Abstract: A high efficient compounded wind power system comprises a wind power unit including a wind hood, a plurality of fan blades installed externally to said wind hood, a wind power unit driving main transmission shaft installed behind said wind hood, a driving gear installed on said main transmission shaft to form a separation with said wind hood, and a compound unit installed on said main transmission shaft locating behind said wind hood for mutual driving and mutual power transmission with said wind power unit to include a gravity wheel, a plurality of gravity shaft arms installed externally to said gravity wheel, and a plurality of swingable gravity wheels which are connected respectively with each gravity shaft arm at the end whereof. As such, high efficient wind power is produced to allow the present wind power generation equipments to operate eternally and continuously with a better energy economic effectiveness.

Abstract: A wind turbine electrical-generating system with air-directing vanes in the forms of sheaths over structural members crossing the sir discharge opening of the wind turbines. The turbines also have associated shroud assemblies which support the structural members and which cooperate with the vanes to provide superior performance.

Abstract: A method of making a multiple alloy, multi-section welded turbine rotor includes providing a forged multiple alloy rotor section having an integral microstructure, the rotor section comprising a first alloy having a first alloy composition and second alloy having a second alloy composition, a first weld face comprising the first alloy on a first end and an a second weld face comprising the second alloy on an opposed second end. The method also includes providing a first rotor section comprising the first alloy composition and a second rotor section comprising the second alloy composition. The method also includes welding the first rotor section to the first weld face and welding the second rotor section to the second weld face.

Abstract: A fan is disclosed herein. The fan includes a hub portion operable to rotate about an axis. The hub portion extends along the axis between forward and aft ends. The fan also includes at least one platform operably fixed with the hub portion. The at least one platform at least partially encircles the axis. The fan also includes at least one airfoil extending from the at least one platform radially outward relative to the axis between a base and a tip. The at least one platform terminates at forward and aft circumferential edges spaced from one another along the axis. At least one of the forward and aft circumferential edges extends about the axis and along the axis.

Abstract: A method of assembling a blade extension assembly for use with a wind turbine. The method includes removing a tip end of a tip portion of a rotor blade and coupling a tip wall to the tip portion. The tip wall extends between a first sidewall and a second sidewall and includes a plurality of slots defined therein. A blade extension assembly is coupled to the tip portion.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in a table. The table selected from the TABLE. Wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.

Abstract: A method and system that includes generation of an energy beam. The energy beam may be generated from a focused energy source. Additionally, the energy beam may be directed towards a pre-sintered preform. The pre-sintered preform may be made of a braze material and may seal a hole that may be located in a turbine component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilator wheel or fan wheel composed of a hub and blades which are fastened in said hub. The hub and/or the blades are at least partially provided, on the surface thereof, with an antibacterial agent.

Abstract: To provide a steam turbine rotor and a steam turbine which are highly reliable. The steam turbine rotor is characterized in that a forged material B having a hollow structure is joined to a forged material A of a Ni group super-alloy by welding, and weld back waves on an inner surface are removed, and the inner surface is smoothed, and a forging material C and a forging material B are joined to each other with a bolt.

Abstract: A support for a large vertical axis wind turbine including a tower frame, a platform, a vertical central axis, and a vertical axis windmill including a plurality of blades and supporting arms. The platform is disposed on the tower frame for installing and fixing a generator. The vertical central axis and the vertical axis windmill are supported by the tower frame. The tower frame is a truss structure and includes at least three sub-tower frames which are in parallel with each other and form a regular polygon from top view. The sub-tower frames are a hollow truss structure. The ratio of a diameter of the vertical axis windmill to a distance between two adjacent sub-tower frames is between 2.5 and 6. The ratio of the diameter of the vertical axis windmill to a height of the tower frame is between 3 and 0.5.

