Abstract: A 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: A single cavity specimen test tube carrier especially adapted to connect to like carriers along one axis or a different axis or in a matrix. The carrier includes a test tube holder, a viewing slot, a side-to-side coupling mechanism and a front-to-back joining mechanism to attach the carriers together along a specified axis or in a matrix. The side-to-side coupling mechanism includes a boss and boss receiving cavity which snap together in a force fit. The front-to-back joining mechanism includes a plurality of knob-like protrusions that fit snugly into the viewing slot of an adjacent carrier and a horizontal bar that slides under a corresponding ledge of the adjacent carrier.

Abstract: A system for injecting liquid into containers moving through an inspection station at variable speeds without spilling liquid over the outside of, or between, the containers for inspecting the containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants, such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. The movements of each container is tracked with sensors upstream of a high speed injector, and one or more nozzles is timed to inject liquid in a narrow, high velocity stream only while the top opening of a container is under the nozzle(s). The liquid is employed to enhance liberation of vapors from within the containers for detection of the contaminants in the containers.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample of fluid for a plurality of characteristics comprising a cuvette with a plurality of chambers for fluid to be analyzed; a housing assembly having a frame and a support subassembly reciprocable with respect to each other, the support subassembly including a base to receive the cuvette; and processing mechanisms associated with the housing assembly including a first component to intermix the fluid with a diluent and then with reagents in the chambers to facilitate the analysis thereof, the processing mechanisms further including a light source and an associated sensor located in an operative relationship with respect to the cuvette and a computer operatively associated with the sensor to determine a plurality of characteristics of the fluid within the chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating and discharging a specific volume of liquid sample, such as specimen and reagent, has a reaction plate serving a holding function and having a plurality of reaction containers, is provided which is low in cost and compact in design. On one side of a belt applied on two pulleys driven by one driving source an arm for holding a pipet is provided, while a reaction plate holding part is mounted on the other side of the belt (112), thereby constructing an apparatus for aspirating and discharging a liquid sample. When the arm ascends, the holding part descends, and when the arm descends, the holding part ascends. Thus, the arm and holding part are moved mutually in opposite directions by one driving source.

Abstract: A processing station for making a fluorescence polarization measurement on a sample in a cell under examination in an apparatus for chemical and biochemical analysis, the analytical apparatus containing a conveyor for conveying cells. In order to make fluorescence polarization measurements outside the conveyor, the processing station is separated from, but is apt to mechanically communicate with, 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 the measuring position in the measuring device, and returning the cell to its original position on the conveyor after the measurement.

Abstract: A container feeding system is disclosed, which includes a feed stocker for stocking racks holding containers, one or more sampling feeders connected to the downstream side of the feed stocker, and one or more analyzers for withdrawing samples from containers which are moved to sampling positions in an interlocked relation to the sampling feeder or feeders. One or more coupling feeders are connected to the respective downstream sides of the sampling feeder or feeders, and a treated container stocker is connected to the most downstream side of the coupling feeder or feeders. The individual components are provided as respective units. The number of sampling feeders and coupling feeders connected thereto can be increased or reduced, and in correspondence therewith so can the number of analyzers disposed along a rack feeding line. The rack feeding path can thus be readily increased and reduced, as desired, to meet the scale of the delivery side.

Abstract: A method is described for centering and aspirating containers filled with a body fluid and having different diameters, in which the containers are situated on a moveable tray having receptacles for holding a plurality containers of different diameters. The tray is then placed in a pivotable transporter within an analyzer having a scanning and an aspiration station situated along a transport path of the transporter. Scanning elements at the scanning station sense and fix by contact the position of the container and tray respectively so as to locate the center of the container being scanned. Signals from sensing elements aligned with the scanning elements align and position an aspiration probe at the aspiration station to coincide with the centerline axis of the container in order to withdraw all of the body fluid contained therein, regardless of the container diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyzer which permits clinical analysis of samples for multiple analytes with a variety of assay protocols in a multiple chronology sequence while operating on a predetermined fizzed length cycle method of timing control. In this analyzer, assay resources (e.g. an incubator belt, a wash station, and a signal detection apparatus) are assigned fixed operating sequences which begin and end within a time cycle of fixed duration. Samples may be transferred directly from one assay resource to another without unnecessarily occupying any unused resources. The invention also contemplates a method of analyzing samples consistent with use of this analyzer. In this method, different samples having different assay protocols may be entered into the analyzer. The assay resource requirements of the first sample are determined and "time slots" of the assay resources are allocated to that sample.

