Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for preparing chemical libraries. The apparatus includes (1) a carousel comprising a plurality of reaction mounts having at least one reaction well; (2) a rotator that rotates the carousel step-wise; (3) a fluid delivery system; (4) a drain system; and (5) a programmable computer that controls the operation of the apparatus, including the rotator, the fluid delivery system, the drain system and other systems in the apparatus. The preparation of chemical libraries involves rotating the carousel through a plurality of stations. At each station, a physical step in a reaction protocol is carried out on the reaction wells of the mount docked at the station.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically detecting the presence of a reagent strip (14) having a body fluid sample disposed thereon and for inspecting the reagent strip (14) after the presence of the reagent strip (14) is detected is provided with a detection system adapted to automatically detect the presence of a reagent strip (14) at a reagent strip receiving area (12), a light source (64 or 68) adapted to illuminate the reagent strip (14) after the presence of the reagent strip (14) at the reagent strip receiving area (12) is detected, and a detector (66 or 70) adapted to receive light from the reagent strip (14) when the reagent strip (14) is being illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: A system setup for a sample analysis system having a plurality of analysis units placed along a main conveyor line prior to its analysis operation. The system setup includes setup of analysis units in combination with different types of reagent supply units, setup of analysis routes as to whether it is a stationary type or an automatic type, and setup of analysis items for each analysis unit as to which analysis item should be assigned to which analysis unit having which reagent supply type. These settings are executed through monitoring of setup screens displayed on a screen display unit, and the contents of such a setting are stored and registered in a memory of the controller.

Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting a sample container. In one embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and a releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a side of the sample container. In another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, wherein the holder has a central opening that permits analysis of a sample to be carried out from below the holder, and an open end that permits a sample container transfer device to enter a portion of the holder. In yet another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and drive mechanisms that move the holder between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site.

Abstract: A magnetic material attracting/releasing control method makes use of a pipette device sucking a liquid from or discharging a liquid into a container. A magnet body or bodies are provided in a liquid suction line of the pipette device, and any magnetic material contained in liquid sucked into the liquid suction line by magnetic force are deposited on the internal surface of the line. The magnetic material is released and discharged together with liquid from the liquid suction line to a state where the effect of the magnetic force generated by the magnet body is cut off.

Abstract: A mixture of beads from a combinatorial library is held in suspension in a liquid by movement of the liquid induced by a vertically reciprocating paddle. The tips of needles in an array are immersed in the suspension, a slot being provided in the paddle to avoid collision with the needles. Liquid is drawn into the needles until a bead becomes attached to the tip of each needle. Excess beads adhering to the needles are shaken off by an electromagnetically operated vibrator, and the beads are deposited in wells of a well plate by applying a short burst of pressure to the interiors of the needles. Liquid and any debris within the needles are thereafter discharged to a receptacle by applying a higher pressure burst to the interiors of the needles.

Abstract: A work station for simultaneously performing multiple assays includes a base structure, a receptacle rack assembly received within a receptacle rack well formed in the base structure, a pipette tip rack assembly received within a pipette tip rack well formed in the base structure, a multiple conduit substance transfer device, and substance transfer device positioning structure. The receptacle rack assembly holds a plurality of receptacles in which a plurality of individual assays are performed, and the pipette tip rack assembly holds a plurality of contamination limiting pipette tips. The substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles or simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles. Alternatively, the substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles, and, at about the same time, simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a plurality of arrays of reagent regions is disclosed. A dispensing assembly in the apparatus has a plurality of heads which are spaced for depositing reagents at selected positions in different array areas in a substrate. As the heads in the assembly are advanced along array area, the regions in a row in that array are successively filled, allowing parallel deposition in several array areas at reagent regions which are closely spaced relative to the spacing between deposition heads in the assembly. Also disclosed is a method for producing a plurality of arrays using the apparatus.

Abstract: A chemical analyzing apparatus comprises a reaction cell holder which holds a plurality of reaction cells that are supplied with samples and reagents at a predetermined position, a measurer for measuring characteristics of the sample, a plurality of reagent containers, a liquid deliverer provided below each of the plurality of reagent containers, one or more sound wave generators provided outside the reaction cells, and storage containers for storing cleansing liquid with different contamination states. The cleansing liquid with different contamination states is reused according to the contamination levels of the reaction cells.

