Abstract: A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides comprises a number of staining stations (4) and other working stations (1, 2, 3), where the staining stations (4) receive vessels (5) having liquid baths for receiving baskets containing microscope slides with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism (17-20) having a hoisting device (17) arranged to be moved over the vessels (5) and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations (1-4) in accordance with a programme-controlled staining process. The vessels (5) are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base like a tribune, the tribune having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels (5) at the working stations (4) from a place of view in front of the apparatus.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection capillary array electrophoresis analyzer comprising a capillary array holder holding a plurality of capillary array units and a transferring unit for transferring in turn the capillary array units held by the capillary array holder to a sample injection station, a fluorescence detection station or a gel refresh station, which reduces the time required for pre-electrophoresis and replacement of a used gel by fresh gel, and conducts efficient and automatic analysis. Furthermore, the analyzer automatically discharges residual samples remaining in the capillaries, and hence automatically analyzes a large number of samples by electrophoresis.

Abstract: The invention provides an incubation vessel supporting apparatus, including a moveable support and a plurality of incubation vessel mountings carried by the support and moveable independently relative to the support such that, in use, each of the plurality of vessel mountings is simultaneously independently moveable so that each vessel mounted by the mountings is capable of movement to achieve substantially the same temperature/time integral. Such vessel supports can be used in, for example, an automated assay apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for sampling and determining the presence of certain substances, such as residues of contaminants in containers. The method includes steps of: injecting compressed air into said containers in order to displace at least a portion of the contents thereof; evacuating a sample of the container contents so displaced by applying suction thereto; and analyzing the sample evacuated to determine the presence or absence of the certain residues therein. The compressed air is injected through a nozzle into an opening in the containers to displace a portion of the container contents and form a sample cloud outside of the container. The sample cloud is then at least partially evacuated by suction and the sample is analyzed for the presence of contaminants such as nitrogen containing compounds or hydrocarbons. The sample cloud may be split into first and second portions.

Abstract: A holder for sample-holding plates has a retainer for pressing a plate placed in the holder both against the back wall and against a side wall. Thus a plate of a certain type will always settle in the same position in the holder. It is also possible to use in the holder plates of many sizes, which can be kept in place during handling owing to the retainer. The device is suitable for use in particular in assay methods in which samples to be assayed are handled on plates having a plurality of wells, for example in optical analyzers or other apparatuses.

Abstract: The apparatus for analyzing body fluids which are contained in tubes provided with an externally readable identification marking, with positive sample identification at the position at which a quantity of fluid is removed for analysis, it being possible for the tubes to be inserted into a rotatable rotor (1), is distinguished in that at least two rotors (1) can be pushed into the apparatus in a drawer-like manner, it being possible for these rotors to be driven via a laterally arranged gear wheel (9) in each case which engages in the observation slits which are arranged on the circumference of the rotor (1) and through which the identification of the tubes takes place.

Abstract: A method for automatic testing of a laboratory specimen includes the initial step of obtaining a specimen to be tested and placing the specimen in a specimen container. The container is removably mounted in an independent carrier designed to carry an individual specimen through a laboratory to one or more of a plurality of work stations, where a predetermined test will be performed on the specimen. Once the test has been performed, the carrier is moved to another work station based on the result of the first test and then to an archiving station for storage of the specimen.

Abstract: A measuring system and method are provided for performing luminometric series analyses on reaction components to be investigated and the liquid samples containing the magnetizable carrier particles binding said components. Sample chambers receive the liquid samples. These sample chambers are transported to a measuring station on a conveyor. Permanent magnets act on the sample chambers with magnetic fields during transport. A separating station is also provided, which is preferably equipped with a suction and rinsing device to remove the surplus reaction components separated from the carrier particles that accumulate on wall areas of the sample chambers under the influence of the magnetic fields.

Abstract: A one piece, injection molded single piece, well container suitable for reagents for use in a clinical instrument such as a protein analyzer, normally molded from a high density polyethylene or other recyclable plastic. The container is one or more wells, uses standard caps, and is readily adapted to automatic filling equipment. The molded, single piece reagent cartridge is used in a clinical instrument, the reagent cartridge comprised of a plurality of storage wells located in a line in fixed relationship. The reagent cartridge has a guide at one end which is engageable with a means on the receiving means on an analyzer to restrain the cartridge from radial or lateral movement. Each of the wells has side walls and a closed bottom, and the side walls have an upper terminal position including an access opening.

