Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots or voids that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.

Abstract: Automated testing system arrangements using a docking station. One system includes a unit including: a) a polygonal base having a plurality of sides, a number of the plurality of sides including a docking station for mating with a mobile equipment carrying cart; and b) a robotic arm having a stationary base positioned on or in the polygonal base and configured to interact with the equipment on each mobile equipment carrying cart.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample analyzer including: a first and a second measurement unit configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container; a rack transport unit configured to transport each of a plurality of sample containers held in a sample rack to either the first or the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to acquire a measurement item information indicating a measurement item of each of samples accommodated in the plurality of sample containers held in the sample rack, determine a sample container to be a transport object and a measurement unit to be a transport destination of the sample container based on the acquired plurality of measurement item information, and control the rack transport unit to transport the sample container determined as the transport object to the measurement unit determined as the transport destination.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample processing units, each processing a sample contained in a sample container; a transport apparatus that transports a sample rack holding a sample container to at least any one of the plurality of sample processing units; a rack feeding section that receives a sample rack and feeds the received sample rack to a transport line of the transport apparatus; and a controller configured to instruct the transport apparatus, according to a quantity of sample racks received by the rack feeding section, to transport a sample rack fed by the rack feeding section to either (a) a sample processing unit which can accept a subsequent sample rack more rapidly than any other sample processing unit or (b) a sample processing unit having a lower processing load than any other sample processing unit. Also, a sample rack transporting method.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a specimen, comprising: an engage unit capable of engaging with the specimen rack; and a moving mechanism for moving the engage unit in a transport direction of the specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with the specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation. A specimen analyzing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: To reduce measurement time, it may be considered to quicken reaction or speed up analytic determination. In existing analyzing devices, photometry is performed, typically, about every 15 seconds, so that it has not been possible to secure satisfactory reproducibility. Namely, reducing the measurement time and securing reproducibility have not been compatible. It has therefore been desired to increase the number of times of measurements performed in a short period of time. A cell disk is controlled to stop at a position for photometry during the time after a sample and a reagent are mixed and before measurement is finished and, while the cell disk is stopped, photometry is performed once or plural times thereby increasing the total number of times of measurements.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a transporting part configured to transport a sample rack holding one or more samples; a measuring part configured to perform a measurement on the sample of the transported sample rack; and a controller; wherein the controller is programmed to perform an analysis of a predetermined item that requires at least first and second measurement results derived respectively from first and second samples obtained from the same subject and preprocessed in different ways, if a measurement of the predetermined item is requested and a set of first and second samples obtained from the same subject and preprocessed in different ways are transported to the measuring part, the controller controls the measuring part to perform measurements on both of the first and second samples to derive the first and second measurement results and processes them to generate an analysis result of the predetermined item.

Abstract: A sample analyzer that includes a sample preparing section operative to aspirate a sample from a sample container and a measuring section operative to prepare a plurality of measurement samples from the aspirated sample. A control unit is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of prepared measurement samples, obtain a plurality of measurement data for the respective measurement samples, and obtain an analysis result of a predetermined item of the sample based on the plurality of measurement data.

Abstract: An analyzers that comprise a container holder for placing containers; a detector for detecting whether or not a container is placed at the container holder; a controller for acquiring the status of the container holder based on the output of the detector; and a display for displaying the status of the container holder is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a rack transport system that horizontally slides a rack tray holding and storing a plurality of specimen containers, allowing the rack tray to be safely placed on a rack tray set section. For this purpose, a rack transport system (8) using a rack tray (10) having a rack dropout-preventing mechanism (10b) includes a rack tray set section (8A) that has a lock canceling mechanism (8i) of the rack dropout-preventing mechanism and on which the rack tray that arranges and holds a plurality of racks (9) supporting a plurality of specimen containers (9a) is placed, and a projection section (8h) serving as a lock canceling button of the rack dropout-preventing mechanism is formed at a position where the rack tray that holds and stores the plurality of racks supporting the plurality of specimen containers is slid to be able to be set in the rack tray set section.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer, a method for sample-based analysis, a device for handling cuvette assemblies including a rotatable incubator with at least one curved opening for receiving a new cuvette assembly, an analyzer arranged around the incubator for analyzing contents of the new cuvette assembly, and a loading device adapted to carry the new cuvette assembly while initially being aligned in a straight manner before being loaded. The loading device includes a feed funnel having a first end for receiving the new cuvette assembly initially aligned in the straight manner into the feed funnel, and a second end for feeding the new cuvette assembly into the at least one curved opening, the second end having a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of the curved opening, the second end for bending the initially straight new cuvette assembly and fitting the new cuvette assembly into the at least one curved opening.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, to a system, and to a method for the preparation and fractioned dispensing of samples of a fluid. The device of the invention comprises a body having formed therein guide means suitable for receiving a sample-taker member and for guiding it in translation through the device, and at least one preparation chamber enabling an aliquot of a fluid sample dispensed into the chamber by a said sample-taker member to be prepared in a stream of a suitable reagent. The guide means pass through the preparation chamber and communicate therewith to enable an aliquot of fluid to be dispensed into the chamber in a determined position of the sample-taker member in the guide means. The preparation chamber has an introduction orifice for introducing at least one reagent into the chamber for mixing the reagent with an aliquot, and at least one dispensing orifice for dispensing the mixture formed by said aliquot and said reagent to recovery and/or analysis means.

