Abstract: A liquid-contained substance analysis device according to this invention comprises: a substrate 14, which is coated on the surface with PVA and which is mirror finished; a first light source 18 for illuminating light onto substrate 14; and light detector 30, which detects the scattered light due to a liquid or a trace of a liquid that exists on substrate 14, and the position of liquid L or trace of liquid L is detected based on the scattered light detected by light detector 30. By then illuminating excitation light from a second light source 20 onto the detected position, the substances contained in liquid L are analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.

Abstract: A method for dispensing droplets of a liquid to a microsystem in the form of a disc comprising a target area (TA0I) in its surface, said disc preferably being a microfluidic disc comprising a microchannel structure with an inlet port that is a target area (TA0I). The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: i) providing (1) said disc which has a triggering mark, and (2) a dispenser arrangement comprising: a) a spinner for rotating the disc around its axis, b) a drop dispenser permitting dispensation of droplets to inlet port I, c) a fixed trigger position outside the disc, and d) a controller which is capable of triggering the dispensation of a droplet into (TA0I) as a function of the triggering mark passing the trigger position, ii) placing the disc in the spinner and programming the controller with values for dispensing parameters that will give dispensation of the droplets to TA0I, iii) dispensing the droplets. The invention also comprises the dispenser arrangement as such.

Abstract: A sample, a reagent, etc. in a reaction container 132 is agitated with an ultrasonic wave generated from a piezoelectric transducer (141, 142). A power supply unit (144) applies, to the piezoelectric transducer, a voltage having been subjected to frequency modulation at frequencies over an optional frequency range. An analyzing section (130) measures a reaction product produced as an analysis target from the reagent, etc. and the sample under agitation, and then analyzes components of the sample. With such a construction, adjustment work needed in an agitating section can be simplified, and satisfactory analyzed results can be obtained regardless of differences in frequency characteristics of ultrasonic wave generators used for ultrasonic agitation.

Abstract: A device for centrifuging various samples of a product or a mixture of products which are chemical or biological, the device including a vessel which is open at the top and contains a vertical central shaft driven in rotation by a rotary driving means, a horizontal plate mounted interlocked in rotation on the central shaft and provided on its surface with a plurality of through orifices for the mounting of tubes which are each intended to contain a volume of a sample to be centrifuged, these through orifices having a substantially elongate shape with front and rear walls inclined at an acute angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the horizontal, and means for indexing the position of the plate each time the plate stops, in order to position through orifices of the tubes at predetermined sites.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces is utilized to block mail from that source at other mailboxes.

Abstract: An operation guidance method of clinical system which enables a doctor or nurse unskilled in testing to operate the clinical system without operation error by providing operation guidance. In the system, an initial screen shows numerals 1 to 5 indicating the order of procedure of sample test and character information indicating the contents of works (1 confirmation of sample, 2 confirmation of request, 3 feeding samples, 4 confirmation of result and 5 finish) as contents displayed in an operation menu. When an operator selects a “start” button, display images showing as guidance on the respective works are sequentially displayed. Further, a display image as guidance on arbitrary one of the works may be displayed by selection of one of the works in the operation menu.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects, in particular cytological or histological specimens, having multiple processing stations and a transport device for delivering the objects into and out of the processing stations, is characterized in that at least one running-water station (1), having an inflow (2) and an outflow (3), is provided as a processing station.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer for measuring a concentration of components of a sample liquid, by mixing the sample liquid with reagents, so as to react the reagents upon the components thereof, includes a carrier having an introducing portion through which the sample liquid is injected, passages for distributing the sample liquid injected from the introducing portion, and plural reactor portions which hold the sample liquid therein to be mixed with the reagent, thereby to react. A movable driver portion is provided on which the carrier is mounted and a reagent charging device is provided for ejecting the reagents which are different for the respective plural reactor portions of the carrier, sequentially. Further, a detector is provided for detecting the components after mixing the reagents with the sample liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic sampler device. According to one aspect, the automatic sampler includes a cell having a sample platform and a reference platform; a sample tray; and a sample arm. The sample tray has wells into which sample pans and reference pans are inserted. The geometry of the automatic sampler device permits the sample platform, the reference platform, and the wells in the sample tray to be accessed by the sample arm along a common arc. According to another aspect, the automatic sampler device includes a sample tray with wells, a sample arm, and a gripper device. The gripper device has gripping fingers. The gripping fingers open or close in a manner that tends to center objects grasped by the gripper device. According to another aspect, the automatic sampler device includes a sample tray with wells, a sample arm, and a gripper device. The sample arm has an optical sensor and an electrical sensor.

