Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of prevent consumable part which does not adapt to the sample analyzer from being used and maintain measurement precision. The sample analyzer 10 includes barcode reader 60 for obtaining serial number for identifying pipette tip 80 from barcode 83; containing section 21a for containing pipette tips 80 used by a predetermined mechanism section; CPU 34a for obtaining a number of the pipette tips 80 which have been used by the mechanism section; CPU 51a for obtaining a number of the usable pipette tips 80; warning screens 76, 77, 79 for giving a predetermined warning to a user, when the number obtained by CPU 34a is in a predetermined relationship with the number obtained by CPU 51a.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: A sensor device (45) for calibrating a staining device (20) has a coupling unit (46) which is configured to be attachable to a transport device (22) of the staining device (20). A sensor unit (48) of the sensor device (45) is adapted to detect the presence of components of the staining device (20).

Abstract: In a clinical laboratory of a hospital, an enormous amount of effort has been required to maintain the quality of an analyzer, standard solution and control samples. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for controlling a clinical laboratory with reduced cost, and a control apparatus using the same. In order to control data of an analyzer, standard solution, and a control sample, a support center is connected to each analyzer located in each hospital through a network line. Various kinds of analysis parameters and the result of measurements are exchanged so as to provide each clinical laboratory with a control situation in real time.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 ?l to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tagging a specimen slide are described. The apparatus comprises a receiving region for receiving at least one cassette magazine, a reading unit for reading the machine-readable coded information of a cassette identifier of a cassette, and a tagging unit for generating a machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide with a specimen slide identifier that depends on the cassette identifier. Data are transferred from the microtome to the apparatus via the data transfer path as soon as the cassette is inserted into the microtome, and only then can the machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide be applied onto the specimen slide by the tagging unit.

Abstract: An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.

Abstract: This invention provides a sample processing system in which only one sample container is rested in one holder, the system being contemplated to prevent a mix-up of samples from occurring. A barcode labeler module 13 includes an identifier-reading device R1 that reads an identifier of a holder holding a primary-sample container, a printer 13B that prints a label based on information from a control PC unit 21 as well as on the identifier of the primary-sample container holder that has been read by the identifier-reading device R1, and affixes the label to a secondary-sample container, and a second identifier-reading device R2 that reads an identifier of the holder having the secondary-sample container mounted therein.

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: The present invention is an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus that includes a deck for holding at least one microfluidic chip and capable of being accessed by a liquid handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system, wherein a chip handling device transports the chip from the deck to the fluid control system and the detection system. The present invention also includes a chip for use with an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, and a method for processing a microfluidic chip using such an apparatus.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are disclosed herein. The MES and methods described herein provide an ability to control and monitor manufacturing processes (for example, chemical and pharmaceutical) and can ensure data and product integrity and ultimately minimize overall manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay apparatus is disclosed comprising a single optical reading device (2a, 2b) for reading two microtitre plates (9, 14). A first microtitre plate (9) is loaded into an upper plate holder (8) which is linearly translated at a fixed height. A second microtitre plate (14) is loaded into a lower plate holder (13). The lower plate holder (13) runs along a contoured track which varies the vertical height of the second microtitre plate (14).

Abstract: A sample is contained in a sample container and a physical relationship between the sample and a sample ID thereof is established. However, after the sample ID is read by a bar code reader and the sample is transferred to an analysis-dedicated small sample container, the sample ID and the sample are separated from each other. Following the end of analysis, therefore, the sample ID must be merged with a corresponding analysis result. A read/write-enable ID carrier is provided on an analysis-dedicated sample container into which the sample is pipetted or on a tank for holding the analysis-dedicated sample container. When the sample is pipetted or when the analysis-dedicated sample container is moved, the sample ID and other information are transferred to the read/write-enable ID carrier.

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

Abstract: A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically depositing, preserving and retrieving biological material test tubes is described, including a refrigerated storage with movable horizontal shelves and a conveyor interface, adapted to automatically transport biological material test tubes, a device adapted to handle the test tubes between the interface and the containers of a sorted plurality of test tubes, the containers having toothed guides and being able to be placed on the lanes of a bench, a handling device of the containers between the bench and an access area of the storage, slidingly mounted to the bench and including motorized toothed members adapted to couple with the toothed guides of the containers for horizontally moving the latter between the access area of the storage and the bench, and a control unit adapted to coordinate the devices during the loading/unloading operations.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, including: a sample processing unit for obtaining a sample from a sample container positioned at a sample obtaining position and performing a predetermined process of the sample; a transport unit for transporting a sample rack holding the sample container via the sample obtaining position; and a transport controller for performing a stop process to stop the transport operation of the sample rack by the transport unit when a transport suspension event has occurred during the transport operation of the sample rack, and for controlling the transport unit to restart the transport operation of the sample rack from a stop position at which the sample rack has been stopped by the stop process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a luminometer and methods which provides simple and effective measurement of a plurality of wells in a plurality of strips in an automatic fashion. The luminometer may be used in CLIA (Chemi Luminescent Immuno Assays). The luminometer allows for CLIA micro strip reading, and reads break-apart wells, with a plurality of wells per strip, and calculates results instantly and automatically. The luminometer has an automatic carrier positioning system which selectively positions the plurality of wells in the plurality of strips at a measuring position, wherein the drive system associated with the positioning system drives the carrier along a single axis of movement. An optical track system automatically provides Y axis movement of the carrier. The luminometer may have a calibration system for maintaining proper operation of the system in measurements therewith.

