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.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a dispensing container for analytical disposables. In particular test elements, for the storage and removal of one disposable each from a storage container provided in the form of a drum cartridge.

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 tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.

Abstract: A phase contrast quadrature interferometric method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample. The method includes probing a substrate exposed to the sample with a laser beam. The substrate includes a reflecting surface with a first region having recognition molecules specific to the target analyte and a second region without recognition molecules. The method also includes probing the first and second region, and measuring time dependent intensity on a photodetector at one or both of a pair of quadrature angles of a reflected diffraction signal. The apparatus includes a laser source, a platform for receiving the planar array, an objective lens offset from the platform by approximately a focal length, and a split photodetector means for measuring a first quadrature and a second quadrature in a signal resulting from reflection of the laser beam.

Abstract: The invention is achieved by feeding a reagent using centrifugal force, without providing a valve for controlling the flow rate of the reagent in the reagent flow path. A chemical analyzer is used which comprises a structure that is supported so as to be rotatable, said structure comprising a capturing section for capturing specific chemical substances from a specimen, specimen containers and reagent containers including washing solution containers.

Abstract: An analyte of a sample is transferred to an analytical instrument by introducing a quantity of a compound of a standard material into a vessel containing an adsorbent material; introducing a quantity of the analyte of the sample into the vessel; and transferring the analyte of the sample and the compound of the standard material to the analytical instrument.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing nonoperational data acquired from optical discs, and in particular, trackable optical discs having concurrently readable nonoperational structures are provided. Analysis can involve identifying patterns in the data that reproducibly distinguish underlying structures, or identifying patterns in the data that report physical properties of the nonoperational structures. When an optical disc has a plurality of physically nonidentical concurrently readable nonoperational structures, analysis can involve identifying patterns in the data that distinguish among the physically nonidentical nonoperational structures. Also, relative physical locations of nonoperational structures on the disc can be calculated. A system for remotely analyzing data in order to expedite complex data analysis and reporting the results thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A sample vial is disclosed for use in conjunction with an automated cytological specimen preparation system.

Abstract: It is described a specimen container carrier for conveyor in laboratory automation systems, comprising a circular body driven by said conveyor and container holding means (12) arranged in said circular body (3, 5). Said container holding means (12) are kept in a container holding position by respective elastic means (14) and are connected to each other by synchronization means (9) forcing the specimen container (2) to remain coaxially positioned with respect to the circular body (3, 5).

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a sample aliquot retained in temporary storage in environmentally controlled conditions on an automated clinical analyzer for a period of time without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for manipulating chambers and other substrates for chemical, biological, or biochemical samples, such as cell culture and other chambers, within units such as incubators. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a technique for maintaining a plurality of substrates or chambers in a housing within which a predetermined environment is maintained, and moving substrates or chambers in and out of the housing, in some cases without creating a large opening in the housing (e.g., by opening a door significantly larger than the substrates). A technique is provided, in certain embodiments, in which a plurality of substrates are mounted in fixed, secured relation to each other within a housing providing a predetermined, controlled environment, and are moved within the housing so that they can be evenly exposed to any differences in environment within the housing.

Abstract: A retaining clip for retaining reagent test slides in a stacked arrangement includes a first assembly having a first cover plate and at least two parallel, co-planar rails extending transversely from an inner surface of the first cover plate. A second assembly includes a second cover plate, and a rail receiving platform extending transversely from an inner surface of the second cover plate. The first cover plate and the second cover plate define between them a space for receiving the plurality of reagent test slides. The rails of the first assembly include ratchet teeth, and the rail receiving platform of the second assembly includes pawls. The pawls engage the ratchet teeth to prevent the separation of the first assembly and the second assembly and to securely but removably hold the plurality of reagent test slides in a stacked arrangement between the first and second cover plates.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing an image of a sample retained by a sample acquiring device, comprises an image capturing unit comprising a lens arrangement with a fixed focal plane, a sample holder comprising a first magnet unit, and a second magnet unit. The sample holder is adapted to receive the sample acquiring device and is movable in relation to the lens arrangement to a first position. The sample holder is movable from the first position to a second position by means of magnetic interaction of the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit, and the image capturing unit is adapted to capture an image of the sample by means of the lens arrangement when the sample holder is in the second position.

