Abstract: A magazine for releasably inventorying a plurality of reaction cuvettes to be used in an automatic clinical analyzer, the magazine comprising a generally rectangular storage cell having curved front and back surfaces, and a number of storage chutes therein, each chute sized to hold reaction cuvettes stacked one atop another therein.

Abstract: A sample handler includes a plurality of sealable metering tips, each of the tips, when sealed, containing a fluid volume of a test fluid and in which each of the sealed metering tips acts as an auxiliary sample supply container for use with at least one chemistry system of a clinical analyzer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.

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: An apparatus (1) for tissue preparation for the tissue embedding, having a transport plate (15) defining a circumferential edge (15c). At the circumferential edge (15c) several recesses (16) are formed, each of which comprises a plurality of several circular cut outs (16a) being arranged so that it has an opening into the direction of the circumferential edge (15c). The transport plate (15) is surrounded by a housing (5) which defines an inner upper side (8a) on which a heating and cooling device (3) is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-throughput combinatorial syntheses of organic molecules including a reaction vessel for containing a combinatorial-chemistry synthetic reaction, a liquid dispenser for dispensing the liquid, a liquid aspirator and an adjustment mechanism. The reaction vessel includes an ingress aperture allowing a liquid to enter into an interior of the vessel and an egress aperture for aspirating the liquid from the vessel. The liquid dispenser dispenses liquid through the ingress aperture. The liquid aspirator aspirates liquid through the egress aperture and includes a rotor for carrying the vessel and orbiting the vessel about an axis of rotation. The rotor is oriented generally in a horizontal plane and includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the vessel relative to the horizontal plane in response to the centrifugal force generated by orbiting the vessel about the axis of rotation. A method of combinatorial synthesis of organic molecules is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices for the manipulation of cells or groups of cells, such as oocytes, embryos, and sperm. In particular, the present invention relates to Cell Labeling MEMS devices (2F), Microinjection MEMS devices, IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (“ICSI”) MEMS devices, Zona Coring MEMS devices, Enucleation MEMS devices, Enucleation/Nuclear Transfer MEMS devices, and Cytoplasmic Transfer MEMS devices. The present invention also relates to kits containing the MEMS devices of the present invention.

Abstract: In reagent reaction experiments using microplates, a desired period of time can be set for determining the time to introduce a reaction stop solution after introduction of a reagent. The set time is measured starting from the introduction of the reagent and the reaction stop solution is introduced immediately after expiration of the set time. A control device for an automatic liquid handling system having the above-described reaction time managing feature is also provided with a self-diagnosing function that is capable of determining whether scheduled processes are executable or not during the time set before execution of the processes and informing an operator of the results of determination.

Abstract: A multi-well assay plate structure (54) and assay apparatus and a method for performing chemical biochemical assays is described. The multi-well assay plate structure (54) defines a relatively shallow substantially enclosed space (71) above a plurality of wells (76), with the enclosed space (71) having an inlet (72) and an outlet (22) separate from the inlet. Fluid introduced via the inlet (72) flows into the space (71) and/or wells (76) by displacing air. Withdrawal of the fluid via the inlet (72) or outlet leaves fluid in the wells (76) allowing various tests to be performed. Various embodiments of the structure are described. The preferred arrangement embodies the structure on a transparent plastic disk which can be used with automatic fluid handling apparatus (80) and the results assessed using optical assessment apparatus (81).

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: An apparatus for processing biological materials, the apparatus comprising a plurality of stacked, rotatable platforms, each platform having a plurality of sample receiving areas located thereon. The apparatus has a first dispensing member mounted for dispensing reagent and/or a sample to a sample receiving area on a first stacked platform and a second dispensing member mounted for dispensing reagent and/or a sample to a sample receiving area on a second stacked platform. Each platform is rotatable to move sequential sample receiving areas into orientation with the mounted reagent dispensing member to receive reagent therefrom.