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. In one embodiment about 90% of the sample evacuated is diverted from the analyzer and recirculated into the air injector.

Abstract: A dependable cost-effective clinical analyzer machine provides an efficient and easy-to-use diagnostics instrument and process to accurately, rapidly and automatically test and analyze samples in test packs for an analyte. In the clinical analyzer machine, remote-controlled trams transport test packs containing loading/unloading station to a processing/testing station via a carousel and vice versa. In the processing station, a special processor with mechanically-operated rollers mixing shoes, wastegate assembly, magnets, clamp plate and a thermal sealer, process samples in test packs with various reagents to detect an analyte. The carousel holds the test packs during incubation periods and rotates the tested disposable packs past an optical reader which optically senses the presence of an analyte in the sample. Bar code readers are provided to assist in identification of the test pack, patient and sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated analytical system which includes a plurality of remote laboratories and a central monitoring station. The remote laboratories include a specimen analysis member and a plurality of peripheral devices. The central monitoring station includes a computer for controlling predetermined functions of the peripheral devices. A local area network provides communication between each of the remote laboratories and the central monitoring station. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The system employs a robot which is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions.The mechanical functions include manipulating an analytical instrument, transporting the specimens to be analyzed through a variety of locations, and the manipulation of the container in which the specimen is housed.

Abstract: An automated system for sampling and testing a fluid specimen using an analysis station. The fluid specimen is collected in a flexible container having an access port. A piercing element pierces the access port and is withdrawn, allowing the fluid specimen to drain from the container. Subsequently, the container can be resealed.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes and comprising an enclosable frame defining an interior volume for storing cuvettes. The frame includes a removable cover to aid in loading a plurality of cuvettes into the cassette. The frame also includes a side wall having a pivotally mounted door for pivoting between a closed position and an open position for dispensing the cuvettes from the cassette. And, the frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the door in the closed position to avoid an inadvertent dispensing of cuvettes. According to another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette.

Abstract: Sample numbers, which are encoded information about samples including a body fluid and contained in original containers, are affixed to the original containers. The test system memorizes the sample number including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack. Then, it determines whether or not a sample in the original containers should be dispensed in each dispensing container set in the dispensing container rack using the pre-dispensing sample positional information including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack, as a key.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing are disclosed for use in an analyzer providing wet assays in a cuvette. Preferably, they comprise protrusions that project into the path of the cuvette as it passes through preferably the incubator. The protrusions can be fixed or driven, and can project upwardly or sideways into the path of the moving curvette. The mixing is useful to cause thorough mixing of, e.g., a diluent with a liquid sample.

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: A sample analyzer for analyzing the characteristics of a plurality of samples. The analyzer includes a movable sample support for holding samples arranged in a first plurality of holders in a sequence for movement in a first direction. An indexing drive for the sample support advances the sample support in the first direction in a set of one or more increments, wherein one increment in the set is a net amount equal to a second plurality of holders greater than one holder and less than the first plurality such that the second plurality is relatively prime with respect to the first plurality.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment about 90% of the sample evacuated is diverted from the analyzer and recirculated into the air injector.

Abstract: Sample numbers, which are encoded information about samples including a body fluid and contained in original containers, are affixed to the original containers. The test system memorizes the sample number including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack. Then, it determines whether or not a sample in the original containers should be dispensed in each dispensing container set in the dispensing container rack using the pre-dispensing sample positional information including a rack number attached to each original container rack and coordinates of each original container in the original container rack, as a key.

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: An assay carrier for carrying and positioning a plurality of reaction cells each carrying a single assay, and for carrying and positioning a plurality of reagent packs, for use in selectively performing any one of a plurality of immunoassays on each of the plurality of cells in the carrier.

Abstract: A kit comprising a modified carousel for carrying a plurality of reaction cells and a plurality of reagent packs is adapted to be installed as a replacement unit in single immunoassay instrumentation, providing an immunoassay instrument which is capable of selectively performing any one of a plurality of immunoassays on multiple reaction cells.