Abstract: A laboratory system for handling sample tube racks, an alignment element for sample tube racks and a rack tray receiver assembly are disclosed. The laboratory system to handle laboratory sample tube racks comprises a robotic arm (220) with a gripper (222) for gripping primary racks (PR), wherein the primary racks (PR) to be handled comprise a first end surface (76) and a second end surface (78), the first end surface (76) having a first surface geometry and the second end surface (78) having a second surface geometry, and wherein the gripper (222) comprises a first gripping arm (226) and a second gripping arm (228), with the first gripping arm (226) having a gripping surface being complementary to the first surface geometry, and the second gripping arm (228) having a gripping surface being complementary to the second surface geometry.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided for enhancing throughput in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers and/or liquid crystal substrates, by reducing the time required for performing a rinsing process. A position of an object to be processed is controlled, such that a distance between the surface position of a rinsing liquid upon the rinsing process and a top end position of the object to be processed becomes shorter than a distance between the surface position of a chemical liquid upon a chemical liquid process and the top end position of the object to be processed. Alternatively, the position of the object to be processed is controlled, such that the distance between the surface position of the rinsing liquid upon the rinsing process and the top end position of the object to be processed becomes shorter than a distance between the bottom face position of the rinsing liquid and a bottom end position of the object to be processed.

Abstract: A reaction solution is mixed in a short period of time with excellent stirring efficiency. During the stirring of the reaction solution, a rotation motor drives a stirring rod and a vertical motor moves the stirring rod in a vertically reciprocating manner in the reaction solution.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.

Abstract: A method of selecting pipetting parameters of a pipetting device for dispensing or pipetting a specific volume of a liquid sample, includes a fluid column of a fluid chamber of the pipetting device set into oscillation at the beginning of the aspiration, the pressure is monitored with the pressure transducer in the fluid chamber, and the pressure changes generated during aspiration into measuring signals are recorded. These measuring signals are processed by a computer or micro-processor and reproduced as a pressure curve, which is characteristic for the fluid column with the aspirated liquid sample, and which is compared with known pressure curves. Based on this comparison, pipetting parameters of the pipetting device are selected for the dispense or for pipetting a specific volume of the liquid sample. Selectable pipetting parameters include a speed of a movement of a pump piston of the pipetting device.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of prevent consumable part which does not adapt to the sample analyzer from being used and maintain measurement precision. The sample analyzer 10 includes barcode reader 60 for obtaining serial number for identifying pipette tip 80 from barcode 83; containing section 21a for containing pipette tips 80 used by a predetermined mechanism section; CPU 34a for obtaining a number of the pipette tips 80 which have been used by the mechanism section; CPU 51a for obtaining a number of the usable pipette tips 80; warning screens 76, 77, 79 for giving a predetermined warning to a user, when the number obtained by CPU 34a is in a predetermined relationship with the number obtained by CPU 51a.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: Methods for sampling a liquid flow are provided. The method includes supplying a continuous liquid flow from a continuous flow fluid input source to a surface along a first flow path. The method additionally includes sampling the continuous liquid flow by performing an electric field-based technique to split off a sample droplet from a portion of the liquid flow, whereby the sample droplet is distinct from the liquid flow and controllable independently of the liquid flow, wherein the electric field-based technique is performed by providing a set of electrodes on the surface and selectively biasing the set of electrodes, whereby the sample droplet is formed on one of the set of electrodes.

