Abstract: A method of analyzing samples of whole blood from a patient is disclosed which involves determining whether or not there is a significant difference or change in the comparative determinants of hypercoagulability in the sample. The comparative determinants are derived using two or more different detection systems, or two or more components of a single detection system, especially two or more probes, which provide variable force-induced energy inputs to the samples being measured in order to identify the presence of incipiency of a symptomatic or asymptomatic pathology caused by, or leading to, differences or changes in hypercoagulability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for mixing a liquid with another liquid or a solid material by blowing a gas onto the surface of the liquid. The invention further relates to a system for implementing said method. Gas is blown onto the surface of the liquid from a distance which can be adjusted by determining the level of the liquid. A system of the invention, hence, comprises a device for blowing a gas onto the surface of a liquid and a device for detecting the level of a liquid.

Abstract: The method of diluting a fluid sample for analysis in a sample analysis system includes the provision of an aspiration probe with two interior sections. The first interior section of the probe has a first diameter and is proximate the aspiration opening of the probe. The second interior section of the probe has a second diameter of greater magnitude than the first diameter and is located distally of the first section. The probe aspirates in consecutive order selected amounts of fluid sample and diluent into the first interior section of the probe. The fluid sample and diluent are mixed in the second interior section of the probe by moving the sample and diluent back and forth in the second interior section a predetermined number of times. The back and forth movement of diluent and fluid sample in the second interior section of the probe provides substantially uniform mixing of the sample and diluent. The use of a Teflon.RTM.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining actual liquid volumes in vessels in an incubator rotor that experiences vertical run-out as it rotates past stations that fill the vessels with liquid. Air pressure is used to determine the height of the bottom of each of the empty vessels, and then the height of the liquid that fills the vessels, so that the difference in height is converted into volume to compare with the desired and expected volume for the operation that does the volume-filling.

Abstract: A system for dosing liquids includes a dosing device, a device for operating the dosing device, a device for entering data and a unit for calculating the dosing displacement. Data are allocated to a dosing device according to the invention which are characteristic for the inside diameter of the dosing device and thus enable precise dosing. In addition the invention concerns a method for dosing using the system according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for determining and correcting for the variations in height of a rotor as it wobbles when rotating past a particular critical circumferential position. The method comprises sensing a reference surface of each vessel in the rotor that is to be filled during the use of the rotor in an incubator, as a tare height of the vessel, so that the effect of the vertical run-out is known and corrected for by the computer. Air pressure is used to detect the reference surface, either from a vessel-wash probe connected to the source of air pressure, or a separate sensor probe.

Abstract: A carousel receives a plurality of removable reagent containers, a turntable receives a plurality of sample fluid containers and a rotatable cuvette assembly holds an annular array of reaction and test cuvettes. A robotic arm carrying a fluid transfer needle coupled to a pair of syringes picks up one or more reagents and sample fluid for deposit into a cuvette. As the arm moves the needle tip exterior is washed and contaminants sent to a waste collector. At the end of a test cycle, the needle core is flushed and cleaned. A colorimetry photometric test is performed on the reacted fluids in each cuvette by a system employing ten interference filters, corresponding diode detectors and amplifiers employing two identical multiplexers providing identical filtered signals for logarithmic calculation of absorbance.

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: Apparatus for optimizing a treatment for removing organic substances from a chemical process stream wherein known quantities and kinds of organic or other compounds are injected into and dissolved in the stream prior to treatment thereof. Samples of the compounds are extracted from the stream before and after treatment thereof and compared with one another to determine the efficiency of the treatment. The injecting apparatus is one that enables a substance that is at least partially immiscible with the liquid of the stream to be injected into the stream at a velocity sufficiently great to cause adequate dissolution of the substance in the stream.

Abstract: The particle measuring apparatus includes a specimen pipetting section for pipetting a specimen liquid, a reagent dispensing section for dispensing a reagent, a mixing section for receiving the specimen liquid supplied by the specimen pipetting section and the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing section and a flow cell for receiving the specimen liquid and the reagent transferred from the mixing section and measuring particles therein; the pipet being so constructed as to be positioned in a first state of picking up the specimen liquid as well as in a second state of supplying the specimen liquid into the mixing section, the mixing section being open when the pipet is in the first state, the mixing section being kept closed by the pipet in the second state so that the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing section can press and transfer the specimen liquid in the mixing section out toward the particle measuring section.