Abstract: Heretofore, there has been demanded an automatic analysis apparatus which can prevent cross-contamination between reagents, which can prevent dust and gas from entering a reagent supply device, which can always know a remaining quantity of the reagent while can reduce the quantity of waste. According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic analysis apparatus in which a reagent supply device for supplying a reagent from a reagent container into a reaction container is removably attached to the reagent container, a protective door is provided in the reagent supply port in order to aim at preventing dust from entering the reagent supply device, and further the reagent container and the reagent supply device are provided with recording mediums for recording therein conditions thereof, a time of replacement thereof or the like, and which can inform whether the setting is proper or not.

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: An apparatus for inspecting a reagent strip (14) having a fluid sample disposed thereon is provided with a conveyor system (80) adapted to move the reagent strip (14) from a first reagent strip inspection location to a second reagent strip inspection location, a first readhead (60) associated with the first reagent strip inspection location, and a second readhead (62) associated with the second reagent strip inspection location. Each of the readheads (60, 62) has a light source (64, 68) and a light detector (66, 70) associated therewith, each light source (64, 68) being adapted to illuminate the reagent strip (14) at one of the reagent strip inspection locations and each light detector (66, 70) being adapted to detect light from the reagent strip (14) when the reagent strip (14) is disposed at one of the reagent strip inspection locations.

Abstract: A container positioning device includes a stop mechanism for stopping a carrier moving along a conveyor, the carrier supporting a container thereon. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to move between an open position permitting the container to pass along the conveyor track, and a centering position with forward ends in contact with the container and positioning the container in a centering location. A forward end of the downstream arm is operable to move upstream and contact the container to move the container upstream to the centering location, where the second arm will contact the container to retain it in place.

Abstract: A universal apparatus for clinical analysis is provided comprising a base-board having three main levels. The first level holds a terminal for containers of reagents and samples and includes a device for cyclically vibrating individual vials. External graphic marks on vials and bottles and the internal characteristics of the same, such as the level of contents can be read. The second level of the base-board includes a thermostatic block which is provided with a number of grooves which can receive either disposable strips of small analytical containers or analytical cards. An agglutination reader is also provided. The third level carries a centrifuge which receives either strips or cards from a collection head having a clamp for collecting, conveying and placing in position the strips and cards; the head also including a pipetting needle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting a sample container. In one embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and a releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a side of the sample container. In another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, wherein the holder has a central opening that permits analysis of a sample to be carried out from below the holder, and an open end that permits a sample container transfer device to enter a portion of the holder. In yet another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and drive mechanisms that move the holder between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site.

Abstract: An automatic sample processing system containing:a) a sample vessel,b) a sample vessel carrier having a chamber to receive the sample vessel, andc) a sample identification component which carries a readable identification of a sample. The sample identification component is removably attachable to the sample vessel and to the sample vessel carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated device for determining or identifying and measuring a random number of different molecular classes, molecular parts or molecular groups in liquid or solid objects, in particular in cells and tissue specimen, said device comprising a combination of a pipetting system, a 3D handling system and an optical measuring system, preferably a microscope stand including an imaging device.The invention further relates to an automated method for determining or identifying and mapping a random number of molecular classes, molecular parts and molecular groups in objects, with which a random number of different reagent solutions may be applied simultaneously or sequentially to a liquid or solid object, in particular a cell, cells or a tissue specimen, and measured. An important field of application of the invention is cancer research as well as research into the immune system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic biochemical analyzer having a sample turntable and a reaction turntable. Plural sample containers for holding samples are arrayed on the sample turntable. Plural reaction containers are arrayed on the reaction turntable. A sampling pipette draws in a sample from some sampling container and injects the sample into some reaction container. A reagent pipette draws in some reagent from some reagent container and injects the reagent into the same reaction container. The resulting mixture is stirred by a stirring device. Produced reaction products are detected by a detector. Let N be the number of the reaction containers on the reaction turntable. The reaction turntable is rotated in M pitches in one step. Note that M and N do not have any common factor. First and second injecting positions adjacent to each other are established as positions where the reagent pipette can inject a reagent into the reaction container in position.

