Abstract: An apparatus and system to produce purified drinking water from humid air is provided. The apparatus includes an air purification device such as a HEPA filter to remove air-borne particulate and biological containments. A method to provide purified drinking water from humid air using a stand along apparatus is provided. The apparatus can also dehumidify, improve air-quality and provide air-conditioning.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body defining at least one storage space and a door connected to the refrigerator body for closing at least a part of the storage space. The door includes a heat insulating layer. A dispenser is provided in the door and has a dispenser casing which is adjacent to the heat insulating layer. A heater is arranged at least adjacent to the inner side of the dispenser casing and a heat conducting element covers at least a part of the inner surface of the dispenser casing in facing relationship to the heat insulating layer. The heat conducting element is arranged at least adjacent to the heater for transmitting the heat generated by the heater to the dispenser casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a structure for allowing ice, which is received in an ice-storing device provided in a refrigerating chamber door, to be in a frozen state without being melted. The refrigerator of the present invention comprises a main body including at least a refrigerating chamber, a door for opening or closing the refrigerating chamber, a container provided in the door to store ice therein, and a cold heat storage member surrounding the container. According to the refrigerator of the present invention constructed as above, even though an ice bank for storing ice is provided in a refrigerating chamber door, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon by which ice is melted and stuck together.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser provided in a door and having a dispenser casing, which is provided with a first region and a second region located close to the first region. The first region and the second region are adjacent to a heat insulating layer of the door. A first heater is arranged in the first region for supplying heat to the dispenser casing and a second heater is arranged in the second region for supplying heat to the dispenser casing, with the first heater and the second heater being controlled independently.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment door selectively closing the refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment door selectively closing the freezer compartment, and a dispenser installed on a rear surface of the refrigerator compartment door to dispense drinking water through the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment door.

Abstract: A vacuum sorption apparatus includes a first volume region (1) in which a sorber (2) which periodically sorbs or desorbs a refrigerant and a condenser (3) are located, and a second volume region (4) located below the first, in which an evaporator (5) is located, wherein a separating body (6) is located above the evaporator (5) to minimize a free surface area of the liquid refrigerant. The separating body (6) is configured to be vertically movable to compensate for different filling level heights of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A heat pump including: a refrigerant accumulator in which a substance accumulating a refrigerant is disposed, the refrigerant accumulator having a heating means heating the substance in order to release the refrigerant; a flow path connected at one end thereof to the refrigerant accumulator, the flow path holding the refrigerant released from the substance in the refrigerant accumulator by capillary action; a first heat exchanger provided between the refrigerant accumulator and the flow path or around the flow path and exchanging heat with the refrigerant in order to condense the refrigerant; and a second heat exchanger provided around the flow path and exchanging cold energy generated by evaporation of the refrigerant from the other end of the flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process employing a multi-directional heat pump and a cryo-trap to separate gases.

Abstract: A crystallized glass comprises, in term of mass %, 55 to 73% of SiO2, 17 to 25% of Al2O3, 2 to 5% of Li2O, 4 to 5.5% of TiO2, 0.05 to less than 0.2% of SnO2, and 0.02 to 0.1% of V2O5. The crystallized glass has a ratio V2O5/(SnO2+V2O5) of 0.2 to 0.4 and is substantially free of As2O3 and Sb2O3.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a glass blank, the method including press-molding a molten glass gob under a state in which a separation mark formed on an upper surface of the molten glass gob faces at least one of the molding surface sides of a pair of press molds arranged facing each other in a horizontal direction, when the molten glass gob falls into a space between the pair of press molds, and a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium substrate and a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, both using the glass blank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a float bath system for manufacturing a float glass, comprising a block assembly having a plurality of blocks connected to each other and configured to store a molten metal therein; a steel casing surrounding the block assembly; an air blower capable of supplying air to the steel casing; and a cooling water spray member capable of spraying a cooling water onto the steel casing. And, a cooling method of said float bath system is disclosed.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus for bending a straight lamp tube includes a horizontal heating chamber, a vertical heating chamber and a tube bending mold. The horizontal heating chamber includes a bending tube heating zone and two pre-heating zones. The bending tube heating zone has a working temperature higher than that of the two pre-heating zones. The vertical heating chamber communicates with the horizontal heating chamber and includes a mold heating zone. The mold heating zone has a working temperature higher than or equal to that of the bending tube heating zone. The tube bending mold is heated in the mold heating zone in a working temperature to bend the straight lamp tube held and heated in the horizontal heating chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fused refractory product having the following average chemical composition, as a % by weight based on the oxides and for a total of 100%; ZrO2: 30%-46%; SiO2: 10%-16%; Al2O3: complement to 100%; Y2O3?50/ZrO2 and Y2O3?5%; Na2O+K2O: 0.5%-4%; CaO: ?0.5%; and other species: ?1.5%. Application to a glass-melting furnace.