Abstract: A sample suction apparatus includes: first through third members; a drive source; and a suction needle provided on the third member. The drive source reduces a distance between the first member and the third member to perform: a first action of shifting the first member toward the third member to contact the first member with a portion of a specimen vessel; a second action of shifting the second member together with the third member toward the first member to contact the second member with another portion of the specimen vessel so that the specimen vessel is sandwiched between the first and second members; and a third action of shifting the third member toward the first member to bring the third member close to the second member so that the suction needle is inserted in the specimen vessel.

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: The bottle rack for the sample collector is made by injection molding two halves of the rack each of which has a matching surface and a bottle positioning surface. The matching surfaces are fastened together by placing the matching surfaces together back to back whereby locating members are spaced apart a sufficient distance. To warm a compressor to a starting temperature during cold weather, the ambient temperature is measured and when the ambient temperature is lower than a preset temperature and the compressor is not running, current is applied to the motor windings to warm the compressor.

Abstract: Evaporation control for a fluid supply, such as used in a clinical analyzer, can be provided by utilizing a straw-like insert which is disposed into a fluid-containing bottle. The straw provides an increased diffusion length or “stagnant” zone. The bottle can also be configured to effectively reduce evaporation in a similar manner by providing a narrowed diameter prior to the fluid retaining portion of the bottle and by increasing the distance between the top of the bottle and the top of the fluid surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: In reagent reaction experiments using microplates, the operator cannot just set dispensing tips in all the fixing holes of the dispensing tip container. It is necessary to carry out the time-consuming task of deciding in advance on a suitable arrangement of positions for the dispensing tips. It is also necessary for the operator to carry out the time-consuming task of determining in advance the quantity of reagent used and how the reagent is to be arranged. These problems are solved by providing a control device that includes a dispensing tip arrangement calculator and reagent quantity and arrangement calculator, and that can inform the operator of these results. The dispensing tip arrangement, the reagent quantity used, and the reagent arrangement is calculated from the information set in advance on specific reagent, the quantity of reagent dispensed into one well of the microplate, the range of wells in the microplate into which reagent is dispensed, and the direction of dispensing.

Abstract: A particle sedimentation apparatus includes a rotation body rotatable about a rotation axis and a separation chamber formed in the rotation body, to cause sedimentation of particle suspension in the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. The particles accumulate in a radially outward region of the separation chamber. A flow-rate-determining inflow channel having azimuthal path length with an inflow channel inlet and an inflow channel outlet is formed in the rotation body, the inflow channel inlet being arranged radially further inwardly than the inflow channel outlet, the inflow channel outlet being fluidically connected to the separation chamber and formed to introduce particle suspension into the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. Furthermore, an outflow channel is formed in the rotation body with an outflow channel inlet and an outflow channel outlet, to at least partially drain supernatant liquid formed by sedimentation from the separation chamber.

Abstract: A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood processing apparatus that can introduce a metered quantity of a blood sample into a chamber and does not require an opening linked to the chamber to be closed after the introduction of the blood sample. An introducing chamber, an injection port, and an air port are formed in a rotatable platform of a blood processing apparatus. The injection port links the introducing chamber with the outside of the rotatable platform. A blood sample is introduced from the injection port into the introducing chamber. A blood coagulant is held on the port wall surface of the air port and/or around a portion of the surface of the rotatable platform where the air port is open.

Abstract: A cuvette holder for holding a plurality of reaction cuvettes. The cuvette holder comprising a body (42) made by injection molding of a plastic material, said body extending along a circular segment and defining an array of chambers (43) arranged along a circular segment, each of said chambers (43) being adapted for receiving, retaining and loosely holding the upper end portion (34) of a reaction cuvette (31).

