An automated analyzer is provided with one or more dispensing lines 109, 209 that are each for loading and unloading, at one end thereof, a sample rack 101 having placed therein one or more sample containers accommodating a sample for analysis and for conveying the sample rack back and forth from a dispensing position for dispensing the sample from the sample containers and sample rack removal parts 111, 211 that are provided adjacent to the other ends of the dispensing lines 109, 209 and provide and receive sample racks to and from the dispensing lines 109, 209. According to this configuration, it is possible to convey an urgent sample while suppressing device complexity, preventing cost from increasing, and also maintaining speed.

A technique is provided for incorporating pneumatic control in centrifugal microfluidics. The technique involves providing a chip controller that has pressurized fluid supply lines for coupling one or more pressurized chambers of the controller with ports of a microfluidic chip. At least part of the chip controller is mounted to a centrifuge for rotation with the chip. A flow control device is provided in each supply line for selectively controlling the pressurized fluid supply, and is electrically controlled. Bubble mixing, on and off-chip valving, and switching are demonstrated.

This automated analyzer comprises: a sample disk for mounting sample containers accommodating samples; a sample disk control unit for controlling the rotation of the sample disk; a sample dispensing probe for sucking the sample out of a sample container that has arrived at a prescribed suction position as a result of the rotation of the sample disk; a photometer for carrying out automatic biochemical analysis; a blood coagulation time detection unit for carrying out blood coagulation time analysis; a light-blocking cover that covers the photometer and blood coagulation time detection unit; and a sample information output unit for outputting sample information. The sample information output unit acquires analysis information indicating the analysis state of the mounted samples and position information indicating the positions of the samples as sample disk monitor information 401 and displays the analysis information, the position information, and an image 402 showing the light-blocking cover on the imaging unit so as to overlap.

An interactive test method, device and system are disclosed. An interactive test method, applicable to a product to be tested, including: obtaining an identification of the product to be tested; obtaining test conditions corresponding to the product to be tested according to the identification, wherein the test conditions include a test type, a test location, a test case and the attribute information of the test case; transmitting a first instruction including the test location to an actuating device; transmitting a second instruction including the test case and the attribute information of the test case to a test device; and obtaining test data transmitted by the test device and obtained by performing a test according to the first instruction and the second instruction, and comparing the test data with the test case to obtain a test result.

Controlling a valveless microfluidic device using rotational and pistoning motion is disclosed. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a stage to support a valveless microfluidic device, the stage having a bottom surface coupled with an extension, having a threaded portion, and defining an interior volume; a first motor including a powered rotating portion operable to engage with the threaded portion to induce a z-axis motion of the stage; a second motor including a powered rotating portion coupled with a slidable coupler, the slidable coupler engaging the interior volume to induce a second motion of the stage about the z-axis; a base defining an aperture to receive the stage; and a lid having a subset of the plurality of apertures corresponding to a subset of a plurality of apertures defined by the valveless microfluidic device upon positioning of the stage by the first motor and the second motor.

Disclosed is a specimen measurement apparatus that includes a measurement unit configured to measure a specimen; a detector configured to detect at least one of a container that can store the specimen or a cap of the container; and a movement mechanism configured to move at least one of the container or the detector. In the specimen measurement apparatus, the detector detects at least one of the container and the cap in a state where the movement mechanism is moving the container relative to the detector.

An instrument turntable is presented which allows an instrument to be installed into an automated system, yet that will still allow an operator to use the instrument manually, even while the automated system is running, without ever removing the instrument from the automated system.

An incubation system for use in an in vitro diagnostic analyzer utilizes a fixed base and a rotatable ring that holds reaction cuvettes. Thermal regulation is provided by directly mounting a heating element to the rotatable ring and controlling the temperature using a temperature controller and thermal sensor for detecting the temperature of the ring, either of which may be mounted to the ring.

A device for purification of samples, comprising a rotatable carousel with container-receiving positions, each for receiving a container. A fixed circuit board is attached to one side of the carousel, wherein the fixed circuit board comprises a toothed rack guide for vertically moving an aspiration needle up and down; a motor for actuating the toothed rack; light barriers for determining the angle of rotation of the carousel; and bubble sensors for monitoring aspiration of fluids from the containers and rinsing of the aspiration needle. The rotatable carousel comprises four vertically on top of each other arranged levels. A first level comprises injector assemblies for dispensing fluids and an aspiration needle rinsing station for cleaning of the vertically crossing aspiration needle. A second level comprises a plurality of container-receiving positions, each for receiving a container. A third level comprises stacked printed circuit boards. A fourth level comprises a base plate.