To improve the measurement accuracy of a particle size distribution measuring device that performs a particle size distribution measurement in a line start mode. A measurement cell used in a line start mode of a centrifugal sedimentation type particle size distribution measuring device includes: a cell main body that has an opening provided on one end and stores therein a density gradient liquid W.sub.DGS; and a cell cap that closes the opening of the cell main body and has an internal passage R provided therein for holding a sample liquid W.sub.SS. When an application of a centrifugal force is received, the sample liquid W.sub.SS is introduced from the internal passage R into the density gradient liquid W.sub.DGS.

An automated system for processing a sample contained in a liquid sample container includes an automated tool head configured to rotate about a first axis, and to translate along a second axis different than the first axis, an analytic element positioner having an analytic element holder configured to releasably grip an analytic element, and a specimen transfer device carried by the tool head, wherein the tool head is configured to automatically position a working end of the specimen transfer device to obtain a specimen from a sample container held in the sample container holder, and to transfer the obtained specimen to an analytic element held by the analytic element holder, respectively, through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis.

A sample collection apparatus, being configured for preparing a plurality of liquid samples for a sample processing, includes a collection device including a plurality of collection vessels being configured for accommodating the liquid samples and for providing the liquid samples for the sample processing, wherein the sample collection apparatus is shaped for positioning the collection device directly in a carousel of an autosampler apparatus, in particular a liquid chromatography autosampler apparatus. Preferably, a holder device is provided which is configured for holding the collection device during collecting the liquid samples and during providing the liquid samples for the sample processing, and the holder device is shaped for positioning the holder device with the collection device directly in the carousel of the autosampler apparatus. Furthermore, a sample preparation apparatus including the sample collection apparatus and a sample collection method are described.

The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method, comprising a carousel with a solid housing and moveable receiving parts for the sample containers; a control for controlling the receiving parts in the carousel; and a sample receiving device for providing the sample for the analytical method. Said arrangement is characterized in that one or more stations for preparing samples are provided on the carousel, the receiving parts for the sample containers of the carousel can be positioned on said stations. Said arrangement also comprises a centrifuge with pairs of opposite lying receiving parts provided for the sample containers, and said receiving parts are arranged such that they can move on the centrifuge for the sample holder such that a transfer of a sample holder between a receiving part in the carousel and a receiving part in the centrifuge can be carried out. The control takes place by the same control which is also provided for controlling the carousel.

An analysis device that includes a placement section, a pressing member, and a measurement member, has an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip, and in which a liquid reservoir placed therein to enable a component present in sample can be measured in a state in which the chip and the cartridge have been fitted together. The analysis kit is placed on the placement section. The pressing member presses the analysis kit in a direction in which the cartridge is superimposed on the chip to sandwich the analysis kit between the pressing member and the placement section, and to fit the chip and the cartridge together. The measurement member that measures the component present in the sample in the analysis kit in which the chip and the cartridge have been fitted together.

The present disclosure describes automated systems and methods for handling objects, such as culture plates or dishes. For example, in one embodiment, the present disclosure describes an automated stacker and de-stacker comprising a clamping mechanism, a lift pad, a pair of pins, and a cabinet. A stack of culture plates may be stored in the cabinet. During a stacking operation, the pair of pins may be raised to stop a culture plate traveling along a conveyor track. Once stopped, the culture plate may be raised above the conveyor track by the lift pad and clamped by the clamping mechanism. During a de-stacking operation, the clamping mechanism may be opened, and the culture plate may be lowered onto the conveyor track by the lift pad.

A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and an elevator with a chuck guide that contact the container holder as the chuck is lowered by the elevator to positon the chuck with respect to the cap of the container held in the holder and to hold jaws of the container holder in a closed position. In embodiment, the chuck guide includes a yoke with opposed arms and spindles located near distal ends of the arms that engage beveled shoulders of the container holder.

In a dispensing system, a body is arranged outside a specimen processing cabinet, and in a state where a hand and a dispenser are inserted into the specimen processing cabinets, a specimen accommodated in a specimen container held by the hand is dispensed into a dispensing container by the dispenser.

A unique cap for an automatic test tube recapper is presented. The cap has a conical body with an upper top flange and lower sections for inserting into standard test tubes. The middle section directly under the upper top flange is about 13 mm in diameter. A bottom section under the middle section has a diameter of about 16 mm. The cap has a rounded bottom. The middle and lower sections have diameters similar to the diameters of most common test tubes. One or more nipples with notches cutout are located inside the conical body. The notches grip the lower part of a hammer drive during the driving process but release the hammer drive once the cap has been seated inside the test tube.

A specimen collection assembly and method for detecting the same are disclosed. The specimen collection assembly includes a specimen collection container having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to receive a biological specimen. The specimen collection container also includes first indicia containing information. The assembly further includes a cap having thereon second indicia, the cap being removably engagable with the open top end of the container. The second indicia contains the same information as the first indicia.