Abstract: To provide a specimen transporter that can be suitably used by being connected to a specimen imaging apparatus that does not have a function of collecting an imaged specimen plate.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an assembly and a cover. The assembly comprises a sample block configured to receive a microtiter tray having a plurality of vials, each vial comprising a cap having a surface and a perimeter. The cover comprises a platen, vertically and horizontally displaceable in relationship to the sample block, the platen having a plurality of recesses. Each recess corresponds to a respective vial and is shaped and arranged to clear the surface of its respective cap when the cover is displaced onto the sample block. The cover includes a skirt in contact with and surrounding a perimeter of the platen. The skirt is configured for mating with a perimeter of a microtiter tray when a microtiter tray is received in the sample block, and also configured such that the cover contacts a microtiter tray when a microtiter tray is received in the sample block.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for analyzing a plurality of samples of small objects. In various other embodiments, the system includes a staging console for supporting a plurality of sample trays. The system additionally includes a plurality of workstations that each includes a robotic container transfer subsystem for sequentially removing and replacing each of a plurality of sample containers arrayed in the sample trays, each sample container containing a sample of small objects. Each workstation additionally includes an automated analysis subsystem for sequentially receiving each container from the transfer subsystem, removing each sample from the respective container, acquiring data of each sample and returning each sample to the respective container. The system further includes a tray shuttle robot that distributes and retrieves the sample trays to and from the workstations.

Abstract: A reagent container set is disclosed which comprises: a first reagent container for accommodating a first reagent to be used in a sample analyzer, the top part of the first reagent container having a first aspiration opening for inserting a first reagent aspirating tube to aspirate the first reagent; a waste fluid container for accommodating the first reagent used in the sample analyzer as a waste fluid, the top of the waste fluid container having a discharge opening for inserting a waste fluid discharging tube to discharge the waste fluid into the waste fluid container; a box for accommodating the first reagent container and the waste fluid container; and a container holding member for holding the first reagent container and the waste fluid container so that the first aspiration opening and the discharge opening are disposed at predetermined positions, the container holding member being maintained at a predetermined position within the box.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the developing of immuno-stained biological samples. The systems disclosed herein are automated and are configured to control one or more steps of the developing procedure. Reagents may be added using automatic syringe dispensing. Reagent temperature, reagent stirring, and wash procedures are programmable and can be separately controlled for separate immuno-staining procedures that are performed at the same time.

Abstract: A sample sorting apparatus used in a sample processing system comprises a sample supplying apparatus, a sample processing apparatus, and a transporting apparatus connected to the sample processing apparatus. The sample sorting apparatus comprises a first entrance for receiving a sample rack from the sample supplying apparatus, a container conveyor configured to take out a sample container from the sample rack received through the first entrance and configured to set the taken out sample container on a sample rack, a first exit for sending the sample rack on which the sample container is set to the transporting apparatus, a second entrance for receiving the sample rack from the transporting apparatus, a second exit for sending the sample rack received through the second entrance to the sample supplying apparatus, and a transporter configured to transport the sample rack from the second entrance to the second exit.

Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.

Abstract: A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for staining tissue samples, said apparatus including a reagent section or reagent containers; at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head or robotic element that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element. By providing the robotic element with a 2-D optical sensor, a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: An analyzers that comprise a container holder for placing containers; a detector for detecting whether or not a container is placed at the container holder; a controller for acquiring the status of the container holder based on the output of the detector; and a display for displaying the status of the container holder is disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzer that includes a sample preparing section operative to aspirate a sample from a sample container and a measuring section operative to prepare a plurality of measurement samples from the aspirated sample. A control unit is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of prepared measurement samples, obtain a plurality of measurement data for the respective measurement samples, and obtain an analysis result of a predetermined item of the sample based on the plurality of measurement data.

Abstract: A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head. The shuttle is removably plugged into a sliding block of a carriage to move between a furnace and a crucible loading station. The carriage includes mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic plugs or sockets which couple to mating sockets or plugs of the shuttle. A linear actuator extends between the carriage and the furnace base to raise and lower the carriage and shuttle coupled thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a rack transport system that horizontally slides a rack tray holding and storing a plurality of specimen containers, allowing the rack tray to be safely placed on a rack tray set section. For this purpose, a rack transport system (8) using a rack tray (10) having a rack dropout-preventing mechanism (10b) includes a rack tray set section (8A) that has a lock canceling mechanism (8i) of the rack dropout-preventing mechanism and on which the rack tray that arranges and holds a plurality of racks (9) supporting a plurality of specimen containers (9a) is placed, and a projection section (8h) serving as a lock canceling button of the rack dropout-preventing mechanism is formed at a position where the rack tray that holds and stores the plurality of racks supporting the plurality of specimen containers is slid to be able to be set in the rack tray set section.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an assembly of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for staining of the tissue specimens, a loading station (2) for microscope slides (28), a conveyor (5) for transfer of carriers with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, an unloading station (8) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (18) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprises different levels (I, II) having units for execution of the relevant treatment operations.

