Abstract: A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.

Abstract: Magnetic beads having cell components of interest are translated between a sequence of processing wells in a tray without need for pipetting. The circular tray contains one or more sequences of wells each interconnected by a respective channel. The tray is rotated about a central axis and a magnet, an agitator, and a heater provided external to the tray enable magnetic bead translation, mixing, and incubation, respectively. The magnet proximate a well forms a cluster of beads. Manipulation of the tray in rotation and elevation results in translation of the cluster from one well, through a channel, and into an adjacent well. The well containing a cluster may be rotationally positioned in front of the agitator, the agitator extended into contact with the well, followed by mechanical agitation. The heater, disposed beneath the tray, may accept a well lowered thereto for selective heating.

Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a transporting apparatus; a testing apparatus for obtain a sample and performing testing on the obtained sample; and a controller. The controller executes operation of: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample rack in first direction, such that each sample container held in a sample rack is transported to a obtaining position on which the testing apparatus obtains a sample and then the sample rack is transported toward the second position; changing, when retesting of a sample contained in a sample container is necessary, the transporting direction from the first direction to second direction, and then controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample container accommodating the sample, for which retesting is necessary, to the obtaining position again. Sample testing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a microfluidic analysis chip capable of adjusting movement of a specimen or a reagent by a negative pressure generation unit. A microfluidic analysis chip according to the present specification may comprise: a microtube for a main channel, which provides a space in which a specimen input through a specimen inlet formed at one end thereof reacts with a regent while the specimen moves to the other end thereof; a chip housing surrounding the microtube for the main channel; and a negative pressure generation unit which is positioned in the chip housing and connected to the microtube, so as to affect an internal pressure of the microtube for the main channel.

Abstract: An applicator or applicator system used for handling samples in an analytical laboratory setting. In particular, the invention the applicator or applicator system is capable of capping an analytical sample tube by applying a capping material to an opening of an analytical sample vessel, the applicator or applicator system including g a dispenser configured to dispense a substantially continuous length of a capping material, such that a region of the substantially continuous length of capping material is located on or about an opening of an analytical sample vessel held in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A tissue processing station includes a housing and a first heated plate that is either disposed on or forms a first horizontally oriented surface of the housing. The first heated plate is configured to either (i) contain water, or (ii) receive a dish containing water. The tissue processing station may also include a vertically-oriented heated well for heating slides. A second heated plate is either disposed on or forms an angled surface of the housing for supporting one or more laboratory slides. The angled surface is angled relative to the first horizontally oriented surface. A third heated plate is either disposed on or forms a second horizontally oriented surface of the housing for supporting one or more laboratory slides. The first and second horizontally oriented surfaces are defined at different elevations on the housing. The angled surface extends between the two horizontally oriented surfaces.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having a pipetting chamber, a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber, a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction, and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track, and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer in which required maintenance can be executed efficiently, without omission, an operation control unit controls operations of an analysis module (ISE, AU1, AU2) including a sample vessel transport mechanism, a reagent vessel transport mechanism, a reaction vessel transport mechanism, a sample dispensing mechanism, and a reagent dispensing mechanism, and of a display unit, and analyzes a sample accommodated in a reaction vessel. The operation control unit stores a validity period for each maintenance item of the analysis module (ISE, AU1, AU2) and an execution time for each maintenance item in a memory, displays an execution time together with an identification representation of execution priority level based on the expiration dates on the display unit, rearranges the display order of the maintenance items on the basis of the execution priority level, in accordance with an operator's instruction inputted through an operation input portion.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for determining the amount of bulk material being choke-fed into an inlet of a blender from one or more bulk material containers placed on a support structure are disclosed. The system includes sensors placed on the support structure beneath the one or more containers for determining the amount of bulk material contained within the container at any given time. By monitoring the change in the mass of the material in the containers overtime the amount of material being fed into the blender can be determined. The material is metered into a mixer within the blender using a metering mechanism, such as a sand screw, which supplies a fixed capacity of bulk material into the blender. The ability to precisely measure the amount of bulk material being choke-fed into the blender enables operators to calibrate the sand screw continuously.

