Abstract: A tissue processor is described that comprises a retort for processing histological samples using various reagents, a plurality of exchangeable reagent supply containers that each comprise at least one container opening, a system of conduits, a control device for conveying reagents out of the reagent supply containers through at least one reagent conduit into the retort, and system bottles. The reagent supply containers and the system bottles are connected via the pertinent reagent conduits to at least one valve. The valve is electrically connected to the control device such that at least one of filling and emptying of the system bottles with reagents from the reagent supply containers is controlled. This design allows differently dimensioned reagent supply containers while at the same time minimizing the space requirement for the reagent containers.

Abstract: A sample analyzer and sample analyzing method perform following: a) mixing a sample with at least one of a first reagent and a second reagent, thereby preparing a measurement specimen; b) storing, in a memory, standard curve data corresponding to a reagent to be used in the step a) for preparing a measurement specimen; c) measuring the measurement specimen thereby obtaining measurement data; d) processing the measurement data based on the standard curve data, thereby obtaining an analysis result; and e) when the first, reagent and the second reagent are of the same type, determining a reagent to be used for the measuring between the first reagent and the second reagent, based on information regarding standard curve data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automated blood cell analysis uses technologies from other systems to create a new, robust, improved type of automated microscope, which uses electronic motors and a closed loop control system to minimize ambient factors, such as jarring and temperature changes. Pre-stained blood smear slides are first coated with a thin film of oil and are loaded into a carousel from which they can individually be analyzed. The slides are moved under a low magnification microscope; an optimal area of examination is determined; a focal plane map is calculated for that area, and the positions of white blood cell candidates are computed. The slide is then moved under a high power microscope where a refined focal plane map is computed and the individual white blood cell candidates are imaged. The cells are preclassified and the images are made available for analysis by the technician.

Abstract: A selecting apparatus for selecting cell/tissue mass includes a base, a feeding mechanism and a dividing mechanism. The base has a platform for placing the cell/tissue mass. The feeding mechanism, disposed on the base, moves relative to the platform. The dividing mechanism, disposed on the feeding mechanism, includes a first cutting set and a second cutting set connected therewith. The second cutting set reciprocally moves between a first position and a second position, toward the first cutting set. The feeding mechanism moves the dividing mechanism above the platform, aligning the dividing mechanism with a portion of the cell/tissue mass, and moves the first cutting set toward the cell/tissue mass, cutting into the portion of the cell/tissue mass. The second cutting set moves from the first position to the second position, limiting the portion of the cell/tissue mass between the first cutting set and the second cutting set.

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). A liquid having a definable property is introducible into a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15). Multiple cassettes (5) are receivable in a transport basket (4). The transport apparatus (6) is configured in such a way that with it, at least two transport baskets (4) are transportable in the tissue infiltration apparatus (1). A transport basket (4) is deliverable to a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) 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) of the tissue infiltration apparatus (1) is definable.

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

Abstract: Analyzers are described that include a conveyance device for transporting containers which contain analyte, each container having identification information; an identification information reader for reading an identification information of a container transported at a first position by the conveyance device; an analyzer body for acquiring an analyte from a container transported at a second position by the conveyance device and analyzing the analyte; and an anomaly notification device for reporting an anomaly if the identification information reader consecutively reads the same identification information. Conveyance device and transport anomaly determination method are also described.

Abstract: A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: Sliced specimens can be automatically and continuously prepared and burdens of an operator can be reduced while accuracy required for the sliced specimen is maintained. The sliced specimen is prepared by relatively moving a specimen block transfer section and a cutter, and when a slicing operation to adjust the height position of the specimen block is continuously performed so that the cutting surface of the specimen block is located at a sliceable position, the cutter is moved so that a contacting area of a blade edge of the cutter that firstly contacts the specimen block after the height position adjustment is sequentially changed, every time previously set number of times of slicing operation is completed. Thereafter, the height position of the blade edge of the cutter after the change is measured by a detector, and based on the measurement information of the detector, the sliceable position is corrected and the slicing operation is resumed.

Abstract: Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.

Abstract: A specified time is determined which is a worst-case (or the longest) time period assumed as a time interval required between the instant at which an interface block receives an exposed substrate from an exposure unit and the instant at which a post-exposure bake process of the substrate starts in a heating part. A waiting time is calculated by subtracting a transport time from the specified time. The transport time is a time interval actually required between the instant at which the interference block receives the substrate from the exposure unit and the instant at which the substrate reaches the heating part. The post-exposure bake process of the substrate starts in the heating part after a lapse of the above-mentioned calculated waiting time since the arrival of the substrate at the heating part.

