Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

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: The present invention is to present a dispenser which is capable of heating a liquid to an approximately constant temperature in the same time regardless of an aspiration amount of the liquid.

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: An automatic analyzer which is applied to a device for analyzing specimen by the transfer of a specimen holding rack to an analysis unit and designed not to complicate the transfer system of the rack even if the number of the analysis units is one or increased to two or more, wherein a rack standby disk capable of rotating and stopping under the condition that a plurality of racks are waiting is installed, an exclusive rack reciprocatingly transfer line is provided between each analysis unit and the rack standby disk, only a single rack is led to each rack reciprocatingly transfer line, and the rack is returned to the rack standby disk after the sampling and treatment of the specimen have been completed.

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 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 clinical specimen processing apparatus that includes: a preparation device that is configured to conduct operations to perform predetermined processing of clinical specimen; a controller in communication with the preparation device, wherein the controller is configured to detect an operating condition of the preparation device which performs the predetermined processing; a central processing unit that is configured to: 1) compare a detection value detected by the controller to a first threshold value and a second threshold value; and 2) determine whether or not the preparation device is in any one of three condition stages.

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: The sample preparing apparatus comprises a smear forming means for forming a sample smear on a slide glass, a print means for printing sample identification information on a slide glass, a mode selecting means for selecting one operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes including a print mode, and a control means for selectively controlling the print means and the smear forming means. The control means operates the print means without operating the smear forming means when the print mode is selected.

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 urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).

Abstract: A bodily fluid analyzer, system and method for programming the same includes a sensor for sensing at least one analyte in a patient; a display; a data reader unit for reading information from a data storage unit that contains stored information concerning a particular drug being taken by or course of treatment for the patient; and a processor for setting the at least one threshold value for at least one analyte to be sensed by the sensing unit based on the information read by the data reader from the data storage unit, for processing the information concerning the analyte and for sending the processed information to the display, wherein the threshold value is associated with the particular drug taken by or course of treatment for the patient, the threshold value being one beyond which the display will display an alert.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a method for modeling fluorescence in turbid media and methods and systems for using the model to determine intrinsic fluorescence of turbid media. According to one aspect, a method for modeling fluorescence of a turbid medium and for using the model to determine intrinsic fluorescence in the turbid medium is provided. The method includes illuminating a turbid medium of interest with an electromagnetic radiation source using a probe of a particular geometry and detecting measured fluorescence for the turbid medium using the probe. At least one set of Monte Carlo simulations is run to determine an escape energy probability map and an absorbed energy density map for the turbid medium. An indication of the intrinsic fluorescence of the turbid medium is determined using the escape probability density map and the absorbed energy density map in a manner that accounts for the geometry of the probe.

Abstract: A method for collecting and sensing a column of air in near real-time to detect one or more agents dispersed within the air column is described. The method includes passing the column of air through a port in a parafoil, the parafoil configured with a flow-through sensor suite located in the port and operable such that the column of air passes through the sensor suite, operating the sensor suite to test the column of air for the one or more agents, and receiving test results from the sensor suite.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the properties of a biological or chemical sample. The method includes carrying out a plurality of different tests on the sample to generate corresponding test data; optionally carrying out a preliminary processing of the test data to generate partially processed data; storing the test data and/or partially processed data; causing a processing system to analyze a user-defined selection of the test data or partially processed data to generate result data relating to one or more properties of the sample; and subsequent to the previous step, receiving a second user defined selection of the test data or partially processed data, different from the first selection, and causing the processing system to analyze the second user-defined selection of the test data or partially processed data to generate second result data relating to one or more properties of the sample different from the properties corresponding to the first user-defined selection.

Abstract: Syringe mounting apparatus includes a body (25,300), and a coupling mechanism (20) on the body having a housing (22) to receive a barrel of a syringe component and means (28) to detachably engage the barrel and thereby interchangeably retain the syringe component. A plunger connector (60) is positioned with respect to the housing for operably coupling a plunger driver to a plunger element in the barrel of a syringe component when it is interchangeably retained by the coupling mechanism. The plunger connector includes means (74) for detachably engaging the plunger element in a manner allowing the plunger driver to effect reciprocatory movement of the plunger element longitudinally of the barrel for drawing fluid into or expelling fluid from the syringe component. Also disclosed are a syringe system, a disposable syringe component, and a syringe component with engagement features.

