Patent ID: 9097691
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: G01N,G05B

Abstract:
1. A sample handling system comprising: a sample processing unit for processing samples; a buffer unit for temporarily holding sample racks holding the samples therein; and a main transfer section for transferring the sample racks between the buffer unit and the sample processing unit, wherein the buffer unit includes: a buffer unit transfer section for transferring the sample racks within the buffer unit and to the main transfer section; a cold storage section having a cold container with a thermally insulating function to hold first ones of the sample racks in a horizontal plane of the buffer unit, with thermal control, in a cooling condition and which have been temporarily held in the buffer unit; a cooler on the cold container which maintains the first ones of the sample racks held in the cold container of the buffer unit in the cooling condition; a buffer section for holding second ones of the sample racks in the horizontal plane of the buffer unit, the second ones of the sample racks excluding the first ones of the sample racks requiring the thermal control and placed in the cold container of the cold storage section of the buffer unit, and wherein the buffer unit transfer section includes: a rack transfer mechanism including a bucket for transferring the first ones of the sample racks between the cold container of the cold storage section, the buffer section of the buffer unit and the main transfer section; and a carriage for transferring the first ones of the sample racks between the bucket and one of the buffer section and the cold container of the cold storage section.