Abstract: Drum type washing machine is disclosed, including a cabinet having a base plate, a tub fixedly secured to an inside of the cabinet, a drum positioned in the tub for holding washing water, a rotation shaft connected to a rear of the drum, a bearing housing assembly for supporting the rotation shaft, buffering and supporting members connected between the bearing housing assembly and the base plate, and fastening means for fastening the bearing housing assembly to the cabinet releasably.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine, including a housing, a spin tub to hold laundry to be washed, the spin tub rotating with respect to a horizontal axis of the washing machine, and a ball balancer coupled to the spin tub to compensate for a dynamic imbalance during rotation thereof, the ball balancer including a first plastic member and a second plastic member joined to each other to define a closed internal space in which a plurality of balls and viscous fluid are accommodated, the first plastic member having an open side, and the second plastic member adapted to cover the open side of the first plastic member. The first plastic member includes a plurality of supports formed on an outer surface thereof to establish contact with the spin tub, and the ball balancer is fastened to the spin tub via a plurality of screw members.

Abstract: A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radial rib formed on the recessing part.

Abstract: A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radial rib formed on the recessing part.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a laundry processing device wherein detergent is supplied by means of the washing water. The present invention provides a laundry processing device comprising: a detergent box having a detergent storage unit which accommodates a detergent and which has an opening part; a washing-water supply device for supplying the detergent storage unit with washing water from the outside; and a regulating unit for closing the opening part of the detergent storage unit in which the detergent is accommodated, and opening the opening part by means of the washing water supplied by the washing-water supply device.

Abstract: A yarn sluice for sealing a pressurized yarn treating chamber in which a traveling yarn is thermally treated, comprises yarn guide elements in the region of a yarn inlet and outlet openings of the treating chamber forming a yarn guide channel sealed by the traveling yarn during operation. At least one of the guide elements is positionable for adaptation to the mean thickness of the traveling yarn in various predetermined positions. Means is provided for temporary adaptation of the yarn guide channel to yarn defects. At least one of the guide elements (26, 27) is steplessly adjustably mounted for adaption to the mean thickness of the traveling yarn (14). A sealing element (28), which can be placed on the first and the second yarn guide element (26, 27), extends along the yarn guide channel (25), for closing it and for reacting resiliently to defects in the traveling yarn (14).

Abstract: An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a security assembly configured to properly secure articles in a retail environment. In some embodiments, the security assembly is configured to secure cylindrical objects, such as baby formula or coffee cans. Additionally, in some embodiments, the security assembly may be adjustable such that differently sized objects may be secured. In an example embodiment, a security device for securing an object with an object perimeter edge is provided. The security device comprises a housing defining an edge lock configured for positioning proximate the object perimeter edge and a locating gap. The security device also comprises at least one cable extending from the security device through the locating gap. The locating gap is configured to secure the at least one cable from substantial lateral movement in at least one direction.