Abstract: A reagent preparing apparatus capable of being connected to a sample measuring section for measuring a sample using a diluted reagent prepared by the reagent preparing apparatus, comprising: a reagent preparing section for preparing a diluted reagent containing a predetermined reagent and pure water; a pH measuring section for measuring hydrogen ion concentration of the diluted reagent prepared by the reagent preparing section; and a controller for performing predetermined processing, wherein the controller is configured to change the process to be performed based on the hydrogen ion concentration measured by the pH measuring section, is disclosed. A sample analyzer is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems relating to methods, systems, and software program for validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and quality assurance process are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation on an integrated level whereby the quality control unit can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost.

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 reaction receptacles. 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 reaction receptacles 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: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample image obtaining system that can manage a smear slide easily and perform the operation from the preparation of a smear slide to imaging efficiently. The sample image obtaining system comprises: a sample smearing means for smearing a sample on a slide glass; an identification information reading means for reading identification information of the sample smeared on the slide glass, the slide glass having the identification information; a sample image obtaining means for obtaining an image of the sample smeared on the slide glass; a storing means for storing the image obtained by the sample image obtaining means and the identification information read by the identification information reading means; and a slide glass transferring means for transferring the sample smeared slide glass from the sample smearing means to the sample image obtaining means.

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: An analyzing apparatus comprising: a transporting device for transporting a sample; a plurality of measuring units, each measuring unit measuring a sample transported by the transporting device; a determination result obtainer for obtaining a determination result representing whether the sample requires remeasurement based on a measurement result by a predetermined measuring unit among the plurality of measuring units; a designation receiver for receiving a designation of one measuring unit for remeasuring the sample determined to be remeasured; and a transport controller for controlling the transporting device so as to transport the sample determined to be remeasured to the designated measuring unit. An analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The fluidic system with an unclogging feature of the preferred embodiment includes a flow channel, a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The pump and controller cooperate to propagate a pulsation through the flow channel from the pump if the flow channel is clogged. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for processing a tissue specimen in situ prior to histological examination by providing a tissue specimen having a predetermined examination face, disposing the specimen on a tissue positioning member for removably maintaining the tissue specimen with the examination face in a desired orientation thereon, processing the tissue specimen while maintaining the examination face in the desired orientation on the positioning member throughout processing, separating the tissue specimen from the tissue positioning member by application of a separation force, and maintaining the orientation of the examination face after the specimen is removed from the tissue positioning member wherein processing of the specimen includes contacting the specimen with fluids for dehydrating and clearing the specimen and subsequent casting of the specimen in an embedding material for forming a specimen-containing mold portion having the tissue specimen contained therein in desired orientation

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder; a measurement unit; and an information processing unit configured to perform operations comprising: controlling the measurement unit so as to start the successive measurement of the plurality of samples; determining whether or not to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container while performing the successive measurement by using the reagent contained in the first reagent container; controlling the measurement unit so as to suspend a start of aspiration of a next sample, to measure a quality control measurement sample prepared from the reagent contained in the second reagent container, when determined to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container; and controlling the measurement unit so as to start the aspiration of the next sample when an analysis result of the quality control measurement sample meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer capable of replenishing a reagent even during an analysis and minimizing a suspension of the analysis. The automatic analyzer includes a plurality of reaction cells and a unit for holding reagents used in analyses. A plurality of reagents are dispensed to a sample in each reaction cell with a time difference to develop a reaction, and a liquid after the reaction is measured. After temporarily stopping the operation of dispensing the sample for a preset time during the analysis, the sample dispensing operation is restarted. Then, the sample dispensing operation is temporarily stopped again for the preset time at the timing in the dispensing of the reagent corresponding to the timing at which the sample dispensing operation was temporarily stopped. In the automatic analyzer, therefore, an analysis suspension due to registration and replacement of reagents during the analysis can be minimized, a larger number of reagents can be loaded, and a throughput per unit time can be increased.