Abstract: A highly-reliable, inexpensive and small-sized automatic analyzer is provided which can eliminate the need of an additional space for piercing a seal of a reagent bottle and can prevent a deviation of a reagent sampling nozzle from the position of a pierced hole. A piercing tool for piercing the seal of the reagent bottle is fitted over a nozzle of a reagent sampling mechanism, and a stripper for automatically fitting and removing the piercing tool is provided. By fitting the piercing tool for piercing the seal of the reagent bottle over the nozzle of the reagent sampling mechanism, the seal of the reagent bottle can be pierced in situ on a reagent disk by using the piercing tool. An additional space so far required for the seal piercing is no longer needed and a deviation between the seal piercing position and the reagent sampling position is prevented.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an assembly of modules functionally interrelated with one another, and controlled by means of a central control unit in an embodiment of circular type in concentric rings of a reagent module and a rotatory carousel carrying the incubation reaction containers, with adjacent and external arrangement of a module for feeding the disposable reaction containers by means of detachable racks and a scanning device likewise concentric with the carousel, combining with a unit for feeding by pushing the reaction containers from the racks towards the grooves of the incubation carousel, and of two displacement arm devices.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: A device is disclosed, being an analysis device for the study of biological or chemical samples by means of a reagent liquid supplied via a pipette. The device has an instrument housing with a base plate, a working plate arranged on the base plate horizontally to receive the samples in a sample holder having several wells, a robot manipulator arranged above the working plate, which carries a horizontal support arm with a slide. A needle system is fastened to the slide and can move in the Z direction, carrying 3 needles and being brought into vertical positions by a first vertical drive. The needle tips can be placed in an upper position above and in a lower position below a well. The middle needle can move vertically relative to the other two needles, which can be raised and lowered by a second vertical drive. The horizontal spacing of the three needles is so small that all three needles can be positioned with their tips inside the same wells.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor.

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: A reaction of a sample mixture liquid is detected accurately, by allowing a solid reagent to be dissolved and reacted in a liquid sample quickly and accurately. A disc main body, and at least one sample mixing unit provided at the disc main body are provided, and the sample mixing unit is provided with: a liquid sample reserve unit; a reagent chamber capable of disposing a plurality of the solid reagents; and a measurement chamber to which a sample mixture liquid containing a liquid sample and a solid reagent mixed in the reagent chamber is supplied. The reagent chamber has a form which allows a plurality of the solid reagents to be disposed in the direction substantially parallel to the radial direction of the disc in which centrifugal force is generated, or in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one receiver block (1) and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. The donor block (2) comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being provided. For positioning of the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1) and/or the donor block (2), a positioning array (11) having predefined markings, as well as a movably mounted lever, are provided for transferring the position of the markings onto a corresponding position on the donor block (2) and/or onto a corresponding position on the receiver block (1).

Abstract: An analyzer, preferably a desktop analyzer, includes: a stationary probe capable of dispensing or aspirating a liquid; one or more of a movable test element or movable liquid source; and a conveyor for moving the movable test element or liquid source with respect to the stationary probe. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor includes a dual rotor conveyor. A method of dispensing or aspirating a liquid into a test element includes: providing a movable test element having identifying marks, such as a barcode, thereon and a movable sample liquid supply; providing a stationary probe; reading the identifying marks to determine which test is to be performed and the dimensions of the test element; moving the movable sample liquid supply into registration with the probe; aspirating sample into the stationary probe; and moving the movable test element into registration with the probe, wherein the registration of the test element with the probe is controlled by the test to be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. A marked tissue section of the tissue (3) to be investigated is arranged on a specimen slide (22), a hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) being present. A sighting device (12) is provided for positioning the hollow needle (5) above the donor block (2).

Abstract: An observation apparatus includes a sample tray that holds a container housing a cultured cell and a culture medium and covered with a lid; an observation unit that serves for observation of the cultured cell; and a shifting unit that relatively shifts the sample tray and a light axis of the observation unit along a plane that is orthogonal to the light axis of the observation unit, wherein the sample tray includes a container holding unit that holds the container by utilizing an elastic force, and at least one of the lid and one portion of the lid is made detachable, with the container being held in the sample tray by the container holding unit.