Abstract: The sample container loading or storing unit includes a sample rack tray and a sample rack tray installation portion on which the sample rack tray is installed, the sample rack tray installation portion includes a claw portion that moves in a contact direction with a sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, the sample rack tray includes a claw guard portion provided on the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, and the claw guard portion is configured to be separated from the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray by being pushed by a sample rack.

Abstract: A system for on-site production of chlorine dioxide and other sanitizing solutions is disclosed which includes a controller for measuring fluids into a measuring/mixing vessel. The measuring/mixing vessel is designed to measure and mix water with activator and base additives to create a ready-to-use cleaning solution. A drainage system is employed to transfer the ready-to-use cleaning solution into a reservoir for on-site use.

Abstract: Various examples of systems and methods are provided for slide processing. In one example, among others, a system for processing microscope slides includes a slide positioner that can adjust a position of a slide and a slide treatment system that can dispense a micro stream of a fluid at a location on the slide when the slide is positioned beneath a jet nozzle of the slide treatment system. The system can include a slide sled that can align a smearing slide with a surface of the slide including a fluid sample is disposed, and support the smearing slide at a predefined angle with respect to the surface of the slide. In another example, a method includes obtaining a slide including a sample disposed on a surface, positioning the slide below to a jet nozzle, and dispensing a micro stream of a fluid onto the sample using the jet nozzle.

Abstract: Automated test instruments electronically determine and/or obtain cell availability of cells of a holding structure in an incubated test chamber and for each of a plurality of open and available cells and electronically identify neighboring cells, electronically determining whether each of the identified neighboring cells are occupied or empty and, if occupied, electronically evaluating at least one of a test status or a time from load of a specimen container held therein. The instruments then electronically rank each of the plurality of open and available cells based at least in part on whether the identified neighboring cells are occupied or empty and the at least one of test status or time from load of the occupied cells of the identified neighboring cells. The loading mechanism is then directed to load an incoming specimen container into a selected one of the open and available cells based on the ranking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for contactlessly mixing fluid present on the upper surface of the slide, where the device comprises a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array, the first nozzle array adapted to impart a bulk fluid flow to the fluid present on the upper surface of the slide, and the second nozzle array adapted to impart at least a first regional fluid flow to at least a portion of the fluid present on the upper surface of the slide.

Abstract: Provided is a connection module with a high degree of freedom for an automatic analyzer which does not depend on a device as a discharge destination. For this purpose, a module to be connected to an automatic analyzer with a rack rotor mechanism includes: a rack discharge mechanism for moving a rack from the rack rotor mechanism to a rotation holder; a rack rotating mechanism for rotating the rack moved to the rotation holder; a conveyor mechanism for transporting the rack from the rack rotating mechanism to a discharge port; and a feeder mechanism for pushing the rack out of the rotation holder to the conveyor mechanism, in which the rack rotating mechanism rotates the rotation holder from a direction parallel to the rack discharge mechanism to a direction parallel to the feeder mechanism and the conveyor mechanism in the selected rotation direction.

Abstract: It is necessary to dispose a plurality of units which have different target temperatures on an apparatus in a more integrated state in order to improve analysis performance and processing capacity per unit space of the apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate influence of temperature exerted between units. It is possible to reduce the temperature influence exerted between the units and thus efficiently control temperature by properly disposing the units in the apparatus, based on the relationship between a use environment temperature of the apparatus and a target temperature of each unit and temperature accuracy required for the unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Automated analyzer (2000) comprising a housing (2010, 3010), a robotic arm comprising an end effector (2360), the end effector (2360) comprising a body (2320) rotatably connected to an articulating arm and first (2363a) and second fingers (2363b) coupled to the body (2362) and being moveable relative to each other in a first direction, each of the fingers (2363a, b) having an engagement feature (2361) projecting inwardly from each of the first and second fingers (2363a, b) and toward the other of the first and second fingers (2363a, b). The automated analyzer (2000) further comprises a shuttle platform (2030) for receiving a shuttle (2030) carrying sample containers (03), the containers carrying sample (03) to be evaluated by the analyzer (2000) and the shuttle platform (2030) comprising a jaw assembly that engages the bottom portion of the sample containers when the jaw assembly is in the closed position.

