A sample handler of a diagnostic laboratory system includes a plurality of holding locations configured to receive sample containers. An imaging device is movable within the sample handler and is configured to capture images of the holding locations and sample containers received therein. A controller is configured to generate instructions that cause the imaging device to move within the sample handler and capture images. A classification algorithm is implemented in computer code, and includes a trained model configured to classify objects in the captured images. Other sample handlers and methods of handling sample containers are disclosed.

Provided is a sample measuring apparatus including: a measuring instrument that measures a sample; a cassette capable of storing the plurality of samples including the sample; a conveyor that retrieves one of the plurality of samples from the cassette and conveys the one of the plurality of samples to the measuring instrument; and a contact avoidance section that avoids contact between the sample and a part of the cassette when the conveyor retrieves the one of the plurality of samples.

A gripper assembly (20) includes a cylinder (22), a deformable gripping portion (210), a piston (24), and an ejector (260). The gripper assembly is suitable for picking and placing a vessel (10) by gripping a gripped portion (102) of the vessel. The gripping portion extends from adjacent an end of the cylinder. The gripping portion has a spring-like property that allows deformation as the vessel is engaged thereby holding the vessel. The piston is slidably disposed inside the cylinder. The ejector includes a head portion (270) adjacent a first end of the ejector and a plunger portion (26) adjacent a second end of the ejector. The head portion of the ejector is slidably disposed inside the cylinder separately from the piston. The plunger of the ejector is partially disposed within the deformable gripping portion for engaging the vessel. The gripper assembly may be used to align an analyzer instrument (800).

A processing unit for automated preparation of biological samples included in specimen tubes is described herein. The processing unit includes a removable sample preparation component configured to receive specimen tubes, read identifiers associated with the biological samples contained in the specimen tubes, mix reagents included in the specimen tubes, and transfer the specimen tubes to at least one of a centrifuge or a storage compartment. The processing unit further includes a centrifuge loader for automatic loading and unloading of the specimen tubes onto a centrifuge. The automated centrifuge loader includes a magnetic brake that can stop the centrifuge rotor at a precise position to facilitate loading and unloading of a specimen tube. The centrifuge includes a swing bucket designed to pivot around an axis and slide vertically to enable moving the bucket to a position in which the swing bucket can engage with the port where the specimen tube resides.

A gripper assembly (20) includes a cylinder (22), a deformable gripping portion (210), a piston (24), and an ejector (260). The gripper assembly is suitable for picking and placing a vessel (10) by gripping a gripped portion (102) of the vessel. The gripping portion extends from adjacent an end of the cylinder. The gripping portion has a spring-like property that allows deformation as the vessel is engaged thereby holding the vessel. The piston is slidably disposed inside the cylinder. The ejector includes a head portion (270) adjacent a first end of the ejector and a plunger portion (26) adjacent a second end of the ejector. The head portion of the ejector is slidably disposed inside the cylinder separately from the piston. The plunger of the ejector is partially disposed within the deformable gripping portion for engaging the vessel.

The gripper assembly may be used to align an analyzer instrument (800).

Provided is a conveyance device that conveys a conveyance object having a magnetic body, the conveyance device including: a plurality of coils configured to generate magnetic flux acting on the magnetic body; a coil driving unit configured to apply a voltage to each of the plurality of coils; and a calculation control unit including a current control unit and a position estimation unit. The current control unit determines the voltage. The position estimation unit estimates a position of the conveyance object based on a change in a current generated by applying a voltage pulse to the coils and switches, according to a position estimation value that indicates the position of the conveyance object estimated by the position estimation unit, between a speed control mode in which a speed of the conveyance object is controlled and a current control mode in which a current through the coils is controlled. Accordingly, in the conveyance device that has a function of estimating the position of the conveyance object based on information on the current flowing through winding wires of the coils, it is possible to implement stable conveyance speed control even in a section in which accuracy for estimating the position or speed of the conveyance object is low.