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 analyzer comprising: a reagent suction unit for suctioning reagent from a reagent container; an analyzing unit for analyzing an analyzing specimen comprising a sample and the reagent; a container raising and lowering unit comprising a mounting platform, wherein the container raising and lowering unit is configured to raise and lower the mounting platform; and a container holder configured to hold a plurality of reagent containers, wherein the container holder comprises a reagent container holding portion; wherein the mounting platform is configured to move a reagent container mounted thereon from a first position to a plurality of second positions, wherein the plurality of second positions comprises a position at which the reagent container is in contact with the reagent container holding portion is disclosed.

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

Abstract: A liquid transporting device capable of transporting a liquid, such as dispensing or distributing a liquid, to microplates in number larger than a value mountable on a table. The liquid transporting device comprises a table on an upper surface of which a storing member and a discharge receiving member are detachably mounted, sucking/discharger means, a control unit for transporting a liquid in accordance with a previously incorporate program while relatively moving the sucking/discharger means and the table, an input device, and an alarm signal notifier. The control unit has a function of determining whether ID information of the storing member and/or the discharge receiving member, which is a work target of the previously incorporate program, is identical to ID information of the storing member and/or the discharge receiving member mounted on the table.

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 micro integrated analysis system includes a testing chip, system main body and heat insulating section. The chip has a pump connecting section to communicate with micro pumps; a mixing flow path for mixing a specimen and reagent and for reaction processing by heating; and a testing flow path for performing a predetermined test of a mixed solution heated and processed for reaction. The system main body has a holding section to hold the testing chip; micro pumps for injecting a specimen and reagent; a heating section for heating the mixing flow path; and a detection section for performing a test in the testing flow path. The heat insulating section insulates flow path portions continuing from both an inlet end and outlet end of a heated flow path area of the mixing flow path, from heat of the heating section so as to prevent a rise in temperature.

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: In an analyzer for analyzing a sample that reacts with a reagent 25, an analyzing tool 10, an infrared sensor 1 and a temperature controlling part 5 are provided. Inside the analyzing tool 10, a reaction cell 24 in which the sample and the reagent 25 react with each other and a heating element 33 that is heated by electrification are provided. The infrared sensor 1 is disposed outside the analyzing tool 10 so as to photoreceive an infrared ray 9 that is emitted from the reaction cell 24, and outputs a signal that is in accordance with an amount of the photoreceived infrared ray 9 to the temperature controlling part 5. The temperature controlling part 5 adjusts a heat value of the heating element 33 based on the signal from the infrared sensor 1.

Abstract: An automated standards sampling apparatus (50) and method for using such, apparatus are described. The apparatus can be integrated with a liquid analyzer to form a compact, integrated liquid analysis unit. When used in combination with a specially adapted vial se of standard liquids, the apparatus provides a system for automated, substantially error-free periodic calibration and accuracy verification for an online TOC analyzer (52). The automated standards sampling apparatus of this invention facilitates the easy introduction of known concentrations of standard solutions and “grab” samples into online TOC analyzers to satisfy regulatory compliance, calibration, and validation requirements.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer for performing analysis of a precision control sample in response to an external factor to alleviate the burden on the operator and perform precision control at appropriate timing, thereby allowing automatic maintenance of the measurement precision. Analysis of a precision control sample is performed by creating an analysis request for the internally held precision control sample and then transferring the precision control sample in response to an external factor occurring, when a calibrator is inputted in the analyzer, the number of remaining reagents under analysis satisfies a predetermined condition (becomes zero or falls below a specified value), the date changes, a specified time runs out, the operator is changed, the number of analyzed samples exceeds a specified value, a specified time period has elapsed, a new reagent is registered, and a measurement failure is detected.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a tool holder that can be adjusted in an x-axis, a y-axis which is perpendicular thereto, and a z-axis that is perpendicular both to the x-axis and the y-axis and that can be pivoted about the z-axis. A dispense head for solid material is mounted on the tool holder as the tool. Two scales are disposed on the dispense head for solid material, said scales weighing the material which is or is to be delivered by the dispense head for solid material. The inventive design with two scales directly mounted on the dispense head for solid material allows for weighing of the material without the dispense head for solid material or the material having to be placed on separate scales.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a sheath volume measurement device to measure the fluid in the sheath container, a waste pump to pump the sheath fluid and a sample fluid as waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container, and a waste volume measurement device to measure the fluid in the waste container. The system also includes a controller connected to the sheath pump, the waste pump, and the volume measurement devices. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, which functions to provide a location for the fluidic system and an optical system of the flow cytometer to cooperatively facilitate the analysis of the sample fluid.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes: a first transport line configured to transport a rack downstream along the transporting route; a second transport line configured to transport the rack upstream along the transporting route; and a controller including a processor and a memory that stores programs executable by the processor to: determine where to transport a post-tested rack according to whether or not retesting is necessary on any sample held in the post-tested rack; and according to a determination, instruct the transport apparatus to transport the post-tested rack selectively (i) along the first transport line either back to first sample processing unit, where the rack has been tested, or to a second sample processing unit located downstream of the first sample processing unit, or (ii) along the second transport line back from the first sample processing unit.