Abstract: A guide blade for a gas turbine includes an inner and an outer platform, an airfoil extending in a radial direction between the inner and the outer platforms and having a height in the radial direction, and at least one cooling channel disposed in an interior of the airfoil and configured to receive a cooling medium flowing through the at least one cooling channel configured to cool the guide blade, wherein a cross-sectional area of a blade material of the airfoil varies over the height.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump and a variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes means for determining a first motor speed of the motor, means for determining first and second performance values of the pumping system, and means for comparing the first and second performance values. The pumping system further includes means for determining an adjustment value based upon the comparison, means for determining a second motor speed based upon the adjustment value, and means for controlling the motor in response to the second motor speed. In one example, the pumping system includes means for determining a value indicative of a flow rate of water moved by the pump. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a filter arrangement. A method of controlling the pumping system for moving the water of the swimming pool is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly with an electric drive motor and with a control device having a frequency converter, for the control of the rotational speed of the drive motor, wherein the control device is designed in a manner such that in at least one control region, a field weakening is produced in the drive motor, by way of which the rotational speed of the drive motor is increased.

Abstract: A method of operating a compressor in an adaptive core engine is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of operating a front block compressor to increase pressure of a fluid to a first pressure ratio in a high-power mode operation; operating a rear block compressor coupled to the front block compressor such that the front block compressor and the rear block compressor operate at the same physical speed; closing a rear block stator vane located axially forward from the rear block compressor such that the flow of the fluid into the rear block compressor is substantially cut off; and keeping a blocker door opened such that substantially all of the fluid pressurized by the front block compressor flows through a bypass passage during the high-power mode operation.

Abstract: A dense phase pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided.

Abstract: A control device for a hydraulic piston machine with a variable flow rate averaged over time has a plurality of pistons each defining a working chamber with a changeable value and connectable to high-pressure and low-pressure line via first and second valves actuable in an electric fashion, and an electronic control unit operating the valves in several modes, so that the valves can be operatable only in the partial stroke mode, or in the partial stroke mode and in the idle stroke mode, or in the partial stroke mode and in the full stroke mode, or in the way that all three modes are used on a limited number of working chambers and only the idle stroke and the full stroke modes are used on the remaining working chambers.

Abstract: A displacement control system (B) for a variable displacement compressor has an electromagnetic clutch (200), a displacement control valve (300) including a valve body (306) that is applied with pressure of a suction pressure region of a variable displacement compressor (100) and an electromagnetic force of a solenoid unit in an opposite direction to the pressure of a discharge pressure region, and biasing means that biases the valve body (306) in the same direction as the electromagnetic force, and means (453, 454, 405) for adjusting current, which adjusts current supplied to a displacement control valve coil (316) according to external information detected by external-information detecting means (403, 451, 452).

Abstract: A compressor including a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a motor actuating the compression mechanism, and a terminal body secured to the shell, may further include at least one conductor pin extending through the terminal body and a fence disposed around the terminal body and secured to the shell. A plug assembly having an inner core surrounded by an outer body includes at least one electrical receptacle housed by the inner core for selective electrical communication with the at least one conductor pin. A seal may be integrally formed with the outer body and may engage the fence when the at least one electrical receptacle is in electrical communication with the at least one conductor pin.

Abstract: A method in connection with a pump drive connected to a container or the like, wherein a frequency converter is arranged to supply power to a pump in such a manner that a pump flow (Qp) is responsive to an estimated mean incoming flow (Qest) to the container. The method includes draining the container, allowing the container to fill during a predefined filling time (tfill) while the pump is inactive, draining the container again at a known pump flow (Qp,nom), defining the drainage time (tdrain) defining an estimated mean incoming flow (Qest) on the basis of the filling time (tfill), drainage time (tdrain) and known pump flow (Qp,nom), and setting the power supplied by the frequency converter to the pump to be such that the pump flow (Qp) corresponds to the produced estimated mean incoming flow (Qest).

Abstract: An air compressor includes a cylinder housing having an outlet tube and an inner peripheral surface, a piston slidably received in the cylinder housing and having a piston rod, the piston is tilted relative to a longitudinal or lateral axis T of the piston rod, and a motor is coupled to the piston for moving the piston relative to the cylinder housing in a reciprocating action in order to generate pressurized air. The piston rod is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis Z of the cylinder housing, and the piston is arranged to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder housing when the piston is moved toward the outlet tube in a pumping stroke for effectively compressing and pumping the air in the cylinder housing.