Abstract: A sample carrier having a top wall, a base, and a support wall joining the top wall and the base. The top wall includes aligned, spaced-apart openings on at least one side of the support wall which are sized to receive sample tubes. Sleeves depending from the top wall and circumscribing each opening direct sample tubes into sample tube holding areas. The sample tube holding areas each include one or more retaining walls extending upward from the base opposite the support wall. Springs extending outward from the support wall bias sample tubes against the retaining walls. A drip shield comprising a cover plate, a pair of through-holes for accessing sample tubes in the sample carrier, and a depending fin which separates sample tubes on opposite sides of the support wall protects against cross-contamination between sample tubes held by the sample carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of automated collection and deposition of fluid, semi-solid, and solid samples of biological or chemical materials. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of microarrayers, which are devices for autonomously depositing minute droplets of biological or chemical fluid samples in ordered arrays onto substrates. The invention also relates to tissue arrayers, which are devices for the collection and deposition of solid and semi-solid tissue samples in ordered arrays. Other aspects of the invention relate to fluidics robots, which are devices for the autonomous collection, dispensing and processing of biological or chemical fluid samples. The invention improves the throughput of microarrayers, tissue arrayers, and fluidics robots by providing methods and apparatuses to precisely and repeatably load supplies into the machines.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product release rate testing device includes a base, at least one carousel member rotatably mounted on the base, each carousel member including a plurality of test tube pockets each adapted to receive a test tube fillable with test media, and a dipping mechanism for dipping samples to be tested into the test tubes when present in the pockets and filled with test media. A rinsing/filling mechanism is provided to rinse or fill test tubes in one set of pockets while test tubes in another set of pockets are involved in the dipping process via the dipping mechanism. The carousel member is temperature-controlled such that all of the test tubes when present in the pockets are at substantially the same temperature for critical stages of the testing process. Methods for conducting pharmaceutical product release rate testing using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining a reference position for a pipetting needle which is part of an automatic analytical apparatus that includes a rotatable conveyor, conveyor driving means, an automatic pipetting unit having a needle transport device, excenter mechanism, a level detection means, and a reference member for determining a reference position.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes an order receiver for receiving an analyzing order of a sample having analyzing item information; an analyzing section for analyzing a sample according to the analyzing order received by the order receiver; a calculator for counting a first number of analyses by the analyzing section in a first counting period, and a second number of analyses by the analyzing section in a second counting period different from the first counting period; a selection receiver for receiving a selection of either one of the first counting period and the second counting period; an output section; and an output controller for outputting a number of analyses in the counting period received by the selection receiver to the output section based on the counted result by the calculator is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier for holding up to N test sample devices as they are moved through a sample testing instrument. Each of the test sample devices are held in a receiving structure such as a slot in the carrier. The carrier also includes N optical interrupt positioning features, each placed in registry with one of the receiving structures (and thereby in registry with the test sample device). The instrument includes fixed optical interrupt sensors for detecting the position of the positioning feature as the carrier is moved through the instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the position features comprise voids formed in a rib on the lower surface of the carrier. The optical interrupt sensors are positioned below the path the carrier travels over, whereby as the carrier moves past the sensor the voids, and hence position of the test sample devices, are detected.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a sample solution and a reagent into a container in a chemical analyser includes a first step of dispensing a reagent into a container, a second step of dispensing a sample solution into the container after the first step, and a third step of dispensing the reagent into the container after the second step. A dilution cup includes an inner face where a diameter of a horizontal section increases on at least one position from a bottom to a top, an opening portion surrounding an opening, where a sample solution is dispensed, located on or near the top, a reagent aperture portion surrounding an aperture where a reagent is dispensed such that the sample solution and the reagent create an upswing spiral flow, and a drain aperture portion surrounding a drain aperture, where a mixed solution of the sample solution and the reagent is discharged, located on or near the bottom.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus is provided with a stir piece moving part that moves a stir piece for stirring a mixture into a reaction container, a reaction disk that rotationally moves and thereafter stops the reaction container in which the stir piece moved by the stir piece moving part and the mixture are housed, and first drivers that drive the stir piece in the reaction container to stir first and second mixtures. During the rotation movement of the reaction container into which first and second reagents have been dispensed at first and second reagent dispensing positions, the first drivers vertically move the stir piece in the reaction container and stir the first and second mixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a container having a slidable shutter closure moving past the apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft into a line of travel, whereby the extension is adapted to engage the shutter closure of the container and move the shutter closure from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. A reagent source for an automated analyzer includes: a reagent source which includes a container having a shutter closure which slides between an open and closed position; an apparatus for opening and closing the container.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing an analytic consumable product, in particular a test element, from a storage container having chambers which are sealed by foils from which the consumable product is pushed out by means of a plunger (7) can be optimized in that the magnitude of the thrusting force exercised by the plunger (7) during its forward motion can be controlled in dependence on the plunger (7) position.

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: An analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a stirring area where reaction liquid is stirred; a B/F separation area where a B/F separation of the reaction liquid is carried out; and a turntable which can sequentially transfer a reaction vessel containing the reaction liquid to the areas. The reaction vessels adjacent to each other in the stirring area are shaken in opposite directions.

Abstract: A coverslipping machine (1) for applying coverslipping agent and a coverslip onto a specimen slide is described. A hollow needle (2), which is embodied to be movable via a guide (4) into a working position for application of the coverslipping agent from a reservoir (3) onto the specimen slide, is additionally movable via the guide (4) into a parked position. A cleaning device (5) for the hollow needle (2) is arranged at the parked position.

Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.

Abstract: An automated discrete fluid sample analyzer includes a sample preparation module. The sample preparation module includes a well configured to receive a sample deposited by a pipettor and a sample preparation device in fluid communication with the well. The fluid sample is transferred from the well to the sample preparation device, and the sample preparation device prepares the fluid sample. The pipettor then aspirates the prepared fluid sample. The prepared fluid sample may be transferred from the sample preparation device back to the well, and the pipettor aspirates the prepared fluid sample from the well. In one embodiment, the sample preparation device includes a receptacle having a catalyst disposed therein. The catalyst may include a noble metal catalyst, such as cadmium. In another embodiment, the sample preparation device includes an ultraviolet lamp configured to apply ultraviolet light to the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mass spectrometer capable of breaking even a sample molecule having a large molecular weight by a CID process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mass spectrometer includes an ionizing source 10 for turning a sample into ions, mass-separating sections 40 and 60 for mass-separating the sample ions, a detecting section 20 for detecting the mass-separated ions, and a collision section (collision cell) 51 located on an ion path extending from the ionizing source 10 through the mass-separating sections 40 and 60 to the detecting section 20. It also includes a cluster generator 30 for producing clusters of atoms or molecules. The clusters produced by the cluster generator 30 are introduced into the collision cell 51. The use of the clusters having a huge mass as the target gas in the CID process enables the collision energy of the sample ions to be efficiently assigned to the breaking of the ions.

Abstract: For installing reagent bottles in a reagent disk, the operator needs to install them while confirming the orientation of each reagent bottle. However, the operator will groan under a psychological burden in working while confirming the orientation. If the operator installs a reagent cassette in wrong orientation, the result of measurement will be erroneous, possibly leading to a grave testing error particularly in a blood analyzer. An automatic analyzer comprises a recording medium for recording information on placement of a plurality of types of reagents contained in a single reagent container, a reagent container disk capable of carrying a plurality of the reagent containers, an information reader for reading information recorded on the recording medium, and a reagent dispense controller for controlling which of reagents is dispensed by a reagent dispenser based on the information read by medium information reader.

Abstract: A storage container for holding analytical devices, the storage container being made of a rigid material and containing separate chambers in each of which at most one analytical device can be accommodated, wherein the chambers are in a regular geometric arrangement in relation to one another and each of the chambers has at least two opposite openings each sealed by a foil, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a means for fixing the position of an analytical device in the chamber. In addition the invention concerns a system for storing analytical devices containing a storage container according to the invention and two or more analytical devices.

Abstract: An automated analyzer has a sample pretreatment disk that is operable without decreasing the processing capability of the automated analyzer during sample pretreatments such as sample dispensing and diluent dispensing. The automated analyzer can be applied to any clinical assay involving biological sample analyses. The sample pretreatment disk has a sample pretreatment cycle and a sample re-sampling cycle. In sample pretreatment cycle, the pretreatment disk rotates so that pretreatment operations are performed on some pretreatment vessels placed on the pretreatment disk. In the re-sampling cycle, the pretreatment disk rotates so that a pretreated sample is transferred from a pretreatment vessel on the pretreatment disk into a reaction vessel on a reaction disk, which disk is part of the analysis section of the automated analyzer. Controlling the cycles independently of each other allows re-sampling operations to be performed without a series of pretreatment operations being interrupted.

Abstract: The present invention provides test devices for detecting an analyte suspected of being present in a liquid sample. The devices contain a reservoir compartment, a test compartment, and a port for a sample collection well. The devices also have a rotatable sample collection well located in the port. The device has an upper chamber for insertion of a sample applicator, an expression plate for wringing out the sample applicator and applying sample to the device, a lower chamber, and an aliquot outlet and a reservoir outlet for the movement of sample through the device. The device also contains test elements for detecting the analyte of interest. By rotating the sample collection well, the operator is able to direct distribution of collected sample in the device. Methods of using the devices and kits containing the devices are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting biomolecular bonding are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a substrate; a rotation unit mounted on the substrate, a probe biomolecule immobilized on a surface of the rotation unit; an input port and an output port connected with the substrate. A frequency detector is connected with the output port to measure rotational frequency of the rotation unit. The presence or absence of molecular bonding is detected by measuring difference between the rotational frequencies before and after mixing the probe biomolecule with a sample biomolecule.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer having the capability to operate at both a higher and lower throughput, depending upon the assay load demand experienced by the hospital or laboratory, so that analyzer throughput most closely matches assay demand.