Abstract: A clinical laboratory apparatus includes a plurality of reaction cuvettes, a first dispenser, a second dispenser, a controller, and an analyzer. A subject sample and a reagent are mixed in each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes. The first dispenser is configured to dispense the subject sample into each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes. The second dispenser is configured to dispense the reagent into each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes so that the subject sample and the reagent are mixed. The controller is configured to categorize the plurality of reaction cuvettes into at least first and second groups, to designate at least first and second analysis items among two or more analysis items with respect to the subject sample, to control the second dispenser to avoid dispensing the reagent relevant to the first analysis item into the second group of the reaction cuvettes. The analyzer is configured to analyze a mixed result.

Abstract: A device and a process for preparing biological test samples are presented. The device has a disposable device with a connection mechanism for connecting to a closed sonication tube together with a filter capture unit to capture samples and to handle the samples without requiring additional tubes. With the device and/or method, samples are sonicated in the closed sonication tube that prevents aerosol contamination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating dynamic performance measures (DPMs) for an IBA manufacturing process. Included is a method for monitoring an Isobutyl Alcohol (IBA) recovery system that includes computing at least one of an amount of IBA recovered from the IBA recovery system and an amount of waste material produced from the IBA recovery system, and displaying at least one of the recovered IBA and the waste material produced based on time. The method also includes computing a cost saved based on a cost of virgin IBA and the amount of IBA recovered. Computing an amount of waste material includes measuring waste material flow, and computing a cost of waste material management based on the measured waste material flow and a cost per unit volume to dispose of waste material. The IBA recovery system can include an evaporation IBA recovery system and/or a distillation IBA recovery system.

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: An analyzer includes a specimen preparing section for preparing a measuring specimen including a specimen and a reagent, the specimen preparing section including a plurality of units; a detecting section for detecting a predetermined component from the specimen; a start command receiver for receiving a starting measurement instruction; a measurement controller for controlling the units and the detecting section when the starting measurement instruction is received; an error detecting section for detecting an error in the operations of the units; a measurement abort controller for stopping the operations of the units when the error is detected; a restart command receiver for receiving a restart measurement instruction after the abortion of the measurement; and a remeasurement controller for moving the units to initial positions thereof and controlling the units and the detecting section when the restarting measurement instruction is received is disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple piezoelectric elements 35 are arranged in a row along the top of liquid level in the reaction vessel 11. An ultrasonic reflecting material 38 is installed on the bottom of the portion of the heat insulating bath 12 where heat insulating medium 13 is stored. A lateral ultrasonic wave 9b is generated on the lower side is generated by actuation of the piezoelectric element 35. Wave 9b is reflected by the ultrasonic reflecting material 38. As a lower ultrasonic wave 8 advances along the wall surface of the reaction vessel, it collides with the specimen liquid level, thereby causing a portion of the liquid level closer to the piezoelectric element 35 to be raised. When the lateral ultrasonic wave 9a is applied to this portion, it reaches the inclined portion of the raised liquid level of the specimen. Swirling flow by agitation 36 is produced by the acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic wave. The specimen and reagent are mixed and agitated by this swirling flow.

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: An analyzer capable of operating in a normal processing mode performing sequential analysis of a plurality of specimens and in an interrupting mode performing analysis of an urgent specimen that comprising a suction unit for suctioning an urgent specimen, an analysis unit for analyzing an urgent specimen suctioned by the suction unit, an urgent specimen container holder for holding an urgent specimen container containing an urgent specimen, and a moving mechanism for moving the urgent specimen container holder between a placement position at which an urgent specimen container is placed in the holder, and a suction position at which an urgent specimen is suctioned from an urgent specimen container, wherein the moving mechanism comprises a movement force supplying mechanism for supplying a force to move the urgent specimen container holder from the suction position to the placement position is disclosed.

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: The present invention is a pressurized fluid sample injector system consisting of a sample needle, multiport valve, sample loop, metering syringe and a pressure assist pump. The speed of sample transport into the sample loop is increased by pressurizing the fluid in the system and metering the sample into the sample loop. The elevated system pressure allows the fluids to be moved faster than the vapor pressure would normally allow in a system at ambient pressure.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes an optical assay system for intraoperative assessment of tumor margins. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a biological sample containment and illumination apparatus for holding a biological sample for illumination by a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The biological sample containment and illumination apparatus includes a plurality of frame members positioned with respect to each other to form an interior space for receiving a biological sample. At least one of the plurality of frame members includes a plurality of probe receiving locations for receiving a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The probe receiving locations position the probes with respect to the biological sample to allow illumination of plural locations of the biological sample by the probes.

Abstract: A droplet actuator with cartridge is provided. According to one embodiment, a sample analyzer is provided and includes an analyzer unit comprising electronic or optical receiving means, a cartridge comprising self-contained droplet handling capabilities, and a wherein the cartridge is coupled to the analyzer unit by a means which aligns electronic and/or optical outputs from the cartridge with electronic or optical receiving means on the analyzer unit. According to another embodiment, a sample analyzer is provided and includes a sample analyzer comprising a cartridge coupled thereto and a means of electrical interface and/or optical interface between the cartridge and the analyzer, whereby electrical signals and/or optical signals may be transmitted from the cartridge to the analyzer.

Abstract: An automated fluid handling system configured to prepare fluid samples and to introduce them into an analytical instrument, such as a particle analyzer, flow cytometer or sorter flow cell, and that is capable of analyzing both accurately and quickly.

Abstract: It is checked whether a liquid undulation prevention mechanism is present or absent in a reagent vessel at the start of an operation (steps 601 and 602). When the liquid leakage prevention mechanism is absent in the reagent vessel, the size of the opening of the reagent vessel is judged (step 604). A nozzle is inserted and lowered into the reagent vessel to judge the contact of the nozzle to the liquid surface. When the opening is larger size, a capacitance method is used (step 607). When the opening is small size, a pressure detection is used (step 608). When the liquid leakage prevention mechanism is present, the size of the opening is judged (step 604). When the opening is larger size, a capacitance method is used (step 605). When the opening is small size, a pressure detection is used (step 606).

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 sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

Abstract: An integrated microfabricated instrument for manipulation, reaction and detection of microliter to picoliter samples. The instrument is suited for biochemical reactions, particularly DNA-based reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction, that require thermal cycling since the inherently small size of the instrument facilitates rapid cycle times. The integrated nature of the instrument provides accurate, contamination-free processing. The instrument may include reagent reservoirs, agitators and mixers, heaters, pumps, and optical or electromechanical sensors. Ultrasonic Lamb-wave devices may be used as sensors, pumps and agitators.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is able to move a reagent container containing a reagent which a user desires to replace to a pick up position. The sample analyzer comprises: a holding section comprising a plurality of holding regions for holding reagent containers, and being capable of moving the holding regions; analyzing means for analyzing a measurement sample prepared by mixing a sample and the reagent contained in the reagent container held by the holding section; receiving means for receiving a specification of a holding region from the plurality of holding regions to replace or add a reagent; and control means for controlling the holding section so as to move the specified holding region to a replacement-addition position at which the reagent is replaced or added, when the receiving means receives the specification of the holding region.

Abstract: A sample rack transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack holding a container containing a sample is provided with a rack transport mechanism for transporting sample racks, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism has actuators, and the samples rack is transported by the operation of these actuators. The control unit is accommodated in a control box. The transport mechanism and control box are supported in a case. The control box is provided below the transport mechanism, and is configured so as to be slidably transferred into and from the case.

Abstract: An automated slide staining apparatus for staining slide samples is disclosed. The slide staining apparatus includes cuvette chambers that are flooded with solutions to cover a slide fitting within the cuvette chamber. Filling and emptying the chamber accomplishes a dipping function on the slide. The cuvette chamber includes a drainage flute and level detectors therein for proper fluid use and removal. The staining apparatus is useful to perform Gram stains, hematology cytology, dermatology cytology, fecal cytology and the like. Further, the method of using the slide stainer of the present invention along with the process of staining slides using the slide stainer of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a first measurement on a biological fluid or control, which first measurement varies with both the concentration of a first component and at least one of the presence and concentration of a second component. The method and apparatus perform a second measurement on the biological fluid or control, which second measurement varies primarily only with the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component to develop an indication of the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component. The first and second measurements may be made sequentially or simultaneously. The method and apparatus then remove an amount representative of the indicated presence or concentration of the second component from the concentration of the first component indicated by the first measurement.