Abstract: An automatic processor for analyzing reaction solutions has a large number of reaction vessels arranged in a circle on a disk, a disk driver for circulating the reaction vessels successively to pass through a sample pouring position, a reagent adding position and an analyzing position in order, sample pouring pipet nozzle for pouring a sample into each of the reaction chambers at the sample pouring position, reagent adding pipet nozzle for adding a reagent into each of the reaction chambers at the reagent adding position, and analyzer for analyzing a reaction solution in each of the reaction vessels at the analyzing position. A large number of reaction vessels are divided into a plurality of reaction vessel groups each of which has a plurality of reaction vessels. The disk driver circulates each of the reaction vessel groups in a predetermined time in accordance with the reaction times of the reaction solutions in the reaction vessels of the same reaction vessel group.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment about 90% of the sample evacuated is diverted from the analyzer and recirculated into the air injector.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay analyzer includes a computer controlled instrument (10) and display (16). The display (16) provides a real-time presentation of all operations being performed within the instrument (10). A large number of samples can be loaded into the instrument (10), and the order of testing the samples can be rearranged according to a priority determined by the operator at any time. A wide variety of immunoassays can be performed on each sample and several different immunoassays can be performed on any one sample. Information related to the type of immunoassays being performed on particular samples is collected by a bar code reader (44) and this information is conveyed to the computer (12) for presentation on the display (16). The computer (12) tracks the progress of each immunoassay through the reaction circuit to the detection station (46).

Abstract: An automatic analysis apparatus for clinical examination is capable of performing analytical measurements with improved reliability by suppressing errors of data ascribable to the material of a reaction tube. Plural types of reaction tubes of mutually different materials are so arrayed as to arrive at a sampling position substantially in an alternate manner. In dependence on the item for analysis, the reaction tube of a material compatible with the analytical item is selected from plural types of the reaction tubes to be used for the analysis. The reaction tubes of mutually different materials are accommodated within respective containers. Upon performing the analysis, the reaction tube of the material compatible with the item for analysis is selected by a reaction tube transfer mechanism and set at a position from which the analysis is started, and then analysis is effected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preparing a photographic liquid which is to be applied in the manufacture of a photographic photosensitive material wherein multiple layers of photographic liquids are applied simultaneously. The present invention has at least one chemical measuring station which measures various kinds of chemicals sent from chemical storage tanks and prepares a photographic liquid which is to be applied to a film, supplies the measured chemicals to a pot and a conveys the chemicals in the pot to a hopper from which the chemicals are supplied to a liquid preparation tank.

Abstract: A reagent pack for carrying a plurality of individual reagent containers which are required for performing a specific immunoassay is suitable both for transportation of the assays from the manufacturer to the instrumentation site and for use at the instrumentation site during the running of the specific immunoassays on an assay specimen.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus of this invention has first and second reaction container holders, a photometric unit, and a control unit. Each of the first and second reaction container holders is movable along a reaction line and has a plurality of reaction containers to which a liquid sample such as blood or urine can be injected. The photometric unit has a function of optically analyzing a concentration of a chemical component of the liquid sample injected in the reaction containers of the first and second reaction container holders when the first and second reaction container holders pass through it. A control unit has a function of stopping only either one of the first and second reaction container holders on the reaction line and moving the other reaction container holder along the reaction line to pass through the photometric unit.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay apparatus utilizes cartridges each having at least two wells, a first well containing solid phase material carrying antigen or antibody, and a second well 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 reactions between the sample and a reactive solution are measured under control of a control device having a memory storing operator selectable programs for various measuring methods.

Abstract: Methods for handling a plurality of sample containers to be processed by an instrument are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a retaining device holds the sample containers and is indexed to align one of the sample containers to a position where communication with a sample input port of the instrument is established. A stripper moves a sample container into engagement with the sample port and, most preferably, also urges the sample container into sealing engagement with the sample port. An interference fit created between the stripper an the sample container provides a positive force that permits the sample container to be withdrawn and returned to its initial position. A lower arm assembly is disclosed which acts as a stop relative to the sample container and thus, as the stripper continues to move while the sample container is being withdrawn it overcomes the force of the interference fit and disengages the stripper.

Abstract: An automated method of using a system for sampling and testing a fluid specimen including an analysis station comprising collecting the fluid specimen in a flexible container having an access port, piercing a housing of the access port, withdrawing the piercing element and allowing the fluid specimen to drain from the container.