Abstract: In example implementations, a method is provided. The method may be executed by a processor of a fluid dispensing apparatus. The method includes dispensing a fluid onto a surface from a dispenser during an alignment procedure. The surface is ejected for alignment verification. The surface is then received for re-execution of the alignment procedure after the alignment verification. The dispenser is re-used to dispense fluid onto the surface during re-execution of the alignment procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provided a blood cell analyzer, a control device and a blood analysis method thereof. In the method, a first reagent is mixed with a sample to obtain a first testing sample, and then a second reagent is mixed with the first testing sample for a further reaction to get a second testing sample for basophil classification and/or HGB measurement. A blood sample may be tested in one reaction cell through time-division multiplexing technology to obtain four groups leukocytes classification result and HGB result by single detection channel. Thus, the structure of the analyzer may be greatly simplified on the premise of guaranteeing the performance of the analyzer, the size and cost of the analyzer may reduce and a performance-price ratio of the analyzer may increase.

Abstract: A specimen processing apparatus may include: an aspirating tube configured to aspirates a specimen in automatic aspiration and manual aspiration; an aspirating tube moving mechanism configured to move the aspirating tube between a first region in which the automatic aspiration is performed and a second region in which the manual aspiration is performed, the first region covered with a wall, the second region separated from the first region; and a processing unit that processes the specimen aspirated by the aspirating tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides generally for a fluid-dispensing device. More specifically, the present disclosure provides for a precision fluid-dispensing device that may deliver a predefined volume of fluid quickly and reliably. In some aspects, the precision fluid-dispensing device may be used to deliver a fluid to a receiving container, such as in a manufacturing line, as a non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the precision fluid-dispensing device may dispense very accurate volumes of fluid using the head pressure of the fluid from an elevated reservoir or pressurized fluid supply. In some implementations, the precision fluid-dispensing device may dispense fluid gently and quickly, which may allow for handling of fluids that may be sensitive to agitation or mixing.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling liquids are provided. The devices and methods make use of specifically controlled centrifugal forces to drive liquid flow between two cavities connected by a conduit such that as liquid flows into the second cavity, a gas volume is trapped in the second cavity and a pressure of the gas increases, allowing for pneumatic control of liquid flow. The devices and methods facilitate one or more of the mixing, metering and sequencing of liquids, for example on a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A coverslipping machine (1) is embodied to be connected to an electrical power grid in order to be supplied with electrical energy as an electrical load; and removes specimen slides (4), having samples present thereon, from a specimen slide magazine (5) and respectively carries out a coverslipping process in which a mounting medium (7) and then a coverslip (8) are applied onto each specimen slide (4); and deposits the coverslipped specimen slides (4) in the specimen slide magazine (5) or in a further specimen slide magazine (55). The coverslipping machine (1) has an electrical energy reservoir (12) and an electronic control apparatus (13).

Abstract: An automatic analyzer that allows appropriate setting of analytical parameters which incorporate batch-to-batch variations in reagents. The analytical parameters consist of fixed parameters and variable parameters. The fixed parameters include a reagent-dispensing quantity, a sample-dispensing quantity, measuring wavelength, and the like, each of which becomes a pivot for measurement of a sample, and parameters to be used are selected from an item code and bottle code assigned to a reagent bottle. The variable parameters include a linearity check value, a prozone check value, reaction limit absorbance, technical limits, first standard solution absorbance, variation allowable absorbance, and the like, each of which is associated with sample-measurement result checks. The automatic analyzer reads bar code information from the reagent bottle and adopts variable parameters of a corresponding version with the item code, the bottle code, and batch information relating to the reagent, as a key.

