Abstract: An automatic analyzer for analyzing samples includes a lift, a part take-out station and a rack recovery station. The lift is configured to raise and lower a plurality of stacked part racks to the part take-out station and to the rack recovery station while keeping the part racks together. The part take-out station comprises a first rack separator configured to prevent the uppermost one of said stacked part racks from being lowered when the lift lowers, while allowing the other part racks to lower, so that the uppermost rack is separated from the other part racks so as to remain in the part take-out station. The rack recovery station comprises a second rack separator configured to prevent the uppermost one of said stacked part racks from being lowered when said lift lowers, while allowing the other part racks to lower, so as to remain in the rack recovery station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of automated analysis, and provides a sample analysis system and a control method for the same and a sample analysis method. The sample analysis system includes: a control device; a rail device for carrying cuvettes under control of the control device; at least one independent sample distribution node arranged on the rail device for distributing samples to the cuvettes, the independent sample distribution node being used for sample aspiration, transfer, and discharge; and at least two independent reagent distribution and measurement nodes arranged on the rail device for distributing test reagents to the cuvettes and measuring the mixture liquid in the cuvettes, the independent reagent distribution and measurement nodes being used for reagent aspiration, transfer, and discharge and reagent-sample mixture liquid measurement.

Abstract: Incubation system and method for automated cell culture and/or testing. An exemplary incubation system may comprise a housing forming a chamber. A rack may define storage positions to support an array of sample holders inside the chamber. A detection robot may be configured to capture one or more images of cells contained by one or more wells of each sample holder while the sample holder remains at one of the storage positions of the rack. A fluid handling station may be configured to add fluid to, and/or remove fluid from, one or more wells of each of the sample holders inside the housing. At least one plate robot may be configured to move sample holders between the rack and the fluid handling station. A computer may control operation of the detection robot, the fluid handling station, and the at least one plate robot.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a plurality of sample container carriers, each adapted to carry one or more sample containers, each carrier comprising at least one magnetically active device and at least one electrically conductive member, a transport plane adapted to support the carriers, a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, the actuators being adapted to move the carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the carriers, a plurality of inductive sensors distributed over the transport plane, a control unit configured to control the movement of the carriers using an output signal provided by the inductive sensors by driving the actuators such that the carriers move along corresponding transport paths, and an evaluation unit configured to linearize the output signal from an inductive sensor by means of a linearization algorithm.

Abstract: A tissue processing system for processing a laboratory slide includes a slide holder for holding the slide, an outlet port positioned to direct a fluid stream onto the slide, and a device for moving the slide holder relative to the outlet port, or vice versa, to adjust a point on the slide at which the fluid stream is delivered onto the laboratory slide. The slide holder includes an absorbent pad configured to be positioned between one wall of the plurality of walls and a free edge of the slide for absorbing fluid travelling along the slide. A manifold of the system includes a first outlet port that directs a first fluid stream from a first fluid passageway onto the slide, and a second outlet port that directs a second fluid stream from a second fluid passageway onto a location of the slide that differs from the first fluid stream.

Abstract: The assembly includes a docking console and a manifold. The docking console includes a cartridge support surface having a first end and a second end. The manifold has one or more wells defined therein. The docking console further includes a manifold retention bracket to releasably hold the manifold against a fluid cartridge supported on the cartridge support surface at an interface position such that the one or more wells are in fluid communication with the fluid cartridge and a biased seal bar to press the fluid cartridge against the manifold held by the manifold retention bracket. A hydrophilic porous frit disposed within at least one of the wells and is to permit liquid to flow through the outlet aperture but prevent gas from passing through the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus containing a drive unit having a drive and a shaft that is pivotable about a pivot axis and is operatively connected to the drive. A pivotable receptacle is arranged on the shaft, where the pivot axis is oriented essentially horizontally, and the pivotable receptacle has a base plate and at least one retainer spaced therefrom, and the pivotable receptacle is configured in such a way that holders for containers can be inserted between the base plate and the at least one retainer in the direction of the pivot axis.

Abstract: Automatic substance preparation and evaluation systems and methods are provided for preparing and evaluating a fluidic substance, such as e.g. a sample with bodily fluid, in a container and/or in a dispense tip. The systems and methods can detect volumes, evaluate integrities, and check particle concentrations in the container and/or the dispense tip.

