Abstract:
A specimen analyzer comprises a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable, a first inlet for loading the first consumable, a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section, a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other, and a storage for housing the second consumable sorted by the sorter.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to specimen analyzers which perform analysis using consumables. 
     BACKGROUND 
     To date, there are known analyzers which arrange in a line a large number of randomly housed consumables such as pipette tips and cuvettes, supply the consumables one by one to a predetermined position, and perform analysis using these consumables. 
     Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-083999 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0086432 disclose automatic analyzers which include a pipette tip supplying unit and a cuvette supplying unit. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0086432 describes a cuvette sorting mechanism section which sorts a predetermined quantity of cuvettes one by one, and transfers each sorted cuvette to a predetermined position. These pipette tips and cuvettes are refilled through respective inlets to the analyzer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a specimen analyzer comprising: a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable; a first inlet for loading the first consumable; a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section; a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other; and a storage for housing the second consumable sorted by the sorter. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a specimen analyzer comprising: a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable; a first inlet for loading the first consumable; a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section; a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other; and a guide part configured to guide the second consumable sorted by the sorter outside. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a specimen analyzer comprising: a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable; a first inlet for loading the first consumable; a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section; a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other; a sensor which detects the second consumable sorted by the sorter; and a notification part which makes notification of a detection result by the sensor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an overall structure of an immune analyzer according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show structures of lids ( FIG. 2A ) and a door ( FIG. 2B ), and structures of a cuvette ( FIG. 2C ) and a tip ( FIG. 2D ) according to embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view showing a structure of a measurement unit according to an embodiment, viewed from above; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a structure of a cuvette supplying section according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  show a cross-sectional view of a cuvette supplying section viewed from a side ( FIG. 5A ) and perspective views ( FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C ) showing structures of a swing rail and a transfer rail according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A-6D  show a procedure of a cuvette and a tip being sent out by a swing part according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  shows a configuration of a measurement unit according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing control of a cuvette supplying section regarding transfer of cuvettes according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing control of a cuvette supplying section regarding tips loaded by mistake according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing an abnormality handling process according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12A-FIG .  12 B are a flow chart ( FIG. 12A ) showing processing performed by a control device and a dialogue box ( FIG. 12B ) according to an embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  are a disposal box ( FIG. 13A ) set outside and a dialogue box ( FIG. 13B ) according to a modification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
     The present embodiment is realized by applying the present invention to an immune analyzer for performing tests for various items such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tumor markers, and thyroid hormones, using samples such as blood. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an overall structure of an immune analyzer  1 . The immune analyzer  1  includes a sample transporter  2 , a measurement unit  3 , and a display input unit  41  implemented by a touch panel. 
     The sample transporter  2  is configured to be able to transport sample racks each holding sample containers each containing a sample. The measurement unit  3  aspirates a sample from a sample container transported and located at a predetermined position by the sample transporter  2 , to perform measurement. In an upper portion and a lower portion of the measurement unit  3 , lids  301   a  and  301   b  upwardly openable and a door  302  horizontally openable are formed, respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , when the lids  301   a  and  301   b  are opened, upper portions of a first hopper  511  and a hopper  611  installed inside the measurement unit  3  become open, respectively. Accordingly, an inlet  511   a  at the upper end of the first hopper  511  and an inlet  611   a  at the upper end of the hopper  611  are exposed to the outside, respectively. A user opens the lid  301   a  and loads cuvettes C 1  to be used in measurement operations through the inlet  511   a  into the first hopper  511 , and opens the lid  301   b  and loads pipette tips C 2  to be used in measurement operations through the inlet  611   a  into the hopper  611 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , when the door  302  is opened, a portion to the front of a storage  380  set inside the measurement unit  3  becomes open. The storage  380  houses cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  that have been used, and is configured to be able to be taken outside via the door  302 . The user opens the door  302  to take the storage  380  outside, and discards cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  that have been used. 
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  show structures of a cuvette C 1  and a pipette tip C 2 , respectively. 
     Each cuvette C 1  is formed by a flange C 11  having a diameter d11, and a body C 12  having a diameter d12 which is smaller than the diameter d11. Each pipette tip C 2  is formed by an attachment C 21  having a diameter d21 which is smaller than the diameter d11, and a body C 22  having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter d21. 