Abstract: A drive device in which a driving force transfer mechanism is accommodated in a case that includes a main body portion having an opening portion and a cover portion attached to the opening portion, and the cover portion is provided with an oil pump. The drive device is configured with a pump cover attached to a case inner surface of the cover portion, which forms an inner surface of the case, such that the pump cover is accommodated in a case internal space surrounded by the main body portion and the cover portion. A pump chamber of the oil pump is formed by a recess that is formed in at least one of a mating surface of the cover portion and a mating surface of the pump cover in a bonding portion between the cover portion and the pump cover.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a compressor arrangement for compressing fresh air for internal combustion engines, containing a compressor wheel as well as an electric motor with a rotor and stator. A rotor magnet of the rotor is designed such that it is partially or completely integrated into the compressor wheel, and the smallest diameter of the stator is 1.5- to 8-times the size of the largest outer diameter of the rotor. The turbocharger has a very spontaneous response behaviour in the transient range, as well as the possibility of an exact real-time regulation of the mass flow. It furthermore renders possible the energy recovery and this contributes to increasing the total efficiency.

Abstract: An electric motor conveys media and includes a stator, a rotor with a rotor magnet, and a media throughput opening between the stator and rotor. An operationally reliable delivery of media at low cost and with low maintenance is achieved with the electric motor.

Abstract: A portable inline pump kit is provided featuring a pump having a fluid output port configured to pump fluid, and having a quick disconnect power input connection to couple the pump to a source of power; a portable battery or battery pack having a power connection to be coupled by wiring to the pump; a connector having a bullet connector to couple to the quick connect power input connection of the pump, and having another bullet connector to couple to the power connection of the portable battery or battery pack; an alligator style battery connector having a bullet connector to couple to the input connection of the pump, and having a pair of alligator style battery clips to couple to terminals of a battery, including a car or boat battery; a cigarette lighter connector having a bullet connector to couple to the power input connection of the pump, and having a cigarette lighter power adapter to be coupled to a remote cigarette lighter in, e.g.

Abstract: The eccentric on the crankshaft of a rotary compressor, as well as the roller that surrounds the crankshaft, is replaced by an elliptical cam that acts as a double eccentric. In this manner, the elliptical cam provides for proper balancing of the crankshaft and other components of the compressor, while eliminating the need to use counterweights. Specifically, the elliptical cam is symmetrical, resulting in equal forces acting on opposing sides of the elliptical cam. This allows the elliptical cam to maintain its balance throughout its rotation, even when operating at a high rate of revolution.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micro-blower includes an inner case to which a peripheral portion of a vibrating plate including a piezoelectric element is fixed such that a blower chamber is defined between the inner case and the vibrating plate and an outer case arranged to cover an outer periphery of the inner case with a gap therebetween. The inner case is elastically retained in the outer case by a plurality of connecting portions. A first opening is provided in a top plate portion of the inner case that faces a central portion of the vibrating plate, and a second opening is provided in a top plate portion of the outer case that faces the first opening. A central space is provided between the top plate portions, and fluid introduced from the outside is guided to the central space through the gap between the inner and outer cases. The vibrating plate is driven in a bending mode so that air is sucked into the central space and is discharged through the second opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suction valve of a variable capacity compressor for vehicle including: a valve sheet, a valve case, a spool valve, and a resilient member, wherein the valve case includes a first coolant discharging port and a pair of second coolant discharging ports, each second coolant discharging port being smaller in size than the first coolant discharging port, and wherein the spool valve includes a plurality of first grooves and two pairs of second grooves which are formed on the first grooves so that the second grooves in each pair face each other and a coolant may be introduced from the bottom surface of the valve case, and wherein when the spool valve is initially opened, the coolant is introduced through the first and second grooves.