Abstract: A sample measurement system and method of transporting of racks are provided that collectively supply the consumables to the sample measurement units. The sample measurement system includes: sample measurement units that perform measurement on samples by using consumables; a setting part in which a user sets consumable racks housing the consumables; a first transport path that supplies the consumable racks set in the setting part to one of the sample measurement units; a collector that is arranged adjacent to the setting part and that collects empty racks that are emptied after being transported to at least one of the sample measurement units; and a second transport path that transports the empty racks to the collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a drawer that is supported so as to be horizontally movable in the front-rear direction between an open position and a closed position through a front-face opening; a table that allows an expendable or a processing unit used for analysis to be mounted in the drawer; and a moving-direction transforming means that, while the drawer is moved toward the rear side from the open position to the closed position, moves horizontally until the expendable or the processing unit mounted on the table passes through the front-face opening from the front side to the rear side and moves the table toward the upper side in synchronization with the horizontal movement of the drawer toward the rear side after the expendable or the processing unit mounted on the table passes through the front-face opening. This makes it possible to easily and reliably perform the work of replacing a chip rack.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assembling a structure. The systems and method including micro pulsing a structure along a track in a process direction by less than a length of the structure. The structure is indexed to one or more work stations by mating indexing features in a manufacturing excess of the structure to complementary features at the work stations. The work stations would the perform work on the structure at the work stations while the structure is indexed to the work stations. Iteratively repeating the micro pulsing and indexing and working upon the structure until it is ready to advance to the next assembly process.

Abstract: An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

Abstract: A fluidic bridge device for transport of a fluid sample between a first sample processing device and a second sample processing device. The fluidic bridge may include one or more fluid channels extending between fluid-tight couplings attachable to transfer ports of the first and second sample processing device. In one aspect the first device is a sample preparation device and the second device is an assay device. The fluidic bridge can include at least two fluid conduits, at least one for transport of the prepared sample, and at least one other to facilitate displacement of air to allow flow of the prepared sample through the other fluid conduit. The fluid channels can include one or more of an amplification chamber, a processing chamber, a gas-permeable vent, a bubble trap, a filter, and an external port. Methods of preparing and transporting a fluid sample between devices are provided herein.

Abstract: A system for coupling photometers to an incubation ring for use in in vitro diagnostics comprises one or more light sources, and an incubation ring assembly, and two photometers. An incubation ring assembly comprises an internal trough and an external trough. Each trough comprises (a) an internal wall comprising an internal aperture and (b) an external wall comprising an external aperture. A first photometer comprises: a first optics housing directing light from the light sources through the external aperture of the internal trough, and a first detector positioned to receive the light through the internal aperture of the internal trough. A second photometer comprises a second optics housing directing the light from the light sources through the internal aperture of the external trough, and a second detector positioned to receive the light through the external aperture of the external trough.

Abstract: A fluorescence observation device is a device for performing fluorescence observation of a sample piece cut out from a sample including: a tray on which the sample piece is placed; a light source unit which generates excitation light to irradiate the sample piece; a detection unit which detects fluorescence from the sample piece; and an image generation unit which generates a fluorescence image of the sample piece based on a detection signal from the detection unit and the tray includes a plurality of placement regions provided around a center region of the tray and also includes a marker portion indicating a cutting orientation of the sample piece with respect to the sample.

Abstract: A device for moving a coupon comprising a coupon retainer for retaining a coupon on which a target solution is to be tested, a coupon manipulator for engaging the coupon retained in the coupon retainer with the target solution, and a first controller for controlling a movement of the coupon manipulator.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a test method capable of efficiently performing a step of evaluating a surface state of a dispensing probe provided in a dispensing apparatus. In the test method according to the present invention, a first solution in which a coloring matter is dissolved is dispensed to a first container in advance by a first dispensing probe, a second solution in which a coloring matter is not dissolved is dispensed to a second container in advance by the first dispensing probe and then the first solution and the second solution are respectively sucked and discharged by a second dispensing probe. After that, a surface state of the second dispensing probe is evaluated by acquiring an amount of the coloring matter collected by the second solution (see FIG. 2).