Abstract: A work station for simultaneously performing multiple assays includes a base structure, a receptacle rack assembly received within a receptacle rack well formed in the base structure, a pipette tip rack assembly received within a pipette tip rack well formed in the base structure, a multiple conduit substance transfer device, and substance transfer device positioning structure. The receptacle rack assembly holds a plurality of receptacles in which a plurality of individual assays are performed, and the pipette tip rack assembly holds a plurality of contamination limiting pipette tips. The substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles or simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles. Alternatively, the substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles, and, at about the same time, simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles.

Abstract: An automatic analysis apparatus containing a plurality of measurement channels used to measure reaction occurred in a reaction container into which both a reagent and a sample are entered, is arranged by employing: a data processing unit for producing calibration information, first quality control information, and second quality control information; the calibration information every measurement channel being produced based upon calibration data obtained by measuring a calibration sample, the first quality control information related to a quality for each of the measurement channels being produced based upon measurement data acquired by measuring a quality controlling sample by the respective measurement channels, and also the second quality control information related to an entire quality of the plural measurement channels being produced based upon the measurement data; and a display unit for simultaneously displaying the calibration information, the first quality control information, and the second quality c

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handing assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails rakes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be cared out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for opening an autosampler sealed sample pan prior to TGA testing. The sealed sample pan comprises a pan, cover, and bail. A notch is formed in the seal sample pan cover. The cover can be opened by applying a concentrated force to the inside of the notch with a punch element integrated into the autosampler. This causes the center disk portion of the cover to be partially sheared and the sealed sample pan to be opened. It also prevents the punch element from touching the sample. A force sensor is used to determine if the cover has been opened. If the cover has been opened, then the sample pan is loaded to the TGA balance. If the cover has not been opened, the autosampler will not load the pan and will automatically move to the next sealed sample pan.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ injection of one or more chemical components into a reaction chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber for receiving one or more libraries, each of the libraries comprising two or more samples. The reaction chamber is configured to form a sealed enclosure. The apparatus further includes an injection manifold supporting injectors for in-situ injection of one or more chemical components onto respective samples of the one or more libraries in the pressurized sealed reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ injection of one or more chemical components into a reaction chamber, comprising a reaction chamber for receiving one or more libraries including two or more samples; an injection module in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for permitting in-situ injection of one or more chemical components into the reaction chamber; and a selectively movable transport assembly supported by at least a portion of the reaction chamber for transporting the one or more libraries to the injection module.

Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a macromolecule sample from a complex liquid mixture includes a hydraulic system adapted for control by an automated controller, comprising a pump and one or more valves. The hydraulic system can be controlled by an automated controller to apply the liquid mixture to one or more filters with a pressure differential across each filter. The filters include a rough filter selected to separate, from a macromolecule in a liquid mixture, at least a portion of one or more rough components in the mixture that are larger than the macromolecule. Further included is a fine filter selected to separate from the macromolecule at least a portion of one or more fine components in the mixture that are smaller than the macromolecule. A method for preparing a macromolecule sample includes automatically acquiring a liquid mixture, the mixture including a macromolecule.

Abstract: A fluorometer for sensing the fluorescence of a sample utilizes an optical energy source for exciting a sample to be tested and an optical energy detector for detecting the emitted energy from the excited sample. Drive electronics are used for positioning the sample with respect to the optical components allowing a plurality of sample regions to be tested. A processor is utilized to control the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from the sample to determine test results. A ROM chip socket accepts a plurality of ROM chips, wherein each ROM chip stores test data sets for one or more test types to be performed. ROM chips can be swapped to allow the fluorometer to be configured and reconfigured to perform a plurality of different tests. A communications interface facilitates the sharing of test information between the fluorometer and external entities.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support.

Abstract: An enhanced scanning solutions module is disclosed including a flow control subsystem; a detector subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem; a dryer/moisture separator subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem; a sampling subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem; and a software control subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem, the detector subsystem, the dryer/moisture separator subsystem, or the sampling subsystem. The module can include a sampling subsystem having: a sample loop; an absorbent trap; or a gas chromatography injection port. The module can further include an exhaust; a pneumatic supply; a power supply; a bypass module; a feedback signal; or a pressure control subsystem.

