The present invention is provided with: an automatic analysis device 200 for performing an analysis process to analyze a specimen that is to be analyzed; a specimen pre-processing module 100 for performing pre-processing to cause the specimen to enter a state in which the analysis process can be performed; a main conveyance line 161 for conveying a specimen container carrier 10 which accommodates the specimen that is to be analyzed and in which at least one specimen container can be mounted; and annular conveyance lines 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 411 that are disposed adjacent to the main conveyance line 161 and that are moreover disposed so as to be capable of transferring the specimen container carrier 10 to and from the main conveyance line 161, the annular conveyance lines 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 411 being capable of circulating and conveying the specimen container carrier 10 separately without the use of another conveyance line (e.g., a return line 162). This makes it possible to maintain flexibility in conveyance of specimens while suppressing increases in device surface area.

Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting incorporating existing or additional sensors in an automation system to assess the health and maintenance status of the automation system are disclosed. Such systems include any of a variety of sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors, temperature probes/thermocouples, ohm meters, volt meters, etc., which are in communication with a local or preferably remote monitoring station that can alert a user or maintenance personnel of needed service.

Disclosed aspects relate to a conveyance system and method for conveying a plurality of object carriers. The conveyance system comprises at least one first conveyor lane section, and at least, two second conveyor lane sections. The conveyance system further comprises a rotatable diverting element for diverting an object carrier of the plurality of object carriers between the at least one first conveyor lane section and one of the at least two second conveyor lane sections of the conveyance system.

Diagnostic analyzers with pretreatment carousels and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first carousel that includes a first annular array of slots to receive a first vessel. The example first carousel also includes a first track of rotation about the first carousel having a first diameter and a second track of rotation about the first carousel having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The example apparatus includes a first diverter to move the first vessel from the first track to the second track. In addition, the example apparatus includes a second carousel coaxial with the first carousel. The example second carousel includes a second annular array of slots to receive a second vessel.

A sample-processing system that improves total system processing efficiency, and reduces a sample-processing time, by establishing a functionally independent relationship between a rack conveyance block with rack supply, conveyance, and recovery functions, and a processing block with sample preprocessing, analysis, and other functions. A buffer unit with random accessibility to multiple racks standing by for processing is combined with each of multiple processing units to form a pair, and the system is constructed to load and unload racks into and from the buffer unit through the rack conveyance block so that one unprocessed rack is loaded into the buffer unit and then upon completion of process steps up to automatic retesting, unloaded from the buffer unit. Functional dependence between any processing unit and a conveyance unit is thus eliminated.

An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

A laboratory distribution system is presented. The system comprises diagnostic laboratory container carriers and a conveyor. The conveyor comprises an endless drive defining a closed-loop conveyor pathway. The system comprises supporting elements attached to the endless drive. The supporting elements receive a container carrier and transport the container carrier in an upright position along a pathway section. The supporting elements are mounted pivotally about a horizontal pivot axis to the drive and structured such that a center of gravity of the supporting element with or without an empty or loaded container carrier is arranged below and vertically aligned with the pivot axis when the supporting element is in an upright position such that each supporting element is free to pivot about the associated pivot axis under the effect of gravitational forces acting on the supporting element for maintaining the supporting elements in an upright position while travelling along the path.

Clusters of multiple diagnostic analyzers, as well as, alternatively, to one single analyzer that consists of multiple parallel cores (basic analyzer modules) to provide a scalable and user-friendly system architecture. The invention provides a terminal for loading, identifying and hosting samples and/or consumables to at least two automated analyzer systems, the system comprising a distribution robot with four linear drives and a rotational drive, wherein a first linear drive comprises a sledge that can only move linear and horizontally on a rail; the rotational drive comprises a platform that can rotate around the sledge; a second linear drive comprises a carrier that can only move linear and horizontally on the platform; a third linear drive comprises a hook that can only move linear and horizontally on the carrier; and a fourth linear drive comprises a drive for vertically moving the platform over the sledge.

Disclosed aspects relate to a conveyance system and method for conveying a plurality of object carriers. The conveyance system comprises at least one first conveyor lane section, and at least two second conveyor lane sections. The conveyance system further comprises a rotatable diverting element for diverting an object carrier of the plurality of object carriers between the at least one first conveyor lane section and one of the at least two second conveyor lane sections of the conveyance system. The diverting element comprises at least one sensor element for detecting the object carrier when the object carrier is: being conveyed toward the diverting element, or contacting the diverting element, or being transported away from the diverting element by the conveyance system, The conveyance system further comprises an axis of rotation adjacent to the first conveyor lane section and one of the second conveyor lane sections. The axis of rotation may be between two conveyor lanes, one of which includes the first conveyor lane section and the other of which includes one of the second conveyor lane sections. The axis of rotation is perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of the first conveyor lane section and/or the two second conveyor lane sections.

A conveyor assembly for transporting a carrier coupled to a receptacle to a processing station located within a housing of an instrument. The conveyor assembly includes a spur conveyor subassembly and a buffer conveyor subassembly for transporting the carrier from a host conveyor assembly to the spur conveyor subassembly. The spur conveyor subassembly includes (i) a rotatable diverter having at least one recess for receiving and moving the carrier between the buffer conveyor subassembly and the spur conveyor subassembly and (ii) a gripper configured to grasp the carrier and move it from the diverter to the processing position located within the housing of the instrument.