     The cuvette C 1  is used in which to react a sample and reagents, and is discarded after measurement of the sample is completed. The pipette tip C 2  is used for aspirating and discharging a sample, and is discarded each time aspiration and discharge of a sample are performed. That is, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are consumables, and are disposed after use in the measurement unit  3 , in order to prevent contamination between samples. Therefore, the user loads cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  by the necessary number into the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611 , respectively, before starting measurement. 
     It should be noted that cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  are respectively packaged in bags by 500 pieces. The user opens a bag containing cuvettes C 1  to load a plurality of cuvettes C 1  into the first hopper  511 , and opens a bag containing pipette tips C 2  to load a plurality of pipette tips C 2  into the hopper  611 . 
     With reference back to  FIG. 1 , an indicator  303 , a measurement start button  304   a , and an emergency stop button  304   b  are provided in the front face of the measurement unit  3 . The user can start measurement operations by pressing the measurement start button  304   a , and can stop all measurement operations in the measurement unit  3  by pressing the emergency stop button  304   b . The display input unit  41  displays analysis results of samples and receives instructions from the user. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view showing a structure of the measurement unit  3  viewed from above. 
     The measurement unit  3  includes a cuvette supplying section  5  and a tip supplying section  6 . The measurement unit  3  also includes a sample dispensing arm  311 , an R1 reagent dispensing arm  312 , an R2 reagent dispensing arm  313 , an R3 reagent dispensing arm  314 , a reaction part  320 , a primary BF (Bound Free) separator  331 , a secondary BF separator  332 , an R4/R5 reagent feeder  340 , a reagent setting part  350 , and a detector  360 , as a measurement mechanism section for performing sample measurement by using cuvettes C 1  supplied from the cuvette supplying section  5  and pipette tips C 2  supplied from the tip supplying section  6 . The measurement unit  3  is also provided with disposal holes  371  and  372 . 
     In the immune analyzer  1 , a sample such as blood to be measured and a buffer solution (R1 reagent) are mixed together, and to the obtained mixture solution, a reagent (R2 reagent) is added that contains magnetic particles supporting a capture antibody to be bound to an antigen contained in the sample. By attracting magnetic particles supporting the capture antibody bound to the antigen to a magnet in the primary BF separator  331 , components in the sample that were not bound to the capture antibody are removed. Then, a labeled antibody (R3 reagent) is further added thereto. Thereafter, by attracting magnetic particles supporting the capture antibody bound to the antigen and the labeled antibody to a magnet in the secondary BF separator  332 , the R3 reagent containing the labeled antibody that did not react is removed. Further, a dispersion liquid (R4 reagent) and a luminescent substrate (R5 reagent) that emits light in the course of the reaction with the labeled antibody are added thereto. Then, an amount of light generated in the reaction between the labeled antibody and the luminescent substrate is measured. Through these process steps, the antigen contained in the sample and bound to the labeled antibody is quantitatively measured. 
     The cuvette supplying section  5  includes a first reservoir  51 , a second reservoir  52 , a transfer part  53 , and a take-out part  54 . It should be noted that a guide part  55  (see  FIG. 4 ) is provided below (Z axis negative direction side) the transfer part  53  of the cuvette supplying section  5 . 
     The first reservoir  51  includes the first hopper  511 , a sensor  512  composed of a light emitter and a light receiver, and a circulating belt  513 . The first hopper  511  is provided with a slope in the bottom surface thereof, and cuvettes C 1  loaded into the first hopper  511  are held in the first hopper  511 , sequentially stacked from the bottom surface thereof. The sensor  512  detects cuvettes C 1  located on the bottom surface of the first hopper  511 . The belt  513  transfers cuvettes C 1  held in the first hopper  511  to the second reservoir  52 . 
     The cuvettes C 1  transferred to the second reservoir  52  are transferred through the second reservoir  52 , the transfer part  53 , and the take-out part  54 , to be supplied one by one to a reagent discharging position P 1  for the R1 reagent dispensing arm  312 . Detailed structure of the cuvette supplying section  5  will be described later with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 5A to 5C . 
     The tip supplying section  6  includes the hopper  611  and a transfer part  612 , and supplies one by one pipette tips C 2  loaded from the hopper  611 , to a tip attaching position (not shown) for the sample dispensing arm  311 , by means of the transfer part  612 . The pipette tip C 2  located at the tip attaching position is attached to the tip of a pipette  311   a  of the sample dispensing arm  311 . 
