Abstract: A support element for test-tubes and the like, including an annular body adapted to be fitted on a test-tube and provided with connection means among several support elements to allow the formation of a chain having additional support elements, wherein the connection means are a spherical joint.

Abstract: A control system for a bank of analytical instruments operates the instruments as a group rather than singly. The system includes an autoloader at a sample preparation station into which an individual loads sample vials of unknown material. A second autoloader provides sample vials of known material that can be used to calibrate instruments. A computer controls the autoloader and a conveyor system to deliver a selected one of the vials to a selected instrument. The conveyor system includes a group of distributors, typically in series, to deliver a vial to any one of a large group of instruments. The conveyor system is preferably a pneumatic system including a receiver and technique for slowing the vials down when they approach the receiver. The receiver is positioned to deliver the vial to an autoinjector of the instrument. A computer monitors and communicates with the analytical instrument to obtain inputs to control components of the system.

Abstract: A bodily fluid analyzer, system and method for programming the same includes a sensor for sensing at least one analyte in a patient; a display; a data reader unit for reading information from a data storage unit that contains stored information concerning a particular drug being taken by or course of treatment for the patient; and a processor for setting the at least one threshold value for at least one analyte to be sensed by the sensing unit based on the information read by the data reader from the data storage unit, for processing the information concerning the analyte and for sending the processed information to the display, wherein the threshold value is associated with the particular drug taken by or course of treatment for the patient, the threshold value being one beyond which the display will display an alert.

Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.

Abstract: A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough and having at least two seating surfaces provided on the body. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to correspondingly receive, sealingly mate and provide passage first end fluid communication with a second size of pipette tip.

Abstract: A sample slice preparation device of the present invention has a microtome which slices a solid specimen by a knife, a humidifier which imparts moisture to a carrier tape, slice conveyer means for adsorbing a slice by an adsorbing force of moisture imparted to the carrier tape to feed out the slice, transfer mechanism for applying water to the surface of a slide glass to transfer the slice from the carrier tape onto the slide glass by an adsorbing force of applied water, an extension unit which heats the slide glass having the slice adsorbed thereon to evaporate the moisture, thereby extending the slice, and slide glass conveyer means for conveying the slide glass provided with the slice.

Abstract: A capillary cavity 19 and an inlet 13 protruding circumferentially outward from an axial center 107 are connected by a guide section 17 formed so as to extend circumferentially inward and on which a capillary force acts. A sample liquid collected from a leading end of the inlet 13 is transferred to a separation cavity 23. A bent section 22 and a recess 21 are formed at a connected section of the guide section 17 and the capillary cavity 19 so as to change the direction of a passage.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer includes a slide transport mechanism having a slide track adapted to hold a plurality of reagent test slides, a sample metering device, an incubator formed as a part of the slide transport mechanism to precisely maintain the temperature of the reagent test slides, a slide ejector mechanism to remove the slides from the slide transport mechanism, a sample preparation station, which includes a centrifuge, and associated electronics and software. The slide transport mechanism holds a plurality of trapezoidally-shaped reagent test slides about its circumference, which slides are loaded onto the transport mechanism by the slide inserter mechanism. The slide transport mechanism positions the reagent test slides under the sample metering device, which device deposits a predetermined volume of sample onto each slide. The slide transport mechanism also carries the slides above a reflectometer.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a urine analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for obtaining red blood cell measurement information by performing a measurement of a red blood cell in a urine sample; a second measurement unit for obtaining quantitative measurement information by performing a quantitative measurement of at least one of a protein component and a lipid component in the urine sample; and a data analysis unit for obtaining at least one of numerical information representing the number of red blood cells in the urine sample and morphology information of a red blood cell in the urine sample by analyzing the red blood cell measurement information obtained by the first measurement unit, and for obtaining concentration information representing a concentration of at least one of the protein component and the lipid component in the urine sample by analyzing the quantitative measurement information obtained by the second measurement unit.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a filter for filtering solid particles from a liquid sample, the filter including a first filter member configured to filter solid media from a liquid sample, a second filter member fluidly connected to the first filter member, and a third filter member fluidly connected to a downstream end of the second filter member. The second filter member is configured to filter relatively smaller solid media from the liquid sample than the first filter member, and the third filter member is configured to filter relatively larger solid media from the liquid sample than the second filter member. In various aspects, the system includes a displacement-type plunger needle to draw sample fluid from a vial, a cantilevered carousel for rotatably supporting an array of sample holding vials, and a support for supporting the carousel. Method of using the fluid delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample image obtaining system that can manage a smear slide easily and perform the operation from the preparation of a smear slide to imaging efficiently. The sample image obtaining system comprises: a sample smearing means for smearing a sample on a slide glass; an identification information reading means for reading identification information of the sample smeared on the slide glass, the slide glass having the identification information; a sample image obtaining means for obtaining an image of the sample smeared on the slide glass; a storing means for storing the image obtained by the sample image obtaining means and the identification information read by the identification information reading means; and a slide glass transferring means for transferring the sample smeared slide glass from the sample smearing means to the sample image obtaining means.