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: 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 diagnostic tape cassette especially for blood sugar tests comprises a test tape which is provided with a plurality of test fields for analysing body fluid, and a housing for receiving the test tape. The housing may have at least one housing part formed from a metal support and moulded-on plastic with integrated functional elements.

Abstract: Device for supplying an automatic analysis machine with reaction cuvettes, comprising means (10, 20, 22) that define a housing for a cassette (14) containing superposed rows of reaction cuvettes, a buffer storage zone (16) for reaction cuvettes as they leave the cassette (14) positioned in its housing, and destacking means (18) that take up the cuvettes as they leave the buffer storage zone (16) and convey them one by one to a point at which the cuvettes enter the analysis machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system for medical consumables, in particular test elements. The packaging system comprises an outer packaging, which accommodates a first desiccant supply, and a magazine with an unused test element supply. In the closed state of the outer packaging, the first desiccant supply of the outer packaging acts on the interior of the magazine via a connection that permits water vapor diffusion. In exemplary embodiments, the magazine includes a second desiccant supply. The communication of water vapor between the magazine and outer package reduces the load on the desiccant supply in the magazine.

Abstract: A container with a rotatable lid for reading and handling diagnostic reagents in tape form comprising a body portion, a lid portion, a continuous tape, a reagent-sensing device, and a storage device. The body portion includes an inner and outer surface. The lid portion is attached to the body portion and is adapted to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The continuous tape includes a diagnostic reagent. The reagent-sensing device is attached to either the body portion or the lid portion and adapted to read the diagnostic reagent. The storage device is attached to the body portion that is adapted to hold and dispense an unused portion of the continuous tape. During the rotation of the lid portion, the continuous tape is advanced from the first storage device and is extended over the reagent-sensing device.

Abstract: A method which comprises using a treatment apparatus comprising (1) a treatment tank, (2) a vibrating stirrer disposed inside the treatment tank, (3) a photocatalyst layer or a layer comprising a photocatalyst and a bactericidal metal, disposed on any surface inside the treatment tank, and (4) a light irradiator; placing water or a water-containing fluid to be treated in the treatment tank; carrying out the steps of (i) transmitting vibration between 10 and 200 Hz to a vibration vane by a vibration generator to causing the vibration vane to vibrate at an amplitude of 0.01 to 15 mm, and (ii) irradiating the photocatalyst or the layer comprising a photocatalyst and a bactericidal metal with light.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that has a structure capable of using reagent containers each having an ID, such as a barcode, attached either on the top surface or the undersurface thereof, or alternatively on each of them. This automatic analyzer, therefore, allows information about the reagent ID to be read or written at an arbitrary timing even if the mounting density of reagent containers of the automatic analyzer is increased, thereby improving the function and performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A test magazine with two film strips (12, 14), which are joined to one another in a sandwich-like manner, can be wound up, and between which holding cells (16) for test elements are kept free. The test magazine also comprises a multitude of test elements (18, 20) each having a puncturing unit (18) for inserting into body tissue and a test unit (20) for being subjected to body fluid. To this end, the puncturing units (18) and test units (20) are placed in separate holding cells (16) whereby separating them from one another.

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: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

Abstract: The clinical specimen processing apparatus is provided with a discharge pipette and supply pipette for staining in conjunction a blood smear sample preparation operation, a top sensor for detecting whether or not the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are performed normally, and a controller for re-executing the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette based on the top sensor detecting that the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are not performed normally.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus has an analysis section including an immunity analysis unit and a biochemical componential analysis unit. A sample rack which has undergone the immunity componential analysis is horizontally fed by a rack feeding mechanism from a position confronting the inlet of a rack stationing section to a position near the outlet of the rack stationing section, so that the sample rack is directly moved to a return line, while skipping over the rack stationing section, so as to be efficiently returned to the analysis section and subjected to a subsequent biochemical analysis. A sample rack that needs reexamination by an identical analysis unit is also returned in the same efficient way.

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

Abstract: A container with a rotatable lid for reading and handling diagnostic reagents in tape form comprising a body portion, a lid portion, a continuous tape, a reagent-sensing device, and a storage device. The body portion includes an inner and outer surface. The lid portion is attached to the body portion and is adapted to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The continuous tape includes a diagnostic reagent. The reagent-sensing device is attached to either the body portion or the lid portion and adapted to read the diagnostic reagent. The storage device is attached to the body portion that is adapted to hold and dispense an unused portion of the continuous tape. During the rotation of the lid portion, the continuous tape is advanced from the first storage device and is extended over the reagent-sensing device.

Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: A dissolution testing apparatus includes a base structure, a vessel support structure, a cleaning manifold and a stirring mechanism. The vessel support structure is configured for mounting testing vessels and is rotatably mounted to the base structure. The vessel support structure is rotatable from an upright position at which respective open ends of the vessels face upwardly to an inverted position at which the open ends face downwardly. The cleaning manifold is mounted to base structure below the vessel support structure and is configured for directing a fluid into the vessels while the vessel support structure is at the inverted position. The stirring mechanism includes shafts and is movably mounted to the base structure. The stirring mechanism is movable from a lower position at which the shafts extend into the vessels to an upper position at which the shafts are outside the vessels. At the upper position the stirring mechanism provides clearance for the vessel support structure to rotate.

Abstract: A supply of lancets for a multi-use lancing device are carried by a tape and sequentially brought from a storage position to an activating position by advancing the tape around a bend. The lancets are non-circular in cross-section along their longitudinal lengths, and in their activating position they extend from the tape such that their sharp tips are available for lancing tissue. The carrying tape can be arranged in reel-to-reel format in a housing having a lancing opening. The lancets can be integral with the tape and activated to move the lancet through the lancing opening by moving the tape along its tape path or by translating a dedicated service loop of the tape. The lancets can also be independent from the tape and activated through the lancing opening by a separate lancing actuator. A test media can be included on the carrying tape and the housing can contain a sensor to yield an integrated lancing and testing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test system for analyzing body fluids of the type comprising a test element tape carrying a plurality of test elements, a tape deflector for the test element tape for the selective application of body fluid, and a light source as well as a detector for optically analyzing test elements to which body fluid has been applied. The tape deflector has a rotatable optical element which acts as a deflection roller during transport of the test element tape. The optical element is positioned in the optical path between the light source and the detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying fluid to slides are disclosed. The apparatus includes a partitioned vessel having a cavity and a sub-cavity that receives fluid, a slide carrier that receives at least one slide in an area corresponding to the sub-cavity, and a transport that positions the slide carrier to position the at least one slide at least partially within the sub-cavity of the partitioned vessel. Fluid is applied to the slides by partitioning the vessel to include a sub-cavity, filling the sub-cavity with fluid, and positioning the at least one slide into fluid filled sub-cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable blood sugar measuring device comprising a tape unit for winding a test tape forward in sections, a detection unit for detecting measured values on the sections of tape to which body fluid has been applied, and a housing to hold the tape unit and detection unit. The tape unit and/or the detection unit can be deflected relative to the housing from an operating position against a flexible restoring element when subjected to a shock load. Also disclosed is a novel cover having open and closed positions. The cover is positioned at an opening of the housing through which the receiving site of the tape unit protrudes. The cover thus protects the receiving site from external effects when the cover is in the closed position. Similarly, the receiving site is accessible to apply body fluid thereto when the cover is in the open position.

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: The present invention provides a paraffin-penetration treatment method for a tissue preparation, which is capable of enabling sufficient penetration of paraffin even into a tissue preparation, into which paraffin can hardly penetrate by a conventional paraffin-penetration treatment method. When the penetration of the paraffin into the tissue preparation is performed by immersing the tissue preparation in molten paraffin after a dehydrating and a degreasing treatments, the method comprises the steps of: immersing the tissue preparation in the molten paraffin so as to allow the paraffin to penetrate into the tissue preparation; cooling the tissue preparation so as to solidify the paraffin having penetrated thereinto; and immersing the tissue preparation in the molten paraffin again so as to melt the paraffin having penetrated thereinto, and the above described solidification treatment and melting treatment are conducted at least once for one tissue preparation.

Abstract: A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.

Abstract: A selecting apparatus for selecting cell/tissue mass includes a base, a feeding mechanism and a dividing mechanism. The base has a platform for placing the cell/tissue mass. The feeding mechanism, disposed on the base, moves relative to the platform. The dividing mechanism, disposed on the feeding mechanism, includes a first cutting set and a second cutting set connected therewith. The second cutting set reciprocally moves between a first position and a second position, toward the first cutting set. The feeding mechanism moves the dividing mechanism above the platform, aligning the dividing mechanism with a portion of the cell/tissue mass, and moves the first cutting set toward the cell/tissue mass, cutting into the portion of the cell/tissue mass. The second cutting set moves from the first position to the second position, limiting the portion of the cell/tissue mass between the first cutting set and the second cutting set.

Abstract: An automated microarray processing system includes a microarray housing assembly module, an incubation module, a washing module and at least one automated transport module. With the automated transport module being mechanically moved among the microarray housing assembly module, the incubation module and the washing module, biochemical reaction of a reaction region of a microarray and a biological sample solution disposed therebetween is automatically performed, and the reacted microarray is automatically cleaned when the biochemical reaction of the microarray is completed.