     The R1 reagent dispensing arm  312  aspirates an R1 reagent set in the reagent setting part  350  and discharges the aspirated R1 reagent into the cuvette C 1  at the reagent discharging position P 1 , by using a pipette  312   a . The cuvette C 1  into which the R1 reagent has been discharged is located at a position P 2  for a sample by a catcher not shown. The sample dispensing arm  311  aspirates a sample in a sample container transported to a position P 3  by the sample transporter  2 , and discharges the aspirated sample into the cuvette C 1  at the position P 2 , by using the attached pipette tip C 2 . This cuvette C 1  is transferred to the reaction part  320  by a catcher not shown. When dispensing of one sample by the sample dispensing arm  311  is completed, the pipette tip C 2  used in the dispensing of this sample is discarded into the disposal hole  371 . 
     The R2 reagent dispensing arm  313  aspirates an R2 reagent set in the reagent setting part  350  and discharges the aspirated R2 reagent into the cuvette C 1  containing the R1 reagent and the sample, by using a pipette  313   a.    
     The reaction part  320  is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the reagent setting part  350 , and has a plurality of cuvette setting parts  320   a  arranged at predetermined intervals along the outer shape of the reagent setting part  350 . Further, the reaction part  320  is configured to be rotatable, and moves cuvette setting parts  320   a  to their process positions at which various processes (such as dispensing of a reagent) are performed. Each cuvette C 1  set in the cuvette setting part  320   a  is heated to about 42° C. Accordingly, reaction between the sample and various reagents in the cuvette C 1  is promoted. 
     The cuvette C 1  containing the sample, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent is transferred by a catcher not shown, from the reaction part  320  to the primary BF separator  331 . The primary BF separator  331  removes components in the sample that were not bound to the capture antibody, from the specimen in the cuvette C 1 . The R3 reagent dispensing arm  314  aspirates an R3 reagent set in the reagent setting part  350  and discharges the aspirated R3 reagent into the cuvette C 1  transferred to the reaction part  320  from the primary BF separator  331 , by using a pipette  314   a.    
     The cuvette C 1  containing the R3 reagent and the specimen after being subjected to the removal process by the primary BF separator  331  is transferred from the reaction part  320  to the secondary BF separator  332 , by a catcher not shown. The secondary BF separator  332  removes the R3 reagent containing the labeled antibody that did not react. The R4/R5 reagent feeder  340  dispenses an R4 reagent and an R5 reagent sequentially into the cuvette C 1  containing the specimen after the removal process by the secondary BF separator  332 , by means of a tube not shown. 
     The detector  360  obtains, by means of a photo multiplier tube, light generated in the reaction process between the luminescent substrate and the labeled antibody bound to the antigen in the sample that has been subjected to the predetermined processes in the cuvette C 1 , thereby measuring the amount of the antigen contained in the sample. When the measurement of one sample by the detector  360  is completed, the cuvette C 1  containing this sample is discarded into the disposal hole  372  by a catcher not shown. 
     The disposal holes  371  and  372  are connected to a disposal channel continuing to the storage  380  shown in  FIG. 2B . Pipette tips C 2  discarded into the disposal hole  371  and cuvettes C 1  discarded into the disposal hole  372  are housed in the storage  380  through the disposal channel. 
     Here, as shown in  FIG. 2A , when the user opens the lid  301   a  and loads cuvettes C 1  into the first hopper  511 , a case could occur where the user loads pipette tips C 2  by mistake. In this case, there is a risk in which such pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake are transferred by the cuvette supplying section  5  and the pipette tips C 2  get stuck inside the cuvette supplying section  5 . Moreover, there is a risk in which the pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake are transferred even to the inside of the measurement unit  3  by the cuvette supplying section  5 . In such a case, complicated restoration operations are necessary in order to remove the pipette tips C 2 . 
     Therefore, in the immune analyzer  1  of the present embodiment, the cuvette supplying section  5  is configured such that cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  can be sorted from each other even when pipette tips C 2  are loaded by mistake into the first hopper  511 . Hereinafter, description will be given of sorting of cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  from each other as well as the structure of the cuvette supplying section  5 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the structure of the cuvette supplying section  5 .  FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view when the cuvette supplying section  5  is viewed from a side thereof.  FIGS. 5B and 5C  are perspective views showing structures of a swing rail  523  and transfer rails  531 , respectively. It should be noted that, in  FIG. 4 , the first reservoir  51  is not shown for convenience. In  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5A , coordinate axes (xyz) different from the coordinate axes (XYZ) shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  are shown. 