Abstract: The use of direct-write nanolithography to generate anchored, nanoscale patterns of nucleic acid on different substrates is described, including electrically conductive and insulating substrates. Modification of nucleic acid, including oligonucleotides, with reactive groups such as thiol groups provides for patterning with use of appropriate scanning probe microscopic tips under appropriate conditions. The reactive groups provide for chemisorption or covalent bonding to the substrate surface. The resulting nucleic acid features, which exhibit good stability, can be hybridized with complementary nucleic acids and probed accordingly with use of, for example, nanoparticles functionalized with nucleic acids. Patterning can be controlled by selection of tip treatment, relative humidity, and nucleic acid structure.

Abstract: A method for dynamically determining the volume of a liquid dispensed by a metering system, the metering system including a metering pump, a pump motor, a sensor, and a conduit interconnecting the pump and a metering probe. The method includes the steps of aspirating a quantity of fluid into the metering probe using the metering pump, moving the probe relative to a reaction vessel, and dispensing the fluid. The dispensing step includes the steps of identifying an onset point associated with a parameter which can be measured by the metering system, identifying an end point associated with the measurable parameter, and timing the pump motor during the period between the onset point and the end point in order to determine fluid volume. The sensor, such as a pressure transducer or capacitance change sensor, disposed in relation to the conduit can detect changes in the parameter and identify the onset and end points.

Abstract: A plurality of analyzer units for serum, a plurality of analyzer units for blood plasma and a plurality of analyzer units for urine are arranged along a main transfer line for transferring a sample rack from a rack providing portion to a rack storage portion. A reagent bottle for inspecting liver function is contained in each reagent delivery mechanism of two analyzer units among the plurality of analyzer units for serum. When the reagent for inspecting liver function in one of the two analyzer units is to be short, analysis for the liver function analysis item to samples can be continued by transferring a sample rack from the rack providing portion to the other analyzer unit.

Abstract: A bead dispensing system is provided for delivering small amounts of substances onto substrates. The system can include, for example, a movable support structure having an array of spaced-apart projections depending from its lower side. An attraction source, such as a vacuum, magnetic, and/or electrostatic force, is operable at each projection end region to attract and retain one bead. The projection array can be aligned with an array of bead-receiving regions of a substrate, e.g., an array of spaced-apart wells of a micro-plate or card. In one embodiment, a plurality of reagent-carrying beads are picked up, retained at respective projection end regions, and moved to a location over a multi-well plate. The beads are then released in a fashion permitting each bead to land in a respective well. The system of the invention is particularly useful for fabricating arrays of reagents.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus for measuring an object substance in a specimen includes a reaction portion for causing the substance and a reagent commensurate thereto to react on each other, a detecting portion for detecting a signal or reaction condition from the reagent for measuring the object substance, and a cleaning portion for removing the substance of the specimen or unreacted substance in the reagent or cleaning the reacted liquids which have completed the reaction. The reaction, detecting and cleaning portions are independently arranged in a single frame provided in the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a transfer portion for transferring reaction vessels in succession between the reaction, detecting and cleaning portions. With this arrangement, the automatic analyzing apparatus achieves the high speed analyzing treatment and compact construction of the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic clinical analyzer in which the number of cuvette ports available for reaction vessels on a reaction carousel are 50% in a configuration using a single reagent storage areas; in a second configuration an additional reagent storage areas is employed and additional ones of the cuvette ports on reaction carousel are utilized, thereby significantly increasing throughput.

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: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. The microsystem platforms of the invention are provided having arrays of thermal control regions, wherein fluid applied to the platform can be placed at a temperature and maintained at that temperature for a time that is dependent on the path length of the channel in the region, the cross-section dimension of the channel, and the rotational speed of the platform. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing any of a wide variety of microanalytical or microsynthetic processes are provided.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus capable of normally creating image data and an analysis disc used for this. Instead of using a signal which has been read in time series by pickup following a track so as to create an image by utilizing address information engraved on an optical disc, a mark (110) is recorded over the radius direction (A) of a read area (109) of the analysis disc (108) where an analysis object (B) is arranged, at least at a preceding position or a following position of the read area (109) in the rotation direction (C), so that video processing aligned according to this mark is executed, thereby executing video acquisition or a shape count with a high accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing the steps of nucleic acid template purification, thermocycling reaction and purification of the products of the thermocycling reaction characterized in that the steps take place sequentially in a microfluidic disc. Also disclosed is a microstructure for fluids comprising at least one inlet opening connected to a first chamber incorporating a means for purifying template nucleic acid which, in turn, is connected to a second chamber incorporating a means for a thermocycling reaction which, in turn, is connected to a third chamber incorporating a means for purifying products of the thermocycling reaction, and a microfluidic disc comprising a plurality of such microstructures.

