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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: An sample analyzer, which enables to confirm an analysis remaining time for each sample and a total analysis remaining time for all samples set in the analyzer, so that time management for both each sample and all samples can be easily performed, is disclosed. Specifically, an analyzing unit analyzes a sample by executing an analysis sequence including a predetermined number of analyzing steps, and an control device calculates an analysis remaining time for each sample based on the number of analyzing steps. Control device acquires a total analysis remaining time by calculating the analysis remaining time for the sample in which sample information is lastly inputted. The display member displays the analysis remaining time and the total analysis remaining time.

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: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).

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: There is described an automated laboratory system for handling test tubes containing biological material specimens supported by conveying devices (3) along guide lanes (1, 2), in which motorized conveyor belts (62) run, comprising main lanes (1) and secondary lanes (2) for overtaking the conveying devices (3) and/or routing the conveying devices (3) of the test tubes (4) to the various pre-testing, (19-20), testing (17) and post-testing stations (21).

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 sample-processing system that improves total system processing efficiency, and reduces a sample-processing time, by establishing a functionally independent relationship between a rack conveyance block with rack supply, conveyance, and recovery functions, and a processing block with sample preprocessing, analysis, and other functions. A buffer unit with random accessibility to multiple racks standing by for processing is combined with each of multiple processing units to form a pair, and the system is constructed to load and unload racks into and from the buffer unit through the rack conveyance block so that one unprocessed rack is loaded into the buffer unit and then upon completion of process steps up to automatic retesting, unloaded from the buffer unit. Functional dependence between any processing unit and a conveyance unit is thus eliminated.

Abstract: There is provided an analysis apparatus in which congestion does not occur and whose analysis efficiency is high as a whole even when the apparatus is an automatic analyzing apparatus to which a plurality of functional modules having different functions and process performances from each other are connected. Also, there is provided an automatic analysis system in which, even when a new functional module is added, it is not required to consider influence on the existing functional modules and restructure a carrying plan or others for improving process performances as a whole. Buffer units paired with the respective functional modules are connected to a specimen carrying line, and an operating-section computer issues an instruction for carrying to the respective functional modules in accordance with requests for specimens, so that carrying-in/out operations are performed as managing respective carrying-possible states among the buffer units and functional modules.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic conveyor systems and apparatus having a magnetic coupling with a housing and moveable magnet therein. The moveable magnet is substantially constrained in one dimension and adapted to move in another. The moveable magnet is adapted to magnetically couple with an attracting portion of a sample rack and move the rack along a conveying surface. Ease of transfer of sample racks is provided while minimizing spillage from the open sample containers therein. Method of operating the conveyor system are provided, as are other aspects.

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

Abstract: A device and method solves the problems of improving precision, in particular in reducing movement of a cuvette, particularly lateral or side to side movement of a cuvette, during the measurement process. The device, which stabilizes a cuvette during a measurement read in an analyzer having a cuvette path of travel, includes: a fixed support located on a first side of the path of travel and abutting a side of the cuvette at a location that does not interfere with an optical window on the cuvette on which the measurement read takes place; and a movable support located on a second side of the path of travel and biased against a side of the cuvette at a location that does not interfere with the optical window on the cuvette on which the measurement read takes place, and which is opposite the side abutting the fixed support.

Abstract: Provided is a specimen preparation apparatus capable of supplying a specimen from the specimen preparation apparatus to a specimen analyzer without burdening an operator. This specimen preparation apparatus comprises a stained specimen preparation part for preparing a specimen on a slide glass and staining the specimen, a keeping part for storing the stained specimen slide glass prepared in the stained specimen preparation part and a control part for deciding whether to supply the stained specimen slide glass to the keeping part or to the external apparatus.

Abstract: A specimen preprocessing system includes a determination section for determining with respect to a height of a specimen container; a specimen container lifting mechanism for lifting an opening portion of the specimen container held in a specimen rack to a same predetermined level based on determination information data of the determination section; and a plug opening mechanism for opening a plug of the specimen container lifted to the same predetermined level by the specimen container lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A platen for contacting a liquid to a surface of a substantially flat substrate is disclosed. The platen includes a liquid application station and a stripping element at an end of the liquid application station, wherein the stripping element includes an intersecting gap and an air barrier. Also disclosed are an apparatus including the platen and a method of using the platen to contact a substrate with a liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) which includes a placement part (11) for placing an analysis piece, and a photometric measurer (7) for photometric measurement of the analysis piece (2). In the analyzer (1), the placement part (11) holds the analysis piece (2) in such a way that a row of reagent pad (20) on the analysis piece (1) lie in right-and-left directions (D3, D4). The photometric measurer (7) is farther from a front than the placement part (11). The analysis piece (2) placed on the placement part (11) is conveyed from front toward rear (Direction D1), with the row of reagent pads (20) laid in right-and-left directions (D3, D4), toward the photometric measurer (7).