Abstract: In a clinical laboratory of a hospital, an enormous amount of effort has been required to maintain the quality of an analyzer, standard solution and control samples. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for controlling a clinical laboratory with reduced cost, and a control apparatus using the same. In order to control data of an analyzer, standard solution, and a control sample, a support center is connected to each analyzer located in each hospital through a network line. Various kinds of analysis parameters and the result of measurements are exchanged so as to provide each clinical laboratory with a control situation in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus, intended for use in analyzing particles in urine is disclosed, that comprising: a sample distribution section for distributing urine samples to a first aliquot and a second aliquot; a first specimen preparing section for preparing a first specimen for measuring urinary particles, containing at least erythrocytes, by mixing a first stain reagent and the first aliquot; a second specimen preparing section for preparing a second specimen for measuring bacteria by mixing a second stain reagent and the second aliquot; and an optical detecting section comprising a light source for irradiating a light to a specimen being supplied, a scattered light receiving element for detecting scattered light emitted from the specimen, and a fluorescence receiving element for detecting fluorescence emitted from the specimen. A method intended for use in analyzing particles in urine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay apparatus is disclosed comprising a single optical reading device (2a, 2b) for reading two microtitre plates (9, 14). A first microtitre plate (9) is loaded into an upper plate holder (8) which is linearly translated at a fixed height. A second microtitre plate (14) is loaded into a lower plate holder (13). The lower plate holder (13) runs along a contoured track which varies the vertical height of the second microtitre plate (14).

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, including: a sample processing unit for obtaining a sample from a sample container positioned at a sample obtaining position and performing a predetermined process of the sample; a transport unit for transporting a sample rack holding the sample container via the sample obtaining position; and a transport controller for performing a stop process to stop the transport operation of the sample rack by the transport unit when a transport suspension event has occurred during the transport operation of the sample rack, and for controlling the transport unit to restart the transport operation of the sample rack from a stop position at which the sample rack has been stopped by the stop process.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of an analyzer for performing medical diagnostic analysis of biological samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the analyzer may have a first and at least a second disk-shaped cuvette conveyor each having an array of cuvette holders, a first drive unit for rotating the first cuvette conveyor about a rotation axis, and a second drive unit for rotating the second cuvette conveyor about the rotation axis. The operation of the second drive unit is independent from the operation of the first drive unit. The first cuvette conveyor and the second cuvette conveyor are spaced from each other in an axial direction along the rotation axis and with an air gap between them. The cuvette holders of the first cuvette conveyor and the cuvette holders of the second cuvette conveyor are adapted for holding cuvettes having the same shape and dimensions.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a first reagent container to hold a first reagent container with a first record section which contains a first reagent management information; a second reagent container holder to hold a second reagent container with a second record section which contains a second reagent management information; a first information reader; a second information reader; a registration section for registering the combination of the first reagent and the second reagent based on the first reagent management information; a measurement section for conducting a measurement of a predetermined analysis item by using the first reagent and the second reagent corresponding to the combination registered by the registration section; and a processing section for processing a measurement result obtained by the measurement section, and for obtaining an analysis result of the sample.

Abstract: A specimen processing system comprising: a plurality of measurement units for acquiring a reagent from each of corresponding reagent containers, and performing measurement of a specimen for a common measurement item by using the reagent; a conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens to the measurement units; a reagent information acquirer for acquiring reagent information related to the reagent stored in each of the reagent containers; a conveying destination determiner for determining a conveying destination of specimens based on the reagent information acquired by the reagent information acquirer; and a conveyance controller for controlling the conveyance mechanism to convey specimens based on the conveying destination determined by the conveying destination determiner, is disclosed. Specimen conveyance method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for classifying a liquid (1) in a known pipetting system for this liquid (1), the method being characterized in that the changes of a selected, measurable, and physically founded virtual parameter are detected as a data set typical for this liquid (1); this typical data set of the selected virtual parameter is compared to corresponding data sets of known liquids, and the liquid (1) is classified on the basis of this comparison. An especially preferred method and a device for classifying a liquid (1) relate to a device which comprises a fluid chamber (2), to which a measuring chamber (3) is connected, whose internal pressure is monitored using a pressure transducer (4). At least a first part (5) of this fluid chamber (2) may be brought into fluid connection with a sample (6) of this liquid (1).