Abstract: In an analyzing apparatus of the present invention, sample racks, in each of which a plurality of sample containers are held, are transferred from a rack feeding unit to a discrimination unit for discriminating a type of each sample container. After the discrimination unit, a plurality of analyzing units are installed along a transfer line, and pipetters of different types are provided in the respective analyzing units. The discrimination unit detects information on the length and the width of each sample container held in each sample rack by using an optical detector. A control part selects one of the analyzing units, suitable for analyzing the sample container of which type was discriminated, based on the information detected by the discrimination unit, and transfers the sample container of which type was discriminated, to a sample pipetting position in the selected analyzing unit.

Abstract: A sample of a sample rack is sampled at analyzing units in the middle of a transfer line. A standby unit and a rack collecting unit are arranged near an exit of the transfer line. After sample, sampleracks are sorted out to the standby unit or the rack collecting unit at a first switching unit. The racks contained in the standby unit are sorted out to a returning line or the rack collecting unit in a second switching unit corresponding to a judged result of whether or not reexamination is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing automated testing of infections biological specimens is disclosed. The apparatus comprise a process controller for translating user commands into test instrument suite commands, and a test instrument suite comprising a means to treat the specimen to manifest an observable result, and a detector for measuring the observable result to generate specimen test results.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A system for detecting a specific substance or analyte of interest is provided that includes one or more sensing units and an instrument for analyzing the sensing units. Each sensing unit preferably includes a substrate, an attachment layer and at least one capture layer that includes a ligand layer. In one embodiment, the attachment layer is tripartite and includes a lower binding surface held to the substrate and an upper binding surface that holds the ligand layer, together with an insulating layer disposed between these two surfaces. The lower binding surface provides a durable and stable attachment to the substrate. The upper binding surface holds the ligand layer and does not jeopardize the integrity or viability thereof. The insulating layer prevents any unwanted interaction between the lower and upper binding surfaces. Each sensing unit is supported on a test piece received by the instrument. The instrument controllably positions the test piece using marks and/or codes on the test piece.

Abstract: A method of preventing false detection of signal due to splashing of reagent liquid used to produce such signal, when dispensing at least one such liquid from a metering tip into a second liquid, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the metering tip a predetermined distance above the upper level of the second liquid prior to dispensing the one liquid; andb) while maintaining the distance throughout the dispensing of the one liquid, dispensing the one liquid;wherein the predetermined distance is between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm so that splashing during dispensing is reduced.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a plurality of products, the system including a plurality of interchangeable units arranged to receive the products and each having a work station for effecting a specific operation, and a canopy covering said work station, the units being interconnected to form an enclosed chamber encompassing the work stations and covered by the interconnected canopies; an environmental control system for controlling environmental conditions within the chamber; and a transport system for transporting the products within the chamber and between the work stations.

Abstract: A positive displacement positioner employs rigid stops and actuators to position a work piece, such as a microtiter plate, in any one of at least three positions. Positioner platforms, each of which is capable of moving a work piece between at least two distinct positions, are nested in order to multiply the number of positions available. For example, a two-position rigid stop positioner platform nested in a four-position rigid stop positioner platform, or a four-position rigid stop positioner platform nested in a two-position rigid stop positioner platform would permit the movement of a work piece to any one of eight distinct positions. A four-position platform nested inside a four-position platform yields sixteen positions, and so on. Each positioner platform preferably has a symmetrical polygonal outline and nested platforms provide displacement along each of the polygon's axes of symmetry. Consequently, a positioner will preferably provide displacement to any one of a number of positions.

