Abstract: A reagent management system for an automated biological reaction apparatus including an automated biological reaction apparatus including at least one reagent dispenser for applying a reagent to a sample, a memory device containing data for a reagent device selected from the group consisting of a reagent dispenser or a reagent kit used in the automated biological reaction apparatus, a host device comprising a processor and a host device memory connected to the processor, the host memory device including a reagent table, and a scanner for transferring the memory device data to the host device memory.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus for performing a process including a plurality of steps on a sample, the sample processing apparatus sequentially processing a plurality of samples, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of units corresponding to the respective steps in the process; a transfer section which transfers a sample to the units according to a flow of the steps; and a controller. Specifically, when an operation was not performed successfully, the controller interrupts the process for a sample that had not reached the location where the unsuccessful operation was performed while continuing the process for a sample that had already passed the location, retries the operation that was not performed successfully, and resumes the interrupted process when the retried operation has been performed successfully.

Abstract: A drug discovery screening apparatus improves a testing operation efficiency. The drug discovery screening apparatus comprises an image measurement unit, an incubator unit integrally connected to the image measurement unit, a fixed stage disposed at the incubator unit, first conveyance for taking out one of plates stored in a carousel of the incubator unit and conveying the plate onto the fixed stage, second conveyance for taking out the plate conveyed onto the fixed stage and conveying the plate onto an XY stage disposed at the image measurement unit, and a control unit. The second conveyance comprises first and second conveyance arms, respectively supported horizontally by a conveyance unit support section, which convey the plates onto the fixed stage and XY stage so as to allow the respective plates to cross each other.

Abstract: The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CD4 analysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet. An LED illuminates the cells and a CCD camera captures the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells.

Abstract: A sample aspirating apparatus capable of aspirating a sample from both a capped container and an uncapped container is disclosed. The sample aspirating apparatus comprises: a pipette which aspirates a sample, wherein the pipette is able to penetrate a cap of a capped container; a cap sensor which detects the cap of the capped container; a driving section which moves the pipette upward and downward; a crash sensor which detects a crash of the pipette with an obstacle; and a controller which controls the driving section to move the pipette, and stop the pipette when the crash sensor detects a crash by the pipette, wherein when aspirating a sample from a container after the cap sensor has detected a cap, the controller controls the driving section to move the pipette downward regardless of the detection by the crash sensor and thereby cause the pipette to penetrate the cap of the container. A sample analyzer which comprises the above mentioned sample aspirating apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for automatically creating a denaturation curve is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, a movement system including a unit having a plurality of cannulas is used. The cannulas are in fluid communication with a fluid system, which allows the cannulas to draw in and dispense fluid. A measurement system is included which draws fluid from a well into a detector to determine a characteristic of the fluid. A controller is used to control these systems and also to create a denaturation graph from the measured characteristics. In another embodiment, a plurality of formulations may be created using the system.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an automated method and apparatus useful for separating and harvesting cells of interest, e.g., mononuclear cells, in a whole blood sample. The method of the invention uses the aspirating/dispensing probe of an automated sample preparation instrument to underlay a density gradient medium beneath a whole blood sample in a centrifugation tube, and the same probe is used to harvest cells of interest from a cell layer formed in the tube as a result of a centrifugation step. In harvesting cells, the probe is advanced inside the tube by a fixed, predetermined distance at which the probe tip (i.e., its aspiration port) is known to be located at, or within a predetermined distance below, the bottom of the cell layer. A predetermined volume of liquid is then aspirated through the probe tip, whereby most cells of interest (and more than 90% of those cells that can be harvested by a flawless manual method) are removed from the cell layer and collected for analysis.

Abstract: An interface is provided for storing microfluidic samples in a nanoliter sample chip. A fluid access structure provides a fluid access region to a selected subset of sample wells from an array of sample wells. A fluid introduction mechanism introduces a sample fluid to the fluid access region so that the sample wells in the selected subset are populated with the sample fluid without the unselected sample wells being populated with the sample fluid.

Abstract: A system for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a conduit. The conduit is part of a fluid distribution system. A chemical or biological sensor array is connected to the conduit. The sensor array produces an acoustic signal burst in the fluid upon detection of contaminates in the fluid. A supervisory control system connected to the fluid and operatively connected to the fluid distribution system signals the fluid distribution system upon detection of contaminates in the fluid.

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

Abstract: A sample analyzer is provided that does not require a plurality of reagent containers containing the same type of reagent to be connected, that can continue measurement even when a reagent container becomes empty, and that allows the timing of replacement of the reagent container to be recognized suitably. A reagent storage section is provided that is connected to a reagent container containing a reagent through a fluid channel and that stores the reagent transferred from the reagent container. A message for prompting replacement of the reagent container is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent container is a predetermined amount or less. A message for prompting to suspend sample measurement in the measurement section is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent storage section is a predetermined amount or less.