Abstract: A test object receptacle, capable of measuring a test object in a wide range of concentrations with good accuracy and within a short time, contains a plurality of fine protruding portions inside grooves. The test object receptacle can fix antigens, antibodies and test objects faster than without the protruding portions. Furthermore, the protruding portions are so formed that the surface area thereof increases gradually to the downstream with respect to the movement direction of the test object in the grooves, the detection intensity (intensity of color development) of the test object is not saturated downstream of the grooves even when the test object has a high concentration. For this reason, the test object can be detected within a short time and the measurements can be conducted within a wide concentration range.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that has a structure capable of using reagent containers each having an ID, such as a barcode, attached either on the top surface or the undersurface thereof, or alternatively on each of them. This automatic analyzer, therefore, allows information about the reagent ID to be read or written at an arbitrary timing even if the mounting density of reagent containers of the automatic analyzer is increased, thereby improving the function and performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a liquid in a container in order to provide a homogeneous solution or suspension of the liquid in the container. In particular, the apparatus of this invention can be used to provide a homogenous dispersion of particulate material in a liquid medium.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing mechanism (15), first and second dispensing-mechanism transfer means (26, 27), and a second reagent vessel (reagent cassette) carrying-in/out mechanism (24), which are constructed by employing an XY-mechanism, are arranged so as to travel above a reagent table (25) to carry in/out a reagent cassette (22). As compared with the case where the reagent cassette carrying-in/out mechanism (24) is installed radially of the reagent table (25), the area of an automatic analyzer in the horizontal direction can be reduced and a reagent vessel (16) can be moved to a predetermined position in a shorter time by combining the rotation of the reagent table (25) with the movement of the XY-mechanism. Further, as compared the case of dispensing reagents from reagent vessels in a matrix pattern by using the reagent dispensing/transferring mechanism, the travel distance of the transferring mechanism can be shortened and so can be the travel time.

Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staining/covering system comprising a staining apparatus and a covering apparatus arranged in close proximity to each other, in which slide glass attached with a specimen sample stained in the staining apparatus can be transferred to the covering apparatus without using an apparatus for conveying the slide glass in the staining apparatus. The staining/covering system comprises the staining apparatus (10) for staining the specimen sample sliced and pasted to the slide glass, and the covering apparatus (12) being arranged in close proximity to the staining apparatus and covering a cover film or a cover glass onto the specimen sample of the slide glass subjected to desired staining in the staining apparatus (10), and the system is characterized in that means for transferring the slide glass having a specimen sample stained in the staining apparatus (10) from the inside of the staining apparatus to the inside of the covering apparatus is provided in the covering apparatus (12).

Abstract: A drip shield includes cover members that define a protective canopy over sample receptacles to prevent unwanted material from being deposited into the receptacles. The cover members cooperate to define at least one access hole through the drip shield to permit access to a sample receptacle by a pipette tip through the access hole. One of the cover members is moveable with respect to another cover member between a closed stated defining the access hole and an open state permitting a pipette tip extending through the access hole to be laterally conveyed relative to the drip shield and out of the access hole.

Abstract: A microscale method for the characterization of one or more reaction variables that influence the formation or dissociation of an affinity complex comprising a ligand and a binder, which have mutual affinity for each other.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that dispenses a sample and a reagent into each of a plurality of reaction vessels to allow them to react with each other, and that measures the liquid formed as a result of the reaction. This automatic analyzer includes a first reagent storage case for storing the reagent to be used for the reaction, a second reagent storage case for storing the reagent for supplemental purpose, and a reagent conveying unit for conveying the reagent from the second reagent storage case to the first reagent storage case.