Abstract: This device discloses a portable sequential contaminant detection system which can test samples for contaminants at predetermined timed intervals. The detection system has a motor to advance a matrix, a motor to raise and lower syringes holding liquefied samples of air to be tested, and a motor to raise and lower plungers within the syringes to draw up fluids or expel fluids into reservoir wells of the matrix to test air or other samples for contaminants. The system relies upon a "matrix" which will hold reagents with which the air samples will be mixed. The matrix is stepped to move into precise registration with the "read" module where the relative reflectance of each capture membrane reads statically by a fixed LED, silicon photodiode and amplifier associated with each channel.

Abstract: A method of preparing a volatile sample from a material for gas chromatographic analysis includes the steps of: introducing a vial with the material containing the volatile sample and a headspace therein into a chamber of a platen adapted to transport the vial to a location for removal of at least a portion of the volatile sample for gas chromatographic analysis; heating the material containing the volatile sample while the vial is being transported to the location for removal; agitating the vial while in the chamber to enhance a transport rate of the volatile sample from the material to the headspace of the vial; and introducing a needle to the vial to withdraw at least a portion of the volatile sample from the headspace of the vial.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling resuspension wash and magnetic localization of sample components bound to particles with magnetic properties in reaction vessels during separation and wash for enhanced chemiluminescent signal generation in biomedical assays. The assays involve moving reaction vessels past magnets that partially localize the particles prior to passing a reduced strength magnet where washing occurs, with or without resuspension, after separating out the unbound particles and liquid. The band of particles is subsequently resuspended in acid for chemiluminescent purposes. A variety of magnet configurations are employed to realize the reduced strength magnet. Reduced strength magnets adjacent the full width magnets prevent the band of magnetic particles from becoming split. The localized particles enable more efficient resuspension by reagent.

Abstract: A sample treatment system for automated extraction of compounds is disclosed. The system includes a housing defining an enclosure including a top cover having an open ended well for allowing a sample plate to nest therein, a automated shuttle means for lateral transportation and vertical lifting of both a waste and a collection plate to selectively address an area below the sample plate for the through passage of fluid from the sample plate and a digitally controlled variable speed vacuum pump operatively coupled to said housing for evacuating air from the enclosure to a degree below atmospheric pressure for through passage of fluid from the sample plate to either the waste plate or collection plate. The shuttle means includes motor drives and positive position feedback for precisely laterally and vertically positioning both the waste and collection plates.

Abstract: The invention provides improved systems, devices, and methods for analyzing a large number of sample compounds contained in standard multiwell microtiter plates or other array structures. The multiwell plates travel along a conveyor system to a test station having a microfluidic device. At the test station, each plate is removed from the conveyor and the wells of the multiwell plate are sequentially aligned with an input port of the microfluidic device. After at least a portion of each sample has been input into the microfluidic channel system, the plate is returned to the conveyor system. Pre and/or post testing stations may be disposed along the conveyor system, and the use of an X-Y-Z robotic arm and novel plate support bracket allows each of the samples in the wells to be input into the microfluidic network through a probe affixed to a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to determine whether a container moving along a conveyor is suitable for storing water. The apparatus includes a sampler that obtains a sample from the interior of the container as the container moves along the conveyor. A PID is connected to the sampler to receive the sample and produce a signal corresponding to contents of the sample. A controller is connected to the PID and receives and analyzes the signal to determine whether the container is suitable for storing water. The apparatus may include a vacuum source connected to the PID that produces a reduced pressure for drawing the sample through the PID. A flow restrictor may be positioned between the sampler and PID. The flow restrictor may provide variable resistance to set a desired clearance time through the PID and sensitivity of the PID.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup handling subsystem for an automated clinical chemistry analyzer system which includes a nestable sample cup for holding sample mixtures, a cup dispenser mechanism for holding and dispensing a supply of the cups into a sample shuttle for transporting them, and an incubator for controlling the temperature of the cup and its contents. In one embodiment, the cups include a conical lower portion and a cylindrical upper portion having a top flange, a bottom flange and a groove formed therebetween. An apparatus is provided for holding and dispensing a plurality of such cups including a supply tube for holding the cups in a stack wherein the stack has a bottom-most cup and a next-bottom-most cup located above the bottom-most cup. The apparatus also includes an escapement located at a lower end of the supply tube which includes a disk having an aperture formed therein, a first leaf attached to a top side of the disk and a second leaf attached to a bottom side of the disk.

