Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system (10). The system (10) includes a housing (16) with a sample preparation station (12) and a sample analysis station (14) positioned within the housing (16). The sample analysis station (14) is spaced away from the sample preparation station (12). A transport assembly (50) is configured to move at least one sample within the housing (16) and between the sample preparation station (12) and the sample analysis station (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening a reaction vessel having a body forming a volume for liquid, and a lid. In the method at least one reaction vessel is placed on a transport vehicle and the reaction vessel is positioned on the vehicle so that the vessel's rotation about its own axis is prevented. Then, the at least one reaction vessel is transferred on the vehicle and a guide rod, attached to the lid that is attached by a hinge to the reaction vessel, is pushed by the movement of the vehicle against a guide surface that forces the lid to turn on the hinge so that the lid is at least partially opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting single and multiple reaction vessels. At least one reaction vessel is provided and at least one tray includes at least two seats for the at least one reaction vessel, and at least one gripper. One of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position. The gripped element is transported to a second position wherein the gripper is released. A gripping collar is provided both on the reaction vessel and the tray for the gripper to engage. At one transport stage one of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position by pushing the gripper from above to engage with the gripping collar and in a second stage the transported element is disengaged from the gripper by moving the gripper sideways in relation to the center axis of the gripping collar.

Abstract: Automatic analyzers, in which the liquids to be analyzed are in so-called reaction vessels, simultaneously acting as optically high-quality cuvettes (10), are used in laboratories for analyzing various liquids. This publication discloses a handling package for cuvettes. According to the invention a removable bonding strip (100) is fastened on the row of cuvettes, the strip binding the row of cuvettes during transport and being easily removable when the cuvettes are loaded into the instrument. The cuvettes (5) are loaded into the instrument by supporting the package in its place from the brackets located in the ends of the cuvettes so that the strip (100) can be pulled off the supported package of cuvettes.

Abstract: A cuvette for an automatic analyzing apparatus according to the invention includes at least two positions, for each position pair one separating wall connecting the positions, and brackets, which are at the outermost positions and which guide the cuvette into a curved shape. In a handling method of a cuvette according to the invention a cuvette is transported from its brackets to an incubator and bent into a curved shape. In the method the cuvette is then loaded into an opening of the incubator, in which opening it remains by its own spring back factor, until the cuvette is removed from the opening after the analysis.

Abstract: A cuvette (10) for an automatic analyzing apparatus according to the invention includes at least two positions (20), for each position pair one separating wall (22) connecting the positions (20), and brackets (24), which are at the outermost positions (20) and which guide the cuvette (10) into a curved shape. In a handling method of a cuvette (10) according to the invention a cuvette (10) is transported from its brackets (24) to an incubator (30) and bent into a curved shape. In the method the cuvette (10) is then loaded into an opening (34) of the incubator (30), in which opening (34) it remains by its own spring back factor, until the cuvette (10) is removed from the opening (34) after the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a closure for mounting on a reagent vessel, the closure including a main body, a top wall attached by its edges to the top edges of the main body, at least one incision dividing the top wall into at least two parts, a flange attached to and extending outwards from the top edge of the top wall, and a hinge area connecting the top edge of the main body to the flange and the top wall.

Abstract: With the aid of the invention, a chemical analyser, a method for sample-based analysis, a device for handling cuvettes, and a loading method are provided. The chemical analyser (1) according to the invention comprises a rotatable incubator (20), in which there are openings (21) for receiving cuvettes (70), and analysis means (60) arranged around the incubator (20), as well as a loading device (40) for loading cuvettes (70) into the openings (21). The loading device (40) of the analyser (1) comprises a feed funnel (30), which is arranged to bend a straight cuvette (70) to fit the opening (21), and a ram (41), which is arranged to load a cuvette (70) into an opening (21) in the incubator (20) through the feed funnel (30).

Abstract: A cuvette (10) for an automatic analyzing apparatus according to the invention comprises at least two positions (20), for each position pair one separating wall (22) connecting the positions (20), and brackets (24), which are at the outermost positions (20) and which are adapted to guide the cuvette (10) into a curved shape. In a handling method of a cuvette (10) according to the invention a cuvette (10) is transported from its brackets (24) to an incubator (30) and bent into a curved shape. In the method the cuvette (10) is then loaded into an opening (34) of the incubator (30), in which opening (34) it remains by means of its own spring back factor, until the cuvette (10) is removed from the opening (34) after the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a closure for mounting on a reagent vessel, the closure comprising a main body comprising a hole to be mounted around the opening of a vessel, such as a reagent container, a top wall attached by its edges to the top edges of the main body, at least one incision dividing the top wall into at least two parts, a flange attached to and extending outwards from the top edge of the top wall, and a hinge area connecting the top edge of the main body to the flange and the top wall.