Abstract: A sample plate processing system of the invention in its simplest version consists of a sample deposition station with a data input/output unit and a sample processing station for processing and/or analyzing samples carried by the sample plates. The sample processing station is also equipped with data input/output unit. Both data input/output units interacts with an electronic memory permanently built into each sample plate for loading information into any sample plate which is processed by the stations for or for retrieving information from the aforementioned plate at any current moment of the process. The aforementioned information may contain records of the events history and the current status of the samples and the respective sample plates.

Abstract: A microplate lid having a substantially flat, generally rectangular top with first and second pairs of opposite sides. A flange depends from the top of the first and second pairs of sides, the flange bearings at least one recess area along each side of the first pair of sides, the recessed area extended into the top.

Abstract: A method and system for automated immunochemistry or chemistry analysis are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquoting section, a reagent pipetting section having a plurality of independent reagent pipetting stations, each operating on a cycle of a first period of time, and an incubate and wash and read section operating on a cycle of a second period of time to match the throughput of the system, where the quotient of the first period of time divided by the second period of time is a whole number, and the number of the independent reagent pipetting stations being equal to the whole number. The respective cycles of the independent reagent pipetting stations are staggered apart by the second time period, such that at least one of the multiple independent pipetting stations is available for working with the incubate and wash and read section at each operating cycle of the second period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the isolation of cell clusters that are either embedded or transported is preferably used for the isolation of the insulin-producing pancreatic islets of Langerhans, but it also can be used for the isolation of other types of cell clusters and particles in fluids as well. The apparatus employs digital imaging of the cell suspension on either a plane surface or in a capillary tubing, wherein a digital camera scans the cell suspension.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method to rate refinery feed stocks for the formation of deposits on solid refinery surfaces.

Abstract: A device for processing samples of blood products contained in tubes (18) closed by bungs (20) and loaded into cassettes (12), includes transfer component (10) designed to individually move the cassettes (12) on a pre-determined path, agitation component (30) having at least one pick-up mechanism (32) capable of being actuated by driving component (88) to pick up at least one selected tube (18) from a cassette (12) immobilised on the path, to move said tube away from the cassette, to agitate the tube and replace it in the cassette, and sampling component (34) designed to draw off a given sample quantity from the pre-agitated tube which has been replaced in the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for hematology testing, which has a sensing unit defining a counting orifice for the flow of a blood sample through the counting orifice to analyze the blood sample, and a pump unit having three syringes. A first syringe is coupled in fluid communication with the sensing unit on the inlet side of the counting orifice for injecting a stream of blood sample through the counting orifice. A second syringe is coupled in fluid communication with the sensing chamber on the inlet side of the counting orifice for simultaneously injecting a sheath of fluid surrounding the sample stream on the inlet side of the counting orifice. And a third syringe is coupled to the sensing chamber on the outlet side of the counting orifice for aspirating a sheath of fluid from the sensing chamber surrounding the sample stream on the outlet side of the counting orifice.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay analyzer, or assay system, provides for frequent testing of control samples to verify that before and after a series of tests of patients' samples, the operation of the test equipment is accurate, thereby ensuring that the results of the series of patient tests are accurate. Operating the immunoassay analyzer in this manner will delay reporting clinical test results until the results are confirmed as accurate. This operation can be performed automatically by a random access immunoassay analyzer.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for performing an assay comprising a micro-system platform, a CD-ROM device and an information processor, where the CD-ROM device under control of the information processor is capable of reading and writing data to the micro-system platform. The micro-system platform comprises a first section for storing data in a continuous circular data band, which is disposed in an inner portion of the micro-system platform, and a second section including at least one assay, which is formed in an outer portion of the micro-system platform. During operation, the CD-ROM device retrieves and stores data related to the performance of the assay in the circular data band. The information processor is operative for controlling the CD-ROM device in accordance with the data retrieved from the circular data band, and for analyzing the results of the assay.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus (autostainer) capable of staining sample on a microscope slide. The autostainer is capable of limiting the amount of reagent used through a process including image acquisition and processing techniques, wherein an image of the slide is acquired and used to determine a region on the slide to be stained. Also disclosed are methods of using images acquired by the autostainer in sample processing. In addition, a system including the autostainer functionally linked to an imaging system is provided.

