the selected assay.