Abstract: A multicuvette rotor which reduces unacceptable tendencies of reagent or a sample material to spontaneously move or "wick" from one chamber compartment to the other, resulting in premature conmingling of reactants, and of sample or reagent material to flow out of one or more of the radially outer loading ports during acceleration of the rotor for transfer of the sample or reagent material from inner chambers to corresponding outer chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically aliquotting liquids, such as blood serum, is described. The invention provides a completely automatic, clean, self-contained system for collecting and aliquotting liquids and simultaneously cleaning the aliquotting system. The system includes a serum loading station, a sensing station, an indexing table for advancing test tubes to a collection station, an aliquotting station and a wash station.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for heating large amounts of uniform milk samples (11) to about 40.degree. C. preparatory to laboratory analyses, the samples are currently introduced into a carrousel-like machine. The machine has two axially offset levels (II and III), one (III) of which being a transport level and the other (II) a heating chamber (7) in which the samples are heated by high frequency energy, preferably in the form of microwaves. The samples are introduced mechanically into the heating chamber and maintained there during heating with current measurement of their temperature. When the temperature measurement shows that the samples have reached a desired temperature, they are released and fall back to the transport level and are transported out of the machine.

Abstract: A carousel for carrying and positioning a plurality of assays and a plurality of reagent packs in an immunoassay testing apparatus is designed to direct warmed or heated air in a predetermined and controlled manner for maintaining the assays and reagent packs within a specified, controlled temperature range.

Abstract: An incubator and an incubator method using two independently driven incubator rings each holding and transferring a liquid-containing cuvette between processing stations. At least one reagent addition station is disposed permanently adjacent each of the two rings. One advantageous result is enhanced throughput compared to having only one such ring for all reagent addition stations.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for temperature regulating a fluid sample in a cuvette transported through various stations of an automated system for optically monitoring the sample in the cuvette. A track guides the cuvette through the various stations of the optical monitoring system. The sample is in heat exchange relationship with the track by way of the cuvette. A drive unit drives the cuvette along the track. A cooling unit cools a first portion of the track. A heating unit heats a second portion. A heat flow restriction device restricts heat flow between the first and second portions of the track.

Abstract: Apparatus for the in situ hybridization of slide-mounted cell samples contains modules for the three processes required: (a) reagent metering and spreading on a slide (1) which is effected by drawing a quantity of reagent (56-59) into a reservoir (31) and then spraying it on the slide (1) using air pressure. The rate of flow through the spray is ascertained by measurement and the dosage determined by timing the spraying; (b) slide washing; and (c) slide incubation. The slide washing and incubation are performed in the same dual-purpose housing (16). A high humidity level is maintained in the housing during incubation so that the samples do not need to be covered to prevent them drying out. A plurality of slides (1) are mounted in a carrier (11) to be washed and incubated at the same time.

Abstract: An analyzer is described including a mechanism for scanning containers having variable diameters arranged in a tray and filled with body fluids, and for fixing the container and tray relative to an aspiration station for purposes of centering the aspiration probe to the containers. The scanning and positional centering mechanism include two movable scanning elements and a sensor which is associated with both elements and can be activated by them. The scanning elements are arranged normal to a pivotable transporter providing a transport path for the containers and preferably by means of two spring elements, retained in initial positions towards the transport path. By pivoting the transporter from a tray track to a scanning station for the containers, the scanning elements are moved to end positions and the sensor produces a signal which will depend upon the diameter of the container as positioned at the scanning station.

Abstract: A method for conveying a sample container from a sample tray which has a designated location for supporting the container. The container is placeable on the tray at a location separated from the designated location such that the container will have an orientation which differs from a desired orientation.

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer uses an odd number of reaction tubes, for example, 13 tubes. These reaction tubes are arranged at regular intervals along a circular arrangement line, on a ring-shaped holder which is disposed on a rotating table. Samples and reagents are respectively dispensed into the reaction tubes when they are at a sample dispensing position and at a reagent dispensing position both situated on the arrangement line. The rotating table is driven so that the reaction tubes move intermittently along the arrangement line. If the interval between each two adjacent reaction tubes is designated as one pitch, the tubes are moved substantially half round the arrangement line, e.g., for seven pitches, in each cycle. While the reaction tubes move for such a distance, liquid mixtures of the samples and reagents therein are subjected to photometry. After undergoing a predetermined photometric process, the reaction tubes are washed.