Abstract: A manifold assembly that directs fluid to and from individually selectable sample receiving trays of a tissue processing system includes a manifold, fluid conduits machined in the manifold, and valves that may be selectively configured to provide a direct fluid path to or from a particular tray. The valves are controlled by a controller that positions each valve such that a desired path is created. Pressure is created in supply and/or drain bottles to supply or drain fluid from the trays supported by the manifold assembly. Independently operated heaters are provided on the manifold assembly to heat the trays to desired temperatures. Thermoelectric cooling elements may also provided to cool the heaters and/or trays.

Abstract: A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such as the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in containers each comprising a reservoir and a reaction portion, wherein the reaction portion has a small volume. The small volume reaction portion permits the rapid and accurate temperature modulation. With an optically transmissible reaction portion, DNA amplification may be monitored by fluorescence during PCR.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for analyzing patient samples. The analyzer includes a plurality of cuvettes, which allow the samples to be mixed with various reagents. The analyzer includes one or more detectors, including a detector adapted to detect luminescence of the reaction mixture in the cuvettes. The analyzer allows for various diagnostic assays to be performed on a single system, and provides for high-sensitivity analysis at faster speeds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enumerating one or more specific elements within a biologic fluid sample are provided. An embodiment of the method includes the steps of: a) providing a chamber formed between a first planar member that is transparent and a second planar member, which members are separated from one another by a substantially uniform height; b) introducing the biologic fluid sample into the chamber, wherein the chamber height is sized such that the sample extends between the first and second members, and sized relative to the specific elements within the sample such that the specific elements non-uniformly distribute within the sample upon introduction into the chamber; c) examining substantially all of the sample within the chamber and enumerating all of at least one of the specific elements; d) determining the volume of sample contained within the chamber; and e) determining the number of the at least one of the specific elements per unit volume.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a body fluid testing device (10) for analyzing a body fluids, comprising a test media tape (30) adapted to collect the body fluid, a supply portion (100) storing an uncontaminated section of the test media tape, a storage portion (110) for storing a contaminated section of the test media tape, an exposure portion positioned between the supply portion and the storage portion, the exposure portion being adapted to expose a section of the test media tape to the body fluid. An important aspect is a tip portion (20) for exposing a test medium to body fluid application. The application further concerns a test media cassette for housing test media. Another aspect is a testing device and method that employs illumination of a test medium at the site for body fluid application.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders for use in an automated sample analyzer is disclosed herein. The apparatus for dispensing sample holders includes a rotating carousel for housing stack of sample holders. Stacks of sample holders from the rotating carousel are fed into a chute where sample holders contact a set of rotating members having helical threads thereon. The helically threaded rotating members engage the sample containers and separate each sample holder from the remaining sample holders in the stack by rotation of the helically threaded rotating members. The sample holder can then be transferred for use in an automated sample analyzer.

Abstract: A reagent container assembly adapted for being installed in a cavity of an analyzer. The reagent container assembly comprises a housing having an upper opening and defining at least one circular array of chambers, each chamber being adapted for receiving a reagent container, a cover for closing the upper opening of the housing, and a locking mechanism arranged within the housing. The locking mechanism is adapted for locking the cover and for preventing rotation thereof. The locking mechanism is further adapted for locking the housing and thereby preventing rotation thereof when the reagent container assembly is removed from its position in the analyzer. The locking mechanism is further adapted for cooperating with a pin arranged at the bottom of the cavity of the analyzer when the reagent container assembly is installed in the analyzer, the housing being unlocked by the cooperation and thereby allowed to be rotated within the cavity of the analyzer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and dispensing coverglasses over specimens on slides for the purpose of viewing specimens through a microscope. The selecting device contains a suctioning mechanism for picking up a coverglass from a stack of coverglasses. It also contains the ability to bend the coverglass to assist in separating the coverglasses. The apparatus further contains a matched barrier to eliminate any coverglasses that may stick to the selected coverglass. The selecting device also contains spring members which aid in the dispensing of the coverglass. After the suctioning mechanism releases the coverglass, the spring members exert a force onto the coverglass to insure that it is released from the selecting device and placed onto the slide. After placement of the coverglass onto the slide, capillary action pushes air bubbles out from underneath the coverglass.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer, when a sample is newly added, all sample barcodes on a sample disk are read. Immediately before dispensing it, second time reading is performed, and the result thereof is checked against that of the first time reading. A sample hand-contact preventing plate is provided above the reading position and dispensing position in order to prevent the sample from being exchanged after the second time reading. This hand-contact preventing plate has a damage-preventing configuration to protect a hand and fingers of an operator against a sampling probe.