Abstract: A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.

Abstract: A sample presentation unit (SPU) for an automated analyzer is provided. The SPU has a sample rack onload section having an elongated rail, and an onload moving mechanism movable along the rail for moving the sample racks placed on the rail towards a sample rack presentation section. The sample rack presentation section of the SPU has a transfer area connected to the proximal end of the rail of the sample rack onload section for receiving the sample racks from the sample rack onload section, a sample presentation area adjacent to the automated analyzer for presenting sample racks for aspiration, and a presentation moving mechanism movable between the transfer area and the presentation area for moving sample racks from the transfer area to the presentation area for a sample aspiration and subsequently moving the sample racks from the presentation area back to the transfer area after sample aspiration.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding to an automated analyzer a bulk quantity of vessels is provided. The bulk vessel feeding apparatus has a frame structure, a vessel hopper and an elevator chain supported by the frame structure. The elevator chain is driven by a drive sprocket and carries a plurality of scoopers for transporting the vessels from the hopper to a sorting and orienting mechanism. The sorting and orienting mechanism has two actuated rams for ejecting the vessels from the scoopers into a guide, while sorting and orienting the vessels, such that they are all headed by their closed ends when traveling in the guide. The guide leads to an escape mechanism for dispensing the vessels one at a time to the analyzer.

Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.

Abstract: A fluidics station is described that includes a housing that accepts removable modules, where each of the removable modules includes; a holder that receives a probe array cartridge, where the probe array cartridge includes a chamber that is fluidically coupled to fluid transfer apertures; a transport mechanism that reversibly transports the holder and the probe array cartridge between a first position and a second position; alignment pins constructed and arranged to engage one or more alignment features of the probe array cartridge, where the probe array cartridge is in the second position; and a needle constructed and arranged to interface with each of the fluid transfer apertures.

Abstract: A rack transportation assembly having a projecting member projecting forward is fixed onto a floor by a plurality of adjusters so that its rack transportation surface is brought to a desired level. The projecting member has a first reference surface facing upward. A treatment unit structure having a rack transferring area has a second reference surface in its lower surface. The treatment unit structure is pushed toward the rack transportation assembly under a condition that the second reference surface is lifted upward using height-adjustable casters so as to not become higher than the first reference surface. Then, the treatment unit structure is lowered so that the second reference surface is mounted onto the first reference surface, and a height in the front side of the treatment unit structure is adjusted using the plurality of adjusters.

Abstract: An automated assembly for performing first dimension electrophoresis is described herein that includes a supply magazine, an electrophoresis tank and an automated transferring device that robotically transfers biological samples from sample vials retained in the supply magazine, and delivers the biological samples one by one to tube gels supported in a rack within the electrophoresis tank. The transferring device is configured to move in three dimensions with respect to the supply magazine and the rack for flexible sample delivery.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, reporting, and evaluating a presence of a solid, liquid, gas, or other substance of interest, particularly a dangerous, hazardous, or otherwise threatening chemical, biological, or radioactive substance. The system comprises one or more substantially automated, location self-aware remote sensing units; a control unit; and one or more data processing and storage servers. Data is collected by the remote sensing units and transmitted to the control unit; the control unit generates and uploads a report incorporating the data to the servers; and thereafter the report is available for review by a hierarchy of responsive and evaluative authorities via a wide area network. The evaluative authorities include a group of relevant experts who may be widely or even globally distributed.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-throughput screening and generation of chemical libraries. The apparatus comprises computer controlled mechanical displacement devices and storage queues capable of managing a large number of source well plates and target well plates. In one aspect of the invention, precession alignment mechanisms are provided for efficient transfer of liquid from source well plates to target well plates. The apparatus may be configured such that any source fluid in any of the source well plates may be transferred to any target location within any of the target well plates in any sequence defined by the user. The computer controller may track the location of all the source well plates and target well plates and allow user defined association of any source well with any target well in any order defined by the user, thus providing an effective platform for chemical and biochemical synthesis and screening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for qualifying products containing volatile substances forming an analyte. The devices includes a measuring apparatus (2) provided with an enclosure (21a) and an electronic analyzing circuit (21b) for defining said analyte characteristics, a pumping system (30) for producing a vacuum inside said enclosure, a sampling chamber (16) wherein the analyte is introduced and a capillary (22) for connecting said chamber (16) to said enclosure (21a).