Abstract: A flow controller assembly for microfluidic applications includes at least one microfluidic flow controller, which includes a microfluidic chip, a thermal energy transmitter, a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of a fluid running through the flow controller and a data control unit. The data control unit, which is connected to the flow sensor by a first data connection which allows the data control unit to receive flow rate measurement data from the flow sensor, and which is also connected to the thermal energy transmitter by a second data connection allows the data control unit to influence the thermal output of the thermal energy transmitter, includes a data processing unit that determines the difference between the measured flow rate and a preset desired flow rate and to regulate the thermal output of the thermal energy transmitter in order to obtain or maintain the desired flow rate.

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

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention describe an apparatus for generating calibration factors for a spectral detector instrument. The calibration factors are derived from a calibration plate containing one or more spectral species in each well of the calibration plate. Each well is then exposed to an excitation source that causes the one or more spectral species in each of the wells to fluoresce. The signal response is measured and associated with each spectral species at each different well position in the calibration plate. Next, the measured signal response from each spectral species at each well position in the calibration plate is compared with a predetermined signal response for each spectral species. The results of this comparison can be used to determine a calibration factor for each well and spectral species to compensate for the difference between the measured signal response and the predetermined signal response.

Abstract: Method for handling microparticles in such a manner, that at least two treatment steps are performed for microparticles in the same vessel without moving the particles to another vessel. There are organs in the device for changing the solution without having to move the microparticles to another vessel.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing genetic material in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the biological sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the biological sample, a controller for operating the functional sections, and, a flow-path from the receptacle to the functional sections, wherein, the flow-path is configured to draw the sample to be analyzed from the receptacle to the functional sections by capillary action regardless of module orientation relative to gravity.

Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator system that includes a sparge vessel, and includes a variable gas flow valve for controlling the gas pressure in an analytic trap or the sparge vessel; a sensor that detects both a foaming sample state and a high liquid level in the sparge vessel, using one optical sensor; a control scheme that re-directs the purge gases to a second inlet of the sparge vessel during a foaming condition; a control scheme that uses a split flow to enhance the quantity of sample gases passed from an analytic trap; an electrically powered thermal energy source with a fan raising the sparge vessel temperature via thermal convection.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a smaller size, allowing a larger number of reagents to be loaded, and having a higher processing capability. Reagent disks are disposed inside and outside a reaction disk. Reagent probes are disposed to be able to suck reagents from the reagent disks and eject the reagents at common positions. A plurality of reagent probes are alternately accessed one by one to each of the reagent disks per cycle. Each reagent probe comprises two arms rotatable independently of each other so that the reagent probe is able to access a plurality of points and interference between the plurality of reagent probes can be avoided. A first reagent and a second reagent can be loaded on each of the reagent disks, and the number of loadable reagents can be increased without enlarging an overall system size. Thus, an automatic analyzer having a shorter cycle time and a higher processing capability can be realized.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic analyzer that is capable of executing a plurality of different measurement sequences in a sequential, parallel manner, has a check function for avoiding simultaneous mechanical equipment use and interference between the mechanical equipment, incorporates a plurality of different transport mechanism operation schemes for transporting a reaction vessel to the mechanical equipment, and minimizes a decrease in the throughput by choosing an appropriate transport mechanism operation scheme as needed. Before initiating a measurement sequence for a requested analytical test, the automatic analyzer checks for simultaneous use of the mechanical equipment. If it is judged that simultaneous mechanical equipment use would result, the automatic analyzer postpones the start of the requested analytical test. This makes it possible to avoid simultaneous mechanical equipment use and make a proper analysis.

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: A clinical analyzer having the capability to operate at both a higher and lower throughput, depending upon the assay load demand experienced by the hospital or laboratory, so that analyzer throughput most closely matches assay demand.

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

Abstract: An automatic analyzer capable of performing analysis in terms of a number of analysis items with high reliability through a simple operation. The automatic analyzer comprises a probe adapted to be moved on a circular arc path and capable of sucking or discharging a sample or reagent, a plurality of sample containers disposed at different positions on the path of the probe and containing different analyte samples, and a rotor capable of carrying a plurality of reagent cartridges. Each of the reagent cartridges comprises a photometric cuvette that is empty when not in use, and a reagent cuvette in which a reagent used for a particular analysis item is hermetically sealed. A two-dimensional code with information regarding the analyte type and analysis conditions, for example, is affixed to the reagent cartridge. The two-dimensional code information is read by a reading unit.