Abstract: A reaction disk provides a compact and inexpensive design of an automatic analyzer so that the constituents in a suspension, such as blood sampled from a patient at a sick room or other place in a hospital, can be analyzed immediately and quantitatively. A separation cell and a determination cell are formed in a same reaction disk so as to maintain an upright position even during rotation of the both cells. The separation cell is formed to prevent poured suspension therein from flowing out during centrifugal separation, and a supernatant separated by centrifugation from the suspension contained in the separation cell is dispensed to the determination cell to analyze a target substance in the supernatant.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: A tissue processor (1) is described, having a retort (2) for processing histological samples with different reagents, having multiple reagent reservoir vessels (3), and having a conduit system and a control device (5) for delivering reagents out of the reagent reservoir vessels (3) into the retort (2). A suction conduit (11) projects into each reagent reservoir vessel (3) through the vessel opening (7) for reagent withdrawal. A closure system (12) having an externally tapered and internally hollow closure plug (13) is provided for closing off the vessel opening (7). The suction conduit (11) is guided through a cavity (14) of the closure plug (13) for reagent withdrawal.

Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump has a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a sensor for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: A bioassay substrate (1) takes a flat-plate shape in which the principal surface similar to that of optical disc such as CD, etc. is circular. At the center of the substrate (1), there is formed a center hole (2) into which a chucking mechanism for rotation and holding is inserted. The substrate (1) is rotationally driven with the center hole (2) being as center. On the substrate (1), there are formed two regions of a recording region (3) and a reaction region (4) which are formed in concentrical form in a radial direction. The recording region (3) is a region where, similarly to the optical disk information recording medium, laser beams are irradiated so that recording/reproduction of information is optically performed. The reaction region (4) is a region serving as the filed of mutual reaction between probe DNA (nucleotide chain for detection) and sample DNA (marked or labeled nucleotide chain), in concrete terms, the field of hybridization reaction.

Abstract: A sample plate assembly for an electrophoresis apparatus including a tray at a sample supply portion of a capillary array, an adapter for the tray, a sample plate mounted on the adapter, a septer mounted on the sample plate and a septer holder mounted on the septer. Thereby, many number of samples can be automatically supplied to capillaries in a multi capillary array.

Abstract: An apparatus for preferably automatic handling and/or processing of objects (1), in particular in the field of medical technology, having at least one processing station (3) and one object carrier (2) for bringing the object (1) to the processing station (3), optionally through the processing station (3), and away from the processing station (3), is characterized in that the object carrier (2) has a code; that data concerning the object (1) and/or the handling or processing of the object (1) can be assigned to the code; and that the data can be read or retrieved by way of the code.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic analysis apparatus and its operation method. The apparatus includes a reaction disk for carrying cuvettes and driving the cuvettes to rotate or to stop at predetermined positions, a reagent dispensing mechanism for injecting a reagent into the cuvettes, and a sample dispensing mechanism for injecting a sample into the cuvettes. The reagent dispensing mechanism includes a reagent needle, and the sample dispensing mechanism includes a sample needle. In each working cycle, the reaction disk is started to move and stopped at least twice respectively, and the reagent needle and the sample needle perform corresponding adding operations to the cuvette in different stopping stages. The approach may perform different tests in lower cost, can avoid restriction to the relative position of the needles, and is beneficial to the overall layout design of the apparatus.

Abstract: To provide an NOx removal catalyst management unit for use with an NOx removal apparatus, the management unit detecting an NOx removal catalyst layer that is actually deteriorated, whereby the deteriorated catalyst layer can be effectively replaced by a new catalyst layer, and to provide a method for managing the NOx removal catalyst. The management unit for managing a plurality of NOx removal catalyst layers provided in a flue gas NOx removal apparatus includes NOx measurement means 16A through 16E for determining NOx concentrations on the inlet and outlet sides of respective NOx removal catalyst layers 14A through 14D; NH3 measurement means 17A through 17E for determining NH3 concentrations on the inlet and outlet sides of the same NOx removal catalyst layers; and percent NOx removal determination means 18 for determining percent NOx removal (?) on the basis of an inlet mole ratio (i.e., inlet NH3/inlet NOx).

