Abstract: A sample purification apparatus includes a container for separating a mixed sample based on a specific gravity difference with the use of a heavy solution, a heavy solution introduction portion for introduction of the heavy solution into the container, a flow-out portion provided vertically above the heavy solution introduction portion in the container, the flow-out portion arranged so that a supernatant of a solution in the container due to the introduction of the heavy solution is flowed out to the outside of the container, and a collector provided vertically below the discharge portion in the container, the collector collecting a component in the mixed sample, the component being lighter in specific gravity than the heavy solution from the supernatant flowed out from the flow-out portion.

Abstract: A sample purification apparatus includes a container for separating, with a heavy solution, a mixed sample based on a specific gravity difference and a collector that collects a component in the mixed sample lighter in specific gravity than the heavy solution by receiving a supernatant flowed out from the container. The container includes a flow-out port provided in an uppermost portion of the container and a flow-out path that guides the supernatant flowed out through the flow-out port to the collector. the container has a horizontal cross-sectional area which gradually decreases upward starting from a prescribed height of the container to a height where the flow-out port is located.

Abstract: This holding mechanism (3) for an X-ray imaging apparatus includes a switching means (36) that switches between a state of permitting movement of a moving body (4) including an X-ray tube (1) or an X-ray detector (2) and a state of prohibiting the movement, a force direction detection means (38) that detects a direction of a force applied to a moving mechanism (31), and a permission direction determination means (7) that determines a direction in which the movement is permitted by the switching means among a plurality of directions based on a detected direction of the force.

Abstract: This holding mechanism (3) for an X-ray imaging apparatus includes a switching means (36) that switches between a state of permitting movement of a moving body (4) including an X-ray tube (1) or an X-ray detector (2) and a state of prohibiting the movement, a force direction detection means (38) that detects a direction of a force applied to a moving mechanism (31), and a permission direction determination means (7) that determines a direction in which the movement is permitted by the switching means among a plurality of directions based on a detected direction of the force.

Abstract: When an X-ray detector is removed from a storage part, a sensor senses this, and transmits to an up and down control part a signal indicating that the X-ray detector has been taken out of the storage part. Upon receipt of the signal, the up and down control part releases braking force by electro permanent magnets. In doing so, sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a fixing part, and sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a stopper plate are released. The weight of a counter weight is larger than the total value of the weights of the arm, X-ray tube, collimator, and the like, and therefore in a state where the arm is released from being fixed by the electro permanent magnets, the arm starts to move up together with the X-ray tube and the collimator.