A seed sampling system is provided comprising an automated seed loading assembly operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds or enable loading of individually stored seeds and an automated seed sampling assembly comprising at least one sampling module operable to remove tissue samples from one of the singulated seeds. The system also includes an automated seed transport assembly comprising at least one retention member operable to transfer the singulated seeds from at least one elevator unit of the seed loading assembly to the at least one sampling module of the seed sampling assembly. In connection therewith, the at least one sampling module includes multiple sampling locations, each associated with a sampler, where the at least one sampling module is operable to remove tissue samples from seeds at one of sampling locations while another one of the sampling locations is cleaned to remove residual seed tissue therefrom.

Sample analysis system and method are provided. The sample analysis system includes a first sample analyzer, a second sample analyzer, a sample rack transport device, and a sample sorting device provided between the first and second sample analyzers. The sample rack transport device includes a transport track for conveying a sample rack with sample containers to the first and/or second sample analyzer for testing. The first and second sample analyzers are arranged in sequence along a first transport direction of the transport track. The sample sorting device includes a connecting track, a sorting platform, and a sample transfer mechanism. The sample transfer mechanism is capable of moving to a position above the connecting track, so as to transfer the sample container(s) in the sample rack conveyed to the connecting track to a sample rack on the sorting platform. Efficiency of sample analysis is improved.

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.

The present invention describes an integrated incubator and image capture module that regulates the incubator atmosphere and obtains high-resolution digital images of sample specimens. The incubator has a cabinet type enclosure that enables the provision of a controlled environment to the contents of the incubator by having at least three ports on one face of the cabinet for the passage of sample containers. Additionally, an image capture module is located immediately adjacent to the incubator. In this regard, using at least three separate access/egress points for the sample containers streamlines operation of the system and enhances preservation of the incubator environment. Furthermore, locating the image capture module directly adjacent to the incubator reduces the amount of time a sample container is exposed to the external environment, thereby reducing the extent to which samples are exposed to potential contaminants and reducing the exchange of the lab and ambient atmospheres.

The present invention describes an integrated incubator and image capture module that regulates the incubator atmosphere and obtains high-resolution digital images of sample specimens. The incubator has a cabinet type enclosure that enables the provision of a controlled environment to the contents of the incubator by having at least three ports on one face of the cabinet for the passage of sample containers. Additionally, an image capture module is located immediately adjacent to the incubator. In this regard, using at least three separate access/egress points for the sample containers streamlines operation of the system and enhances preservation of the incubator environment. Furthermore, locating the image capture module directly adjacent to the incubator reduces the amount of time a sample container is exposed to the external environment, thereby reducing the extent to which samples are exposed to potential contaminants and reducing the exchange of the lab and ambient atmospheres.

A seed sampling system is provided comprising an automated seed loading assembly operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds or enable loading of individually stored seeds and an automated seed sampling assembly comprising at least one sampling module operable to remove tissue samples from one of the singulated seeds. The system also includes an automated seed transport assembly comprising at least one retention member operable to transfer the singulated seeds from at least one elevator unit of the seed loading assembly to the at least one sampling module of the seed sampling assembly. In connection therewith, the at least one sampling module includes multiple sampling locations, each associated with a sampler, where the at least one sampling module is operable to remove tissue samples from seeds at one of sampling locations while another one of the sampling locations is cleaned to remove residual seed tissue therefrom.

A sample measurement system and method of transporting of racks are provided that collectively supply the consumables to the sample measurement units. The sample measurement system includes: sample measurement units that perform measurement on samples by using consumables; a setting part in which a user sets consumable racks housing the consumables; a first transport path that supplies the consumable racks set in the setting part to one of the sample measurement units; a collector that is arranged adjacent to the setting part and that collects empty racks that are emptied after being transported to at least one of the sample measurement units; and a second transport path that transports the empty racks to the collector.

Provided is a biochemical analyzer, which includes a housing, a sample feeding mechanism, a rotating mechanism, a pipetting mechanism, analyzing mechanisms, a sample discharging mechanism and a sample discharging box, wherein a sample feeding port and a sample discharging port are formed in the housing; the sample feeding mechanism is arranged in the housing and capable of introducing detection cards containing samples and reagents into the housing from the sample feeding port; the rotating mechanism is capable of clamping a plurality of detection cards and driving the detection cards to rotate; the sample feeding mechanism is capable of clamping the detection cards on the rotating mechanism; the pipetting mechanism is capable of mixing the samples with the reagents on the detection cards; the analyzing mechanisms are capable of analyzing the samples through detection rays; the sample discharging mechanism is used for removing the detection cards from the rotating mechanism.

Clinical analyzers including cuvette loading assemblies are described. A clinical analyzer includes a first location and a second location. A chute extends between the first location and the second location, wherein the chute is configured to enable cuvettes to slide from the first location to the second location. The clinical analyzer includes a loading assembly including two gates, each moveable between a first position where cuvettes are enabled to slide along the chute and a second position where cuvettes are blocked from sliding along the chute. Methods of transporting cuvettes in a clinical analyzer are also disclosed.

The apparatus contains a driving unit having a driving source device and a driving shaft, and the driving shaft has a drive-side roller for rotating the object (specimen container). The driving shaft is provided with a one-directional transmission device containing a mechanism for transmitting only rotational driving force in the first direction of the driving shaft to a driven-side part. The apparatus has a mechanism for converting a rotational driving force in the first direction to move a driving unit in a direction away from the object or a mechanism for converting a rotational driving force in the first direction to move a driven unit in a direction away from the object, and the rotational driving force in the second direction of the driving shaft rotates the object.