A transporting apparatus transports a container configured to be used by a sample analysis apparatus or a rack holding the container. The transporting apparatus may include a robotic arm that transports the container or the rack between a first sample analysis apparatus and a second sample analysis apparatus; and a base that supports the robotic arm.

An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

A sample measuring apparatus according to one or more embodiments is disclosed. The apparatus may include the sample rack storage in which the sample rack holding the sample container is installed, the reagent rack storage in which the reagent rack holding the reagent container is installed, an information reader, and a first flection unit. The sample rack storage is geometrically placed at a position farther from the information reader than the reagent rack storage. The information reader reads the sample identification information of the sample container from the first reflected light acquired via the first flection unit, and reads the reagent identification information of the reagent container from the second reflected light acquired not via the first flection unit.

An automatic analyzer can be miniaturized as a whole and can accurately determine presence or absence of a sample container and a type thereof. The automatic analyzer of includes a conveyance line for conveying a loaded sample container; an identification information reading device that reads identification information attached to the sample container; and a container height detection device. The identification information reading device and the container height detection device perform reading and detection when the sample container is at a common position on the conveyance line. The container height detection device includes sensors having different height ranges for a detection target, a part of the sensors being disposed on the same side as the identification information reading device with respect to the conveyance line, and the rest of the sensors being disposed on the opposite side of the identification information reading device with respect to the conveyance line.

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a liquid tank, a first pump, a dispensing probe, and a thermal exchanger. The liquid tank stores a first liquid. The first pump pressurizes and sends the first liquid supplied from the liquid tank. The dispensing probe uses the first liquid that is sent out from the first pump as a pressure transmitting medium. The thermal exchanger exchanges heat between an atmosphere in the automatic analyzing apparatus and the first liquid in at least a part of a first flow path connecting the first pump to the liquid tank.

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods of storing and using biosamples with a cartridge that includes slots for storing biosample capillary tubes. The methods include providing access to a holder inside an enclosure of the cartridge, the enclosure having a same form factor as a data tape cartridge used in an automated tape library. The holder is configured to receive a plurality of capillary tubes in the holder, the capillary tubes including one or more biosamples. Exemplary methods may also include receiving capillary tubes in the cartridge, withdrawing capillary tubes from the cartridge, scanning and/or analyzing the capillary tubes and/or biosamples. Exemplary methods may additionally or alternatively include retrieving the cartridge from a storage slot of the automated tape library, loading the cartridge onto a drive of the automated tape library, and/or receiving and/or exporting a cartridge to/from the automated tape library via a mail slot.

A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

A laboratory automation system for processing sample containers containing laboratory samples and/or for processing the samples is presented. The laboratory automation system comprises a digital camera configured to take an image of the sample container together with a calibration element. The image comprises image data related to the sample container and image data related to the calibration element. The laboratory automation system also comprises an image processing device configured to determine geometrical properties of the sample container depending on the image data related to the sample container and the image data related to the calibration element.

A sample processing or assay instrument includes a moveable support. The moveable support defines a first pocket configured to receive a first object having a first machine-readable mark. The moveable support defines a second pocket configured to receive a second object having a second machine-readable mark. The moveable support also includes a first fiducial machine-readable mark and a second fiducial machine-readable mark. The instrument also includes an image capture device that captures a first image including the first fiducial machine-readable mark and the first machine-readable mark of the first object. The image capture device captures a second image that includes the second fiducial machine-readable mark and the second machine-readable mark of the second object. The instrument also includes a processor configured to associate information decoded from the first and second machine-readable marks with first and second locations on the moveable support.

A method for user guided initiating of an instrument includes receiving a run plan via a user interface of the instrument; indicating on the user interface, based on the run plan, a consumable to be provided to the instrument; detecting the presence of the consumable using a vision system; and indicating the presence of the consumable via the user interface.