Abstract: Scroll pumping apparatus includes a first scroll element and a second scroll element; a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the second scroll element for producing orbiting motion of the second scroll element relative to the first scroll element, the drive mechanism having an axis of rotation; and an isolation element to isolate a first volume and a second volume in the scroll pumping apparatus. The isolation element includes a first resilient annular member coupled, directly or indirectly, to the first scroll element, a second resilient annular member coupled, directly or indirectly, to the second scroll element, and a tubular member coupled between the first and second annular members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary compressor which delays a pressure rise on a high pressure chamber side in a cylinder of a rotary compression element to decrease a high pressure load applied to a roller and a rotary shaft, thereby improving performance. In the rotary compressor including a sealed container in which an electromotive element (a driving element) and first and second rotary compression elements driven by a rotary shaft of the electromotive element are included, each of the rotary compression elements being constituted of a cylinder, a roller fitted into an eccentric portion formed on the rotary shaft to eccentrically rotate in the cylinder, and a vane which abuts on the roller to partition the inside of the cylinder into a low pressure chamber side and a high pressure chamber side, the inner diameter of a suction passage formed in each cylinder is 59% or more and 70% or less of the thickness of the cylinder.

Abstract: A screw compression apparatus (1) in which the bearing lifespan is unaffected by the properties of the target gas being compressed comprises: a screw compressor (2) in which a rotor shaft of a screw rotor (6) that is rotatably housed to compress a target gas together with a rotor lubricating fluid in a male/female interlocking arrangement in a rotor chamber (5) formed in a housing (4) is held by bearings (10, 11) arranged in bearing spaces (7, 8) formed in a housing (4) adjacently to a rotor chamber (5), and which includes shaft sealing members (13, 14) that isolate the bearing space (7, 8) from the rotor chamber (5); a lubricating fluid separating collector (3) that separates the rotor lubricating fluid from the target gas discharged by the screw compressor (2); a rotor lubricating flow channel (25) through which the rotor lubricating fluid separated by the lubricating fluid separating collector (3) is introduced into the rotor chamber (5); and a bearing lubricating system (17) for supplying a bearing lubric

Abstract: In a punch die for powder compacting, a powder compacting equipment equipped with the punch die, and a forming method with the equipment, for suppressing the occurrence of stress concentration in the die without changing a shape of a powder compacting body, the punch die is used to form a cylindrical member by powder compacting, which has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a protrusion portion formed on the inner peripheral side thereof to protrude in the axial direction or a stepped portion or a concave portion formed on the inner peripheral side thereof in the radial direction. The punch die has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a protrusion portion formed on at least a part of the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface thereof to protrude toward the center axis.

Abstract: Methods of forming a compressor article such as a cast airfoil, a stator, a blade, a gas turbine, and a gas turbine shell via casting are presented. The methods include: preparing an iron-manganese-aluminum-silicon-carbon (Fe—Mn—Al—Si—C) based alloy; casting the Fe—Mn—Al—Si—C based alloy, wherein a cast has a shape of the compressor article; and performing post-casting finishing thereby forming the compressor article.

Abstract: A steel sheet for cans that has a yield stress of at least 500 Mpa after coating and baking and a method for manufacturing the steel sheet for cans are provided. The steel sheet for cans contains, on the basis of mass percent, C: more than 0.02% but 0.10% or less, Si: 0.10% or less, Mn: 1.5% or less, P: 0.20% or less, S: 0.20% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.0120% to 0.0250%, dissolved N being 0.0100% or more, and a remainder of Fe and incidental impurities. A high-strength material can be obtained by maintaining the absolute quantity of dissolved N at a certain value or more and performing hardening by quench aging and strain aging, for example, in a printing process, a film lamination process, or a drying and baking process performed before can manufacturing. In the manufacture, hot rolling is performed at a slab extraction temperature of 1200° C. or more and a finish rolling temperature of (Ar3 transformation temperature—30)° C. or more, and coiling is performed at 650° C. or less.

Abstract: An Mg-base alloy shows that an Mg-base alloy, which is added Zn and Al to magnesium, has a composition represented by (100-a-b) wt % Mg-a wt % Al-b wt % Zn, and satisfying 0.5?b/a. The alloy can reduce yield anisotropy, which is a serious problem for the wrought magnesium alloy, while maintaining a high strength property. The alloy is produced by additive elements, such as Zn and Al, which are easily obtained in place of rare earth elements.