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 self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tissue infiltration apparatus (1) for specimens present in cassettes (5). comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). A liquid having a definable property is introducible into a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15). Multiple cassettes (5) are receivable in a transport basket (4). The transport apparatus (6) is configured in such a way that with it, at least two transport baskets (4) are transportable in the tissue infiltration apparatus (1). A transport basket (4) is deliverable to a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) and/or movable away from a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) with the transport apparatus (6). An execution sequence (21) in which the transport baskets (4) pass through the liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) of the tissue infiltration apparatus (1) is definable.

Abstract: A device for characterizing ex vivo tissue employs a set of independent electrodes that may be used to scan the tissue by moving a voltage gradient across the tissue surface acquiring impedance spectrographs that may be mapped to an image.

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

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

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus is provided with a memory for storing a schedule of maintenance, a display, and a controller for displaying on the display a screen of calendar format, wherein the screen includes a date display area for displaying a date and a maintenance item display area for displaying a maintenance item scheduled on the date.

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

Abstract: A method for controlling a tissue processor and a tissue processor for processing tissue samples is described. A retort is provided including a cover that can be opened and closed by an operator. The retort cover is closed prior to tissue processing. The actuation state of a first and a second operating element can be determined. An operator is prompted to confirm unlocking of the closed retort cover by actuating a second operating element. The tissue processing is interrupted when an actuation of the second operating element is determined and the closed retort cover is unlocked and is continued after the retort cover is once again locked. After having completed tissue processing the retort cover is unlocked. By means of the described method and tissue processor improper intervention during ongoing tissue processing is prevented.

Abstract: A flexible diagnostic workstation comprises is equipped to read label information on well strips of loaded well plates and on loaded reagent kit holders, automatically perform the pre-analytical steps of an immuno-assay which consists of a sequence of operations in accordance with scheduled test requirements for each microwell, read the results according to either a standard singleplex ELISA or multiplex test format as indicated by the well strip label, and report the results.

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

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a first container set section in which a first reagent container, wherein the first container set section includes a first operating section which is operated by a user when setting the first reagent container; a first detector configured to detect an operation of the first operating section; a second container set section in which a second reagent container, wherein the second container set section includes a second operating section which is operated by the user when setting the second reagent container; a second detector configured to detect an operation of the second operating section; an output section; and a controller configured to control the output section to output a predetermined notification, if the second detector detects the operation of the second operating section by the user when it is required to set the first reagent container in the first container set section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (100) for use in a laboratory device, having a stepping motor (10) having rotor and stator, and having a motor controller (20), which is designed for the purpose of activating the stepping motor (10). In one embodiment, the drive device (100) comprises an encoder (11), which supplies a respective current encoder signal (e(t)) in operation (ia, ib), which reflects the current rotor position of the rotor, and phase terminals (14, 27), to tap the currently flowing motor phase currents (ia, ib). The motor controller (20) comprises a transformation module (13), in order to decompose the currently flowing motor phase currents (ia, ib) using a transformation method into a slip component (ix) and a torque component (iy).

Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.

Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.

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

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

Abstract: A system and method for calculating a value indicative of the amount of an undesirable constituent of a volatile gas stream that is removed from the atmosphere. Data received at a higher sampling rate is subjected to a plurality of validation processes and data that is determined to be faulty is then quarantined. Quarantined data can be replaced, however, an audit trail is generated to indicate what data has been replaced and the underlying rationale for the replacement data.

Abstract: An automatic analysis device capable of reducing readers and suppressing production cost without lowering efficiency of read processing of code information attached to a reagent container is provided. The automatic analysis device includes one two-dimension code reader 21 reading code information of a two-dimension code label 14 attached to a reagent container 8 and a control device analyzing a sample to be a target of an analysis, the two-dimension code reader 21 computing position information of a position at which the two-dimension code label 14 is attached and outputting the position information with the read code information when reading the two-dimension code label 14 attached to the reagent container 8; and the control device determining an inner periphery and an outer periphery of a reagent cool box based on the position information and storing information related to a reagent with information of an installed place of the reagent container 8.

Abstract: The staining and sticking system includes a staining device and a sticking device provided separately from the staining device. The staining device stains a specimen in a predetermined color by dipping a basket containing a glass slide with the specimen in a plurality of tubs sequentially. The sticking device sticks a cover film piece onto the stained specimen on the glass slide, which has been taken out of the basket transferred from the staining device by transfer means. A staining control unit and a sticking control unit are interconnected so as to communicate with each other. Sticking condition data, related to the basket fed from the staining device, out of staining condition data and sticking condition data inputted to the staining control unit correspondingly to baskets, are sent from the staining control unit to the sticking control unit, and then the sticking device sticks the cover film piece.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: 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 between these carousels. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

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.