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring and controlling the quality of a culture water are provided. The system includes a plurality of smart culture nodes having integrated water quality analyzers, a culture gateway and a terminal host. In the present method, each of the smart culture nodes detects the quality of the culture water through the integrated water quality analyzer thereof and activates corresponding culture equipments to adjust the quality of the culture water. Besides, the terminal host groups the smart culture nodes through the culture gateway and synchronously controls the smart culture nodes in the same group according to a water quality information collected by the smart culture nodes in the same group so as to activate the corresponding culture equipments to adjust the quality of the culture water. Thereby, the quality of the culture water can be efficiently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: [Objective] To control the temperatures of reagents and samples in a clinical analysis apparatus, without causing the apparatus to become large or complex. [Constitution] A clinical analysis apparatus is equipped with a measuring section. The measuring section includes: a dispensing station, at which reagents and samples are dispensed into microchips having micro flow channels formed therein; a detecting station, for detecting measurement target substances included in the samples; and the like. The microchips are continuously rotated relative to the dispensing station, the detecting section, and the like from the upstream side to the downstream side of processes to be administered, to perform measurement repeatedly. A temperature controlling section controls the temperatures of the microchips prior to the microchips being moved to the detecting station, and the measurement target substances included in the samples which are dispensed into the microchips are measured.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for analyzing a specific component in a specimen includes a rotor, a specimen dispenser, a temperature controlling element, a stirrer, and a data analyzer. The rotor is provided with a plurality of specimen container holders for holding the specimen container containing the specimen, and a plurality of reaction container holders that correspond with each of the specimen container holders and hold the sealed reaction containers containing the reagent for reacting with the specimen. The specimen dispenser removes the specimen from the specimen container and dispenses the specimen into the reaction container. The temperature controlling element maintains the temperatures of the reaction container at a constant temperature. The stirrer uses magnetic force to stir a mixed solution of the reagent and the specimen in the reaction container. The data analyzer analyzes the mixed solution.

Abstract: A tip mounting position, an aliquoting position, a dispensing position, and a tip casting position are circumferentially arranged around a rotating shaft, and a plurality of aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms are circumferentially arranged corresponding to the plurality of operating positions around the rotating shaft. Each aliquoting/dispensing mechanism is provided with a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle mechanism that includes a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle portion. The rotating shaft is intermittently rotated to locate the aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms individually in the positions whereupon tip mounting, aliquoting, dispensing, and tip casting operations are performed continuously.

Abstract: A sequential, time-integrated collector having an electronic controller that actuates either of two electrically-actuated valves, each connected to a water reservoir. At a preset time interval (e.g., every 30 minutes), time-integrated water samples are transferred into sample vials in a multi-sample carousel. Evaporation that could change the isotopic composition of a precipitation sample is minimized by sealing the opening of each sample vial by pressing each vial against a flat, low-friction surface, such as a Teflon® sheet, from the time each sample vial is filled until it is removed from the collector.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an express-control system for analyzing the compatibility of blood with other substances. The present invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for use in blood testing and more specifically, food intolerance testing through analysis of blood using luminescence. The present invention utilizes a blood testing system and apparatus, which includes a displacement assembly, a blood divider assembly, a reagent divider assembly, an electro-optical multiplier assembly and a central controller. A sample of blood is added to a corresponding one of a plurality of canisters containing a test substance. Thereafter a luminescent reagent is added and the plurality of canisters are moved in the blood testing apparatus until the canisters begin to luminese.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a series of cuvettes (C) forming a strip (2) fixed by means of a film (3) in an automatic analytical device (1), comprising at least one toothed belt (12), the teeth of which engage with the corresponding forms of the cuvettes. The above finds application in an automatic analytical device, particularly for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium.

Abstract: The performance of an analyzer is checked on by use of a performance check cartridge which has the same external shape as a reagent cartridge for analyzing samples has; the performance check cartridge holds reagents for checking on the performance of the analyzer, and concurrently holds process conditions and determination conditions for checking on the performance of the analyzer in the form of two-dimensional dot codes; in accordance with the process conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, the automated analyzer determines the absorbance by use of the reagents filled in the performance check cartridge, and compares a result of the determination with the determination conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, thereby checking on the performance of the analyzer.

Abstract: An automated chemical or biological sample analyzer includes a plurality of linear sample carrying racks that are moved to a processing station for conducting an analysis using one or more carousel devices. Under computer control, rotational movements of the carousel or carousels, linear movements of the transfer or shuttle mechanisms, and operation of a pipetting station are performed in a coordinated fashion so as to handle the processing of a large number of samples simultaneously in an optimized fashion that allows random ordering of samples for processing.

Abstract: A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate.