Abstract: A chemical analyzer (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking receptacle (54). By engagement of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.

Abstract: An analyzer for chemical assays includes a turntable which supports sample containers and reagent containers within a cooled volume and test cells about the periphery of the cooled volume. A probe is carried by a rotating arm for withdrawing liquid from the containers and dispensing the liquid. Fixed stations are also provided in the path of the probe. One such station serves to both wash the tip of the probe and to receive samples for flow-through analysis. Heaters associated with the probe and with the test cells increase the rate of reaction. Curved walls of test cell segments match the optics of an optical analyzer so that light from the analyzer lamp is generally orthogonal to the curved surfaces. The light voltage of the lamp may be controlled as a function of lamp wavelength required for particular assays. The system provides multiple-point calibration and automatic dilution of samples. Multiple aliquots of reagent may be drawn into the probe and then be dispensed into separate test cells.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking-receptacle (54). By engagement of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking receptacle (54). By engagement of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.

Abstract: A method for on-line assay in column chromatography of a property that requires appreciable time for sensitive measurement has the steps of separating the effluent into discrete fractions at equal time intervals, sequentially passing each fraction through each of a series of detectors, while preventing each fraction from mixing with another; and, for each fraction, calculating the assay from the information provided by each detector during the time interval the fraction passed through it.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods for detecting errors in a blood analysis system. The system includes a blood analyzer and a molded plastic rotor with a series of chambers and capillary channels through which blood is processed and distributed to cuvettes which contain lyophilized reagents. The rotor is placed in the analyzer which spins the rotor, and an optical system reads the cuvettes as light is flashed through the cuvettes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatically analyzing specimens are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically separating at least one compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens. One embodiment utilizes sample preparation columns which are automatically fed to a column transport disc. The transport disc is preferably provided with compound bores which allow the columns to be easily positioned, transported past a plurality of reagent/gas dispense stations, and ejected after use. Another aspect of a preferred embodiment provides for separate dispensing of reagent and pressurized gas into the sample preparation columns. Eluate is preferably collected in containers. In order to enhance the drying of the eluate collection containers, heated gas, e.g. air, can be directed into the containers. Alternatively, the eluate containers can be heated and vented to enhance drying.

Abstract: A hold-transfer system for extraction containers has a main body and a cassette detachable from the main body. The cassette has holding devices for holding extraction containers in an upright position, an endless traveling member carrying the holding devices arranged in a row, and a driving rotor and a driven rotor engaging the endless traveling member about perimeters thereof. The endless traveling member has rotatable support member for rotatably supporting the holding devices with lower portions of the holding devices protruding below the rotatable support members and accessible from beneath the cassette. The main body has a driving motor for driving the driving rotor and an identifying device, installed at a reading position relative to a specified position for an extraction, for identifying an identification mark associated with one of the extraction containers.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay or reaction apparatus of modular construction permitting true random operation at the discretion of the user. The apparatus is an automated multi-test capability assay or reaction apparatus (1) in modular form, comprising a reagent and an assay sample storage module (2,3), an incubation module (11), a reaction detection/measurement module (17), and a module (16) for independently and, as desired, both transporting an incubation container (58) between the incubation module (11) and reaction detection/measurement module (17), and transferring reagent(s) and/or assay sample(s) between different modules without reagent(s) and/or assay sample(s) intended for different tests or reactions.

Abstract: A blood analysis system or instrument, generally, including an incubator station, a sample and reagent holding station, a pipette assembly, a centrifuge, an analysis station, and a transport assembly. Generally, the incubation station holds containers while reagents and fluids are being dispensed in those containers, and, if desired, for incubating the containers. The sample and reagent holding station holds samples and a plurality of reagents, and the pipette assembly transfers fluids from that sample and reagent holding station to containers in the incubation station. The centrifuge is provided for centrifuging the container, and the analysis station is provided to analyze the containers optically to identify reactions therein. The transport assembly carries the containers between the incubator station, the centrifuge, and the analysis station.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for opening and closing a cap pivotally mounted on a container for storing reagents for use in an automated analytical instrument. The cap has one end for sealing the container and a tab extending from the other end for pivoting the cap. The method comprises the steps of positioning a closed container adjacent an actuating device mounted on the analytical system. The method further comprises the steps of projecting the actuating device against the top of the tab to pivotally open the cap to a position sufficiently vertical for aspirating reagent from the container, and retracting the actuating device from the cap to a position above the pivotal mounting thereof. The method comprises the final step of causing relative motion between the cap and the actuating device so that the actuating device drags along the top of the cap pivotally closing the cap to provide a sufficient seal on the container preventing evaporation of the reagent therefrom.

Abstract: A device for transferring, agitating, and sampling blood products sealed in tubes which are grouped together in cassettes wherein each cassette containing sample tubes is extracted from a storage receptacle by a moving loading and ejection carriage which shifts and positions it, using a retractable finger, in the cavity of a rotary carriage. The rotary carriage mixes the samples and stops so that sampling of tubes in the cassette can be performed by a sampling station which is movable in relation to the tubes temporarily immobilized in a vertical position with plugs facing downwards. The device is usable as a hematological analyzer.

Abstract: A sample container segment assembly for use in an automated, continuous, and random access analytical system is disclosed. The assembly includes a sample container which is received by a sample container segment, and the sample container segment is received on a carousel of the automated analytical instrument. The test sample container includes an upper skirt and a body having a reservoir for receipt of the test sample. The segment includes a base, a frame, and a handle. The frame has a shelf for which the upper skirt of the test sample container rests on, and has openings for receipt of the body of the sample container. The carousel has a carousel trough for receipt of the base of the sample container segment, and has a plurality of alignment pins disposed in the carousel trough. The base of the sample container segment has a circular slot and an elongated slot for receiving the alignment pins and positioning the sample container segment relative to the carousel.

Abstract: This invention provides an automated chemical analyzer with improved processing flexibility and ease. In one embodiment of this invention, the analyzer includes an incubation station, a wash station and a read station. The incubation station includes an elongated, movable track to carry reaction vessels along an incubation path, the wash station includes a movable track to carry vessels along a wash-cycle path, and the read station is adapted to move vessels along a read path. A first transfer station is positioned adjacent a first end of the wash-cycle path to transfer vessels from the incubation path to the wash-cycle path and a second transfer station is positioned adjacent a second end of the wash-cycle path and a first end of the read path for selectively transferring a vessel from the wash-cycle path to either the incubation path or the read path.

Abstract: An improved biological sample analyzer, and a method and system for operation thereof, wherein instrument systems used to perform assays of the biological samples loaded into the analyzer are operated in accordance with a schedule developed by a scheduler routine. The scheduler routine determines interval periods between operations performed by the analyzer instrument systems on each biological sample as a function of an entered load list unless a fixed interval period between the operations is required and schedules instrument system operations and the determined interval periods. The biological system analyzer performs assays of the biological samples by operating the analyzer instrument systems in accordance with the developed schedule.

Abstract: An elevator for specimen carriers includes an upper housing which is removably connected to an upstream end of an upper conveyor track and a lower housing which is removably connected to a downstream end of a lower conveyor track, the conveyor tracks being vertically spaced. Each conveyor track has a moving support surface which transports a specimen carrier downstream. The elevator includes a pair of opposingly disposed lift pins operably mounted along a chain housed within the elevator, the lift pins located to engage opposingly disposed wings on each specimen carrier, to lift the specimen carrier from the lower track to the upper track. The elevator housings are adjustably connected together, to permit adjustment of the overall height of the elevator for a variety of vertically spaced tracks.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out automatically in several successive steps an immunoassay of at least one biological substance in a plurality of biological samples, and the method and the reagents for the use of the said apparatus.

Abstract: In order to reduce liquid effluents and solid waste in an analysis chain receiving liquid samples contained in jugs (16), the proposal is to automate all the operations performed in analysis units or boxes (10a, 10b). Moreover, when the sampling operations necessary for the analyses have been carried out in the analysis units (10a, 10b), the jugs can be automatically dispatched to a recycling apparatus (52).

Abstract: A system for processing a specimen to which fluid must be added includes a fluid dispensing work station within a housing. The work station holds the fluids that are to be added to the specimen. A nozzle dispenses fluid at the work station. The system also includes a carrier that moves within the housing. The carrier operates in a first mode at the fluid dispensing work station. The carrier also operates in a second mode outside the work station to perform a different processing function. A coupling mechanism attaches the nozzle to the carrier when the carrier enters its first operational mode to transport the nozzle around the fluid dispensing station. The coupling mechanism releases the nozzle from the carrier when the carrier enters its second operational mode, thereby freeing the carrier for movement outside the work station out of association with the nozzle.

Abstract: An automated analytical instrument for conducting assays for components of interest in fluid samples. The instrument includes a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest, a fluid dispensing assembly, an assembly for providing an assay module to the testing system and a fluid sample holding tray transport assembly for transporting a fluid sample holding tray carrying fluid sample holding containers to the fluid dispensing assembly and away from the fluid dispensing assembly. The transport assembly includes a conveyor, a fluid sample holding tray loading unit and a fluid sample holding tray unloading unit. The conveyor includes a carriage which is slidably mounted on a rail and moved along the rail by an endless belt which is fixedly attached to the carriage and driven by a reversible motor. In the operation of the instrument, one or more fluid sample holding trays are placed onto the fluid sample holding tray loading unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for automatically transferring by pushing and pulling a reagent module onto and off of a rotor of modules. A surface of the module and the transfer mechanism are cooperatively shaped with a loose-fitting tongue and arcuate groove, both the tongue and groove having a curved extension along an arc concentric with the axis of rotation of the rotor, such that modules mounted on the rotor can be rotated off the transfer mechanism by sliding the tongue relative to the groove in a rotational direction. An additional groove is provided at an angle to said arcuate groove, along which the tongue or arcuate groove, whichever is on the transfer mechanism, reciprocates to push or pull a module into or out of the rotor.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for immunological assay, in which reaction vessels containing samples to be analyzed and reagents are carried by a rotary module which is rotated stepwise, and which is associated with a washing head including needles for sucking up and for injecting liquid for washing magnetic particles in the reaction vessels, and additional needles for sucking up and for injecting a cleaning or washing liquid for the reaction vessels.

Abstract: The unit has three rotors, namely a reagent rotor (1), a sample rotor (2) and a reaction rotor (3). Each rotor has seats for vessels, which are arranged in circles about the respective rotor axis. At least two of the rotors (1, 2) are arranged concentrically to one another. The rotors can be brought into a plurality of rotating positions in which at least one of the openings (5b, 7b, 8b) is located in a predetermined liquid handling position (LH position).A liquid handling unit (LH unit) comprises a liquid transfer needle (18) which is movable by a transfer needle moving apparatus in such a way that the movement path (23) crosses at least one LH position of each circle of openings (5b, 7b, 8b) on each rotor (1, 2, 3).It thus become possible with a simply designed layout to carry out a wide range of heterogeneous immunological analyses in a flexible manner.

Abstract: A small, inexpensive, and easy-to-use automated immunochemical anlayzer is provided. The automated immunochemical analyzer comprises at least one reaction plate of disposable type forming a plurality of containers in one body, a table that can be drawn out for mounting the reaction plates, a table can be drawn out for mounting specimen racks, a reagent thermostatic unit, a reaction thermostatic unit, a reaction plate holding part, an apparatus for aspirating and discharging sample liquid, and an XY moving part mounting the reaction plate holding part and the apparatus for aspirating and discharging sample liquid. First, by the XY moving part, the holding part holds the reaction plate before use from the table for mounting the reaction plates and moves up to the reaction thermostats unit.

Abstract: The system for analyzing multiple samples includes a plurality of portable of sample supports each for accommodating a plurality of samples thereon, and an identification mechanism for identifying each sample location on each of the plurality of sample supports. The mass spectrometer is provided for analyzing each of the plurality of samples when positioned within a sample receiving chamber, and a laser source strikes each sample with a laser pulse to desorb and ionize sample molecules. The support transport mechanism provided for automatically inputting and outputting each of the sample supports from the sample receiving chamber of the mass spectrometer. A vacuum lock chamber receives the sample supports and maintains at least one of the sample supports within a controlled environment while samples on another of the plurality of sample supports are being struck with laser pulses. The computer is provided for recording test data from the mass spectrometer and for controlling the operation of the system.

Abstract: A heated cover for a receptacle containing a vaporizable substance. The cover is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the substance so as to prevent condensation of vapor evaporated from the substance. A device for placing and removing the cover with respect to the receptacle is designed in connection with a temperature-controlled heating/cooling plate which controls the temperature of the contents of the receptacle.

Abstract: A processing station for making a fluorescence polarization measurement on a sample in a cell under examination in a device for chemical and biochemical analysis, the analytical device containing a conveyor for conveying cells. In order to make fluorescence polarization measurements outside the conveyor, the processing station is separated from the conveyor and contains a measuring device means for making fluorescence polarization measurements on a sample in a cell, and an automatically controlled change-over and positioning device for removing individual cells from the conveyor, transferring a removed cell to a measuring position in the measuring device, and returning the cell to its original position on the conveyor after the measurement.

Abstract: An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample and reagents to a reaction vessel without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable to a processing workstation, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample are achieved during incubation.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay apparatus utilizes cartridges each having at least two wells, a first well of said wells containing solid phase material carrying antigen or antibody, a second well of said wells containing antibody or antigen labelled with labelling compound. The wells may be sealed with a suitable sealing film before use and the sealing film is broken when the cartridge is to be used. The cartridges are transported to a predetermined position on a steppingly movable reaction line and conveyed thereby at a predetermined interval. While the reaction line steps, a sample, labelled antigen or antibody contained in the second well and substrate, if necessary, are added to the first well and stirred at predetermined timings and reaction between the sample and a reactive solution is measured under control of a control device having memory means storing operator selectable programs for various measuring methods.

Abstract: Test reagents incorporate immunological materials capable of recognizing specific antigens or antibodies in test sample. The materials are selected to respond differently to a control product such that they are used as a switch to control the operation of an analytical instrument.

Abstract: The detection of bacterial growth or the performance of other interrogative processes in multiple sample vials is accomplished using a moving rack that selectively couples optical locations to an optical excitation and detection system. The apparatus includes a drive mechanism combining agitation of the culture vials with a sequential scanning of an array of optical fibers, preferably by a spectrophotometric excitation and detection system. Selection of each culture vial provides, for example, optical detection of bacterial growth by fluorescence or other spectrophotometric measurements. A rack for holding vials is preferably the only moving assembly, and requires no mechanical or electrical interconnection with the excitation and detection system for its operation.

Abstract: Pretreatment apparatus and process for analysis of sugar, the apparatus including a mechanical work hand which moves a vial containing a sample to various stations where reagents are added to the vial and where other pretreatment processes are performed on the sample. The pretreatment apparatus automatically controls the movement of the vial from one station to another and the various processes performed at each station, the processes including removal and storage of the vial's cap, addition of reagents into the vial, centrifugation and heating of the sample, and evaporation of excess reagents.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and system for injecting liquid into containers and for inspecting containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. A high speed system and method are provided for detecting these contaminants in these bottles. Ammonia and amines can be detected by chemiluminescence of samples of volatiles emitted from the bottles during the high speed inspection process. A solution of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 is injected into the bottles in order to enhance the conversion of ammonium or amine salts to free ammonia or amines which are then released as vapors. This enhances the likelihood that a gas-phase detection system such as one using chemiluminescence detection techniques will detect the presence of contaminants containing ammonium salts or amine salts.