Abstract: For use in arresting a portable object such as flat laptop computers (10) having a housing with an underside housing cover (13) by a cable (46) adapted to be tied to an immovable object (45), the cable being provided with a key-operated locking device (44) comprising a tip (43) insertable into a dedicated slot (22A) associated with the portable object and turned by the key (41) by an angle less than 180 thereby preventing the withdrawal of the tip from the dedicated slot, an auxiliary base-plate (20) configured to fit against the underside housing cover (13) and comprising at-least one dependent wall portion (22C) formed with the dedicated slot (22A), and means (11?) for securing the base-plate to the underside housing cover.

Abstract: A locking device for box-shaped containers (20) having a base and a separable cover each provided with an ear-like extension (20c; 20d) with openings, wherein in the lockable position the openings are in register one with respect to the other. The device comprises a block-shaped housing (10) with a key-operated mechanism (30) comprising a rotor. A slidable locking element is coupled to the rotor so that upon rotation of the rotor by 180° in one or the opposite directions by turning the key, a locking element slides over a certain distance in one or the opposite directions. A cavity is formed in the housing configured to accommodate therein both ear-like extensions (20c; 20d). For locking the container, the locking element is driven in the direction of and across the cavity and openings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a safety lockout hasp 1 which includes a body 2 and a moveable member 3. The moveable member 3 includes a plurality of apertures 7 which are each capable of accommodating the shackle 16 of a lock means 8. The apertures 7 are only accessible when the moveable member is in a closed position. The moveable member 3 can only be moved to an open condition when the locking means 8 is detached from the hasp 1.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a security device are provided for attaching to and securing small articles, such as jewelry or other accessories that are either loose or attached to a display card. The security device may engage various sizes of card stock and/or secure articles that include a ring component in a practical and unobtrusive manner. The security device may detect unauthorized removal of the item from the retail premises. In some cases, the security device may also be configured to detect tampering of the security device and may include one-alarm, two-alarm, or three-alarm functionality. Moreover, the security device may also provide other features or functionalities that a retail operator may prefer or consider prior to the use or selection of a particular security device over others. The device may provide easy securing to and/or removal from an object by an authorized operator, such as an employee, and may be reusable.

Abstract: An electric seal includes an antenna device engaged in a lock member and having a contact located in the lock member, a lock shaft engageable into the lock member and having a circuit board engaged in the bore of the lock shaft and having an RFID chip coupled to an electric circuit, the electric circuit includes a contact for electrically engaging with the contact of the antenna member when the lock shaft is engaged into the compartment of the lock member for identifying the RFID-based electric seal, the RFID chip do not generate and emit the signal to identify the electric seal when the lock shaft is disengaged from the lock member or when the circuit board is disengaged from the antenna member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for creating a sabotage protecting contact component (1), arranged in a locking function (2) near, on or in a lockable unit (3), e.g. a door, a window, a hatch or a gate, in order to relock from the outside a space or enclosure (4), said contact component (1) transmits via electric cables (5) electric current to the locking function (2) in the form of an electronic code, which activates an electronic part (6) and/or activates the mechanical part (7) of the locking function (2) for transmitting the current to drive a unit, e.g. a solenoid for connecting the mechanical part to a rotary function, e.g. a knob or a handle for locking or unlocking the lockable unit (3) by means of a lock cylinder, for example.