Abstract: A clinical specimen processing apparatus that includes: a preparation device that is configured to conduct operations to perform predetermined processing of clinical specimen; a controller in communication with the preparation device, wherein the controller is configured to detect an operating condition of the preparation device which performs the predetermined processing; a central processing unit that is configured to: 1) compare a detection value detected by the controller to a first threshold value and a second threshold value; and 2) determine whether or not the preparation device is in any one of three condition stages.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

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 staining/covering system comprising a staining apparatus and a covering apparatus arranged in close proximity to each other, in which slide glass attached with a specimen sample stained in the staining apparatus can be transferred to the covering apparatus without using an apparatus for conveying the slide glass in the staining apparatus. The staining/covering system comprises the staining apparatus (10) for staining the specimen sample sliced and pasted to the slide glass, and the covering apparatus (12) being arranged in close proximity to the staining apparatus and covering a cover film or a cover glass onto the specimen sample of the slide glass subjected to desired staining in the staining apparatus (10), and the system is characterized in that means for transferring the slide glass having a specimen sample stained in the staining apparatus (10) from the inside of the staining apparatus to the inside of the covering apparatus is provided in the covering apparatus (12).

Abstract: A multichannel system for classifying particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles includes a plurality of flow cytometry units. Each flow cytometry unit is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing particles using a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Each flow cytometry unit has a sensor operable to generate a time-varying output signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the particles in the stream of fluid as the stream of fluid is interrogated by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform and perhaps even a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units. The common processor is programmed to receive the time-varying output signals from the flow cytometry units substantially continuously and to process the output signals.

Abstract: A clinical laboratory management system is described that includes an analyzer for analyzing a sample, and a management apparatus connected to the analyzer. The management apparatus includes (a) a storage configured for storing a result of an assay output from the analyzer, analyzer identification information for identifying whether or not the analyzer used for the assay has a dilution mode, and diluted sample identification information for identifying whether or not the sample used in the assay is a diluted sample; and (b) a controller configured for correcting the result when the analyzer used in the assay does not have a dilution mode, and the sample used in the assay is a diluted sample. Management apparatuses and recording media are also described.

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 setting information management method executed by a backup program stored in a portable storage medium by a processing computer of an analyzer, comprising: determining a type of the analyzer in which the backup program is executed from a plurality of types of analyzers; acquiring setting information of a program introduced to the processing computer based on the determination result; and storing the acquired setting information in the portable storage medium. A setting information management system, a setting information management device, and a computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a sample solution and a reagent into a container in a chemical analyser includes a first step of dispensing a reagent into a container, a second step of dispensing a sample solution into the container after the first step, and a third step of dispensing the reagent into the container after the second step. A dilution cup includes an inner face where a diameter of a horizontal section increases on at least one position from a bottom to a top, an opening portion surrounding an opening, where a sample solution is dispensed, located on or near the top, a reagent aperture portion surrounding an aperture where a reagent is dispensed such that the sample solution and the reagent create an upswing spiral flow, and a drain aperture portion surrounding a drain aperture, where a mixed solution of the sample solution and the reagent is discharged, located on or near the bottom.

Abstract: Optical sensor for the measurement of molecular binding interactions. Preferred embodiments provide real-time measurements of kinetic binding and disassociation of molecules including binding and disassociation of protein molecules with other protein molecules and with other molecules. In preferred embodiments ligands are immobilized within pores of a porous silicon interaction region produced in a silicon substrate, after which analytes suspended in a fluid are flowed over the porous silicon region. Binding reactions occur when analyte molecules diffuse closely enough to the ligands to become bound. In preferred embodiments both ligands and analytes are delivered by computer controlled robotic fluid flow control techniques to the porous silicon interaction regions through microfluidic flow channels.