Abstract: An automated instrument and process for processing samples is presented. The instrument comprises a sampling area for receiving samples and reaction vessels; an analytical area with a first device resource comprising at least one analyzer; a reaction area comprising a conveyor for reagent containers; an incubator; a second device resource comprising first functional devices, the first functional devices having access to the sampling area and the incubator such as to transfer reaction vessels from the sampling area to the incubator and/or to pipette samples and/or reagents into the reaction vessels; a third device resource comprising second functional devices, the second functional devices having access to the incubator and the analytical area such as to transfer the reaction vessels from the incubator to the analytical area and/or to dispense liquids or withdraw liquids from the reaction vessels.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for withdrawing respective liquid samples from vials (2) which are closed by closure caps (4) includes a plurality of racks (7) for accommodating the vials (2). A device (10) including a housing (25) is slideably carried on a gantry (9) which in turn is slideably carried on guide tracks (12) to provide two degrees of movement of the device (10) for selective alignment of the device (10) with the vials (2). An abutment member (43) is driven vertically by a second gearwheel (51) by a drive shaft (27) through a first gearwheel (40) and a dog clutch (52). A cannula which is secured within a first gear rack (33) is driven vertically by the first gearwheel (40). On engagement of the abutment member (43) with the closure cap (4) of the selected vial (2), the clutch (52) decouples the second gearwheel (51) from the first gearwheel (40) so that the cannula (28) is urgeable through the closure cap (4) into the vial (2).

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a specimen container setting portion including a plurality of container holders for holding a plurality of specimen containers of different types; an aspiration section for aspirating the specimen from the specimen container set in the specimen container setting portion; a sensor for detecting the presence of the specimen container set in at least one of the plurality of container holders; and a controller for determining in which of the plurality of container holders the specimen container is set based on the detection result of the sensor, and controlling the operation of the aspiration section, is disclosed. A method for aspirating a specimen is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protocol and apparatus for enriching circulating tumor cells and other rare cells from blood, including debris and other components, from samples with high precision and at high throughput rates. This invention discloses an improved processing system from previously described semi-automated sample processing. The system further reduces operator intervention and hands-on time from prior systems. While this system has general utility in processing diverse materials, the system is configured for sample processing of biological specimens to provide an enriched fraction suitable for detection, enumeration and identification of target cells by appropriate analytical methodologies.

Abstract: An sample analyzer, which enables to confirm an analysis remaining time for each sample and a total analysis remaining time for all samples set in the analyzer, so that time management for both each sample and all samples can be easily performed, is disclosed. Specifically, an analyzing unit analyzes a sample by executing an analysis sequence including a predetermined number of analyzing steps, and an control device calculates an analysis remaining time for each sample based on the number of analyzing steps. Control device acquires a total analysis remaining time by calculating the analysis remaining time for the sample in which sample information is lastly inputted. The display member displays the analysis remaining time and the total analysis remaining time.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic conveyor systems and apparatus having a magnetic coupling with a housing and moveable magnet therein. The moveable magnet is substantially constrained in one dimension and adapted to move in another. The moveable magnet is adapted to magnetically couple with an attracting portion of a sample rack and move the rack along a conveying surface. Ease of transfer of sample racks is provided while minimizing spillage from the open sample containers therein. Method of operating the conveyor system are provided, as are other aspects.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of respond immediately when a need to perform analysis of multiple items arises. The sample analyzer 1 includes a table 12 capable of holding a first rack 320 and a second rack 330; a reagent dispensing arm 120 which comprises a pipette part 121; a reagent dispensing driving section 120a for moving the reagent dispensing arm 120; a reagent barcode reader 350; and a control section 501 for controlling the reagent dispensing driving section 120a so as to move the pipette part 121 to a predetermined reagent aspirating position according to the identification information obtained by the reagent barcode reader 350.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer of the type equipped with a sample preprocessing function pretreats a desired sample in a pretreating unit before pipetting the sample into an analyzing unit for analysis. When all samples are carried to the analyzing unit via the pretreating unit, irrespective of whether the sample is to be pretreated, this causes loss in terms of both costs and installation space requirements. In the case where the preprocessing is required, a minimal quantity of the sample is also necessary in order to make the sample react to the preprocessing liquid. In addition, the possible presence of a residual sample left in the pretreating unit could affect analytical results. The automatic analyzer which includes an analyzing unit and a pretreating unit further includes a sample-pipetting mechanism constructed to have a function that allows the mechanism to access a plurality of pipetting positions without a sample sucking/discharging position being fixed.

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

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes a first measurement unit for measuring a sample, a second measurement unit for measuring a sample, and an information processing unit for acquiring a first analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the first measurement unit and a second analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the second measurement unit. The information processing unit is configured to correct the first analysis result based on a first correction value, correct the second analysis result based on a second correction value, update the first correction value, and update the second correction value. A calibration method of a sample analyzer is also disclosed.