Abstract: A nickel-base superalloy composition including (measured in % by weight) from about 6.8 to about 7.5% aluminum, from about 4 to about 8% tantalum, from about 4 to about 10% chromium, from about 2 to about 7% tungsten, from 0 to about 6% rhenium, from 0 to about 5% cobalt, from 0 to about 0.2% silicon, optionally, from about 0.15 to about 0.7% hafnium, from 0 to about 0.5% titanium, from 0 to about 4% molybdenum, from 0 to about 0.005% boron, from 0 to about 0.06% carbon, from 0 to about 0.03% of a rare earth addition selected from the group consisting of yttrium, lanthanum, cesium, and combinations thereof, balance nickel and incidental impurities. The nickel-base superalloy composition may be used in single-crystal or directionally solidified superalloy articles such as high pressure turbine blades for a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Rhenium-free nickel based alloys are provided. More particularly, the alloys comprise preferred levels and ratios of elements so as to achieve good high temperature strength of both gamma matrix phase and gamma prime precipitates, as well as good environmental resistance, without using rhenium. When cast and directionally solidified into single crystal form, the alloys exhibit creep and oxidation resistance substantially equivalent to or better than rhenium-bearing single-crystal alloys. Further, the alloys can be processed by directional solidification into articles in single crystal form or columnar structure comprising fine dendrite arm spacing, e.g., less than 400 ?m, if need be, so that further improvements in mechanical properties in the articles can be seen.

Abstract: Rhenium-free nickel based alloys are provided. More particularly, the alloys comprise preferred levels and ratios of elements so as to achieve good high temperature strength of both gamma matrix phase and gamma prime precipitates, as well as good environmental resistance, without using rhenium. When cast and directionally solidified into single crystal form, the alloys exhibit oxidation resistance better than or comparable to rhenium-bearing single-crystal alloys, and creep rupture life comparable to rhenium-bearing single-crystal alloys. Further, the alloys can be processed by directional solidification into articles in single crystal form or columnar structure comprising fine dendrite arm spacing, e.g., less than 400 ?m, if need be, so that further improvements in mechanical properties in the articles can be seen.

Abstract: Rhenium-free nickel based alloys are provided. More particularly, the alloys comprise preferred levels and ratios of elements so as to achieve good high temperature strength of both gamma matrix phase and gamma prime precipitates, as well as good environmental resistance, without using rhenium. When cast and directionally solidified into single crystal form, the alloys exhibit creep resistance substantially equivalent to rhenium-bearing single-crystal alloys. Further, the alloys can be processed by directional solidification into articles in single crystal form or columnar structure comprising fine dendrite arm spacing, e.g., less than 400 ?m, if need be, so that further improvements in mechanical properties in the articles can be seen.

Abstract: A brazing material which can be melted at a suitable temperature at which damage is not given to a device inside a package upon sealing, and besides the brazing material is not remelted, e.g., upon mounting to a board, and which has a low temperature difference between a liquid and a solid. The brazing material is made of a Au—Ga—In ternary alloy, wherein weight concentrations of the elements lie within a region of a polygon with a point A (Au: 90%. Ga: 10%, In: 0%), a point B (Au: 70%, Ga: 30%, In: 0%), a point C (Au: 60%. Ga: 0%. In: 40%) and a point D (Au: 80%, Ga: 0%. In: 20%) as vertexes. excluding lines on which In and Ga become 0%, in a Au—Ga—In ternary phase diagram.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high corrosion resistant aluminum alloy consisting essentially of (by weight %): 0.30-1.25% Mn, 0.10-1.20% Si, 0.05-0.25% Cr, 0.05-0.2% Zr, 0.08-0.30% Ti, less than 0.03% Zn, less than 0.03% Cu, and up to 0.20% Fe, balance aluminum and inevitable impurities. The present invention also relates to articles made of the alloy.