Abstract: A device for agitating and taking samples of blood products from tubes which are closed by stoppers and grouped together in a rack. The device includes a rack support adapted for holding at least one rack, at least one rack held by the rack support which is capable of holding a plurality of tubes with each tube being held in a selected position, a sampling station from which a sample of blood product can be withdrawn from a tube, a gripping device which is capable of taking hold and withdrawing from the rack one of the tubes at a selected position, bringing the tube to the sampling station and back to the selected position without agitation and replacing the tube in its selected position, and a drive device for displacing the gripping device. The device of the invention further includes a device for agitating the rack support and the rack which is operable during operation of the device for bringing and a device for withdrawing.

Abstract: An aspirator/dispenser of liquid has a sensor for sensing contact with the liquid by the dispense vessel, which uses constant pressure air expelled out the tip of the dispense vessel. The sensor is improved in that the line of air pressure feeding into the vessel is vented in parallel with the vessel, to the atmosphere, so that the spike of pressure occurring when the vessel encounters the liquid, is released out the vent, rather than the vessel, thus avoiding bubble formation in the liquid.

Abstract: When conducting preprocessing to extract targeted components sample solution, the purpose is to be able to conduct the processing in a shortened length of time by greatly shortening the entire processing time, even if the number being processed is increased. A single needle holder, to which a single needle nozzle is attached to take sample solution into test tubes arranged in a sample rack and inject the sample solution into solid phase extraction tubes, and a multiple linked needle holder for injecting solvent, to which multiple needle nozzles are attached to simultaneously supply multiple solid phase extraction tubes with solvent, are mounted interchangeable on a head, the movement of which can be controlled in the directions of three orthogonal axes; and when aforementioned needle holders are mounted on said head, flow rate control pumps, which are switchable between the intake and discharge directions, are mounted through the piping which connects those needle nozzles with the solvent supply sources.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventionl hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cyometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: An automated sample analysis instrument positively identifies and maintains the identity of a plurality of patient samples contained in individual sample containers. The invention prevents sample misidentification, especially when patient sample must be transferred from one sample container to reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates. Rows of reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates are processed in parallel so the difference in reaction time between any two wells on a plate is four minutes or less. Reaction wells are washed with high-pressure jets of wash solution and are aspirated so as to advantageously utilize fluid meniscus on top of fluid contained in the wells. The apparatus can be adjusted to perform a variety of different ELISA-type tests.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus has a transfer device having a movable gripper, a pipetting device having a movable nozzle and a measuring unit. One of a plurality of tips arranged on a tip rack and one of a plurality of vessels arranged on a vessel rack are held by the gripper to be set in a tip holder. A nozzle pushes the tip on the tip holder to connect to the tip. A sample and reagents are delivered into a vessel on the tip holder by the tip connected to the nozzle. The used tip is detached from the nozzle. The vessel containing a reaction mixture is transferred to a sucking position with the gripper after incubation, and the reaction mixture is introduced into the measuring unit. The used vessel is transferred to a waste box with the gripper.

Abstract: When spotting a sample liquid onto a plurality of frameless chemical analysis films, a predetermined amount of the sample liquid is sucked into a spotting tip, the lower end of the spotting tip is brought into contact with the surface of each chemical analysis film and the pressure in the spotting tip is increased to discharge the sample liquid therein onto the surface of the chemical analysis film while lifting the spotting tip away from the surface of the film.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventional hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cytometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: A tube is inserted into a first liquid layer, and an air bubble is generated at a tip opening of the tube. The tube is then moved toward a second liquid layer while retaining the air bubble, and a change in the internal pressure of the tube caused by the air bubble reaching the boundary between the first and second liquid layers is detected. After the tip opening of the tube is raised to the top surface of the first liquid layer, the first liquid is sucked up by the tube while the tube is moved to the position where the pressure change was detected.