Abstract: A left and right interchanging device for a lock clutch includes a clutch pin, an inner rotary clutch shaft, and an outer rotary clutch shaft. The clutch pin is movably placed in a hole of the inner rotary clutch shaft and connected with a built-in driving module of the inner rotary clutch shaft. The module controls the clutch pin so that the clutch pin can retract into or extend out of the inner rotary clutch shaft. The inner rotary clutch shaft is placed in a central hole of the outer rotary clutch shaft, and both can rotate about a same central axis. A first stop edge and a second stop edge are provided on the inner rotary clutch shaft and connected with a driving output shaft. A third stop edge and a fourth stop edge are provided on the outer rotary clutch shaft and connected with a driving output and input shaft. When a door is left-opened, the third stop edge correspondingly contacts the clutch pin and the fourth stop edge correspondingly contacts the second stop edge.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: Slow calcium release fertilizers and methods for their synthesis are described. Organic materials, particularly from manure are used for coating to achieve slow release forms of the fertilizer. Desirably, low temperature kinetic treatments are used to prepare pulverized forms having small size yet well coated with natural (non-denatured) molecular material to achieve the slow release. A desired embodiment is made from kinetic processing of rock gypsum and manure at low temperatures with added acid. Use of the fertilizers leads to acceleration of microbial viability.

Abstract: A method of supplying lubricating oil in cold-rolling by emulsion lubrication, characterized by comprising: using a constant (supply efficiency) obtained under conditions of a specific rolling rate, emulsion supply, emulsion concentration, emulsion temperature, plateout length, rolled material width or roll barrel length, rolling load, grade of the rolled material, and type of lubricating oil and oil film thickness at the time of neat lubrication realized under the specific rolling lubrication conditions to estimate the oil film thickness realized by emulsion lubrication under the specific rolling lubrication conditions and controlling at least one of the emulsion supply, emulsion concentration, emulsion temperature, and plateout length so that the estimated oil film thickness matches with the target oil film thickness.

Abstract: A method of supplying lubricating oil in cold-rolling by emulsion lubrication, characterized by comprising: using a constant (supply efficiency) obtained under conditions of a specific rolling rate, emulsion supply, emulsion concentration, emulsion temperature, plateout length, rolled material width or roll barrel length, rolling load, grade of the rolled material, and type of lubricating oil and oil film thickness at the time of neat lubrication realized under the specific rolling lubrication conditions to estimate the oil film thickness realized by emulsion lubrication under the specific rolling lubrication conditions and controlling at least one of the emulsion supply, emulsion concentration, emulsion temperature, and plateout length so that the estimated oil film thickness matches with the target oil film thickness.

Abstract: A laser nanoforming system and method for forming three-dimensional nanostructures from a metallic surface. A laser beam is directed to hit and explode an ablative layer to generate a shockwave that exerts a force on the metallic surface to form an inverse nanostructure of an underlying mold. A dry lubricant can be located between the metallic surface and mold to reduce friction. A confinement layer substantially transparent to the laser beam can confine the shockwave. A cushion layer can protect the mold from damage. A flyer layer between the ablative layer and metallic surface can protect the metallic surface from thermal effects of the exploding ablative layer. The mold can have feature sizes less than 500 nm. The metallic surface can be aluminum film. The dry lubricant can be sputtered Au—Cr film, evaporated Au film or a dip-coated PVP film or other dry lubricant materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending and balancing device for axially shiftable work rolls (10, 10?) of a rolling mill, especially of a four-high rolling mill, guide blocks (2) being provided at both sides in the window of every mill housing (1) on the level of the work roll inserts (3, 3?) and the force of bending and balancing cylinders (5) being transmissible onto the work roll inserts that are guided in the axial direction and so as to be shiftable in the vertical direction. The guide blocks are subdivided into respective upper and lower guide blocks (2, 2?), the upper guide blocks (2) are mounted in the mill housing window so as to be vertically shiftable, the lower guide blocks (2?) are mounted in the mill housing window so as to be fixed or so as to be vertically shiftable, and a bending and balancing cylinder (5) is arranged in every of the associated upper and lower guide blocks and is guided by the same and engages with the upper and the lower work roll insert.

