Systems and methods for managing a sample preparation and analysis system based on detected unique sample identities and locations is described. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, storing on a sample analysis information system a sample type and a sample type protocol for execution by a sample preparation system via a sample data manager; storing on the sample analysis information system an association between a unique identifier positioned on a sample container and the sample type with a sample logging manager; identifying the unique identifier at the sample preparation system with an identifier capture device of the sample preparation system; accessing from the sample analysis information system the sample type protocol based on the sample type associated with the unique identifier; and queuing a sampling procedure to execute the sample type protocol based on a sample order assigned to the sample type via the sample data manager.

The present invention relates to a method and a system (400) for filling a closed container (200) with a fixative solution. The system comprises a container (200) comprising a container body (230) for receiving a biological specimen, a lid (220) for selectively closing the container body (230) and a port (100) forming a unidirectional barrier in a direction from the inside (IC) to the outside (OC) of the closed container (200). The system further comprises a dispensing apparatus (500) having a filling nozzle (300) for dispensing the fixative solution. The filling nozzle (300) is relatively moveable with respect to the container (200) between a retracted position and a filling position to fill the container (200) with the fixative solution.

Disposition of a wrong liquid for analysis or a liquid for analysis connected to a wrong pipe is detected as abnormal use. A liquid-for-analysis monitor includes: a weighing scale that weighs a container that contains a liquid as a liquid for analysis that needs to be used in analysis; a density storing part that stores a density of the liquid for analysis; and a liquid-for-analysis determining part configured to obtain a variation M between a weight of the container weighed by the weighing scale before a decreasing operation that decreases the liquid for analysis and a weight of the container weighed by the weighing scale after the decreasing operation, and determine whether the liquid for analysis has been normally used in the decreasing operation or not, based on the obtained variation M, a volume V of the decrease in the liquid in the container in the decreasing operation, and the density of the liquid for analysis stored in the density storing part.

An ultra-high-speed fully automatic precision spectral analysis system for rare earth metals and its working method is disclosed. The system includes a central control server, a precision numerical control rotary table communicatively connected with the central control server, a sample loading-clamping device, an automatic weighing device, an automatic ranging device, an analyzing surface machining device, a rare-earth spark emission spectrometer, and an automatic marking device; the sample loading-clamping device is arranged to fix a test sample of a rare earth metal, the automatic weighing device is arranged to weigh the test sample in real time, and the automatic ranging device, the analyzing surface machining device, the rare-earth spark emission spectrometer, and the automatic marking device are set up around the precision numerical control rotary table to perform the corresponding work processes respectively.

Provided is a powder collector or the like, which is capable of efficiently performing the work of collecting each powder of a different kind and the like while easily preventing a foreign matter such as another kind of powder from being mixed. The powder collector includes: a connecting part (12) having an air passage (11) that is to be removably connected to a pipe (35) for air intake and air supply; a collecting part (14) having an air passage (13) in which powder is collected to be kept through use of a suction force caused by air intake from the pipe (35) reaching the air passage (13) of the collecting part (14) through the air passage (11) of the connecting part (12) and from which the collected powder is discharged through use of a discharge force caused by air supply from the pipe (35); a first filter part (15), which is arranged at a midway position of the air passage (13) of the collecting part (14) and is configured to block passage of the powder to be collected; a relaying part (17) having an air passage (16) connecting the air passage (11) of the connecting part (12) and the collecting part (14) to each other; and a second filter part (18), which is arranged at a midway position of the air passage (16) of the relaying part (17) or in an end portion of the relaying part (17) on the connecting part (12) side, and is configured to block passage of the powder having passed through the first filter part (15).

An apparatus for processing a biological sample for optical analysis having a cartridge with a sample supply container and a couvette, a cartridge/magazine holding the cartridge, and a cassette fan positioned over the cartridge. A filter cassette is mounted within the cassette fan, wherein the filter cassette has an inlet for receiving a sample from the sample supply container, an outlet for discharging the filter sample into the couvette, and valves therein to manipulate the sample for filtering. A cassette clamp is positioned over the filter cassette to secure the cassette and operate the filter cassette. A method for implementing this apparatus is also described herein. Additionally an apparatus is used for and a method measures waste fluid that passes over a filter element to control the amount of rinse fluid passing over the filter element.

A sample-handling-module (10) and an apparatus (1) for calibrating a multi-channel liquid handling device are disclosed. The sample-handling-module cooperates with a weighing balance (11) with a load receiver (16). The sample-handling module has a holding device (20) with holders (22), arranged sequentially and equally spaced apart, configured to receive receptacles (26). A supporting device (30) has an array of tines (32) to laterally support the holders when the holders dismount from the load receiver. An actuating device (44) is operatively connected to the holders through the array of tines. The actuating device mounts the holders onto the load receiver, one at a time, by disengaging the corresponding tines. A system and a method of operating the actuating device are also disclosed. The sample-handling-module of the present invention is modular and compact thus making it easier to manufacture, operate, repair, and service.

The invention relates to a device for dispensing powder, comprising at least one storage tank (1) provided with a cap (2) comprising a flow orifice (3) for the powder. According to the invention, the device comprises a shutter (8) provided with an aperture (9) and fitted so as to be able to move relative to the cap between a shut position preventing the powder from flowing and an open position allowing the powder to flow through the aperture of the shutter, a channel (12) passing through the shutter so as to extend on either side of the aperture of the shutter in a direction that is substantially transverse to the flow of the powder, and means for creating a relative motion between the cap and the shutter in order to move the shutter between its two positions, said means being connected to a control unit (20) that is connected to contactless means for detecting the flow of the powder, the detecting means comprising, at a first end of the channel of the shutter, at least one emitter (21) emitting a wave into the channel and, at a second end of the channel, at least one receiver (22) for detecting the emitted wave. The invention also relates to a workstation comprising such a device for dispensing powder.

A sample analyzer is provided that does not require a plurality of reagent containers containing the same type of reagent to be connected, that can continue measurement even when a reagent container becomes empty, and that allows the timing of replacement of the reagent container to be recognized suitably. A reagent storage section is provided that is connected to a reagent container containing a reagent through a fluid channel and that stores the reagent transferred from the reagent container. A message for prompting replacement of the reagent container is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent container is a predetermined amount or less. A message for prompting to suspend sample measurement in the measurement section is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent storage section is a predetermined amount or less.

Gas supply device, comprising a frame equipped with a base and accommodating a plurality of pressurised fluid cylinders connected to a fluidic circuit comprising a first connection end connected to the cylinders and a second end comprising at least one fluidic connection intended to be connected removably to an extraction or filling element for the cylinders, the frame comprising on one of its faces at least one opening giving access to at least one connection of the circuit, the frame also comprising at least one attachment element provided to cooperate with a lifting device.