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

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

Abstract: A dispensing device having a flexible tube provided with a pipetting nozzle at an end, a washing solution supplier supplying washing solution to the flexible tube and the pipetting nozzle, a syringe connected to another end of the flexible tube and a control section for controlling the driving of the syringe. The control section of the present invention includes a syringe driving compensator by which the washing solution is supplied into or discharged out of the syringe in an amount compensate for the variation in the inner volume of the tube caused by reduction in the liquid pressure when the washing solution is transmitted from the washing solution supplier into the flexible tube. The liquid surface of the washing solution contained in the pipetting nozzle is maintained at a constant level by actuating the driving compensator in response to the completion of washing of the pipetting nozzle with the washing solution.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide apparatuses and methods for preparing fluid. In one method, a heater thermally associated with a housing for receiving fluid is operated to apply thermal energy to the housing. A second predetermined volume of a second fluid is introduced to the housing. The second predetermined volume of the second fluid is moved with the housing for a first predetermined time period. The first predetermined volume of the first fluid is introduced to the housing. The first predetermined volume of first fluid and the second predetermined volume of second fluid are moved with the housing for a second predetermined time period. The first predetermined volume of first fluid and the second predetermined volume of second fluid are removed from the housing. Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising a first housing for containing fluid. A second housing is operatively connected with the first housing.

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

Abstract: An automated system is provided for carrying out nucleic acid based assays on a plurality of liquid samples with little or no intervention by a human operator. The system includes at least one reaction station adapted to hold and apply controlled amounts of heat to a plurality of reaction devices in which the liquid samples are receivable. Each of the reaction devices includes a sample area for receiving a liquid sample, a reaction area into which the liquid sample is movable to carry out a nucleic acid decontamination or amplification reaction on the sample, and a pneumatic port for allowing air to be aspirated from and dispensed into the reaction device to move the sample between the sample area and the reaction area.

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

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

Abstract: A fluid sensing pipette includes an outer conductive tube forming a first electrode and an inner conductive tube forming a second electrode. The inner conductive tube is disposed concentrically within the outer conductive tube. To insulate the inner conductive tube from the outer conductive tube, the inner conductive tube is coated with a thin, uniform, and consistent Parylene coating. A hydrophobic polymeric tube is disposed concentrically within the inner conductive tube to prevent cross-contamination between different biological samples aspirated into the pipette. The inner and outer conductive tubes are separately coupled to a level detection circuit which permits the pipette to detect entry of the pipette into a conductive fluid. The level detection circuit determines the impedance between the first and second electrodes and produces a control signal in response to the impedance falling below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the sample delivery stylus tubing of spiral platers to prevent the carry over of disinfectants or microbes to succeeding samples by maintaining working levels of liquids in the containers to within prescribed limits so as to assure the cleaning of the stylus relative to a defined depth of immersion in the preceding cleaning or sample intake station. Containers are marked to identify the minimum required and maximum allowable levels, providing the basis for the timing and amount of liquid to be replenished. To minimize the frequency of replenishments, a digital (microprocessor implemented) control is used to avoid the use of excess liquids, beyond that needed to assure effective cleaning.

Abstract: A bubble flushing syringe for aspirating and dispensing fluids through an open-ended tip with precision and volumetric accuracy is disclosed. The syringe comprises a piston within a bore formed by a generally cylindrical wall having a closed end and an open end, wherein the piston forms an annulus with the wall and closed end of the bore, and is capable of reciprocating therein. The syringe further comprises an annular seal seated in the open end of the bore and circumventing the piston to close the annulus sufficiently snug to retain fluid when the piston reciprocates therethrough. An inlet for directing fluid to the annulus through the wall of the bore and an outlet for directing fluid from the annulus through the wall of the bore to the open-ended tip are positioned proximal to the annular seal and the line generally axially therebetween. A drive device is connected to the piston for reciprocating the piston within the bore.