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: A blood sample sensing apparatus includes a moving device which moves a sample container containing a blood sample to a sensing position, a turning mechanism which is connected to the moving device and tilts the sample container such that a bottom of the sample container is directed upward when the sample container is located in the sensing position, and an optical sensor which is located in the sensing position and determines whether the blood sample in the sample container is coagulated.

Abstract: A system is described for automatic retrieval of microplates from a carousel. The system includes an effector arm that retrieves a selected microplate from the carousel, a microplate retainer that receives the selected microplate from the effector arm, and a controller that directs the effector arm to the carousel for retrieval of the selected microplate and directs the effector arm to the microplate retainer so that it may receive the selected microplate. The carousel may revolve around a vertical axis. A system also is described for washing depositing elements used to spot biological materials on a substrate. Graphical user interfaces also are described for enabling a user to determine which microplates will be used to provide biological probe materials, and in what patterns those probe materials should be deposited on the substrate. The interfaces enable the user to place multiple fractions of biological materials on a same location on a substrate.

Abstract: An incubator includes an incubator ring assembly having at least two concentric rings supported for rotation about a common axle defining an axis of rotation. Each concentric ring includes a plurality of circumferentially defined load positions, each load position being sized for accommodating a test sample. At least one test station is arranged in relation to the plurality of load positions to selectively test a test sample, the test samples being are sequentially shuttled into and out of load positions of at least one of the concentric rings to increase the overall throughput of the analyzer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a syringe pump for the controlled addition of reagents to a chemical reaction. The pump has a reduced size for use as a cordless, hand-held laboratory device, and includes a driving mechanism for moving the plunger of a syringe along the syringe barrel, a means for sensing a physical property of the reaction mixture, and a logic control circuit. The driving mechanism includes a motor, a drive shaft, a drive block, and a sliding barrel clamp. The logic control circuit is programmable and controls the syringe pump based on predetermined parameters. The syringe pump adapts the delivery rate of reagent according to changes in physical properties of the reaction mixture such as pH and/or temperature, thus providing a high degree of automated control over a chemical reaction.

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: When a dry analysis element contained in an element cartridge to be loaded in a sample tray of an automatic analysis apparatus projects from a take out port, the element is returned to its proper position, thereby preventing conveyance failure and information readout failure, with the result that higher operation reliability is ensured. An element mounting portion is equipped with a correcting means, such as a restricting projection. The correcting means contacts and pushes a dry analysis element which projects from an element cartridge back to its predetermined position therein, in association with a loading operation of the element cartridge.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis device using a microchip in which the base line of the analysis device can be stabilized. The biochemical analysis device has a centrifugal rotor which has a chip holding part for holding a microchip and which is subjected to rotary driving; a light source part; and a light detector, in which the microchip is a microchip in which the centrifugal force act by rotation of the centrifugal rotor and in which pretreatments are performed in which the measurement cell of the microchip is irradiated with light from a light source, the light which has passed through the measurement cell being received in the light detector, and measuring of the light intensity in which the quantity of light absorption by the test liquid is measured within the measurement cell and the test liquid is analyzed, while rotation of the centrifugal rotor is stopped.

Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.