Abstract: An automated analyzer device has a main conveyance line capable of conveying a sample rack holding a sample, a plurality of analysis units arranged along the main conveyance line, a rack supplying device for supplying the sample rack to the main conveyance line and a rack housing device for housing the sample rack conveyed by the main conveyance line. The automated analyzer includes a controller for confirming that there is no sample rack on the main conveyance line before the main conveyance line receives the sample rack from the rack supplying device. The controller controls operation of the main conveyance line so as to convey the sample rack received from the rack supplying device by the main conveyance line to a position corresponding to a specific one of the plurality of analysis units by which the sample rack is to be received without stopping.

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

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay method and apparatus which not only permit automatic operations of supplying and discarding reaction tubes, washing for B/F separation, dispensation of reagents, and measurement, but also permit the reaction time to be varied arbitrarily and can cope with any of the assay techniques including one-step and two-step noncompetitive sandwich techniques and competitive techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously performing at least two assays using certain reagents for a plurality of liquid samples on a continuous analytical system is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one reagent in a first reaction container to form a first assay reaction for each liquid sample, and combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one of the other reagents in a second reaction container to form a second assay reaction for each liquid sample. The method further comprises the steps of incubating the assay reactions of each assay being conducted at least one time, and performing other activities associated with each assay and using the first and second assay reactions to complete each assay, including analyzing the incubated assay reactions.

Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the automatic reading of an identification code carried by tubular containers (T) arranged in racks, comprising rotating means (M) acting by friction on the tube (T) cylindrical wall through an orifice (OF) provided in one of the two vertical walls (FL.sub.1, FL.sub.2) which extend longitudinally relative to the displacement axis of the racks (R) to cause the tube to rotate during the code reading phase. The invention is useful for identifying sample tubes when they are introduced into a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A liquid-processing apparatus for processing vital specimens, such as an automatic staining apparatus for staining specimens of vital tissues or the like for microscopic examination, has a cabinet (7) internally provided with a lower plate (8) and an upper plate (9). Rinsing vessels (10) and chemical solution vessels (11) are placed on the lower panel (8), and chemical solution vessels (11) are placed on the upper plate (9). A hanger arm (24) supporting a staining basket (13) containing glass slides carrying specimens affixed thereto moves longitudinally in a lower space (26) extending over the lower plate (8) or an upper space (28) extending over the upper plate (9). The staining basket (13) can be moved between the spaces (26, 28) through a passage (29) formed in the upper plate (9). The liquid-processing apparatus requires a small floor space for installation and can be installed in a small place.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer has a plurality of analytical units to which analysis items are allocated. When necessity of execution of calibration or accuracy management occurs, a display block relating to an occurrence cause on a state inspection screen flickers. When a receiving button corresponding to the flickering display block is instructed, the related analysis item name and analytical unit name are displayed in the display area and calibration or accuracy management is executed.

Abstract: The automatic pretreatment system for analyzing component of a specimen includes a pouring section for pouring a predetermined solvent into a distribution vial in which the specimen is accommodated, a shaking section for shaking the distribution vial after the solvent is poured, and a distribution section for distributing the specimen liquid in the distribution vial into one or more test vials after shaking. The sending and receiving of the vial between each of the sections, the supply of the test vial into the distribution section, and treatment in each of the sections are carried out automatically.

Abstract: The stat shuttle adapter and transport device includes a conveyor with a movable platform for securement of the stat shuttle adapter. The stat shuttle adapter is a universal holding device that includes a carrier housing having male and female surfaces that engage complementary shaped female or male surfaces of a rack that is held by the carrier housing. The conveyor has a forward load position wherein racks are loaded onto the carrier housing. The conveyor also has a rearward unload position wherein the loaded rack is locked onto the carrier housing to facilitate removal of the contents of the rack from the carrier housing without upsetting the rack. A latch device on the carrier housing is normally biased to a lock position but is maintained in an unlock position when the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor. A latch engagement device on the conveyor maintains the latch in the unlock position while the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor.