Abstract: A droplet dispensing apparatus includes a crystal sensor, a resonance frequency measuring unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to obtain the resonance frequency of the crystal sensor before droplets are discharged from a liquid dropping device, control the liquid dropping device to discharge droplets on to the crystal sensor, and obtain the resonance frequency of the crystal sensor after droplets are discharged from the liquid dropping device. The controller estimates a volatilization amount for the droplets on the crystal sensor based on a temporal change trend in the resonance frequency of the crystal sensor and calculates the total weight of the droplets discharged from the liquid dropping device based on the difference in resonance frequency of the crystal sensor before and after the droplets are discharged and the estimated volatilization amount.

Abstract: A tube filling machine (1) adapted to fill different types of empty tubes (18) simultaneously, where the filling machine (1) comprises a grouping device (11), a transfer device (9), a conveyor (7) and a filling device (2) comprising a plurality of filling nozzles (3, 4, 5, 6), where the grouping device (11) comprises a first supply tray (13) with a first type of tubes, a second supply tray (14) with a second type of tubes, a receiving tray (17) and a pick-up head (12), where the transfer device (9) is adapted to transfer a grouped row of empty tubes (18) from the receiving tray (17) to the conveyor (7), where the grouping device (11) is adapted to place a plurality of groups (21) of empty tubes adjacent each other in the receiving tray (17), where a group (21) comprises a row of the first type of tubes and a row of the second type of tubes, that the transfer device (9) is adapted to transfer a row of grouped empty tubes from the receiving tray (17) to the conveyor (9), and where the filling nozzles (3, 4, 5,

Abstract: Machines and methods are for performing fully-automated biological evaluation and chemical analysis. A pretreatment module is used in treatments of enriching, concentrating and purifying a sample to be analyzed. A component separation module is used for carrying out separation of multiple compounds in mother liquor to be analyzed. A monitoring and identifying module is for monitoring and collecting chromatographic signals of the separated liquid effluent in real time, as well as quantitative detection of suspicious compounds. A component collection module is used in operations of collecting, transferring and dissolving, redissolving, and pipetting the separated liquid effluent. A biological evaluation module is for cell culture and detection of cytotoxic effect and toxic targets. A data processing and automated control module is for acquisition, arrangement and analysis of the integrated data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating a first light wave by an emitter of the sensor system and detecting a second light wave by a detector of the sensor system. The second light wave is detected in response to the first light wave being reflected from a target object. The sensor system includes a first converter that obtains a first temperature measurement from a temperature sensor of the sensor system at least when the first light wave is generated or when the second light wave is detected. A temperature controller computes temperature coefficients to regulate a temperature of the sensor system. Each of the temperature coefficients are computed based on a difference between the first temperature and a reference temperature. The temperature controller generates a control signal to regulate the temperature of the sensor system based on the computed temperature coefficients.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and/or a device for carrying out chemical, biochemical and/or immunochemical analyses of liquid samples, which are present in a sample store of an automatic analyzer, with the aid of liquid reagents which are present in at least one reagent store of the analyzer, with cuvettes for receiving the liquid samples and reagents, wherein a plurality of cuvettes is arranged as at least one stationary, linear cuvette array in the analyzer. The analyzer has movable and stationary automated components, wherein at least two automated components are designed so as to be movable in the x-direction independently of one another along or parallel to the line of movement defined by the linear cuvette array and each have access to different cuvettes or groups of cuvettes in a freely selectable sequence.

Abstract: An analysis instrument comprises a sample receiving section for receiving samples provided by a plurality of users, an analysis section operable to receive an aliquot of each received sample, perform an analysis of each received aliquot, and generate an output based on the analysis, and a presentation section adapted to present the output in a human discernable format. The analysis instrument further includes an identification section adapted to autonomously generate an identifier unique to each user and each sample provided thereby and to supply each identifier for presentation by the presentation section in a human discernable format together with a portion of the output that corresponds with one or more samples provided by a user to which the identifier is unique. Each identifier consists of one or more graphic symbols, one or more colours, and/or one or more numbers.