Abstract: An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Abstract: A nephelometer and nephelometer/turbidimeter combination of the type useful in automated chemical analyzers is provided. The combination includes a laser for generating a polarized laser beam having an S-wave component and a P-wave component. The beam is split by a beam splitter specially constructed so that a known proportion of one of the two polarized portions of the beam is directed to a reaction container. In the reaction container, a first polarized component of the laser beam is used in a nephelometric chemical analysis. The remainder of the laser beam passes through the beam splitter to a laser control light detector. Before the remainder of the laser beam reaches the laser control light detector, however, the polarized component which is not used in nephelometric chemical analysis is filtered out. The laser control detector uses the non-filtered portion of the laser beam to control the output of the laser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accessing a sealed container, and in particular a sealed container which is at a pressure other than atmospheric and which generally contains blood or other bodily fluid. A piercer and a probe are provided which are mounted to an XYZ positioning mechanism and are controlled such that the piercer passes through a stopper of the container, forming a cut therein through which the probe may subsequently enter the container. A foot mechanism is provided which is held against the stopper or seal for the container during piercer or probe removal for stripping purposes and through which the probe and piercer pass, the size and shape of the foot being such that, for both piercing and probing operations, it is over only a single container. The piercer and probe are operated such that the one not being used is in each instance in a raised position relative to the one being used.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a plurality of products, the system including a plurality of interchangeable units arranged to sequentially receive the products and each having a work station for effecting a specific operation on each of the products, the operation requiring a given time period; and wherein each work station accommodates simultaneously a predetermined number of the products, and the given time period and predetermined number associated with each unit are different than the given time periods and predetermined numbers of other said units. A transport system transports the products through the processing system so as to provide for each product a common occupancy time therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing specimens for infection by a retrovirus is described. The apparatus comprises a process controller including a communications module for translating user commands into test instrument suite commands and a means for communicating specimen test results to a user. The apparatus further comprises a test instrument suite including a means for treating the specimen to manifest an observable result and a detector for measuring the observable result.

Abstract: An apparatus has a holder unit for sample vessels and reaction vessels, a dispensing unit and a washing unit; wherein, (i) the holder unit involves a sample-vessel holder including a linear array of holes for receiving the sample vessels, a reaction-vessel holder including a linear array of holes for receiving the reaction vessels, a coupling arrangement for coupling together the sample-vessel holder and the reaction-vessel holder so that the linear arrays of the holes of the holders are arranged parallel to each other, and a moving arrangement for horizontally moving the coupled sample-vessel holder and the reaction-vessel holder, (ii) the dispensing unit is movable in the direction orthogonal to the horizontal-moving direction of the sample-vessel holder and the reaction-vessel holder, and (iii) the washing unit supplies cleaning liquid to the reaction vessels and absorbs the liquid-phase component from the reaction vessels.

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

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A positioning system for a sample testing machine incudes a base pan and a set of independent drive systems for sliding a sample tray across the base pan. Each of the drive systems incudes a paddle that engages a side of the sample tray. The paddle is slideably mounted to a shaft with a collar that slides over the shaft. A motor and drive belt is provided to move the collar along the shaft, causing the paddle to engage the side of the sample tray and slide the sample tray across the base pan. Track sections are provided in the base pan to prevent the sample tray from rotating as the paddle slides the sample tray across the base pan.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A sample card transport station moves a test sample card from an incubation station for the card to a transmittance and fluorescence optical station in a sample testing machine. The sample card transport station has a drive belt and an associated stepper motor. The belt supports the card from one side of the card. A ledge having a card slot is disposed above the belt. The card is snugly received within the card slot, and supported from below by the drive belt and rollers for the belt. When the motor turns the belt, the belt grips the card and slides the card along the slot to the optical stations, without any slippage between the belt and the card. This construction provides for precise control over the movement of the card.The fluorescence station has a linear flash lamp that illuminates a column of the wells of the cards simultaneously. A reference detector and dichromatic beam splitter design is used to insure that the fluorescence measurements are independent of lamp output changes over time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling resuspension wash and magnetic localization of sample components bound to particles with magnetic properties in reaction vessels during separation and wash for enhanced chemiluminescent signal generation in biomedical assays. The assays involve moving reaction vessels past magnetic arrays that partially localized the particles prior to passing a gap where washing occurs, with or without resuspension, after separating out the unbound components and liquid. The band of particles is further localized by a focusing magnet at the end of the array prior to dosing the vessel with acid for chemiluminescent purposes. A block of soft magnetic material is employed in place of a magnet in the gap to minimize magnetic strength at the gap. Trimmed magnets adjacent the gap cause left, then right, particle shifting that localizes the magnetizable particles. The gap enables improved resuspension by wash, whereas the localized particles enable more efficient resuspension by reagent.

Abstract: A disk for holding, centrifuging and microscopically viewing fluid samples is provided. The disk includes a plurality of reaction wells radiating outwardly and includes a barrier to restrain particles during centrifugation. This disk is used in the disclosed apparatus and method for blood typing and related procedures. The apparatus comprises sample loading, mixing, centrifuging, incubating, viewing and sterilizing stations. Additionally, a photomicrograph of the sample is taken, digitized, displayed, stored and printed along with corresponding test results and interpretation.

Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.

Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.

Abstract: An automatic sample pretreatment device is provided which is capable of conducting a series of treatments or reactions from pretreatment to measurement automatically in a short time by employing a separate reaction system from the reaction system for measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel shuttle which can be used, for example, for moving reaction vessels to or from an assay resource station in an automated chemical analyzer. The vessel shuttle has a plurality of movable plates including first and second vessel carrying plates adapted to move cooperatively with respect to one another to advance a vessel stepwise along a linear path without net motion of the first and second vessel carrying plates as the vessel is advanced one step. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second vessel carrying plates each comprise a plurality of fingers defining recesses for receiving vessels and the first vessel carrying plate is adapted to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vessels' linear path and the second vessel carrying plate is adapted to move rectilinearly both generally parallel to and generally perpendicular to that linear path.

Abstract: There is disclosed a small-sized automatic biochemical analyzer requiring reduced amounts of reagents. An original sample is transferred to diluting containers on a diluting turntable. The diluted sample is transferred to reaction containers on a reaction turntable and analyzed. The original sample is once diluted. The aliquots of sample are taken from the diluted sample. Thus, a limitation imposed by the minimum volume of liquid that the instrument can meter out can be overcome. Let N be the total number of the diluting containers on the diluting turntable. The turntable is rotated in M pitches at a time. M and N do not have any common factor.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A process for bacteria identification and for determining the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics, and an apparatus and measuring supports for carrying out this process. There is manually introduced, by means of a sampling and transfer tool, a given volume of bacterial colony into a primary receiver. This is automatically dispersed within a liquid to form a precalibrated inoculum in the primary receiver. There is automatically carried out total or partial transfer of this precalibrated inoculum between the primary receiver and one or more measuring supports, these transfers being carried out without the precalibrated inoculum being placed in contact with an element other than a sampling and transfer tool and/or the primary receiver and its final measuring support or supports and in such a way that the transferred quantities of bacteria correspond to the quantities required for the analyses to be carried out.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. In one method, a process path comprising a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided is provided. A container holding the sample is moved along the process path. The sample is introduced to the container. A reagent is introduced to the container. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the container. The container is selectively positioned in a selected one of the process step performance lane and the process step avoidance lane. The item of interest in the sample is determined based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a small and compact analytical apparatus. An input/output device for directing the analytical apparatus and displaying analytical results and operation conditions is detachably provided on a body of the apparatus. Since the input/output device can be fixed to an upper position of the body, the apparatus saves space and can be placed on a desk. The analytical apparatus includes a sample disk and a reagent disk. The diameter of the reagent disk is greater than that of the sample disk, and both disks are arranged at the front of the apparatus so that the center of the sample disk is nearer the operator side than the center of the reagent disk. Therefore, the whole arrangement is compact, and the apparatus itself is compact.

Abstract: A positioning system for a sample testing machine incudes a base pan and a set of independent drive systems for sliding a sample tray across the base pan. Each of the drive systems incudes a paddle that engages a side of the sample tray. The paddle is slideably mounted to a shaft with a collar that slides over the shaft. A motor and drive belt is provided to move the collar along the shaft, causing the paddle to engage the side of the sample tray and slide the sample tray across the base pan. Track sections are provided in the base pan to prevent the sample tray from rotating as the paddle slides the sample tray across the base pan.

Abstract: A sample card transport station moves a test sample card from an incubation station for the card to a transmittance and fluorescence optical station in a sample testing machine. The sample card transport station has a drive belt and an associated stepper motor. The belt supports the card from one side of the card. A ledge having a card slot is disposed above the belt. The card is snugly received within the card slot, and supported from below by the drive belt and rollers for the belt. When the motor turns the belt, the belt grips the card and slides the card along the slot to the optical stations, without any slippage between the belt and the card. This construction provides for precise control over the movement of the card.The fluorescence station has a linear flash lamp that illuminates a column of the wells of the cards simultaneously. A reference detector and dichromatic beam splitter design is used to insure that the fluorescence measurements are independent of lamp output changes over time.

Abstract: Automatic immunological assay apparatus comprising reaction wells in which there are deposited quantities of samples to be analyzed and of reagents, the reaction wells being grouped in modules (40) that are moved in translation, sliding between rails that define a U-shaped track (24), running from automatic reaction well feed device (26) to device (28) for ejecting the wells after use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated supplying system for supplying liquid samples and test strips to an analyzer having a receiving section which receives test strips dipped in liquid samples one by one, a section at which optical characteristics of test pads provided on the received test strips are measured and a section for calculating analytical results of the respective components based on the respective optical characteristics obtained by the measurement.