Abstract: An automated analyzer is provided with one or more dispensing lines 109, 209 that are each for loading and unloading, at one end thereof, a sample rack 101 having placed therein one or more sample containers accommodating a sample for analysis and for conveying the sample rack back and forth from a dispensing position for dispensing the sample from the sample containers and sample rack removal parts 111, 211 that are provided adjacent to the other ends of the dispensing lines 109, 209 and provide and receive sample racks to and from the dispensing lines 109, 209. According to this configuration, it is possible to convey an urgent sample while suppressing device complexity, preventing cost from increasing, and also maintaining speed.

Abstract: An image acquisition device includes a cassette mounting unit in which a cassette is detachably mounted, the cassette holding the slide glasses in a plurality of stages in a predetermined arrangement direction, a light source that emits inspection light toward the cassette, a scanning unit that performs scanning with the inspection light in the arrangement direction, a light reflection unit that is disposed on the back surface side of the cassette and reflects the inspection light emitted from the light source, a light detection unit that detects reflected light including the inspection light reflected by at least one of the light reflection unit, the cassette, and the slide glass, and outputs a detection signal, and an information generation unit that generates holding information on a holding position and/or a holding state of the slide glass held in the cassette on the basis of the detection signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein disclose a device, comprising one or more fluid interfacing components and a cartridge holder, wherein the one or more fluid interfacing components are fixed while the cartridge holder moves along a linear guide. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the device to analyze a sample containing particles, and methods of diagnosing a disease in a subject by using the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provided a blood cell analyzer, a control device and a blood analysis method thereof. In the method, a first reagent is mixed with a sample to obtain a first testing sample, and then a second reagent is mixed with the first testing sample for a further reaction to get a second testing sample for basophil classification and/or HGB measurement. A blood sample may be tested in one reaction cell through time-division multiplexing technology to obtain four groups leukocytes classification result and HGB result by single detection channel. Thus, the structure of the analyzer may be greatly simplified on the premise of guaranteeing the performance of the analyzer, the size and cost of the analyzer may reduce and a performance-price ratio of the analyzer may increase.

Abstract: A switch for a conveying line for transporting a laboratory diagnostic vessel carrier is presented. The conveying line comprises a first line portion and a second line portion. The switch comprises a curved first guiding surface and a second guiding surface. The switch is moveable between a first position, in which the laboratory diagnostic vessel carrier is transportable along the curved first guiding surface from the first line portion to the second line portion, and a second position, in which the laboratory diagnostic vessel carrier is further transportable along the second guiding surface on the first line portion. A switch assembly and a conveying line are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of an automated hematology analyzer and the detection of the light scattered, absorbed, and fluorescently emitted by each cell. More particularly, the aforementioned method involves identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of a light source having a wavelength ranging from about 400 nm to about 450 nm and multiple in-flow optical measurements and staining without the need for lysing red blood cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sending scheduling information to a mobile robotic device from an application of a communication device. The application of the communication device generates at least one scheduling command and transmits the at least one scheduling command to a router using a first wireless communication channel. The router is configured to transmit and receive the at least one scheduling command to and from at least one cloud service. A charging station of the robotic device receives the at least one scheduling command from the router using the first wireless communication channel and stores the at least one scheduling command on the charging station. The charging station transmits the at least one scheduling command to a processor of the robotic device using a second wireless communication channel and the processor of the robotic device modifies its scheduling information based on the at least one scheduling command.

Abstract: Systems and methods for refrigerated storage of controls and calibrators utilize a refrigerant storage assembly having an insulated housing and door assembly, thermoelectric coolers, and the refrigerated base assembly having a metal plate thermally coupled to coolers, one or more sensors, and a plurality of receptacles to receive fluid tubes. Refrigerated storage provides a refrigerated environment suitable for multi-day storage of control and calibrator fluids.