Abstract: A suspension cable robot is provided, its stability can be improved by using at least three groups of three cables arranged in a parallelogram manner. The ability to remain stable when subjected to forces acting on the robot platform or end effector is thereby significantly increased. The cable robot can be moved by cables to different working locations.

Abstract: A wash system for use in an in vitro diagnostic immunoanalyzer utilizes a bridge having a linear track to move cuvettes from one incubation ring portion to another incubation ring portion. Washing stations along the linear track provide a magnetic field and fluid washing of cuvette contents independent of the size and motion of one or more incubation rings.

Abstract: Apparatuses and a method for plate-based oligonucleotide synthesis are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus used in oligonucleotide synthesis includes a machined block to receive a commercially-available synthesis plate. A keeper is used to apply pressure to the commercially-available synthesis plate, and a sealing element is used to seal the commercially-available synthesis plate to the machined block. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic cleaning and separating device for removing uncombined components in reactants in a reaction container. The automatic cleaning and separating device includes: a liquid injection and uniform mixing mechanism, a removal assembly and a liquid suction mechanism; wherein a liquid injection driver is mounted on the liquid injection and uniform mixing mechanism, a liquid suction driver is mounted on the liquid suction mechanism, the liquid injection driver drives the liquid injection and uniform mixing mechanism to move up and down so as to complete liquid injection, the liquid suction driver drives the liquid suction mechanism to move up and down to complete liquid suction, and the removal assembly removes the reaction container from the liquid injection and uniform mixing mechanism under the relative motion of the liquid suction mechanism and the liquid injection and uniform mixing mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention includes: a measurement section that measures a sample; a remaining quantity detecting section that detects that a remaining quantity of a consumable article used in the measurement section has become less than or equal to a predetermined quantity that is set in advance; a setting section that is capable of setting in which mode, of a first mode and a second mode applied for operation control of the measurement section, to operate the measurement section for each consumable article when the remaining quantity detecting section detects that the remaining quantity of the consumable article has become less than or equal to the predetermined quantity; and a control section that controls operation of the measurement section based on the setting of the setting section.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The biological fluid collection device includes a housing, a puncturing element transitionable between a pre-actuated position wherein the puncturing element is retained within the housing and a puncturing position wherein at least a portion of the puncturing element extends through the housing, and a cartridge removably connectable to a portion of the housing. After collecting a blood sample, the cartridge is removable from the housing and the cartridge is able to transfer the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device provides a closed system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer.

Abstract: There is an apparatus (1) and a method for providing visual signals relating to a plurality of laboratory sample carriers (2). Laboratory sample carriers (2) are placed on corresponding carrier bays (6) of a tray (4) wherein each sample carrier (2) displays an identification code (5). A digital image of at least part of the tray (4) is taken with a digital camera (11). The digital image is processed with a processing device (13) to read the laboratory sample carrier identification codes (5) in the image. A visual signal emitting device (10) is activated to emit at least one visual signal for each occupied carrier bay (6) included in the image wherein the visual signal emitted for each carrier bay (6) is determined by the sample carrier identification code (5) read by the processing device (13) from a corresponding carrier bay part of the processed image.

Abstract: A system having a first automatic machine (1) for processing or investigating biological samples and a second automatic machine (16) for processing or investigating biological samples. The first machine (1) and the second machine (16) are electrically connected to an electrical power grid in order to be supplied with electrical energy as an electrical load. The first machine (1) has a first control apparatus (13) and the second machine (16) has a second control apparatus (19), which detect disruptions in the supply of electrical energy from the power grid and, in the event of a disruption, switch over to a withdrawal of electrical energy from a first energy reservoir (12) or a second energy reservoir (18). The first machine (1) and the second machine (16) are also electrically connected to each other, such that the electrical energy is transferrable from an energy store of one of the automatic machines to the other automatic machine.