Abstract: In a first measurement stage, reaction solutions of samples are optically measured by a biochemical analyzer, and the measurement result of the analysis item which is an index of the disease status regarding the samples is compared with the check index. This check index is stored in memory beforehand. When the measurement result corresponds to the check index, the sample processing goes to a second measurement stage for measuring a specific item. In the second measurement stage, the sample is measured by an immuno-assay apparatus or a nucleic acid analyzer, and the measurement result is outputted.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for minimizing the effects of background signals in masking signals indicating the presence of substances to be detected such as contaminants in materials moving rapidly along a conveyor. The contaminants detected may include nitrogen containing compounds and hydrocarbons. The system and method of the present invention minimize during detection of the presence or absence of such substances, the number of falsely positive indications of the presence of such substances due to background signals and changes in background signals. The substances detected are divided into first and second sample portions and the respective portions are heated. The first heated portion is mixed with ozone to cause a chemical reaction therewith in order to generate radiation by chemiluminescence having characteristic wavelengths related to substances in the first portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically removing well-strips from well-strip holders. The apparatus includes a frame and a base plate for receiving a plurality of well-strip holders, each holder having a plurality of well-receiving areas and corresponding apertures with the individual wells of the well-strips positioned in the areas so as to overlie the apertures. A pneumatically-operated movable drive member is attached to the frame so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction toward and away from the base plate and well-strip holders. The movable member has a plurality of well-strip engaging portions secured to the underside thereof, each portion including a plurality of pegs that pass into the open end of the apertures formed in the well-strip holders to contact the well-strips and remove same from the holders.

Abstract: An automated analytical instrument for conducting assays for components of interest in fluid samples. The instrument includes a rotably mounted supply unit or segment adapted to hold a plurality of foil-sealed magazines containing assay modules, a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest using an assay module, an assay module transport assembly for transporting an assay module from a magazine in the supply unit to the testing system, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the automated analytical instrument.

Abstract: A sample container containing a urine sample is transferred by a sample positioning device to a liquid level sensing position. At this sensing position, the liquid level in the sample container is detected by a level sensor, followed by transfer of the sample container to a dipping position. A liquid level rising member is then inserted into the sample container. While being held by a handling device, a test strip is dipped into the sample in the sample container with the liquid level raised. Thereafter, the test strip is lifted out of the sample container and transferred to a measuring device. Color development in reagent sections on the test strip is measured by a photometer in terms of the reflected light strength. With the present invention, analysis using test strips can be implemented even when the sample volume into the sample container is small.

Abstract: An incubator comprises a rotor ring with two sets of apertures displaced along an arc of rotation, holding a cuvette in them. The apertures of one set are connected to an aperture of the other by a slot sized to allow passage of an elevator lead screw, but not a cuvette, between the apertures, the cuvette being raised on the top of the elevator during such passage. The elevator can also be used to move the cuvette into contact with a luminometer.

Abstract: Reaction segment for a colorimetric analyzer is removably mounted on a revolving plate of the analyzer so that the reaction vessels of the segment are brought one after the other into contact with a measuring device of the analyzer. The segment consists of transparent vertical reaction vessels which are rigidly fixed to a horizontal bar having connected thereto a horizontal plate to which is affixed a device for positioning and guiding into loading and unloading devices of the analyzer and into the opening of the revolving plate.

Abstract: A sample container turning apparatus including: a holding member for holding a plurality of sample containers in a predetermined direction; an intermittent conveyor for conveying the holding member intermittently; an arm member; a rotary member rotatably mounted on the arm member; a hand member attached to the rotary member and including a plurality of grip hands hinged to the rotary member so as to pivot on hinge shafts for gripping and releasing the one of the sample containers; a couple member coupled to the hand member and including a shaft member adapted to reciprocate through the rotary member; a first drive mechanism for pivoting the hand members by reciprocating the shaft member of the coupling member; a second drive mechanism for rotating the rotary member; and controller for controlling the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method for modifiying a liquid assay reagent to provide prolonged homogeneity thereof, particularly where the liquid assay reagent comprises microparticles for performing a heterogeneous immunoassay, is provided wherein the addition of an inert material to a liquid assay reagent achieves neutral density to thereby prolong the homogeneity thereof for extended periods of time. A method for the automated agitation of assay reagents to maintain the homogeneity thereof with an automated, continuous and random access analytical instrument is also provided. The automated mixing is accomplished by a back and forth motion of a carousel onto which assay reagent containers or packs are mounted with asymmetric pauses which can be completed within a short period of time. The carousel acceleration, velocity, distance moved, and pause-asymmetry are optimized to provide rapid assay reagent resuspension without foaming or bubble formation.