Abstract: A vial carrier having plural reagent compartments disposed linearly along the length of the carrier. Each compartment is adapted for receiving one of plural reagent vials. The carrier is provided with indicia uniquely identifying it to an automated assay device. Similarly, each compartment of the carrier has associated with it indicia which are at least unique to the particular carrier. Lastly, each vial installable within a carrier compartment has indicia unique to the contents of the vial. A film seal is applied to the vial opening prior to an integrated cap/seal assembly for the purpose of ensuring that the assembly is liquid-tight. The carrier is configured to be disposed on a slide of an inclining tray within an enclosure. Data reflecting which vial is located in which compartment of a given carrier is collected and provided to the automated instrument prior to installation of the carrier into the enclosure.

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

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, this invention includes an integrated robot apparatus for performing combinatorial chemistry synthesis protocols and having interchangeable work-stations, robot arm tools, and reaction vessels and reaction vessel arrays. The work-stations and tools are specialized to perform tasks necessary for the synthesis in a plurality of the reaction vessels grouped in a plurality of the reaction vessel arrays. Preferably, these elements function interchangeably because they have standardized sizes and conformation. The work-stations and tools include those for fluid dispensing or aspirating from individual reaction vessels or from all the reaction vessels in an array simultaneously. The reaction vessels can include, alternatively, stackable, ball-sealed reaction vessels, microtitre-like reaction vessel arrays, arrays of independent reaction vessels, valve-sealed reaction vessels, septum-sealed reaction vessels, and syringe reaction vessels.

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

Abstract: An automated assaying system is disclosed having a multiplicity of lumens oriented and controllable in clusters. The lumens are portrayed in a matrix, wherein each row of the matrix consists of one such cluster that is individually controllable for aspiration and dispensation purposes. Also provided is a unique wash system capable of flushing the entirety of the system. A method is also depicted for accomplishing this unique assaying.

Abstract: A method of measuring a melting temperature of a nucleic acid, which comprises a step of monitoring the fluorescent intensity of a mixture of a sample and a probe which is labeled with a fluorescent intercalative dye and contains a base sequence complementary to a specific nucleic acid in the sample, while varying the temperature of the mixture.

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

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

Abstract: Test sample cards containing biological samples are moved through an analytical instrument past a card detection device and detected by the device. The card detection device has an actuator that reciprocates relative to a housing between first and second positions. The actuator has a surface that comes into contact with the card as the card is moved past the device. The actuator carries an optical interrupt flag which is used in conjunction with an optical sensor placed in proximity to the actuator. When the card comes into contact with the actuator, the actuator is moved from the first position to the second, or retracted position. This action moves the flag relative to the optical sensor, triggering the optical sensor and a detection of the card. In one possible embodiment, multiple cards are placed in a cassette for movement around the instrument. The cassette has a number of slots for the cards, one card per slot.

Abstract: Methods of allocating resources in a system comprising at least two instruments are provided. In one such method, a list of tests to be performed by the system within a reaction vessel is generated. The list includes a number of reaction vessels used in performing each test to be performed by the system in a given time period. The list of tests is sorted according to the number of reaction vessels used in performing each test to be performed by the system in a given time period. A duplication percentage for the tests is determined. The duplication percentage is compared with the sorted list of tests. Resources associated with the tests are duplicated across the at least two instruments based on the comparison of the duplication percentage with the sorted list of tests such that at least one of the tests is performed by at least two of the at least two instruments.

Abstract: A sample analysis system includes blood serum analysis units, blood plasma analysis units and urine analysis units which are arranged along a main conveyor line. The width size of each analysis unit on the side along the main conveyor line is the same. Each analysis unit can be removed integral with a sampling line and its rack transfer device from, the main conveyor line. Removed analysis units can be replaced by each other without changing the entry and exit positions for the sample rack. The conveyor line has the same number of line frame segments as the number of the analysis units.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.