Abstract: A plate handling system for a sampling device with a drawtube that includes a vertical actuation system that adjusts the vertical distance between the drawtube and a sample tray, a horizontal linkage system that positions a sample tray in a horizontal plane, and a drive system that drives the rotational motion of the horizontal linkage system. The horizontal linkage system includes a base arm that rotates about a base joint, and a sample arm that rotates about a sample arm joint on the base arm.

Abstract: A laboratory system for handling sample tube racks, an alignment element for sample tube racks and a rack tray receiver assembly are disclosed. The laboratory system to handle laboratory sample tube racks comprises a robotic arm (220) with a gripper (222) for gripping primary racks (PR), wherein the primary racks (PR) to be handled comprise a first end surface (76) and a second end surface (78), the first end surface (76) having a first surface geometry and the second end surface (78) having a second surface geometry, and wherein the gripper (222) comprises a first gripping arm (226) and a second gripping arm (228), with the first gripping arm (226) having a gripping surface being complementary to the first surface geometry, and the second gripping arm (228) having a gripping surface being complementary to the second surface geometry.

Abstract: A method of nondisruptive loading of reagents in a body fluid workstation comprising a plurality of analyzers includes: receiving application information input from a user to an analyzer which needs loading of a reagent; controlling the analyzer to pause dispensing of a reagent at a determined time; and controlling one or more other analyzers in the body fluid workstation to continue testing.

Abstract: A clinical test apparatus employing a mobile robot is provided. The clinical test apparatus includes a stage unit, a test station provided in the stage unit and configured to perform a clinical test, a mobile robot configured to move on a top surface of the stage unit and to transfer a plate on which samples and reagents are loaded to the test station, and a docking unit disposed in the stage unit and configured to reset a position of the mobile robot. A variety of test stations for a clinical test can be integrated, and multiple tests can be performed at the same time through a plurality of mobile robots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for treating specimens, comprising a plurality of reagent containers (12) which are arranged in predetermined positions. Further, the device (10) comprises a transport mechanism (22a, 22b) for transporting at least one transport container (16a, 16b) which accommodates at least one carrier (20). On the carrier at least one specimen is placed. Further, the device (10) has a sensor (34) for determining the fill level (44) of the reagent containers (12) with reagents (42), the sensor (34) being arranged on the transport mechanism (22a, 22b). Further, the invention relates to a method for determining the fill level (44) of reagent containers (12) with reagents (42).

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.

Abstract: A sample analyzer which transports a rack holding a plurality of sample containers and analyzes samples includes: a first measurement apparatus which measures samples; a second measurement apparatus which is arranged downstream, in a transport direction, from the first measurement apparatus, and which measures samples; and a transporting apparatus which transports samples to a first supply position for supplying a sample to the first measurement apparatus, and to a second supply position for supplying a sample to the second measurement apparatus. The transporting apparatus linearly transports a rack from the first supply position to the second supply position, and the distance between the first supply position and the second supply position is a multiple of the distance between adjacent sample containers held in the rack.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: A hypobaric apparatus and methods capable of inducing and maintaining in stored horticultural cellular tissue controlled pervaporation of undesired chemical compounds without reaching the boiling point of intracellular water molecules, comprising a hypobaric chamber constructed to provide a leak rate of less than 4.0 mm Hg per hour, sensors and regulators coupled to the chamber and to a controller to measure and regulate target correlates. Commodities processed, including processing storage periods longer than any known involving controlled atmosphere, exhibit an absence of low oxygen injury, high carbon dioxide injury, chilling injury, leaf abscission, leaf de-greening, fungal decay, bacterial decay, gravitational curving, geotropic curvatures, leaf epinasty, stem epinasty, flower fading, senescence, live invertebrates at any life stage, fumigant chemical compounds, volatile fungicides, volatile bactericides; no advance in ripening; minimal water loss.