Abstract: The invention provides an air treatment device comprising: an airborne agent detector comprising a plurality of airborne agent sensors, wherein the airborne agent detector comprises means to detect a threshold level or concentration of an airborne agent; a means to mount a source of air treatment agent to the device; and a means to expel a portion of air treatment agent from a mounted source of agent, upon detection of an airborne agent by the detector.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for treating indoor air, utilizing a container suitable for holding a brine solution thereinside, a porous medium rotatably mounted on, or in, said container such that a section thereof is capable of being immersed in the brine solution held inside it, rotating means mechanically coupled to said porous medium, and air streaming means capable of directing a stream of air to a surface area of said porous medium.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing containers may include a treatment head having an outlet window for the passing of charge carriers therethrough, a charge carrier generation source for generating charge carriers, an acceleration device disposed above the outlet window, and a cooling device for cooling the outlet window. The acceleration device accelerates the charge carriers in the direction of the outlet window. The cooling device includes a feed opening for a gaseous medium. The feed opening is disposed beneath the outlet window and directs the gaseous medium at least partially from below to the outlet window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the sterilization of ballast water on ships by means of UV radiation, with a pump line by means of which ballast water can be taken up and discharged, wherein the pump line is passed through by a number of UV-transparent sheath pipes arranged one behind another in the direction of the pump line and in which UV radiators are arranged for the emission of UV radiation into the pump line and sheath pipes arranged one behind another in the circumferential direction of the pump line are offset by an angle ? in relation to one another.

Abstract: A sterilization system includes a plurality of vaporizers that are controlled by a network of interconnected controllers. The network includes a plurality of control units with each control unit controlling an associated vaporizer to adjust independently the rate at which the associated vaporizer injects vaporized sterilant into the different regions of an enclosure. The network also includes a master control unit configured to control each control unit over the network to coordinate the aggregate injection of sterilant vapor.

Abstract: A heat pump type hot-water supply device including a hot water storage tank and a hot water circulation circuit is provided with a bactericidal component generator, such as a discharge device for generating a streamer discharge, in order to prevent development of bacteria, such as Legionella, at low cost. The bactericidal component generator generates, at a temperature lower than or equal to that of hot water in a hot water circulation circuit, a bactericidal component so as to bring about an effect on the hot water.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing an item using ozone and a secondary molecule is provided. The secondary molecule comprises hydrogen for conversion to a hydroxyl radical. The item and secondary molecular are inserted into a container, and a gaseous mixture containing ozone can be inserted into the container by way of a filling station having an ozone source and a vacuum pump to remove air from the container. Sterilization occurs within the container such that the container can be removed from the filling station. A preferred secondary molecule is an alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol. Prior to insertion of the item into the container, the item can be soaked in a nutrient rich hot water bath at or near boiling and optionally at a pressure above atmospheric to assist in sterilization.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article by sequentially exposing the article to hydrogen peroxide and ozone is disclosed. The article is exposed under vacuum first to an evaporated aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and subsequently to an ozone containing gas. The exposure is carried out without reducing the water vapor content of the sterilization atmosphere, the water vapor content being derived from the aqueous solvent of the hydrogen peroxide solution and from the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The complete sterilization process is carried out while the chamber remains sealed and without removal of any component of the sterilization atmosphere. For this purpose, the chamber is initially evacuated to a first vacuum pressure sufficient to cause evaporation of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide at the temperature of the chamber atmosphere. The chamber is then sealed for the remainder of the sterilization process and during all sterilant injection cycles.

Abstract: A rack transporting apparatus including: a first transport path for transporting a sample rack to the sample processing unit; a second transport path for transporting the sample rack, without passing through the sample processing unit, in the same direction as a transport direction of the sample rack by the first transport path; a third transport path for transporting the sample rack in the opposite direction of the transport direction by the first transport path and the second transport path; a first rack transferring mechanism for transferring the sample rack from the second transport path to the first transport path through a first holding region being capable of holding the sample rack; and a second rack transferring mechanism for transferring the sample rack from the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path through a second holding region being capable of holding the sample rack.

Abstract: A rack collecting unit including: a transport path capable of transporting a sample rack in a first direction; a transport path capable of transporting the sample rack in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a storing section for storing therein the sample rack; and a transferring section for transferring the sample rack carried onto the transport paths to the storing section.