Patent ID: 8252233
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A sample-processing system comprising: a sample rack conveyance unit; a plurality of functional modules positioned along the sample rack conveyance unit, each functional module having a different function to operate as either an analyzer, a preprocessor, or any other device, and each different in processing capability; a plurality of buffer units positioned along the sample rack conveyance unit, each buffer unit being combined with any one of the functional modules to form a pair to directly transfer a sample rack between a buffer unit and the functional module combined with the buffer unit; the sample rack conveyance unit including a sample rack loader, a first sample rack conveyance section and a sample rack storage section; a second sample rack conveyance section conveying a sample rack bi-directionally between a buffer unit and a functional module combined with the buffer unit; a rack transfer mechanism for transferring a sample rack bi-directionally between the first sample rack conveyance unit and each buffer unit; a plurality of slots arranged in each buffer unit, each of the sample racks standing by in a slot; and a sample rack-moving mechanism for loading and unloading a sample rack into and from any one of the slots and for loading and unloading a sample rack to the second sample rack conveyance section.