Abstract: The disclosure provides example rinse station apparatus, cartridges, and methods for flow cytometry. The rinse station apparatus includes: (a) a cartridge docking station having a base with a recessed receptacle for a cartridge, a vertical support coupled to the base's first end and a top support coupled to the vertical support and cantilevered over the base, the top support has an opening that aligns with the cartridge's opening, (b) a locking arm coupled to the base's second end, the locking arm's free end has a ridge to cooperate with a detent coupled to the cartridge's rear wall to retain the cartridge in place, (c) a spring coupled to the vertical support's front face to apply force to the cartridge's front wall to bias the cartridge toward the locking arm, and (d) a load cell coupled to the base of the cartridge docking station, the load cell measure's the cartridge's weight.

Abstract: A method for performing flexible liquid handling processes among a plurality of consumables includes moving consumables by at least one arm having a magnetic interface device, connecting the at least one arm from the consumables, based on magnetic attraction utilizing said magnetic interface device, and aspirating and dispensing liquids on the consumables by at least one static or quasi-static pipette. The aspiration and dispensing actions are performed without displacement of the pipettes. The method further includes sensing, by the at least one arm, magnetic presence of a matching consumable connector or magnetic vector field modified by a presence of a matching consumable connector. The method includes disconnecting the at least one arm from the consumables based on a repulsive magnetic force.

Abstract: Disclosed are high-throughput vessel supply systems and methods of supplying sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for supplying a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for analyzing biological samples are provided. A biological sample may be analyzed for the presence of an analyte by an initial assay, and the performance of, or method of performance of, a subsequent assay may be contingent upon the results of the initial assay. For example, the following may be contingent on the results of a prior assay: whether or not a subsequent assay is performed; which subsequent assay is performed; the method of performing a subsequent assay; the order of performance of a sequence of subsequent assays; the steps, or order of steps, performed in a subsequent assay; the timing of the performance of a subsequent assay; the choice of a reagent used in a subsequent assay; the detection method used in a subsequent assay; and other particulars of assays may be contingent on the results of a prior assay.

Abstract: A urine testing device and a smart toilet having the urine testing device, which includes a base, a paper feeding module, a sample adding module, and a testing module installed on the base and arranged in a linear form. The paper feeding module has a test paper box, a lifting mechanism, and a pushing mechanism. A horizontal paper leakage groove is disposed at a bottom of the test paper box to receive a bottommost piece of test paper. The lifting mechanism lifts and descends the test paper box to reveal/seal the paper leakage groove. The pushing mechanism pushes out test paper from the paper leakage groove and delivers test paper to the sample adding and testing modules. The sample adding module dropwise adds urine to be tested on test paper. The testing module tests test paper added with the sample to obtain a urine testing result.

Abstract: A laboratory distribution system is presented. The system comprises diagnostic laboratory container carriers and a conveyor. The conveyor comprises an endless drive defining a closed-loop conveyor pathway. The system comprises supporting elements attached to the endless drive. The supporting elements receive a container carrier and transport the container carrier in an upright position along a pathway section. The supporting elements are mounted pivotally about a horizontal pivot axis to the drive and structured such that a center of gravity of the supporting element with or without an empty or loaded container carrier is arranged below and vertically aligned with the pivot axis when the supporting element is in an upright position such that each supporting element is free to pivot about the associated pivot axis under the effect of gravitational forces acting on the supporting element for maintaining the supporting elements in an upright position while travelling along the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the automated analysis of solids or fluids. Said device comprises a first station (5) having a metering unit (51) for the filling of at least one sample chamber (2) with a specified sample quantity, a second station (6) having at least one measurement device (61) for an analysis of the sample situated in a sample chamber (2) and a third station (7) having an emptying device and cleaning device (71, 72) for the at least one sample chamber (2). Moreover, there is provided a transport device (3) for a revolving transport of the at least one sample chamber (2) from one station to the next until the first station (5) is reached again. According to the invention, the measurement device (61) of the second station (6) is a spherical measurement system, through the interior of which it is possible to guide the at least one sample chamber (2).

Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a sample storage section for accommodating a plurality of samples, a reagent storage section for accommodating a plurality of reagents, an analysis section for carrying out an analysis by reacting the sample with the reagent, a display, a storage section for storing a setting of an operation item to be automatically executed, which is effective only at restarting, and a control section which displays a screen for setting the operation item to be automatically executed upon acceptance of power shutdown operation by an operator during the analysis on the display to accept the setting from the operator, and automatically executes or omits execution of the operation item to be automatically executed, which has been set by the operator in accordance with the setting read from the storage section at the restarting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for transferring specimen containers between detection instruments. The method may include transporting a specimen container in a locator well to a container transfer station in a first automated detection apparatus; sensing the specimen container at the container transfer station using a first sensor; transferring the specimen container from the container transfer station of the first automated microbial detection apparatus to an automated loading mechanism of a second automated microbial detection apparatus; detecting that the specimen container is positioned over the automated loading mechanism of the second automated microbial detection apparatus using a second sensor; and releasing the specimen container onto the automated loading mechanism of the second automated microbial detection apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to an automated cell culture instrument and to methods for operating such an instrument. In one aspect, the cell culture instrument includes a computing unit and a plurality of electrically controllable resources (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.). The computing unit receives a protocol, schedules the resources so as to execute the protocol, and operates the resources as scheduled or in response to so as to provide an improved environment for cell culture growth. The computing unit may simulate protocol execution in connection with the scheduling or execution of the protocol.

Abstract: A kit which has a first and second component parts, which are adapted for connection with each other. The first component part has a first array of electrical sensors, two substantially parallel lateral walls on the sides of the electrical connectors, two rails extending along the sides of the array, a front contact point and an overhang for receiving the second part. The second component part has a second array of electrical sensors for connection to the first array, front end configured to fit between the lateral walls of the first connector, and lateral sides having rail reliefs to fit the rails of the first connector. Connection of the first component part and the second component part forms a shoulder that aligns to locate the second array of electrical connectors in correct position for connection to the first array of electrical connectors.

Abstract: An analysis instrument may perform analytical operations on an analyte that is combined with multiple reagents prior to being introduced into a flow cell. The instrument may include a nozzle sipper that aspirates reagents from a recipient, along with an analyte. The reagents may be directed to a volume and may be repeatedly moved into and out of the volume by cycling of a pump. The reagents may be ejected into a destination recipient with the nozzle sipper promoting vorticity in the recipient to enhance mixing. The repeated aspiration and ejection through the nozzle sipper effectively mixes the reagents and the template in an automated or semi-automated fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other thing, devices and methods for simple, fast, and sensitive assaying, including imaging.

Abstract: An analysis container comprises a main body; a first chamber that is provided inside the main body and holds a liquid sample; a second chamber; a liquid passage; and an air passage. The liquid passage connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and moves the liquid sample from the first chamber to the second chamber. The air flow chamber connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and moves air from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle system provided according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power transmitter and a vehicle. The power transmitter is placed at one of at least one charge position. The vehicle includes: a power receiver, a capacitor, and a motor. The power receiver wirelessly receives first electric power from the power transmitter, and outputs second electric power deriving from the first electric power. The capacitor stores the second electric power output by the power receiver such that the capacitor is charged from a first voltage Vc1 to a second voltage Vc2. The motor is driven by the second electric power from the capacitor. The vehicle automatically travels a distance Dx along a route from one to a next one of the at least one charge position on the route. The distance Dx satisfies a certain relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the automated processing of samples containing biological cells—in particular, of blood samples or other cell samples is provided. The apparatus has a sample receiving device configured to receive samples, an auxiliary material receiving device configured to receive auxiliary materials, a sample carrier receiving device configured to receive sample carriers, a discharge device configured to discharge samples from a discharge position, and a capture device configured to capture discharged samples in a capture position to obtain prepared samples, and at least one temperature control device for controlling the temperature of at least one of the sample carriers. The distance between the discharge position and the capture position can be adjusted to a prespecified height. The method includes wetting a temperature-controlled sample carrier with at least one auxiliary material and discharging the sample onto the wetted temperature-controlled sample carrier from a prespecified height.