Abstract: There is provided a highly reliable autoanalyzer less liable to sample and reagent carry-over and capable of preventing contamination and precisely pipetting samples and reagents. Using a sample pipetting nozzle 27 having water-repellent surfaces, a sample is pipetted from a sample cell 25 to a reaction cell 4 having a hydrophilic bottom face.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

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 a loading station (2) for microscope slides (7) with tissue specimens, a number of reagent stations (3) for staining of the tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides, a conveyor (5) for transfer of microscope slides (7) between the stations (3) in accordance with a staining program, an unloading station (10) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (19) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprise a photo station (25) with a digital camera (26) for automatic photographing with a background light source of the finished treated tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides (7).

Abstract: A maintenance information management method comprising steps of: by a terminal processing apparatus, transmitting, to a management apparatus via a network, maintenance work information about an analyzer on which maintenance work has been performed; storing, in a maintenance work information storage section of the management apparatus, the maintenance work information transmitted via the network; and transmitting, to the terminal processing apparatus via the network, the maintenance work information of the analyzer, which is stored in the maintenance work information storage section.

Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.

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 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: An apparatus including at least one of a stainer module and a coverslipper module; an imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module for transporting at least one slide between at least one of the stainer module and the coverslipper module, the imaging module and the storage module; and a controller. A method including processing at least one slide; determining whether an imaging module is available for imaging of a biological specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to the imaging module using an automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module when it is determined that the imaging module is not available. A system including a processing module for processing at least one slide including a biological specimen thereon. A machine readable medium.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Assay device processing apparatus includes a rotatably mounted assay device vessel support; and a drive for rotating the support. The support is rotatable about a substantially horizontal first axis so that, upon rotation, an assay device vessel attached to the support can be inverted.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically processing of liquid samples involving mixing of the samples with fluids are disclosed. The system includes a storing and handling device for storing and handling of fluid containers, which includes: a storing member provided with a plurality of storing positions, adapted for accommodating the fluid containers, the storing member having at least two storing levels, each of which extending in a plane, which are being stacked in a direction orthogonally aligned to the plane; and a handler, adapted for automatically transferring the fluid containers at least with respect to the storing positions. A method for operating such storing and handling device is also disclosed, wherein individual fluid containers are transferred between storing positions of a same or different storing levels in accordance with processing of the liquid samples.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to automated-polymer-synthesis systems that include discrete reagent-solution-addition, wait-time, and reagent-solution-draining sub-systems which together significantly increase throughput and decrease sub-system idle time. The automated-polymer-synthesis systems that represent embodiments of the present invention additionally include switches at points in which carriers can be received from multiple input paths or output to multiple different output paths. The automated-polymer-synthesis systems that represent embodiments of the present invention generally include an input spur and output spur in addition to a main loop, allowing carriers containing only completed polymers to be removed and new carriers input, so that carriers traverse the automated-polymer-synthesis systems independently from one another.

Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.

Abstract: An automated instrument and process for processing samples is presented. The instrument comprises a sampling area for receiving samples and reaction vessels; an analytical area with a first device resource comprising at least one analyzer; a reaction area comprising a conveyor for reagent containers; an incubator; a second device resource comprising first functional devices, the first functional devices having access to the sampling area and the incubator such as to transfer reaction vessels from the sampling area to the incubator and/or to pipette samples and/or reagents into the reaction vessels; a third device resource comprising second functional devices, the second functional devices having access to the incubator and the analytical area such as to transfer the reaction vessels from the incubator to the analytical area and/or to dispense liquids or withdraw liquids from the reaction vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a metering device, in particular a multi-channel metering device. The sealing assembly serves to seal pipette tips with respect to the metering device. A multi-channel metering device comprises a multiplicity of openings arranged in one plane. A sealing plate with holes in the grid of the openings abuts this plane. Each pipette tip is provided with an annular collar which has an abutting face and is pressed against the sealing plate by force closure so as to enclose one hole.

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

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for withdrawing respective liquid samples from vials (2) which are closed by closure caps (4) includes a plurality of racks (7) for accommodating the vials (2). A device (10) including a housing (25) is slideably carried on a gantry (9) which in turn is slideably carried on guide tracks (12) to provide two degrees of movement of the device (10) for selective alignment of the device (10) with the vials (2). An abutment member (43) is driven vertically by a second gearwheel (51) by a drive shaft (27) through a first gearwheel (40) and a dog clutch (52). A cannula which is secured within a first gear rack (33) is driven vertically by the first gearwheel (40). On engagement of the abutment member (43) with the closure cap (4) of the selected vial (2), the clutch (52) decouples the second gearwheel (51) from the first gearwheel (40) so that the cannula (28) is urgeable through the closure cap (4) into the vial (2).