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 unit for the loading and identification of different biological samples, liquid, semi-liquid or mixed, to be subjected to one or more different analyses of chemical-biological type, such as immunological or coagulative reactions, or chemical-physical type, comprising: a plurality of support members able to carry a plurality of test tubes each one containing a determinate biological sample to be analyzed; a plurality of identification means based on optical or optoelectronic recognition, which carry information, univocal for a determinate sample or a determinate group of samples to be analyzed and which are directly associated with each of the test tubes and/or with each of the support members so that said information is transmitted to an electronic processing unit for the selection of a determinate test tube depending on the type of biological sample and the analysis to be carried out; a pick-up member able to pick up, on the basis of determinate commands received from the electronic processing unit, a port

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus including: a preprocessing unit for performing predetermined preprocessing on a sample container; a transporting unit for transporting the sample container on which the preprocessing unit has performed the predetermined preprocessing; a sample processing unit for processing a sample contained in the sample container transported by the transporting unit; a plurality of container collection units for collecting respective sample containers transported by the transporting unit; and a collection controller for controlling, according to a result of the predetermined preprocessing by the preprocessing unit, at least one of the transporting unit and the plurality of container collection units such that the sample container transported by the transporting unit is collected in one of the plurality of container collection units.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing apparatus for measuring a specimen by using a reagent which has a dispensing mechanism which includes a dispensing tube for suctioning and discharging liquid; a reagent container holder from which a reagent container is removable when the reagent container is in a container removal area; a receiving section for receiving a replacement command for a replacement of the reagent; and a controller for controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to retreat the dispensing tube from the container removal area when the replacement command has been received by the receiving section. Also, a control method for a specimen analyzing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dispensing small volumes of liquid from a cartridge having a substantially cylindrical body and a sliding piston and a dispensing tip, wherein an initial starting state is established by electro-optically sensing the position of the liquid meniscus in the dispensing tip, and by adjusting the motion of the piston according to the output of said sensing means. A means for detaching the liquid drop adhering to the dispensing tip by imparting sufficient acceleration to the dispensing tip that the surface tension bond is overcome which substantially improves the accuracy of dispensing small volumes of liquid from the cartridge.

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: Apparatus and methods for treating hematological, cytological, or histological specimens deposited on slides are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first heating station, a second heating station, and at least one processing station adapted to receive specimen slides. A lifting device moves a first set of the specimen slides and a second set of the specimen slides among the first heating station, the second heating station, and the at least one processing station. A controller independently controls the temperature of the first and second heating stations and selectively positions each of the first and second sets of specimen slides within at least two of the first heating station, the second heating station, and the at least one processing station.

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 concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.

Abstract: An automated discrete fluid sample analyzer includes a sample preparation module. The sample preparation module includes a well configured to receive a sample deposited by a pipettor and a sample preparation device in fluid communication with the well. The fluid sample is transferred from the well to the sample preparation device, and the sample preparation device prepares the fluid sample. The pipettor then aspirates the prepared fluid sample. The prepared fluid sample may be transferred from the sample preparation device back to the well, and the pipettor aspirates the prepared fluid sample from the well. In one embodiment, the sample preparation device includes a receptacle having a catalyst disposed therein. The catalyst may include a noble metal catalyst, such as cadmium. In another embodiment, the sample preparation device includes an ultraviolet lamp configured to apply ultraviolet light to the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic staining or other processing of a biological sample on a slide, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system. Further provided is a method of antigen retrieval, the method comprising contacting, within a heated processing tank of an automated staining apparatus, at least one biological sample with at least one composition for antigen retrieval comprising at least one chelating agent, at least one detergent and at least 50% by volume of at least one liquid that facilitates antigen retrieval.

Abstract: A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).

Abstract: A specimen preprocessing/transport apparatus includes a test tube transport path on which test tubes filled with specimens are held in test tube holders and transported, a rack transport path on which sample cups are held in a sample cup rack and the rack is transported, a filled-tube loading section which loads the test tubes into the test tube transport path, a rack loading section which loads the sample cup rack into the rack transport path, an aliquoting/dispensing device which is located in the middle of the test tube transport path and configured to simultaneously aliquot the specimens in the test tubes, and simultaneously dispense the sample cups on the rack transport path, and an analyzer which is located on the downstream side of the rack transport path and configured to receive the sample cup rack stored with the specimens and analyze the specimens.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus includes a first pipette device on a first pipette head, and a second pipette device on a second pipette head. In a standby state, the first pipette head is set in an upper position, a coil spring and a stopper set the second pipette head together with the first pipette head, and locate the second pipette head in a high position. While the first and second pipette devices are in an aspirating position, a driving mechanism sets the first pipette head in a lower position. A blocking mechanism sets the second pipette head in a high position against the coil spring. First, third and fifth pipette tips is positioned lower than second, fourth and sixth pipette tips, to access a well. The first to sixth pipette tips, while in an assay position, are equally lowered.