In an automatic analyzer where a plurality of types of separation column are selectively used for performing a chromatographic analysis, an automatic analyzer configured to install a separation column of an intended type at an aimed position, and a method for installing the separation column in the automatic analyzer are provided. Identification mechanisms, a computer, and a display unit are included. The identification mechanisms read identifiers included in separation columns when the separation columns are installed at installation positions. The computer determines whether identification information of the identifiers read by the identification mechanisms matches an installation pattern registered in advance or not. The display unit notifies an alarm when the identification information is determined not to match the installation pattern by the computer.

Techniques and apparatus for analytical instrument management and information assessment processes are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may include at least one memory and logic coupled to the at least one memory. The logic may be configured to perform a test plan on at least one rubber material analytical instrument via accessing a test plan comprising at least one step, generating test plan results responsive to performing the test plan on the at least one rubber material analytical instrument, analyzing the test plan results, and presenting the test plan results on a plurality of graphical user interface (GUI) objects. Other embodiments are described.

The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The ramp block further is movable between a plurality of positions including an open position for allowing the sample tube assembly to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position substantially sealing the sample tube assembly against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects also are described.

An automatic analyzer has a supply unit that stores and supplies a liquid to be used by the analyzer, an analyzer circulation system that circulates the liquid within the analyzer, and a supply unit circulation system that circulates the liquid within the supply unit. An analysis controller switches a flow rate of the liquid circulated by at least one of the analyzer circulation system and the supply unit circulation system between a first flow rate in a normal state and a second flow rate different from the first flow rate. Consequently, by suppressing fungal propagation within a circulation flow path for a liquid, compared to conventional techniques, the frequency with which a liquid is replaced and the frequency with which the inside of a reaction tank is cleaned are reduced and a time period for a maintenance operation by an operator is reduced.

A digital pathology apparatus includes a housing with a rail system that allows the housing to slide off of the apparatus to expose the internal elements of the apparatus for easy maintenance. The housing includes a latch and sensor system that securely latches the housing in the closed position and senses when the housing is opened so that the moving parts of the apparatus can be safely stopped to avoid potential injury. The housing also includes electromagnetic shielding on a minimal portion of its interior surface to reduce electromagnetic radiation emanating from the apparatus. The digital pathology apparatus also includes a speakerless audio system that engages with a portion of the interior surface of the housing that is not covered with electromagnetic shielding. The speakerless audio system provides an audio user interface while maintaining a contiguous surface on the housing to cover the digital pathology apparatus.

The present invention is a sample processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a sample processing unit configured to process a sample; a display; a memory for storing an electronic manual for the sample processing apparatus; and a controller that is capable of showing a relevant part of the electronic manual on the display when a trouble has occurred in the sample processing unit, the relevant part of the electronic manual describing an operation procedure to deal with the trouble.

A method for indoor biological detection of a monitored space is provided including collecting and entering monitored space information to determine density and location of sensors for monitoring air for an aerosol plume, distributing the sensors throughout the space, monitoring air and detecting and characterizing a plume event, determining a source location, collecting and preparing an air sample upon the detection of the plume event, and assaying the air sample to identify a hazardous release utilizing a field screening device. The method continues with the steps of initiating a precautionary response for the hazardous release characterizing the plume as biological or non-biological and initiating a protective response. A system is also provided.

A laboratory instrument for processing at least one sample is disclosed. The laboratory instrument includes at least one housing having at least one sample processing device disposed therein, at least one reagent storage compartment reversibly removable from the housing, and at least one safety indicator. The safety indicator is configured for indicating if the reagent storage compartment has been removed from the housing and reinserted into the housing. The laboratory instrument is configured for automatically altering a detectable state of the safety indicator during the process of removing and reinserting the reagent storage compartment.

A laboratory system for analyzing biological samples is presented. The laboratory system comprises a plurality of laboratory instruments configured to receive and identify biological samples and to query a laboratory control unit for a processing order indicative of processing steps to be carried out on the biological sample. The laboratory control unit is configured to validate sequence of queries from the plurality of laboratory instruments against a valid query sequence pattern.

Work, such as status confirmation, in a plurality of automatic analyzers is efficiently performed. In an automated analysis system, a tablet terminal 114 has a terminal information management unit 210 and a terminal display unit 208. A terminal information management unit 210 acquires device information showing the state status of a device from automatic analyzers 101a to 101d, and generates a status confirmation screen showing the device status of the automatic analyzer. A terminal display unit 208 displays the status confirmation screen. The status confirmation screen has a status information screen showing the device status of one automatic analyzer and a device switch button configured to switch the status information screen to a status information screen corresponding to another other automatic analyzer. When the switch button is selected, the terminal information management unit 210 generates a status confirmation screen for an automatic analyzer corresponding to the selected switch button, and displays the status confirmation screen on the display unit.