Abstract: A blood analyzer system incorporates a conveyor for handling and transporting sample blood through at least one blood analyzer and an automatic blood smear generator under the control of a programmable controller. Blood samples are stored in sample containers having identifiers for the sample blood that they contain. These sample containers are transported through the system in protective racks that permit the reading of the identifiers. The results of analysis by one or more blood analyzers in the system determine the need for performing or omitting subsequent operations on a particular sample blood. When a smeared blood sample is to be made, the controller assures that the smear thickness is consistent with other samples regardless of the thickness or viscosity of the sample blood. If the system fails to make a required smeared blood sample, a detector sounds an alarm, warning of a system failure.

Abstract: A rack supply part, an analysis unit part and a rack storage part are formed as units which are separable from each other, and a rack carrier part is integrally mounted on the analysis unit part. The respective units are provided with locating members for coupling the units in a direction for transferring a sample rack.Since the rack carrier part is integrated with the analysis unit part, relative positional relation between a position for stopping the sample rack and a position for stopping a sample dispensing pipetter provided in the analysis unit part for attraction is not displaced even if the units are separated from each other and then recombined with and mounted on each other. Thus, location is easy and no fine adjustment of positional relation is required.

Abstract: A method for applying a droplet of a liquid sample from a sample applying nozzle, which is movable between a retracted position and a sample applying position, to a test film which contains a reagent which will react with a liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density, includes providing the leading edge of the sample applying nozzle with a test film sensor. Prior to the application of the droplet of the liquid sample to the test film, the sample applying nozzle is moved down until the test film sensor comes into contact with the test film, and the distance by which the sample applying nozzle was moved down is stored. At the time the liquid sample is applied to the test film, the distance by which the sample applying nozzle is moved down is adjusted in accordance with the stored distance so that the sample applying nozzle is moved down to a sample applying position spaced a predetermined distance from the test film.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer comprises discrete sample cups about the circumference of a carousel. A motor selectively moves the sample cups towards and away from a target location where a probe is located for reciprocal vertical motion. The motion is timed for reaction with a sample cup so that when the sample cup is in position at the target location, the probe removes fluid from the sample cup. When the sample cup is moved from position, the probe aspirates fluid into an injection cell below the sample cup. A vertical motion only is imparted to the probe, while the sample cups move under the action of a single motor horizontally and laterally to define a rotational movement.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay analyzer includes first and second conveyors which support a plurality of speciment vessels and reaction vessels, respectively. Both conveyors are rotated synchronously and continuously in the same direction by first and second conveyor driving devices. A division-pouring device sucks a speciment from a speciemen vessel stopped at a suction stage and pours a portion thereof into a reaction vessel stopped at a division-pouring stage. A holding device stops and holds one of the specimen vessels transferred into the suction stage for a predetermined time period in which the reaction vessel(s) holding measurement analytes to be tested for the respective specimen are transferred and stopped sequentially at the division-pouring stage. The analyzer reduces operator error, and ensures alignment of the reaction vessels with the appropriate specimen to be tested.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for automatically assaying a specific component in a sample by utilizing a top-opened reaction vessel containing a reagent capable of reacting with the specific component, and which is sealed with a seal foil on which a symbol for the reagent is shown: said analyzer comprising a seal foil breaker for breaking the seal foil, a sample dispenser for dispensing the sample to the vessel, and a detector for detecting a reaction signal caused by a reaction with the specific component and the reagent; a transfer device for transferring the reaction vessel and a symbol discriminator for discriminating the symbol shown on the seal foil, which is placed at a position on a transfer route of the reaction vessels transferred by the transfer device and at a position before the seal-foil breaker.

Abstract: Method for generating an automatic chemical analyzer for measuring given substances in samples in accordance with an enzyme-immunoassay including a turntable rotated intermittently at a given pitch and holding a number of reaction tubes arranged equidistantly along a periphery of the turntable to define a circular reaction line; a carrier supply device for supplying carriers into reaction vessels one by one at a given position in the reaction line, the carrier having given antibody or antigen fixed thereto; a sample delivery device for pouring given amounts of samples into reaction vessels at a given position in the reaction line; a washing device for washing reaction vessels and carriers contained therein to effect B-F separation; a color reagent delivery device for pouring given amounts of a color reagent into reaction vessels to form test liquids; a colorimeter for photometering the test liquids; and a carrier discharge device for removing carriers out of reaction vessels.