Abstract: A device for delivering a serum sample from a blood collection tube into one or more sample vessels or reaction vessels, including a pair of arms which are arranged movably in opposite directions, a motor for driving the arms to selectively grasp the blood collection tube, a block to which the arms are provided, a motor for rotating the block over 135 degrees, a needle-like suction nozzle secured to the block, a syringe having a main body coupled with the suction nozzle and a piston arranged movably within the main body, a motor for driving a piston of the syringe, a slide block on which the block is arranged rotatably, a motor for moving the slide block in right and left directions, a base member arranged movably up and down, and a motor for driving the base member up and down.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a multiple sample transfer device which includes a plurality of hollow pistons disposed in a like number of cylindrical channels and connected to a moving plate to permit simultaneous movement of the pistons. At the lower end of each channel is a removable pipette tip. An apparatus is provided to bring a multiwell sample tray into operating engagement with the pipette tips. Flexible tubes are attached between the upper ends of the hollow pistons and a liquid reservoir. Clamping devices are provided to permit the selective pinching or opening of the tubes. When the tubes are pinched, the pistons can be used in either liquid-back-filled or air displacement modes to aspirate and dispense liquids from and to the sample tray. When the tubes are selectively sequentially pinched or open, aspiration and dispensing can be controlled by the timing of the pinching and the provision of vacuum or pressure in the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device which delivers microliter and sub-microliter volumes by means of a reciprocating force mechanism requires no capillary contact between the delivery system and work surface. Furthermore, a built-in vacuum-based rinse station permits the user to dispense a variety of fluids while avoiding complex and time consuming changes to the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a probe used in analytic equipment--for example, that used in analysis of body fluids--in order to reduce carry-over of materials from one sample to the next. A probe wash is provided in which the simultaneous introduction of pressurized air and water creates a turbulent flow including the use of a pressurized gas stream of short duration to blow the residue of the previous sample out of the probe prior to washing with additional diluent liquid. Also, a waste receptacle is provided which uses a filtered air vent and a liquid saturated material around the probe receiving opening to prevent the escape of aerosols from the receptacle.

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

Abstract: A pipette tip assembly is provided which includes one or more pipette tips, a tip support and a tip holder which is movable between a tip-holding and a tip-releasing position. Additionally, a pipette tip assembly is provided which includes one or more pipette tips and a tip holder which has tapered apertures therein. Methods of using such assemblies are further provided. The invention provides pipette tip assemblies that facilitate secure transport, minimal handling and convenient and user-controlled operation.

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

Abstract: An analytical device incorporating a system for suspending particles includes a conveying device for positioning a pipetting needle at a distance from the central longitudinal axis of the reaction vessel. Particles are suspended by delivering amounts of liquid reagent to two different positions at a predetermined distance from the central longitudinal axis of a reaction vessel, such delivery generates a flow in the reaction vessel which suspends particles exclusively by injection of liquid, thus avoiding the need for subsequent shaking.

Abstract: An analytical device incorporating a system for suspending particles includes a conveying device for positioning a pipetting needle at a distance from the central longitudinal axis of the reaction vessel. Particles are suspended by delivering amounts of liquid reagent to two different positions at a predetermined distance from the central longitudinal axis of a reaction vessel, such delivery generates a flow in the reaction vessel which suspends particles exclusively by injection of liquid, thus avoiding the need for subsequent shaking.

Abstract: A liquid-handling instrument has a worksurface with registration for modular stations to support containers of liquid, pipette apparatus with a pipette tip coupled to a sensing circuit, a robotic translation system for moving the pipette tip, and a control system with an iconic user interface for programming and editing. A gauge block registered on the worksurface provides for calibration using the sensing tip, and register cavities on the worksurface provide for modular stations. There is a wash station fop the pipette tip on the worksurface. An automated laboratory based on the liquid-handling system has heating and cooling and a sealable incubation station as well as a magnetic separation station. Methods are disclosed using the apparatus to convey droplets of liquid, to aspirate with minimum tip contamination, to mix liquids in containers, and to validate the worksurface.

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

Abstract: A novel fluid sampling device has been developed. This device provides for sample entry to be handled automatically by the instrument, thus allowing the operator to be involved in other activities while the sampling process is underway. It also assures reproduceable sample size, automatically cleans the sampling device between samples, and reduces the risk of user injury. Furthermore, the sampling system allows for the use of any forseeable collection mechanism.

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: 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 chemical analyzer includes a transport mechanism having a rotatable turntable adapted to hold a plurality of reagent test slides, a sample metering device, an incubator or temperature controller, a reflectometer and associated electronics and software. The rotatable turntable preferably holds up to twelve slides about its circumference, which slides are loaded onto the turntable by an inserter mechanism. The turntable positions the reagent test slides under the metering device, which device deposits a predetermined amount of sample onto each slide. The turntable also carries the slides above a reflectometer. After testing has been completed, an ejector mechanism automatically removes the reagent slides from the turntable.

Abstract: An electropneumatic apparatus for sampling rapidly predetermined volumes of a mixture, to be connected to a computer.

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: A syringe is depressurized to suck a slight amount of air into the tip portion of a probe of a probe assembly, forming an air layer. Then, the syringe is depressurized again to suck into the probe assembly a sample to be discharged into a reaction container. Accordingly, the target sample to be discharged, the air layer and extruding water are placed into the probe assembly in the named order from the tip portion of the probe.

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.