Patent ID: 8833186
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sample conveying system, comprising: a line that conveys test tubes each containing a sample; and a plurality of processing units each disposed along the conveying line, the units being inclusive of at least an analyzing unit, wherein the conveying line includes: a conveying belt line that conveys, in mixed form, a test tube rack holding the sample-containing test tubes together as one set, and a test tube holder holding one sample-containing test tube; a mechanism that discriminates between the test tube racks and test tube holders conveyed to the conveying belt line; a control unit that specifies analyzers to which the test tube racks and the test tube holders are to be supplied; and at least two stoppers that each stop the test tube racks and the test tube holders, wherein the test tube racks and test tube holders in a stopped condition in concatenated form on the conveying belt line are independently released from the stopped condition, one by one with the belt moving, by alternate or independent operation of the stoppers.