Abstract: The present invention solves a problem of conventional tissue treating apparatuses: liquid chemicals which have been used given times and have become useless in a tissue specimen infiltration treatment and a cleaning liquid which has been used given times and has decreased in cleaning ability are required to be separately discarded/replaces.

Abstract: A continuous automated extraction system and method for physically extracting at least one liquid phase of a series of liquid microsamples which are taken beforehand in discrete packets, both in space and in time, and are in stored is provided. The method may include an extraction system having a centrifuge provided with a plurality of microholders, at least one of which is filled with the corresponding microsample and includes a filling upper portion that is extended by a separating lower portion of smaller cross section than that of the upper portion. Each filled microholder has a mass which is more than ten times the mass of this microsample, in such a way that it is possible to extract, by centrifugation, at a given instant, only a single microsample contained in a single microholder, or several microsamples contained in some or all of these microholders, progressively as the latter are filled.

Abstract: A method of cutting at least one thin section from a sample block that is arranged in a cassette and tagging at least one specimen slide such that it can be allocated to the specific sample block from which the thin section has been cut. The method includes removing a cassette from a cassette magazine; reading the machine-readable coded information of the cassette identifier; generating by at least one tagging unit a specimen slide identifier that interrelates to the cassette identifier read by the reading unit; inserting the cassette into a microtome; transferring data from the microtome to a tagging unit via a data transfer path while the cassette is inserted into the microtome; enabling tagging of the specimen slide; tagging the specimen slide by the tagging unit; and cutting the thin section and transferring it onto the specimen slide that was tagged by the tagging unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing eggs based upon a characteristic such as gender are provided. Material is extracted from each of a plurality of live eggs, the extracted material is assayed to identify eggs having the characteristic, and then eggs identified as having the characteristic are processed accordingly.

Abstract: Tissue solubilizing apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses may be useful to solubilize tissue, including skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue. The apparatuses may be further useful to preserve and recover analytes contained within the solubilized skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device. The sample removal apparatus and robotic transfer mechanism are moveable relative to the specimen container so as to automatically insert the needle of the venting device through the closure of the specimen container to thereby vent the interior of the specimen container and obtain equilibrium between the interior of the specimen container and the atmosphere and withdraw a portion of the sample from the specimen container into the venting and/or sampling device.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring acceptance criteria of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes are disclosed herein. The methods described herein provide an ability to control and monitor pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (for example, finishing and packaging of pharmaceuticals) and can ensure data and product integrity and ultimately minimize overall manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for staining sample sections, comprising: a chamber that is adapted for fastening sample sections therein; and a pump that is adapted for pumping liquids through the chamber. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet can be connected to at least one reservoir of a staining liquid via inlet lines that are controllable by valves. The inlet lines are formed at least in the region of the associated valves by means of elastic hose lines, and the valves are formed as hose pinch valves. This apparatus minimizes or eliminates contaminations arising from staining processes for thin sections that are in particular prepared for examination in an electron microscope.

Abstract: A mobile intra-operative microscopic diagnosis laboratory capable of analyzing fresh tissue specimens and providing intra-operative consultation within 20 minutes is described. The mobile laboratory is preferably a van and contains a cryostat for freezing the fresh tissue specimens and a means for cutting the specimens. In addition, it also contains the means for reading the slides to make microscopic diagnosis and a means for handling for fresh tissue and a means for indicating various locations in the specimen, preferably by inking them. It preferably contains a stainer for staining the samples and an intercom for communicating the microscopic diagnosis back to the operating room.

Abstract: A method including automatically displaying information obtained from a first identifier associated with a slide and a second identifier associated with a reagent cartridge. The method further including generating a staining log based on the information obtained from the first identifier and the second identifier. A further method includes displaying a location of a slide within a sample processing system and information obtained from a first identifier associated with the slide in a first table and displaying a location of a reagent cartridge within a sample processing system and information obtained from a second identifier associated with the reagent cartridge in a second table. The first table is then aligned with the second table.

Abstract: A laboratory system for handling sample tube racks, an alignment element for sample tube racks and a rack tray receiver assembly are disclosed. The laboratory system to handle laboratory sample tube racks comprises a robotic arm (220) with a gripper (222) for gripping primary racks (PR), wherein the primary racks (PR) to be handled comprise a first end surface (76) and a second end surface (78), the first end surface (76) having a first surface geometry and the second end surface (78) having a second surface geometry, and wherein the gripper (222) comprises a first gripping arm (226) and a second gripping arm (228), with the first gripping arm (226) having a gripping surface being complementary to the first surface geometry, and the second gripping arm (228) having a gripping surface being complementary to the second surface geometry.