Abstract: A diluting solution moving unit moves a diluting solution in forward and reverse directions in a flow path. A probe is connected to the flow path through a T-junction and sucks a sample. A sample syringe is connected to the flow path through a T-junction. A control unit performs controlling so that the diluting solution moving unit is driven to move the diluting solution in the flow path and the sample syringe is driven to make the probe suck the sample into the flow path to thereby dilute the sucked sample with the diluting solution and further driven so that the sample solution diluted with the diluting solution is delivered from the probe into any one of reaction containers. There can be provided a dispensing apparatus in which dilution of the sample is made in a short time and in which the accuracy of the diluting rate is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system that consists of a plurality of sample plate carriers with resettable built-in memory devices and an information input/output station for the aforementioned memory devices. In the preferred embodiments, the aforementioned station comprises a storage cassette for the carrier, or an intermediate station through which the sample plate carrier is passed when it is handled by a robot arm. The cassette has an input/output port for selectively entering or extracting information into or from the memory unit. This information may relate to the specific sample plates or sample plate carriers that holds the memory element and may relate to positions of the carriers and events that occurred with the samples on the specific sample plates. Each sample plate carrier is provided with a locking mechanism for removably locking the sample plates in the carrier.

Abstract: To simplify the process of preparing microscope slides, an automatic staining apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed automatic staining apparatus comprises an electromechanical automatic staining device that is coupled to a personal computer system using an interface card. An autostainer control program runs on the personal computer system. The autostainer control program allows a user to simply program the automatic staining apparatus using simple commands entered in the graphical user interface. The autostainer control program includes several features that simplify the programming such as safeguards that ensure compatible reagents are being used; automatic buffer solution requirement calculator; and the ability to determine optimal staining procedure. The electromechanical automatic staining device includes features such as dual waste bins for hazardous and nonhazardous waste storage, an automatic dispenser cleansing system; and a slide clip that minimizes capillary effect.

Abstract: A plurality of analyzer units for serum, a plurality of analyzer units for blood plasma and a plurality of analyzer units are arranged along a main transfer line for transferring a sample rack from a rack delivery portion to a rack returning portion. A reagent bottle for inspecting liver function is contained in each of reagent delivery mechanisms of two analyzer units among the plurality of analyzer units for serum. When reagent for inspecting liver function in one of the two analyzer units is to be short, analysis for liver function analysis item to samples can be continued by transferring a sample rack from the rack delivery portion to the other analyzer unit.

Abstract: A pH measurement system automatically measures the pH of samples in purge and trap sample concentrators, autosamplers or other sample delivery devices. The pH measurement system includes a pH sensor that is positioned in a pH sample reservoir. The pH sample reservoir may be automatically filled with sample from a sparge vessel, calibrated using liquid having known pH, or rinsed. A controller enables and disables the valves and pump to transmit the liquid to the pH sample reservoir.

Abstract: Fully automated modular analytical systems with integrated instrumentation for analysis of biopolymer samples, such as nucleic acids, proteins, peptides and carbohydrates, are provided. Analytical methods of detection and analysis, such as mass spectrometry, radiolabeling, mass tags, chemical tags and fluorescence chemiluminescence, are integrated with robotic technology and automated chemical reaction systems to provide a high-throughput, accurate Automated Process Line (APL).

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, a binding assay comprises a machine-readable storage medium which supports a molecular receptor (22). In accordance with a second aspect, a support member (50) supports first (22) and second (24) molecular receptors and first (26) and second (28) data identifying the molecular receptors (22,24). In accordance with a third aspect, a support member has a first annular portion (106) to support molecular receptors and a second annular portion (108) to support machine-readable data identifying the plurality of molecular receptors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a measuring system that is for use with an automatic chemical analyzer and accomplishes accurate measurement reproducibility and low cost. The system has a turntable on which plural reaction cells are arranged circumferentially. A light source and a spectroscopic detector are located on opposite sides of the reaction cell in a detection position. The amount of light transmitted through the cell is measured. A motor having an encoder is connected to the turntable. The output signal from the detector corresponding to each reaction cell is accepted in response to the output signal from the encoder.