Abstract: This invention provides an automated chemical analyzer capable of automatically analyzing a plurality of samples for at least two different analytes. The analyzer includes a plurality of assay resource stations and an analyzer control means. Each assay resource station includes an assay resource capable of performing a predetermined operation upon a sample-containing reaction vessel within a fixed indexing time. The analyzer control means includes scheduling means for allocating assay resources to one of the reaction vessels as a function of that time cycle and a transfer control means for controlling transfer of reaction vessels directly from one assay resource station to another according to a chronology selected from a plurality of different predetermined chronologies.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus is provided which is suitable for automatic immunoassay equipment and is capable of conducting treatments in reaction vessels for different reaction conditions such as reaction time and treatment method like a one-step method and a two-step method. The apparatus comprises a conveying mechanism for conveying vessels containing a objective measurement substance around a rotation center. The conveying mechanism comprises a fixed disk 1 for guiding the vessels 5 along a spiral lane 2, and a rotation disk 3 for guiding the vessels 5 along radial lanes. The vessels 5 are inserted at intersection points of the spiral lane and the radial lanes, and are conveyed with the rotation of the radial lanes along the spiral lane. The mechanism is constituted such that the vessels 5 for long-time treatment and the vessels for short-time treatment are inserted to the same insertion position and the vessels 5 for short-time treatment is taken out from an intermediate way of the conveying route.

Abstract: When reagent was discharged in a physiological tissue reagent treatment apparatus, it was troublesome to retain the sample so that it was not discharged together with the reagent. This apparatus offers an improvement on this point, saves work involved in reagent treatment and enables lower costs to be attained. Samples 70 are held in separate sample containers 8. The base of this sample container 8 comprises a mesh 64. Consequently, when the sample container 8 is inserted in a reagent bath 6 in which reagent has collected, reagent flows from this mesh 64 into the container 8. Reagent may flow also from a flow hole 66. The reagent which has flowed into the container 8 acts on the sample 70, and reagent treatment takes place. The reagent in a plurality of the sample containers 8 set in a container holder 10, is then aspirated by a pump 30, or by a nozzle inserted together with the container 8 in the reagent bath, via the mesh 64 of the container.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode assembly is provided having a sample injection cup, a flow cell analyzer and multiple module pump for simultaneously pumping liquids between the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer using a single motor. One of the pump modules is capable of pumping a reference solution directly to the flow cell analyzer. Flow through each pumping module is controlled by a pair of rocker valves. The sample injection cup includes a first diaphragm valve for allowing a mixture of sample and reagent to flow to the flow cell analyzer. The sample injection cup further includes a second diaphragm valve installed immediately downstream of the first diaphragm for allowing a flushing solution to flow throughout the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transportation and processing of multiple protocol assays within an automated immunoassay analyzer instrument. The apparatus includes a cuvette ring movably coupled to a magnet ring. In one embodiment, the magnet ring and cuvette ring are provided having circular shapes. A temperature controlled housing is disposed about the cuvette and magnet rings to provide a rotary incubation and particle separation chamber. The cuvette ring holds a plurality of cuvettes each of which may have a different assay disposed therein. The cuvette ring advances the cuvettes around the circumference of the incubation chamber. A plurality of discrete processing centers for aspiration and dispensing fluid samples, reagents and wash fluids are disposed at predetermined positions about the incubation chamber.

Abstract: An automated blood sample processing system having a primary test tube loader in which primary test tubes having blood samples are placed, a conveyor system for moving test tubes in selectable routes, a centrifuge, a secondary test tube loading area in which empty secondary test tubes are loaded for transportation by the conveyor system, a pipetting system into which primary test tubes and empty secondary test tubes are moved by the conveyor system, the pipetting system serving to aliquot centrifuged samples from each of the primary test tubes into a selected number of secondary test tubes, a bar code printer for printing and attaching a bar code label to each of the secondary test tubes, a capper system into which the secondary test tubes are moved by the conveyor system for attaching a cap to each of the secondary test tubes and a sortation system in which the secondary test tubes are moved by the conveyor system and in which the secondary test tubes are sorted into separate slots in a sortation tray, the s