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.

Abstract: A transportation mechanism for transporting a test tube rack laterally and intermittently is disclosed. The transportation mechanism includes a test tube rack, one or more fingers and a driving mechanism that drives the finger to move. The finger has a loading state and an unloading state in its movement process. In the loading state, the finger extends upward and into the test tube rack and causes the rack to move laterally. In the unloading state, the finger retrieves downward and out of the test tube rack. Because the finger is driven by the driving mechanism, there is no need to use a restriction metal sheet to press down the finger. As a result, there is no mechanical collision between the finger and the restriction metal sheet, and noise is effectively reduced in the operation.

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 receive 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 or from said pipette.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for tissue processing are described here. The chemical process and the construction of the apparatus are simplified by using only two different solutions in two separate reaction modules. They are compatible with processing of tissue specimens for genetic analysis, histology, in situ antibody binding and hybridization, archival preservation of morphology and nucleic acids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus is provided for conducting a test by efficiently reading color development of a reagent after reaction by optical measurement. To the above end, an optical measurement apparatus is provided which is to be used with at least one test instrument mounted to the apparatus. The test instrument includes a carrier provided with at least one reagent retaining portion which retains a reagent, and a sample is applied to the carrier. The optical measurement apparatus includes a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for performing driving control of the reader and determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing data obtained by a reading operation P to read the color development of the reagent performed after the lapse of a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 from the mounting of the test instrument, and the reaction completion period depends on the reagent.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. A detecting apparatus may be configured so that light from luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a a first lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon an image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The detecting apparatus may further include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and/or a robot for handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of respond immediately when a need to perform analysis of multiple items arises. The sample analyzer 1 includes a table 12 capable of holding a first rack 320 and a second rack 330; a reagent dispensing arm 120 which comprises a pipette part 121; a reagent dispensing driving section 120a for moving the reagent dispensing arm 120; a reagent barcode reader 350; and a control section 501 for controlling the reagent dispensing driving section 120a so as to move the pipette part 121 to a predetermined reagent aspirating position according to the identification information obtained by the reagent barcode reader 350.

Abstract: A tissue infiltration apparatus (1) for specimens present in cassettes (5) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). Multiple cassettes (5) are receivable in a transport basket (4). The transport apparatus (6) is configured in such a way that at least two transport baskets (4) are transportable in the tissue infiltration apparatus (1). A transport basket (4) is deliverable to, and/or movable away from, a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) with the transport apparatus (6). An execution sequence (21) in which the transport baskets (4) pass through the liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) is definable. To enable accelerated or preferred processing of a transport basket (4) with the tissue infiltration apparatus (1), at least one means (8) is provided with which the order of two transport baskets (4) is definably modifiable.

Abstract: A process wherein outgassing rates of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an object, particularly habitable vehicles, are accelerated by placing the subject object in a vacuum chamber and placing heat sources either inside the object being treated, outside the object, or both. The process includes measuring and monitoring the temperature of selected surfaces inside the object being treated. The heat sources are adjusted to maintain a temperature which is safe for the materials and which will promote maximum outgassing rates. During the treatment process, while a vacuum and heat are being applied to the subject object, the gasses in the chamber are monitored for both their composition and quantity. When the outgassing rates of the VOCs reach acceptable levels, the process cycle is terminated. The vacuum in the chamber is broken to restore atmospheric pressure, and the object being treated is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first specimen holder configured to hold a plurality of first specimen containers; a conveying assembly for conveying the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a second specimen holder arranged at a position higher than an upper end of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a holder moving assembly for moving the second specimen holder so as to pass the upper side of at least one of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a container transferring assembly for transferring at least one of the first specimen containers from the first specimen holder to the second specimen holder; and a controller for controlling the holder moving assembly and the container transferring assembly, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for analysing fluid taken from a body, and more in particularly for analysing body fluids from mammals. The analysis apparatus is coupled to a dairy system for milking of cows, wherein it may be useful to analyse the status of the milk. The apparatus is preferably located as early as possible in the production chain in order to obtain results as close as possible to the cows. Hence the environment in which the apparatus is to be used may be harsh towards internal apparatus modules or consumables, therefore the apparatus is isolated and the internal environment is conditioned regarding humidity, temperature as well as the amount of ammonium. Furthermore the steps for analysing milk is automated inside the apparatus in order to avoid influence from the external environment.