Methods and systems for analysis of large numbers of analytes using large numbers of reagents and processes using multiplexed, independent systems and subsystems for efficient processing and increased throughput of biological analyses.

A linear movement device comprising at least two linear movement units which are guided in a movable manner along a shared linear movement axis, wherein the linear movement device comprises a first linear drive and a second linear drive, in such a way that each linear movement unit can be driven in movement along the linear movement axis merely by the first linear drive, merely by the second linear drive, and also by both linear drives together. The first and the second linear drive are coupled to the linear movement units so as to transmit drive force, in such a way that when only one of the first linear drive and the second linear drive is activated, the linear movement units can be driven in movement in a shared direction along the linear movement axis at different speeds.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device and an automatic analysis method that inhibit an increase in a usage amount of a detergent or a processing time due to excessive additional cleaning. According to the present invention, an automatic analysis device includes: a dispensing mechanism configured to aspirate and discharge a specimen; a cleaning unit configured to clean the dispensing mechanism; and a control unit configured to determine whether to perform additional cleaning in addition to normal cleaning performed at each dispensing. The control unit is configured to perform the determination based on a use of a pre-specimen dispensed before a post-specimen to be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism.

According to one embodiment, a measuring chip includes a chip body, an aspiration port, a plurality of terminals, and an attaching portion. The chip body accommodates a sample or a mixture liquid obtained by mixing a reagent that reacts with the sample or a diluent that dilutes the sample with the sample. The aspiration port is provided in the chip body and aspirate the sample or the mixture liquid. The plurality of terminals is provided in the chip body and measure a concentration of a target substance in the sample or the mixture liquid aspirated from the aspiration port. The attaching portion attaches the chip body to a transporter of an automatic analyzing apparatus.

An automatic analyzer is provided wherein degree of freedom in arrangement of a dispensing mechanism and of a unit provided below the dispensing mechanism is improved. The automatic analyzer comprising a dispensing mechanism driving a probe for a specimen or a reagent, wherein the automatic analyzer comprises an arm of two degrees of freedom supporting the probe, a first shaft and a second shaft that support the arm and transmit power to the arm, and a motor that gives power allowing the first and second shafts to be rotated and vertically moved, the second shaft being divided in an axial direction and having different diameters and, at the time of lowering the arm by the power of the motor, divided one of the second shaft being housed inside the other, whereby the second shaft is shortened.

A method of remotely transferring a fluid sample between a sample tank and an analysis tank includes mating the sample tank and the analysis tank to one or more sample transfer lines, the sample transfer lines in fluid communication with a transfer valve, initiating operation of an incompressible fluid pump in fluid communication with the sample tank to increase pressure within the sample tank and routing the fluid sample through the transfer valve and into the analysis tank at a constant rate. The method further includes pressurizing the analysis tank via the fluid sample routed through the transfer valve, overcoming a predetermined pressure threshold of a relief valve in fluid communication with the analysis tank, and outputting an incompressible fluid through an incompressible outlet line in fluid communication with the relief valve.