Abstract: A punching device includes: a lower part including a die; an upper part including a punch support attached magnetically to the die; a punch supported movably on the punch support; and a separating mechanism including a driving unit mounted rotatably on one of the upper and lower parts and rotatable relative to the upper and lower parts, and a pressing unit mounted movably on the one of the upper and lower parts and associated with the driving unit in such a manner that when an external force is applied to the driving unit for rotating the driving unit relative to the upper and lower parts, the external force can be transferred from the driving unit to the pressing unit to allow the pressing unit to press against the other of the upper and lower parts.

Abstract: [Problem] There is provided a pipe end shape correcting apparatus capable of improving the roundness without loss of work efficiency and the mechanical damage to a weld bead even in the case where the pipe ends of UOE metal pipes having various outside diameters are worked.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for calibrating a cup anemometer having a non-removable cupset. The calibration method may include mechanically connecting a cups assembly hub of the anemometer to a rotatable shaft of a variable-speed motor, placing at least the anemometer under vacuum so that drag effects on the cups assembly hub of the anemometer are eliminated when driven by the variable-speed motor, controlling the variable-speed motor to drive the cups assembly hub of the anemometer at a number of different rotational speeds, recording electrical signals produced by the anemometer at each of the number of different rotational speeds, and generating calibration data for the anemometer based on the recorded electrical signals and on expected wind speed values at each of the number of different rotational speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system for use in testing the adhesive bond strength of composite materials. Also disclosed herein are a method of calibrating the sonic resonator system to work with a particular composite bond joint, and a method of non-destructive testing the “pass-fail” of the bonded composite bond strength, based on a required bond strength.

Abstract: An antenna in a radar sensor is vibrated at a known frequency and velocity in a direction generally normal to the antenna surface. A response received by the antenna is used to scale or calibrate sensor responses at frequencies of interest.

Abstract: In the leak detection method, it is provided that a specimen (24) filled with a test gas is positioned in front of a suction opening (11). The suctioned air brushes along the surface of said specimen and takes up test gas in the case of a leak. Said test gas is recognized by a test gas detector (17,17a). According to the invention, full mobility of said specimen (24) is ensured during the testing process such that a test can also be carried out while said specimens are moving past said suction opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for breath analysis from a test person who may be incapable of delivering controlled forced expiration. Breath sampling may be essentially contactless and is provided by active air intake to measuring cell (4) via receptor (2) which exhibits concentration preserving effect based on partial reflow which prevents mixing with ambient air. The analysis is performed by IR spectroscopy, including the determination of concentration of a volatile organic substance, e g ethyl alcohol, and a physiological reference substance, e g carbon dioxide. The timing of sampling is controlled by starting command from operator, and the duration of air intake is controlled by sensor signal from the measuring cell. The apparatus includes one hand unit (1), an exchangeable receptor (2), and a docking station (3).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for preparing samples (62) for gas chromatography contains a tubular liner (16) which can be flooded with carrier gas (64) and has a lower end region which can be heated in a controlled manner; a sample reservoir (26) which can be heated in a controlled manner; an active material (20) provided in the lower end region of the liner (16); an outer tube (38) which is arranged coaxially around the liner, wherein a cavity (46) which is connected to the lower end region of the liner is formed between the liner and the outer tube; a splitter exit (48) on the outer tube (38); a carrier gas connection (52) which is provided on the outer tube (38) and is intended to supply carrier gas (82) to the cavity (46); a column connection (22) which is provided above the active material (20) and is intended to connect a gas chromatography column (12); and control means for controlling the carrier gas stream, in a first setting (FIG.

Abstract: A method is described for measuring a flow of gas passing a flow meter device. The device causes a pressure drop when a gas flows through it. The pressure drop across the device is a measure of the gas flow. The device is configured as a gas permeable tube that has a flow channel on the upstream side along the tube configured so as to decrease the cross-section of the channel downstream of the gas permeable tube. This provides for a minimum volume in the channel upstream of the device's pressure-drop-generating component.