     First, description will be given of the procedure of cuvettes C 1  being transferred by the cuvette supplying section  5  as well as the structure of the cuvette supplying section  5 . 
     The cuvettes C 1  loaded into the first hopper  511  of the first reservoir  51  are transferred to the second reservoir  52  by the belt  513  (see  FIG. 3 ) as described above. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5A , the second reservoir  52  includes a second hopper  521 , a sensor  522  composed of a light emitter and a light receiver, the swing rail  523 , and a swing guide  524 . The second hopper  521  is provided with a slope in the bottom surface thereof. To the second hopper  521 , cuvettes C 1  are transferred from the first reservoir  51  such that several cuvettes C 1  are held in the second hopper  521 . The cuvettes C 1  transferred from the first reservoir  51  are held in the second hopper  521 , sequentially stacked from the bottom surface thereof. The sensor  522  detects cuvettes C 1  located on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the swing rail  523  includes a pair of fan-shaped plates  523   a , and a spacer  523   b  fixed to the pair of plates  523   a  so as to be sandwiched therebetween. An interval d3 (thickness of the spacer  523   b ) between the pair of plates  523   a  is smaller than the diameter d11 of the flange C 11  of each cuvette C 1 , and greater than the diameter d12 of the body C 12 . Further, a shaft hole  523   c  is formed in each of the pair of plates  523   a . The shaft hole  523   c  in the plate  523   a  on the y axis negative direction side is supported by a shaft from the y axis negative direction side, and the shaft hole  523   c  in the plate  523   a  on the y axis positive direction side is supported by a shaft from the y axis positive direction side. Accordingly, the swing rail  523  can rotate about the y axis. Further, a cutout  523   d  is formed in the spacer  523   b , and a space S 1  is formed by the pair of plates  523   a  and the spacer  523   b . It should be noted that the space S 1  corresponds to the “gap” described in claims. 
     The swing guide  524  includes a pair of fan-shaped plates  524   a  in contact with the outer sides of the swing rail  523 , and a spacer  524   b  fixed to the pair of plates  524   a  so as to be sandwiched therebetween. A shaft hole  524   c  is formed in each of the pair of plates  524   a , and the pair of plates  524   a  are respectively supported by shafts from the y axis negative direction side and the y axis positive direction side. Accordingly, the swing guide  524  can rotate about the y axis. 
     The swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  structured as above are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable in an integrated manner. Each cuvette C 1  is sent out to the transfer rails  531  of the transfer part  53  through the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b  of the swing guide  524 , by the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  being swung. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 5A and 5C , the transfer part  53  includes the pair of transfer rails  531 , a cover  532 , and sensors  533  and  534  of a reflection-type. An interval d4 between the pair of transfer rails  531  is the same as the interval d3 between the pair of plates  523   a . A space S 2  is formed by the interval d4 provided between the pair of transfer rails  531 . It should be noted that the space S 2  corresponds to the “gap” described in claims. 
     The cuvettes C 1  sent out by the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a “swing part”) slip down by their own weights along the upper sides of the pair of transfer rails  531 , and are sequentially arranged in a line from the lower end of the transfer rails  531 . At this time, the body C 12  of each cuvette C 1  enters the space S 2 , and only the flange C 11  is supported by the upper sides of the pair of transfer rails  531 . 
     The cover  532  is provided in order to protect a portion above the transfer rails  531 . In the right end of the cover  532 , a stopper  532   a  bent upward is formed. The sensors  533  and  534  are installed near the middle portion of the transfer rails  531  and near the lowest portion of the transfer rails  531 , respectively. The sensor  533  detects a cuvette C 1  at the front (y axis positive direction) position (middle position of the transfer rails  531 ) of the sensor  533 , and the sensor  534  detects a cuvette C 1  at the front (y axis positive direction) position (lowest position P 4  of the transfer rails  531 ) of the sensor  534 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the procedure of cuvettes C 1  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  being sent out by the swing part. 
     First, the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  are rotated downward to be located at a position shown in  FIG. 6A . Accordingly, one cuvette C 1  located on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  is drawn into the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b.    
