The present invention relates to an automated analytical system and an automated method for separating and detecting an analyte, as well as an automated analytical instrument.

A sample testing system includes a test receptacle support structure, an optical element positioned for transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a sample disposed in a test receptacle supported by the test receptacle support structure, a cleaning member, and an automated transport arm configured to (i) detachably couple the cleaning member, (ii) move the detachably-coupled cleaning member into a position proximate to and/or contacting the optical element, and (iii) decouple the cleaning member.

The invention relates to a device and a method for the transfer of a liquid container with the aid of a clamping gripper in an automated analyzer. For this purpose, the clamping gripper has a controllable expansion device.

A diagnostic test system, including: a diagnostic test assembly and a diagnostic test apparatus to perform a test on a biological or environmental sample; the diagnostic test assembly includes: a sample preparation reservoir to receive the sample into a sample preparation fluid, such that a swab carrying the sample can be used to stir the preparation fluid and to wash the swab; a sample dispensing mechanism for insertion into the sample preparation reservoir; a closure to seal the sample preparation reservoir; at least one diagnostic test reservoir coupled to the sample preparation reservoir; and at least one seal between the sample preparation reservoir and the diagnostic test reservoir to prevent fluid movement between the respective reservoirs; wherein the sample dispensing mechanism is operable to disrupt the seal to allow sample fluid to enter the diagnostic test reservoir from the sample preparation reservoir, and to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid.

Provided is an automatic analyzer that reduces a risk of damage due to contact with a stirring paddle during maintenance and the like, and realizes miniaturization and simplification. A cleaning tank 181 configured to clean the stirring paddle, a standby position 182 configured to make the stirring paddle which is juxtaposed to the cleaning tank wait, and an inflow port 183 configured to flow cleaning water into the cleaning tank are provided, and the standby position 182 is arranged so that the cleaning water overflowing from the cleaning tank 181 overflows 194 to the standby position 182.

A sampling needle (2) having a suction port at a tip, a movement mechanism (4) that moves the needle (2) at least in a vertical direction while holding the needle (2) in a state where the suction port faces vertically downward, a suction mechanism (6) for sucking liquid through the needle (2), a controller (10) configured to control operation of the movement mechanism (4) and the suction mechanism (6) are included. In sampling of liquid from a container (16) whose upper surface is opened, the controller (10) is configured to execute an inserting step of inserting the tip of the needle (2) into the liquid in the container (16) by lowering the needle (2) from above the container (16), a sucking step of sucking a predetermined amount of the liquid from the suction port of the needle (2) after the inserting step is completed, a pulling up step of pulling up the needle (2) from the liquid to position the suction port above a liquid level of the liquid after the sucking step is completed, and a shaking-off step of repeating shaking-off operation of lowering and suddenly stopping the needle (2) a plurality of times with standby time in which the needle (2) is completely stopped or raised in between while maintaining a state where the suction port is positioned above the liquid level after the pulling up step is completed.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

In order to aspire to higher sensitivity in an automatic analysis device, it is important to prevent the mixing of dust and the like in a reaction part in which a sample and a reagent react. The present invention presents an automatic analysis device that is provided with a configuration for making the pressure inside a specific block in the device such as a reaction part, or inside the device become positive. By making the pressure become positive and forming an air flow that flows out from the inside of the reaction part or the device, it is possible to limit, to a certain amount or less, the amount of dust penetrating into the reaction part.

An analyzer that has a simple configuration, that is inexpensive, that can improve safety, and that can inhibit proliferation of microorganisms using ultraviolet light is realized. A first electric power switch, a second electric power switch, and a third electric power switch are connected in series between an ultraviolet LED that irradiates an interior of a shared reagent storage container with ultraviolet light and a power supply that supplies electric power to the ultraviolet LED. The first electric power switch, the second electric power switch, and the third electric power switch are configured with two contact points and a connection section that connects and disconnects the two contact points. The first electric power switch is opened when a reagent storage door is opened, and the second electric power switch is opened in response to an action of extracting an ultraviolet irradiation section from a shared reagent storage container. The third electric power switch is opened when an amount of the reagent within the shared reagent storage container is equal to or smaller than a constant value. When one of the first electric power switch, the second electric power switch, and the third electric power switch is opened, supply of the electric power to the ultraviolet LED is intercepted.

Equipment for the control of the industrial contamination of industrial components comprising at least one base frame; and an extraction unit/device/component of contaminating impurities from at least one industrial component, mounted on the base frame and provided with a washing unit/device/component of the industrial component by way of an operating fluid adapted to remove the contaminating impurities from said industrial component, the operating fluid mixing with the contaminating impurities to obtain an operating mixture following the washing of the industrial component; and a preparation unit/device/component of at least one analysis sample of the contaminating impurities removed from the industrial component starting from the operating mixture, wherein the equipment comprises an analysis unit/device/component of the analysis sample mounted on the base frame and adapted to detect at least one analytical data which is characteristic of the contaminating impurities.