Abstract: In a PM detection sensor with a sensor element having a pair of detection electrodes formed on a substrate, quantity of PM accumulated in the detection electrode is calculated on the basis of a resistance change between the detection electrodes. A series circuit composed of a temperature detection resistance and a capacitor connected in series is formed on a conductive path in the sensor element. A microcomputer in an ECU instructs a power source to supply a DC voltage to the resistance and the capacitor to make a first state in which no current flows in the resistance when a quantity of PM accumulated in the sensor element is detected. The microcomputer instructs the power source to supply an AC voltage to the resistance and the capacitor to make a second state in which a current flows in the resistance when a temperature of the sensor element is detected.

Abstract: The sensor element 110, which can detect the concentration of a specified gas, is held with a housing 102 with a front end thereof exposed. A protective cover 120 includes an inner cover 130 and an outer cover 140, and secured to the housing 102. A ratio ?1/?2 is set to a range from 0.6 to 0.9, where ?1 represents an outer diameter of a portion where an inner gas aperture 134a is formed in the inner cover 130, and ?2 represents an inner diameter of a portion where an outer gas aperture 144a is formed in the outer cover 140.

Abstract: First outer gas apertures 144a are arranged in a first corner 144b such that the outer opening plane of each first outer gas aperture 144a forms an angle of 45 degrees with a bottom face of a step element 145 and the outer opening plane forms an angle of 90 degrees with an inner circumferential face of the first outer gas aperture 144a. Second outer gas apertures are arranged in a second corner 146b such that the outer opening plane of each second outer gas aperture 146a forms an angle of 45 degrees with a bottom face of an edge section 146 and the outer opening plane forms an angle of 90 degrees with an inner circumferential face of the second outer gas aperture 146a. This structure prevents water from adhering to a sensor element 110 and thereby enhances the response of a gas sensor 110.

Abstract: This invention describes a sample collection method that could release and collect residues of explosives and other chemicals from a surface; the described method is implemented into a compact detection system that can be used as a “wand” for screening chemicals residues on human body. The wand configuration includes multiple functionalities for contrabands detection. The invention further describes a desorption method that can control chemical fragmentation pathway during desorption. The invention describes a combined detection device that detects trace chemicals and metal at the same time.

Abstract: An automotive leak detector having a container of pressurized gas with an ultraviolet dye dispersed therein, flexible tubing, a regulator, and a pressure gauge. The container has an outlet to which the first end of the tubing is connected. The tubing also has a second end, with the second end having an outlet port. The regulator regulates the pressure of the gas and is attached to the tubing intermediate the first end of the tubing and the second end of the tubing. The pressure gauge is attached to the tubing intermediate the regulator and the second end of the tubing. The outlet port is dimensioned to facilitate attachment to the vapor recovery system access port of an automotive vehicle. Preferably the gas is a vapor made visible by shining an ultraviolet light thereon. Preferably the pressure gauge has a range of 0.1-20 pounds per square inch. Preferably the regulator maintains the pressure at the outlet of the tubing at approximately 1.5 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A micro-structured surface for immersing in a multiphase fluid mixture comprises a substrate having pores and a wetting liquid phase trapped in the pores. The wetting liquid phase is immiscible with all the phases of the multiphase fluid mixture. Alternatively, the wetting liquid phase is miscible with one of the phase of the multiphase fluid mixture.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer of the type equipped with a sample preprocessing function pretreats a desired sample in a pretreating unit before pipetting the sample into an analyzing unit for analysis. When all samples are carried to the analyzing unit via the pretreating unit, irrespective of whether the sample is to be pretreated, this causes loss in terms of both costs and installation space requirements. In the case where the preprocessing is required, a minimal quantity of the sample is also necessary in order to make the sample react to the preprocessing liquid. In addition, the possible presence of a residual sample left in the pretreating unit could affect analytical results. The automatic analyzer which includes an analyzing unit and a pretreating unit further includes a sample-pipetting mechanism constructed to have a function that allows the mechanism to access a plurality of pipetting positions without a sample sucking/discharging position being fixed.