Abstract: A method for cleansing used reaction cuvettes so that whenever certain assays are to be or have been performed in the reaction cuvette, the cuvette is automatically subjected to an additional cleaning operation by providing a number of washing and drying manifolds, each of which is independently selectively activated to perform or not perform a cleaning operation.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which can conduct a stable feeding of container used for preparing a measuring sample.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer supplies a sample and a reagent into a reaction container provided with an opening, mixes a fluid which is to be measured and contains the sample and reagent supplied into the reaction container, measures a property of the fluid in the reaction container, and controls the drive for the mixer. The mixer has a vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down. The control unit controls the vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down in the fluid to be measured in the reaction container so as to cause upward and downward flow of the fluid which is to be measured and is positioned below the mixing tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which means molecules in suspension may be characterized in terms of the size and mass distributions present. As a sample solution is separated by centrifugal means, it is illuminated at a particular radial distance from the axis of rotation by a fine, preferably monochromatic, light beam. Despite the high resolution of such devices, a key problem associated with most separators based upon use of centrifugal forces is the difficulty in deriving the absolute size and/or molar mass of the separating molecules. By integrating means to detect light scattered, over a range of scattering angles, from samples undergoing centrifugal separation, molecular sizes in the sub-micrometer range may be derived, even in the presence of diffusion. Adding a second light beam at a displaced rotational angle, preferably of an ultraviolet wavelength, that intersects the sample at the same radial region as the first beam permits determination of the molecular concentration at that region.

Abstract: In an automatic metal solution dilutor according to the present invention, a densitometer (absorptiometer) measures absorbance of a diluted solution in a metering hopper. An electronic balance meters the diluted solution in the metering hopper so that a dilution magnification obtained from the absorbance reaches a prescribed value. A control part monitors the value measured by the densitometer and the value metered by the electronic balance for operating and controlling the quantity of a stock solution/diluent liquid fed to the metering hopper so that the dilution magnification reaches the prescribed value on the basis of the absorbance measured by the densitometer. Thus obtained is an automatic metal solution dilutor capable of diluting a concentrated liquid of the order of percentage to a metal solution of the order of ppm having a required quantity and a required concentration and correctly feeding the same to a feeder while performing in-line concentration control.

Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements necessary for analyses of the samples are loaded on a circular sampler tray. Each of the samples having been loaded on the sampler tray is sucked through a spotting nozzle and spotted onto one of the dry chemical analysis elements. A temperature of each of the dry chemical analysis elements having been spotted with the samples is kept at a constant temperature in an incubator. The sampler tray is provided with a circular rotating disk. Sample vessels, each of which accommodates one of the samples, the dry chemical analysis elements of kinds corresponding to types of the analyses of the samples, nozzle tips, each of which is to be fitted to the spotting nozzle, diluent liquid vessels accommodating a diluent liquid, and mixing cups for dilution are supported on the rotating disk.

Abstract: An automated device for biological analysis including a rotatable rotor, and at least one reactor supported on the rotor and including an agitator composed of a blade which can either be 1) supported on a lower portion of a biochip carrier formed at an angle to retain a small volume of liquid, or to apply the liquid on a biochip on the biochip carrier such that liquid spreads over a surface of the biochip and without forming an air bubble of the volume of liquid retained, or 2) enter completely into a body portion of the reactor to allow sliding of the biochip carrier.

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 puller handle for operating the mechanical mechanism. The puller handle is adapted to be grasped between the thumb and finger of a user's hand, and is moveable between a testing position adjacent to the rear end of the outer housing and an extended position spaced outwardly from the rear end of the outer housing.

Abstract: A kit for prescreening protein concentration for crystallization includes a multiplicity of vials, a multiplicity of pre-selected reagents, and a multiplicity of sample plates. The reagents and a corresponding multiplicity of samples of the protein in solutions of varying concentrations are placed on sample plates. The sample plates containing the reagents and samples are incubated. After incubation the sample plates are examined to determine which of the sample concentrations are too low and which the sample concentrations are too high. The sample concentrations that are optimal for protein crystallization are selected and used.

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.