Abstract: A communication unit (12) of a service center (10) transmits and receives information such as analysis information to and from a plurality of automatically analyzing apparatuses (100). A database (16) stores the information such as the analysis information. An analysis information parsing unit (14) evaluates and parses results of analyses made by the automatically analyzing apparatuses using the analysis information stored in the database. The reagent parameter registration unit (18) registers information on reagents in the database (16). The communication unit (12), responsive to a request from an automatically analyzing apparatus, retrieves information on analysis parameters related to managed reagents from the database for transfer to the automatically analyzing apparatus. In this way, analysis parameters can be readily set for a testing item to be analyzed using a reagent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a body fluid testing device (10) for analyzing a body fluids, comprising a test media tape (30) adapted to collect the body fluid, a supply portion (100) storing an uncontaminated section of the test media tape, a storage portion (110) for storing a contaminated section of the test media tape, an exposure portion positioned between the supply portion and the storage portion, the exposure portion being adapted to expose a section of the test media tape to the body fluid. An important aspect is a tip portion (20) for exposing a test medium to body fluid application. The application further concerns a test media cassette for housing test media. Another aspect is a testing device and method that employs illumination of a test medium at the site for body fluid application.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer, when a sample is newly added, all sample barcodes on a sample disk are read. Immediately before dispensing it, second time reading is performed, and the result thereof is checked against that of the first time reading. A sample hand-contact preventing plate is provided above the reading position and dispensing position in order to prevent the sample from being exchanged after the second time reading. This hand-contact preventing plate has a damage-preventing configuration to protect a hand and fingers of an operator against a sampling probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and dispensing coverglasses over specimens on slides for the purpose of viewing specimens through a microscope. The selecting device contains a suctioning mechanism for picking up a coverglass from a stack of coverglasses. It also contains the ability to bend the coverglass to assist in separating the coverglasses. The apparatus further contains a matched barrier to eliminate any coverglasses that may stick to the selected coverglass. The selecting device also contains spring members which aid in the dispensing of the coverglass. After the suctioning mechanism releases the coverglass, the spring members exert a force onto the coverglass to insure that it is released from the selecting device and placed onto the slide. After placement of the coverglass onto the slide, capillary action pushes air bubbles out from underneath the coverglass.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that includes a first conveyance device for transporting a container accommodating analyte; a first analyzer body for analyzing analyte accommodated in a container transported by the first conveyance device; a first transmission device for transmitting a first information through a first path from the first conveyance device to a predetermined computer; a second transmission device for transmitting a second information through a second path from the first analyzer body to the predetermined computer without passing through the first conveyance device; and setting device for setting whether or not to transmit the first information to the predetermined computer. Analyzing systems are also described.

Abstract: A tissue processor (1) is described, having a retort (2) for processing histological samples with different reagents, having multiple reagent reservoir vessels (3), and having a conduit system and a control device (5) for delivering reagents out of the reagent reservoir vessels (3) into the retort (2). A suction conduit (11) projects into each reagent reservoir vessel (3) through the vessel opening (7) for reagent withdrawal. A closure system (12) having an externally tapered and internally hollow closure plug (13) is provided for closing off the vessel opening (7). The suction conduit (11) is guided through a cavity (14) of the closure plug (13) for reagent withdrawal.

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: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump has a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a sensor for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting component information regarding a component in a specimen contained in each of analyzing containers, the analyzing containers comprising first and second analyzing containers; an analyzing part for analyzing the component information detected by the detector; a transporting device for transporting specimen containers each containing a specimen, the specimen containers comprising first and second specimen containers; an operation mode selector for selecting one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode; a first supplying device for supplying the specimen of a first amount; a second supplying device for supplying the specimen of a second amount grater than the first amount; and a supply controller for controlling the first and second supplying devices in accordance with an operation mode selected by the operation mode selector, is disclosed. A specimen analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for automation of biological and medical tests wherein test subjects or specimens that are placed in test vessels are subsequently treated by different liquid reagents, including: at least two test vessels of dimensions providing accommodation of specimens, a hydraulic gravity feeding system to deliver the liquid reagents into the two test vessels, a hydraulic gravity discharging system to remove waste liquid or spent reagents from the test vessels and directing them into an apparatus for accommodation of the such waste liquid or spent reagents, and a control system operating the device. A mechanical system is provided for agitating the test vessels.