Abstract: A tape unit is provided comprising a flexible tape, a spool for unwinding unused tape and a spool for winding on used tape, wherein an intermediate section of tape which is located between the spools can be used by a user. The tape unit generally achieves a compact design by providing one of the spools in a receiving area defined within the other spool, and a deflection guide for guiding the tape from one spool to the other.

Abstract: In a test strip measuring method in which a coloration measurement is conducted while a test strip (4) is being moved, there are detected the optical characteristics R of the ground of a test strip and the optical characteristics T of a test line (4b) which has appeared on the test strip, and the test strip is judged based on the difference or ratio between R and T. Even though the ground of the test strip presents variations in optical characteristics, and even though there are variations among samples or among test strips, such variations can be absorbed, thus assuring an accurate judgment.

Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: A control system for a bank of analytical instruments operates the instruments as a group rather than singly. The system includes an autoloader at a sample preparation station into which an individual loads sample vials of unknown material. A second autoloader provides sample vials of known material that can be used to calibrate instruments. A computer controls the autoloader and a conveyor system to deliver a selected one of the vials to a selected instrument. The conveyor system includes a group of distributors, typically in series, to deliver a vial to any one of a large group of instruments. The conveyor system is preferably a pneumatic system including a receiver and technique for slowing the vials down when they approach the receiver. The receiver is positioned to deliver the vial to an autoinjector of the instrument. A computer monitors and communicates with the analytical instrument to obtain inputs to control components of the system.

Abstract: A support element for test-tubes and the like, including an annular body adapted to be fitted on a test-tube and provided with connection means among several support elements to allow the formation of a chain having additional support elements, wherein the connection means are a spherical joint.

Abstract: A test strip analysis apparatus comprising a housing, an insertion station for receiving a test strip to be inspected, an optical measuring unit for measuring the test strip, a transport device for transporting the test strip from said insertion station to the optical measuring unit within the reaction period required for the test strip, and an analyzing unit for evaluating the measurement of the strip, wherein the transport device comprises first and second transport sections which are interconnected through a connecting region and can be driven independently of one another, with the first transport section being capable of transporting the test strip at a higher first transport speed from the insertion station to the connecting region, and the second transport section being capable of transporting the test strip at a slower second transport speed from the connecting region to the optical measuring unit.

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: A sample slice preparation device of the present invention has a microtome which slices a solid specimen by a knife, a humidifier which imparts moisture to a carrier tape, slice conveyer means for adsorbing a slice by an adsorbing force of moisture imparted to the carrier tape to feed out the slice, transfer mechanism for applying water to the surface of a slide glass to transfer the slice from the carrier tape onto the slide glass by an adsorbing force of applied water, an extension unit which heats the slide glass having the slice adsorbed thereon to evaporate the moisture, thereby extending the slice, and slide glass conveyer means for conveying the slide glass provided with the slice.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing mechanism (15), first and second dispensing-mechanism transfer means (26, 27), and a second reagent vessel (reagent cassette) carrying-in/out mechanism (24), which are constructed by employing an XY-mechanism, are arranged so as to travel above a reagent table (25) to carry in/out a reagent cassette (22). As compared with the case where the reagent cassette carrying-in/out mechanism (24) is installed radially of the reagent table (25), the area of an automatic analyzer in the horizontal direction can be reduced and a reagent vessel (16) can be moved to a predetermined position in a shorter time by combining the rotation of the reagent table (25) with the movement of the XY-mechanism. Further, as compared the case of dispensing reagents from reagent vessels in a matrix pattern by using the reagent dispensing/transferring mechanism, the travel distance of the transferring mechanism can be shortened and so can be the travel time.

Abstract: A reusable microplate kit for use in the life sciences industry includes a microplate and a removable lid. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate, a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate and a compressible gasket affixed to the underside of the plate. In use, the lid is mounted on the microplate by inserting each latch through a corresponding opening until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In this manner, the plate and gasket together serve to seal off each well from the outside environment. The microplate kit additionally includes a tool for disengaging the lid from the microplate and thereby assist in their separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable blood sugar measuring device comprising a tape unit for winding a test tape forward in sections, a detection unit for detecting measured values on the sections of tape to which body fluid has been applied, and a housing to hold the tape unit and detection unit. The tape unit and/or the detection unit can be deflected relative to the housing (10) from an operating position against a flexible restoring element (18) when subjected to a shock load. Also disclosed is a novel cover having open and closed positions. The cover is positioned at an opening of the housing through which the receiving site of the tape unit protrudes. The cover thus protects the receiving site from external effects when the cover is in the closed position. Similarly, the receiving site is accessible to apply body fluid thereto when the cover is in the open position.