A feeding system (2) for feeding disc-shaped objects such as sample cups (4) to an analyzer. The system (2) includes as infeed trade (22) angled downward from horizontal and the outfeed track (24) angled downward, plus a reject chute. The disc feeding system (2) uses two RFID readers/writers, one (32) a standalone desktop and a second (190) proximate the sample bay of the analyzer for more comprehensive track-and-trace capability. The information read from the cup (4) tag as it is scanned is also stored with the resultant spectra so that predictive processing is applied properly and without error. For post scan (after the sample scan is completed) the scan information itself may be written directly to the sample cup RFID tag including, reflection/transmission, characteristics, constituent results etc.

A model-based method for quantifying a specimen. The method includes providing a specimen, capturing images of the specimen while illuminated by multiple spectra at different nominal wavelengths, and exposures, and classifying the specimen into various class types comprising one or more of serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if used), air, tube, label, or cap; and quantifying of the specimen. Quantifying includes determining one or more of: a location of a liquid-air interface, a location of a serum-blood interface, a location of a serum-gel interface, a location of a blood-gel interface, a volume and/or a depth of the serum or plasma portion, or a volume and/or a depth of the settled blood portion. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

There is provided a light source and an automatic analyzer, which stabilize an amount of light while covering a wide wavelength band used in the automatic analyzer.

The light source of the present invention includes a substrate, a first LED provided on the substrate, and a phosphor that converts an excitation light of the first LED into a broadband light, in which the temperature sensor is embedded in the phosphor together with the first LED. Further, the automatic analyzer of the present invention includes an absorbance measuring unit having this light source, and a reaction disk on which a reaction vessel for containing a reaction solution measured by the absorbance measuring unit is mounted.

A system (100) is provided for an automated analyzer (10) having an analyzer arrangement (20) configured to consume liquid consumables (30L) when in an active mode (12). The liquid consumables (30L) are delivered to the automated analyzer (10) via consumables containers (30). The system (100) comprises a storage magazine (120) configured to removably hold at least one of the consumables containers (30), a tray (150) configured to manually receive one or more of the consumables containers (30) from an operator at least while the analyzer arrangement (20) is in the active mode (12), and a transfer system (250) configured to transfer one or more of the consumables containers (30) at least between the tray (150) and the storage magazine (120). The transfer system (250) transfers one or more of the consumables containers (30) to or from the storage magazine (120) at least while the tray (150) manually receives one or more of the consumables containers (30) from the operator.

Methods and apparatus to mitigate bubble formation in a liquid are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a bottom wall, a first baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall, and a second baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall. The first baffle is spaced apart from the second baffle, and the first baffle and the second baffle are positioned radially relative to an axis of rotation of the apparatus.

According to one embodiment, an automatic container processing apparatus includes a tube socket, an operation part, and a control device. The tube socket has a container holding part for holding a container. The operation part is capable of operating the container holding part of the tube socket. The control device controls the operation part. The container held by the container holding part is dropped by operating the operation part.

A sample handling device for a laboratory automation system comprising a first carousel with a disc supported on a first axis, a second carousel with a disc supported on a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a transfer element between the first and second carousels is presented. Each disc has recesses distributed radially about the disc perimeter. Each recess receives a tube carrier. The first carousel and the second carousel connect via a passage for transferring sample tube carriers between the first and second carousels. The transfer element is a track switch which when in a rest position partly closes the passage to separate the first carousel from the second carousel. The track switch is swiveled and/or rotated about a third axis parallel to the first axis out of the rest position for transferring a tube carrier from the first carousel to the second carousel via the passage.

Provided is a container autorotation device and method. The container autorotation device comprises a conveying rack used for conveying a plurality of containers, at least one container base connected therewith and comprising a container clamping end and a driving end, and a driving component used for driving the container base to autorotate and comprising a motor and a clamping part driven by the motor. A slot matched with the driving end is formed in the clamping part such that when the driving end moves into the slot and stay, the driving end is driven by the clamping part to rotate. The slot in the clamping part is designed so that the driving end is pushed against the slot when entering the slot and rotating in the slot. Autorotation is achieved with mutual cooperation between the clamping part and the driving end.

A storage device includes a plurality of storage locations on a carousel, as well as a tube picker adapted to access tubes in a tube rack located in a one of several nests by a tube gripper. The tube picker is arranged at the top of the carousel. The nests are rotatable with the carousel while the tube gripper is stationary. The same tube rack handler is provided for moving tube racks between the storage locations, the nests, and an external system.

A sample receptacle transporting carrier includes a base defining a recess for receiving a bottom end of the sample receptacle. The carrier also includes a plurality of resilient wire fingers affixed to and extending upward from the annular support. The fingers are configured to retain the bottom end of the sample receptacle within the recess of the base and to maintain the sample receptacle in an upright orientation. Each of the wire fingers includes a first segment adjacent to the base, a linear second segment joined to the first segment by a first angled portion, and a linear third segment joined to the second linear segment by a second angled portion. The third segment of each finger is configured to contact the bottom end of the receptacle as the receptacle is inserted into the carrier. The third segment and the vertical axis of the carrier form an angle between about 40? and about 50?.