     Subsequently, the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  are rotated upward to be located at a position shown in  FIG. 6B . Accordingly, the cuvette C 1  drawn into the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b  slips down by its own weight along the upper sides (end portions facing the spacer  524   b ) of the pair of plates  523   a , to be sent out onto the pair of transfer rails  531 . 
     At this time, when the cuvette C 1  slipping down comes to the space  51 , as shown by the cuvette C 1  at a position t 1 , the flange C 11  is supported by the upper sides of the pair of plates  523   a , and the body C 12  enters the space  51 . When the cuvette C 1  at the position t 1  further slips down by its own weight, as in the case of the position t 1 , the flange C 11  is supported by the upper sides of the pair of plates  523   a  to be located at a position t 2 , with the body C 12  being in the space  51 . When the cuvette C 1  at the position t 2  further slips down by its own weight, as in the cases of the positions t 1  and t 2 , the flange C 11  is supported by the pair of transfer rails  531  to be located at a position t 3 , with the body C 12  being in the space S 2 . 
     It should be noted that  FIGS. 6A and 6B  have described a case where the cuvette C 1  enters the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b  with the body C 12  side first. However, even in a case where the cuvette C 1  enters the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b  with the flange C 11  side first as shown in  FIG. 5A , the cuvette C 1  is sent out to the transfer rails  531  as in the case described above. That is, with respect to the cuvette C 1  that has come to the space S 1  with the flange C 11  side first, the flange C 11  is supported by the upper sides of the pair of plates  523   a  and the body C 12  enters the space S 1  as in the case described above. Thus, with respect to the cuvette C 1  sent out to the transfer rails  531 , the flange C 11  is supported by the transfer rails  531  as described above. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the take-out part  54  stops a cuvette C 1  located at the lowest position on the transfer rails  531 . When a cuvette C 1  is needed in a measurement operation, the take-out part  54  transports, among cuvettes C 1  arranged along the transfer rails  531 , only the cuvette C 1  located at the lowest position to the reagent discharging position P 1  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Next, description will be given of the procedure of transferring pipette tips C 2  that were loaded by mistake into the first hopper  511 , as well as the structure of the guide part  55 . 
     Pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake into the first hopper  511  of the first reservoir  51  are transferred to the second reservoir  52  by the belt  513  (see  FIG. 3 ), as in the case of the cuvettes C 1 . The pipette tips C 2  transferred from the first reservoir  51  are held in the second hopper  521 , sequentially stacked from the bottom surface thereof, as in the case of the cuvettes C 1 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5A , the guide part  55  is provided below the transfer part  53 , and includes plates  551 ,  552 , and  553 , walls  554  and  555 , and a sensor  556  composed of a light emitter and a light receiver.  FIG. 5A  shows a state where the plates  551  and  552  have been removed. The walls  554  and  555  have a plurality of flat parts perpendicular to an xz plane. The plates  551  to  553  and the walls  554  and  555  form a space S 3 . The space S 3  is connected to the disposal channel continuing to the storage  380 . 
     Further, the walls  554  and  555  have holes  554   a  and  555   a  formed therein, respectively. The sensor  556  can detect a pipette tip C 2  passing through the space S 3 , via the holes  554   a  and  555   a.    
       FIGS. 6C and 6D  show the procedure of pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  being sent out by the swing part. 
     When the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  are rotated downward, as shown in  FIG. 6C , a pipette tip C 2  located on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  is drawn into the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b . Subsequently, when the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  are rotated upward, as shown in  FIG. 6D , the pipette tip C 2  drawn into the space between the swing rail  523  and the spacer  524   b  slips down by its own weight along the upper sides of the pair of plates  523   a.    
     At this time, when the pipette tip C 2  slipping down comes to the space  51 , as shown by the pipette tip C 2  at a position t 4 , the pipette tip C 2  enters the space  51 . As described above, the interval d3 between the pair of plates  523   a  is greater than the diameters of the attachment C 21  and the body C 22  of the pipette tip C 2 . Therefore, the pipette tip C 2  at the position t 4  passes through the space  51  to be located at a position t 5 . When the pipette tip C 2  at the position t 5  further slips down by its own weight, the pipette tip C 2  enters the space S 3 , and slips down along the wall  554 . 