Abstract: A system includes a reagent pack input carousel, a carousel frame supporting the carousel, and a track on which the carousel frame is supported for movement of the carousel into and out of an instrument in drawer-like fashion. The carousel is rotatable about an axis of rotation and includes a plurality of reagent pack input stations arranged about the perimeter of the carousel. Each input station is adapted to carry a reagent pack, and the input stations are oriented at an angle with respect to a radial orientation relative to the axis of rotation. Each input station includes an alignment block located at a radially inner end of the station, and the block is received within a recess formed in an end of the reagent pack placed in the station to align and position of the reagent pack within the station.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an inflatable bladder lid that configures with a cartridge configured for assay testing. The inflatable bladder provides substantially uniform pressure to the cartridge. The pressure is substantially distributed across the one or more regions of the cartridge to extend pressure over a wide cartridge surface. At least a portion of the bladder lid may comprise a flexible membrane material that inflates and stretches over at least a portion of the cartridge to conformally contact its first/top surface.

Abstract: An assembly includes a bracket, a magnetic elution slot, and a reagent pack loading station. The elution slot receives a multiple receptacle device having multiple receptacles interconnected by a connecting rib defining shoulders along either side of the receptacle device. The elution slot includes opposed walls attached to the bracket below a top surface of the bracket with the opposed walls disposed on either side of a slot formed in the bracket. The downwardly facing shoulders of the receptacle device are supported on the top surface of the bracket on opposed sides of the slot, and one or more magnets are attached to or embedded in one or both walls. The reagent pack loading station holds a multi-well reagent pack such that the wells of the reagent pack are accessible by a pipettor, and the reagent pack holding station includes spaced apart hold down features extending above the top surface of the bracket.

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

Abstract: An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

Abstract: A device for the handling and the low-temperature storage of probe tubes in tube racks includes a low-temperature compartment having insulated side and bottom walls and at least one opening at a top side. The compartment is used for storing at least one tube rack at a low temperature. The device has a holder apparatus comprising a rack holder for holding a tube rack and a picker apparatus comprising a gripper adapted to remove and insert individual tubes from or into a tube rack held by the holder. The holder apparatus is adapted to displace the rack holder between an upper rack position outside low-temperature compartment above the opening and a lower rack position inside the compartment. The picker apparatus is adapted to displace the gripper between an upper gripper position outside the compartment above the opening and a lower gripper position inside the compartment below the opening.

Abstract: The equipment item for automatically managing a plurality of biological samples placed in a respective sample jar includes a storage container for sample jars having a plurality of housings, an apparatus with a reader of encoded identification data affixed on the sample jars placed in the container, a device for determining data representative of the position of each sample jar within the container, and a device for rotating the container, and a computer processor connected to the apparatus. The container includes, in the immediate vicinity of each housing, a shape appearing recessed or raised, while the device for determining data representative of the position of each sample jar is defined by a detector for the shape.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may include a liquid storage portion configured to hold aerosol-forming substrate, a vaporizer, and a pump. The liquid storage portion includes a movable wall and an outlet. The vaporizer includes a heating element having a structure that at least partially defines an internal passage. The pump may deliver liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the outlet of the liquid storage portion to the internal passage of the heating element. The pump may include a micro stepper motor with a drive shaft that is configured to rotate a particular amount based on performing an individual step, a piston connected to the movable wall, and a lead screw connecting the drive shaft to the piston and configured to translate rotation of the drive shaft into axial movement of the piston and the movable wall. The vaporizer may at least partially vaporize the delivered liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic analysis device that can easily realize introduction and replacement of additional reagents in operation even in a small-scale configuration. The automatic analysis device includes a reagent dispensing mechanism 107 that dispenses a reagent from a reagent container 113 containing a reagent, and a normal reagent storage portion 130 that stores a reagent container and an additional reagent storage portion 111. The normal reagent storage portion 130 is positioned in a normal movable area 132, which is a portion of a movable area 131 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 and the additional reagent storage portion 111 is positioned in an area excluding the normal movable area 132 in the movable area 131 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 107.

