Devices for automatically feeding sample containers into and out of an analyzer. The device may include (1) a first station that receives and initiates transport of a sample container into an analyzer for analysis, (2) a second station where the sample container is handed off to a transporter that carries the sample container to and from an examination site inside the analyzer, and (3) a third station that collects the sample container after examination. The device also may include a singulation...

The invention relates to a cassette for supporting a material sample, the cassette including a housing and a retaining assembly for retaining the sample in the housing. The retaining assembly includes a plurality of retaining members adapted to be disposed about the periphery of the sample for movement radially thereof, a biasing spring encircling the retaining members for biasing the retaining members into engagement with the sample, and a cover supported by the housing for securing the retaini...

A sample analyzer to detect elements in a gaseous residue generated in an extraction furnace. The sample analyzer introduces the gaseous residue into a detector to be analyzed. The sample analyzer employs a buffer vessel having a variable internal capacity disposed between the extraction furnace and the detector. The variable capacity buffer vessel provides the capability to accurately analyze samples having wide variations in the concentration of substances to be analyzed.

A sample collector of this invention includes a projectile projecting unit n which a projectile is loaded and which has a projecting outlet for projecting out the projectile loaded therein, an enclosed container which is communicated with the projecting outlet of the projectile projecting unit, which has a projectile passing hole arranged at a position located away from the projecting outlet, the passing hole allowing the projectile to pass through it after the projectile is projected out from t...

A sample segment including a body and wells formed therein, selected wells including a flat exterior surface surrounding a tapered end. The sample segment may retain selected reagents, and a sealing cover is held by ribs, stretched and pressed against raised bosses formed around the well openings to provide a sure seal. The bosses are discontinuous between adjacent wells. Selected wells may contain a free mixing element for enhanced mixing. The segment is uniquely adapted for automated handling ...

A sample dispenser for dispensing a sample of a product. The dispenser includes a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the sample where the dispensing apparatus is displaceable between a stand-by position and a dispensing position in which the dispensing apparatus dispenses the sample. The dispenser also includes motorized driving apparatus for selectively driving the dispensing apparatus between its stand-by position and its dispensing position and user controlled activation apparatus for actuat...

A package for carrying fluid or powder samples and which is well adapted for application to product packaging or cards using automated equipment. The package may be produced using a support web, a web of double coated tape, or a web of transfer tape.

An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Taking a bodily sample, e.g., a cell sample, from deep within the body of a patient and collecting the sample outside the body to facilitate treatment of the patient. A sampling probe is provided in the form of an elongate catheter having a proximal portion that remains outside the body and a distal portion that can be located within the body. The distal portion includes a membrane with openings that communicate with space that communicates with a source of suction force. The catheter is positio...

An adapter presents a sample of bodily fluid, such as whole blood, including an analyte to an analyzer window of a non-invasive monitor. The adapter comprises a base material that comprises a first side and a second side. The adapter also comprises a sample accommodating volume extending between an opening in the second side of the base material and an opening in the first side of the base material.