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a tray and a processing component. The processing component has teeth configured to dice, mince, and mix the tissue in the tray. In some versions, teeth of a rotary member mesh with teeth of a stationary member, such that the tissue is ground between the meshing teeth. The rotary member may be moved in an orbital path relative to the stationary member. In some versions, the teeth of two rotary members mesh together, and the rotary members are rotated in opposite directions to grind the tissue. The rotary members may also be alternatingly moved up and down to perform initial dicing on the tissue. Once the tissue has been processed, the tissue may then be used in a therapeutic manner, such as by being incorporated with a scaffold and then implanted in the same patient from whom the tissue was originally harvested.

Abstract: An automatic radiopharmaceuticals filling machine mainly comprises a main unit with an activation mechanism to perform three-dimensional reciprocal movement. The activation mechanism has a lateral slider that can be activated to move reciprocally along lateral X-axis. On the lateral slider, there is a vertical slider that can extend perpendicularly and move reciprocally along lateral Y-axis. An injection needle is located on the vertical slider and can be activated to move reciprocally along Z-axis perpendicular to the lateral slider. A syringe rack is located in the moving range of the injection needle to accommodate a plural number of syringes, on each of which there is an injection hole. A drug pump has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a high-dose radiopharmaceuticals drug bottle. The outlet connects to the injection needle.

Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a specimen container setting portion including a plurality of container holders for holding a plurality of specimen containers of different types; an aspiration section for aspirating the specimen from the specimen container set in the specimen container setting portion; a sensor for detecting the presence of the specimen container set in at least one of the plurality of container holders; and a controller for determining in which of the plurality of container holders the specimen container is set based on the detection result of the sensor, and controlling the operation of the aspiration section, is disclosed. A method for aspirating a specimen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diluted sample is reused to remeasure a sample whose measurement has been completed, which is to be manually performed. An automatic analyzer can set hold and discard conditions and manage the elapsed time after a diluted sample is pipetted. It is possible to check, before measurement is performed, whether or not each requested measurement item can be measured, and the length of time it takes before measurement of all samples is completed. The automatic analyzer has functions of: setting diluted sample hold and discard conditions; allowing an operator to specify a kind of sample, for example, to select between a parent sample and a diluted sample; separately executing pipetting or measurement; and displaying each requested measurement item for which a sample or a reagent is insufficient, and displaying the length of time it takes until measurement of all samples is completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue infiltration device (1) for samples (34) contained in cassettes (5). The tissue infiltration device (1) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). A liquid (12, 14, 16) having a property that can be predetermined can be filled into a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A plurality of cassettes (5) can be held by a transport device (4). Using the transport apparatus (6), a transport device (4) can be brought to a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and/or moved away from a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A sequence of operations (8) can be prescribed in which a transport device (4) runs through the liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) of the tissue infiltration device (1).

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: 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, performing 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 analyzer system comprising: a transporting apparatus having a rack stocker for stocking a rack which holds one or more samples, the transporting apparatus being configured to transport the rack in the rack stocker; a measuring apparatus configured to perform a measurement on a sample of the rack transported by the transporting apparatus; an obtaining section configured to obtain identification data of a person who sets the rack on the rack stocker; a data storage; and a system controller, is disclosed. The system controller is configured to store, in the data storage, a result of the measurement of the sample as well as the identification data obtained from the person who had set the rack holding the sample on the rack stocker.

Abstract: A workstation for pipetting provides for an ergonomic pipetting environment. Test tubes, centrifuge tubes, micro tubes and micro plates are inserted into a top plate, which is designed to hold such devices in a desired configuration. The top plate is adjustable with respect to height and planar angle, so that extensive pipetting efforts are less likely to result in repetitive stress related injuries.

Abstract: A cap having a plurality of spaced-apart grooves in a downwardly tapered inner wall of the cap to facilitate the formation of air passageways as the cap is penetrated by a pipette tip. The air passageways aid in venting air from a fluid-holding vessel closed with the cap.

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

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a transporting device configured to transport a rack for holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples respectively, a barcode reader configured to read a barcode of the rack transported by the transporting device, and an aspirating device that includes an aspirating tube and a moving device configured to move the aspirating tube in a direction to insert the aspirating tube in a sample container. The sample analyzer further includes a controller configured to determine, based on the container type identifying information included in the barcode read by the barcode reader, an aspiration position for aspirating a sample in a sample container and to control insertion of the aspirating tube in the sample container at the determined aspiration position, and an analyzing part configured to analyze the sample aspirated by the aspirating device.

Abstract: A conveying device, intended for use in conveying a rack, which holds a sample container, to a sample supplying position for supplying a sample in the sample container to a sample processing device for processing the sample, comprising a conveying section for conveying the rack in a conveying direction from a predetermined position on the conveying device to the sample supplying position along a path connecting the predetermined position and the sample supplying position, wherein the conveying section is adapted to convey the rack from the sample supplying position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, is disclosed. A sample processing method is also disclosed.