Patent ID: 7916298
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sample analyzer for optically analyzing samples, comprising: a first detection unit comprising a plurality of holders each of which is configured to receive a container that comprises a sample, and a plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to the plurality of holders; a second detection unit comprising a plurality of holders each of which is configured to receive a container that comprises a sample, and a plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to the plurality of holders; an optical source configured to emit light; an optical filter portion comprising a first optical filter which transmits a light of a first wavelength and a second optical filter which transmits a light of a second wavelength, wherein the optical filter portion rotates the first and second optical filters so as to be sequentially arranged on a first path of the light emitted from the optical source in a first direction and a second path of the light emitted from the optical source in a second direction different from the first direction; a first light guide portion which is arranged on the first path and is configured to receive the light emitted from the optical source through the first and the second optical filters, wherein the first light guide portion branches the received light into a plurality of light rays, and guides the branched plurality of light rays to the plurality of holders of the first detection unit respectively; a second light guide portion which is arranged on the second path and is configured to receive the light emitted from the optical source through the first and second optical filters wherein the second light guide portion branches the received light into a plurality of light rays, and guides the branched plurality of light rays to the plurality of holders of the second detection unit respectively; and an analytic portion configured to analyze a characteristic of a plurality of samples held by the plurality of holders of the first detection unit based on light detected by the receiving elements of the first detection unit, and to analyze a characteristic of a plurality of samples held by the plurality of holders of the second detection unit based on light detected by the receiving elements of the second detection unit.