Abstract: In a control method for a computer-controlled liquid handling workstation with a work surface, a motorized pipetting robot with at least one pipette, and a control computer, to which the pipetting robot is connected, a control program activated in the control computer enables the pipetting robot to position the pipette at specific positions on the work surface and to execute a specific action using the pipette. The interface includes an input mechanism, visualization mechanism, interface software, and an electronic memory. The visualization mechanism visualizes the positions at which containers are situated on the work surface of the liquid handling workstation and a selection of the specific actions executable using the pipettes.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a single transportable structure provided with several separate compartments located in a vertical stack within a cabinet, with means for the vertical transport of gel cards, means for the transport of units for moving the cards and pipetting probes, being displaceable to the entire transverse cross-section of the compartments in at least two of the vertical compartments or floors through moving along coordinate axes X, Y, Z at right-angles, and control means so that automatic functioning can take place simultaneously with manual actions to load and unload the necessary materials (samples, reagents, cards, wash solutions and waste solutions) in a random manner.

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. The reaction conditions 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.

Abstract: A decapping/recapping device for removing closures from sample tubes and for reclosing sample tubes with the same closures is presented. The device comprises individual closure holders, each holder comprising a passive closure gripper for holding a closure, at least one actuator for actuating the passive closure gripper when removing a closure from a tube or reclosing a tube with its respective closure and at least one tube gripper cooperating with the at least one actuator for biasing a tube and its closure away from each other when removing the closure and for biasing the tube and its closure towards each other when reclosing the tube. One actuator is coupled to one passive closure gripper of a closure holder when removing a closure from a tube or when reclosing a tube with its respective closure and is decoupled from a passive closure gripper when the closure holder is holding a closure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring the acidity of airborne matter are provided. A filter can be impregnated with an indicator dye which changes color in response to changes in acidity. After the sample passes through the filter, the filter can be analyzed using UV-visible spectrometry.

Abstract: A rapid, efficient and convenient method to detect one or more biological entities on a blotting membrane is provided. The detection can relate to the position, nature or amount of the biological substance on one or more membranes. The invention method involves a pressure assisted regiment (such as vacuum or positive gas pressure) for the supply and removal of reagents and permits washing of the contaminants from substances embedded in the membrane to be detected using very low volumes of liquid. This method enables completion of the blocking, washing and antibody binding steps in about 30 minutes without comprising blot quality. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a blood sample comprising the steps of: communicating the inside of a sealed container with atmosphere by piercing a cap for sealing the sealed container; supplying a diluted solution from the base end side of the aspiration pipe to fill the aspiration pipe with the diluted solution; aspirating the blood sample in the sealed container; discharging the aspirated blood sample into a measurement sample preparing container; and measuring a measurement sample prepared in the measurement sample preparing container.

Abstract: A self-contained, mobile assay facility built in a modified armored truck is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. Either a transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be safely stored or shipped directly from the mobile facility to a wholesaler for further processing.

Abstract: A combinatorial chemical formation and assay disc (1) having a base (20) and an upper surface (26) and a lower surface, one of the upper or lower surfaces being an assay surface and a data surface (40) spaced from the assay surface wherein the data surface is on or within the assay disc. The assay surface has a conductive layer (64) on the base, a dielectric or photo-conductive layer (66) on the conductive layer and a chemically functional layer (68, 69) on the dielectric or photo-conductive layer. The assay surface may be planar or include three dimensional features (100, 168).

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.

Abstract: The multichannel capillary biosensor system includes a selecting valve system for selection of the sample or a reagent. The selecting valve system is connected to a second valve system accommodating a sensing channel and a first bypass channel. The second valve system is connected to a directing valve system having at least two positions, with a first position being connected to a second bypass channel and a second position being connected to a detector for detecting the analyte. The device has a pump connected at one end to the second bypass channel and the detector and at a second end to a waste vessel. The device also has a control system for controlling the device. The analyte can be selected from the group of microorganisms, macromolecules, and small molecules.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.

Abstract: During operation of a staining device (20) including a first container (22) filled with a first process medium (23) and a second container (24) filled with a second process medium (25), samples (26) to be stained are immersed in the first process medium (23). A speed representative of how fast the samples (26) are to be withdrawn from the first process medium (23) is determined according to the first process medium (23) and/or according to the samples (26). Subsequently, the samples (26) are withdrawn from the first process medium (23) at the determined speed.