Abstract: A luminescence measuring system comprises an apparatus for supplying samples located in separate test tubes. In the measuring chamber of a luminometer, the samples are in turn presented to a light detector, such as photomultiplier. Two mutually displaceable components, which are cup-shaped and fit into one another with the cup bottoms facing outwards, define the measuring chamber. The component shells are provided with holes which can be aligned by relative displacement of the components so as to admit the test tube into the luminometer and the measuring chamber and subsequently to discharge it therefrom under the action of gravity. The test tubes are conveyed to the luminometer by a sleeve-chain conveyor having a bottom with a through hole.

Abstract: An incubator and method of transfer in such incubator in an analyzer, wherein a simple transfer mechanism is provided for moving a cuvette from one incubator ring to another adjacent one. The mechanism comprises a shuttle disposed above said rotors, said shuttle having an aperture sufficiently large as to receive, but not retain by friction, one of said vessels, a mechanism for moving the shuttle and its aperture to traverse from one ring to the other, and a pusher member and mechanism for moving the pusher member to raise a cuvette from one ring into the shuttle. When the shuttle aperture aligns with the aperture of the other ring, a cuvette in the shuttle simply falls under the influence of gravity into the other ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing various solutions which are used in the production lines of various industrial fields. Particularly, in the case where the ingredients of a solution is to be analyzed, the test sample is taken in an automatic manner, and carried over a long distance. The carried test sample is subjected to an automatic pre-treatment and an automatic ingredient analysis. Thus the ingredients of a solution can be analyzed in a speedy and accurate manner. Further, the results of the analysis are treated with an on-line real time to be fed back in a speedy manner, and therefore, it is made possible to strictly control the solution ingredients, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of products. Furthermore, the expensive analyzing instruments can be protected from corrosion.

Abstract: A plurality of measuring modules are arranged on a table of a reaction part. The measuring module has one removable cell, and is provided with light sources and photodetectors. In proximity to the reaction part is a cell transfer part for mounting and dismounting the cell on and from the measuring module, a sampling probe for dispensing a sample into the cell, and a reagent probe for dispensing a prescribed reagent into the cell in response to a measurement item. A time from supply of each cell or dispensing of each sample to or in the reaction part to dispensing of a first reagent is controlled to be constant with no regard to the measurement items.

Abstract: A self-adjusting tube detector for operating on a plurality of different types of collection containers or tubes including a pivotable adjustment arm which is biased into a first position. The first position is preadjusted for the smallest diameter tube to be utilized. When a larger tube is moved into the aspiration location, the adjustment arm is moved upward against the bias by the tube. The self-adjusting tube detector includes a pivotable reader arm, which is biased into a first position indicating the absence of a tube in the aspiration location. When a tube passes the adjustment arm, the tube will move the reader arm upward to provide a signal indicating that a tube is aligned in the aspiration location for aspiration by the stripper plate assembly.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer including a sampler for delivering given amounts of samples into reaction vessels arranged along a reaction line, a reagent tray for holding a plurality of reagents, a reagent delivery device for delivering given amounts of reagents into the reaction vessels, and a measuring device for measuring test liquids in the reaction vessels, the reagent tray includes a turn table, a plurality of divided trays detachably provided on the turn table and having a plurality of compartments, and a plurality of reagent containers containing the reagents and being installed into compartments of divided trays. An identification code is provided on respective divided trays for identifying the division information, and a reagent identifying label is provided on a respective reagent container for identifying a respective reagent.

Abstract: An analyzer and an elevator therein for moving a slide element from a distributor operating preferably in a single horizontal plane, to one of plural incubators disposed at different vertical levels. A drive mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the elevator, and a pusher is provided, such as a pusher blade within the elevator, to push a slide element from the distributor to a support in the elevator, and then into one of the incubators.