Abstract: A sample analyzer, comprising a sample storage region, a sample-drawing channel, and a transport mechanism; the sample storage region being provided with a plurality of storage channels; the sample-drawing channel is provided with a sample-drawing position; the transport mechanism comprises an engagement slot, an actuation mechanism and a first moving mechanism; the engagement slot and the actuation mechanism are fixed on the first moving mechanism, the actuation mechanism comprises an actuator and a second moving mechanism, the actuator is drivable by at least one of the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism to realize the movement of the sample holder between the storage channels and the engagement slot; during sample drawing, the first moving mechanism drives the engagement slot to move to the sample-drawing channel, the actuation mechanism enables samples to pass through the sample-drawing position and to make a stop for sample drawing.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and/or a device for carrying out chemical, biochemical and/or immunochemical analyses of liquid samples, which are present in a sample store of an automatic analyzer, with the aid of liquid reagents which are present in at least one reagent store of the analyzer. In one example embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes cuvettes, a first pipettor, a device with an optical measurement unit, a device for heterogenous immunoassays, a cuvette washing unit, a needle washing unit, a temperature control unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reaction incubation device, an immunity analyzer and a reaction incubation method. The reaction incubation device comprises a reaction unit (10), which is used for bearing and incubating a reaction container; and a transfer unit (20), which is used for removing the reaction container in and out of the reaction unit (10). The reaction unit (10) comprises a rotating device (11). The rotating device (11) is provided with an incubation position which increases a predetermined angle ? at an interval of fixed time T along with the rotating device (11). The transfer unit (20) removes the reaction container out of the incubation position according to variable incubation time ti. With the device, flexible and variable incubation time can be achieved, and the problem of complicated control, low reliability and that high-speed automation is not easy to achieve in the prior art can be solved.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.

Abstract: A smear preparing apparatus that operates under selectable operation modes, may include: a smearing unit that prepares smeared slides by smearing samples onto slides; a staining unit that is capable of housing the smeared slides and that performs staining processing by accommodating a staining solution used to stain the samples on the housed smeared slides; a fluid circuit that supplies the staining solution to the staining unit; and a controller that controls the supplying of the staining solution to the staining unit depending on a selected one of the operation modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system (400) for filling a closed container (200) with a fixative solution. The system comprises a container (200) comprising a container body (230) for receiving a biological specimen, a lid (220) for selectively closing the container body (230) and a port (100) forming a unidirectional barrier in a direction from the inside (IC) to the outside (OC) of the closed container (200). The system further comprises a dispensing apparatus (500) having a filling nozzle (300) for dispensing the fixative solution. The filling nozzle (300) is relatively moveable with respect to the container (200) between a retracted position and a filling position to fill the container (200) with the fixative solution.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of information transmission in a system comprising at least one liquid handling device and at least one external device, the method comprising: in one or more of said at least one liquid handling device, producing a machine-readable code that contains information that is derived from a status or properties of the respective liquid handling device or information that has been stored in the respective liquid handling device; in said one or more of said at least one liquid handling device, displaying the respective code on a display that is integrated to a structure of the respective liquid handling device; reading the displayed code or one or more of the displayed codes by an external device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for recognizing various sample containers carried in a rack. The systems and methods are performed to identify sample containers in the rack and detect various characteristics associated with the containers and/or the rack, which are evaluated to determine the validity and/or types of the containers in the rack.

Abstract: An environmental sampling and assay system, having a coupon storage assembly, storing coupons; an environment sampling assembly, the sampling assembly mixing an environmental sample with a liquid to create a sample-liquid, bearing the environmental sample; a coupon moving assembly; a coupon wetting assembly for automatically wetting a coupon with the sample-liquid; a coupon perceiving device; a data input, adapted to receive a signal; and a data processing and control assembly, controlling the environmental sampling system, the coupon moving assembly, the wetting assembly and the coupon perceiving device. Further, the coupon moving assembly can retrieve a coupon from the coupon storage assembly and move it in a linear manner to the coupon wetting assembly.

Abstract: A tissue processing system for processing a laboratory slide includes a slide holder for holding the slide, an outlet port positioned to direct a fluid stream onto the slide, and a device for moving the slide holder relative to the outlet port, or vice versa, to adjust a point on the slide at which the fluid stream is delivered onto the laboratory slide. The slide holder includes an absorbent pad configured to be positioned between one wall of the plurality of walls and a free edge of the slide for absorbing fluid travelling along the slide. A manifold of the system includes a first outlet port that directs a first fluid stream from a first fluid passageway onto the slide, and a second outlet port that directs a second fluid stream from a second fluid passageway onto a location of the slide that differs from the first fluid stream.