     In a case where a pipette tip C 2  swiftly slips down along the upper sides of the pair of plates  523   a , for example, the pipette tip C 2  may come to the transfer rails  531 , as shown by a pipette tip C 2  at a position t 7 . Also in this case, as described above, since the interval d4 between the pair of transfer rails  531  is greater than the diameters of the attachment C 21  and the body C 22  of the pipette tip C 2 , the pipette tip C 2  at the position t 7  passes through the space S 2  to be located at a position t 8 . The pipette tip C 2  at the position t 8  further falls down to enter the space S 3 , and slips down along the wall  554 , as in the case of the pipette tip C 2  at a position t 6 . 
     It should be noted that cuvettes C 1  on the transfer rails  531  are arranged up to the front (y axis positive direction) position of the sensor  533 , and are not arranged up to a position higher than the front position of the sensor  533 . Moreover, the cover  532  in which the stopper  532   a  is formed is provided over the transfer rails  531 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Therefore, a pipette tip C 2  having swiftly slipped down from the upper side of the pair of plates  523   a  passes through the space S 2  without bumping a cuvette C 1 , to be sent to the space S 3 . 
     With reference back to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5A , the pipette tip C 2  that has been sent to the space S 3  and has slipped down along the wall  554  further falls downward within the space S 3 , is detected by the sensor  556 , and then is discharged from a lower portion of the guide part  55 . The pipette tip C 2  discharged from the lower portion of the guide part  55  is sent to the disposal channel which continues from the disposal holes  371  and  372  to the storage  380 . In this manner, the pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake into the first hopper  511  are housed in the storage  380 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a configuration of the measurement unit  3 . 
     The measurement unit  3  includes a control section  31 , a stepping motor section  32 , a rotary encoder section  33 , a sensor section  34 , a mechanism section  35 , and a light emission section  36 . The control section  31  includes a CPU  31   a , a memory  31   b , a communication interface  31   c , and an I/O interface  31   d.    
     The CPU  31   a  executes computer programs stored in the memory  31   b . Moreover, the CPU  31   a  receives, via the I/O interface  31   d , signals from the stepping motor section  32 , the rotary encoder section  33 , the sensor section  34 , the mechanism section  35 , and the light emission section  36 , and controls these components. The memory  31   b  has stored therein various computer programs necessary for measurement operations, and is also used as a work area for the CPU  31   a.    
     The communication interface  31   c  is connected to the sample transporter  2  and a control device  4 . The CPU  31   a  transmits instruction signals to the sample transporter  2  via the communication interface  31   c , and receives instruction signals transmitted from the sample transporter  2 . Further, the CPU  31   a  transmits instruction signals and optical information (such as data of the amount of light generated in the reaction between the labeled antibody and the luminescent substrate) of samples to the control device  4  via the communication interface  31   c , and receives instruction signals transmitted from the control device  4  via the communication interface  31   c.    
     The stepping motor section  32  includes stepping motors for driving the belt  513 , the swing rail  523  and the swing guide  524  which are integrated with each other, and the take-out part  54 , and other stepping motors in the measurement unit  3 . The rotary encoder section  33  includes rotary encoders corresponding to the stepping motors included in the stepping motor section  32 . 
     The sensor section  34  includes a sensor for detecting that the measurement start button  304   a  or the emergency stop button  304   b  has been pressed, the sensor  512  of the first reservoir  51 , the sensor  522  of the second reservoir  52 , the sensors  533  and  534  of the transfer part  53 , the sensor  556  of the guide part  55 , and other sensors in the measurement unit  3 . The mechanism section  35  includes mechanisms for driving components in the measurement unit  3 . The light emission section  36  includes an LED for causing the indicator  303  (see  FIG. 1 ) to emit light. 
       FIG. 8  shows a configuration of the control device  4 . 
     The control device  4  is implemented by a personal computer, and includes a body  40  and the display input unit  41 . The body  40  includes a CPU  401 , a ROM  402 , a RAM  403 , a hard disk  404 , a read-out device  405 , an input/output interface  406 , an image output interface  407 , and a communication interface  408 . 
     The CPU  401  executes computer programs stored in the ROM  402  and computer programs loaded onto the RAM  403 . The RAM  403  is used for reading out computer programs stored in the ROM  402  and the hard disk  404 . The RAM  403  is also used as a work area for the CPU  401  when the CPU  401  executes these computer programs. 
     The hard disk  404  has stored therein computer programs to be executed by the CPU  401  such as an operating system and application programs, and data used for execution of such computer programs. The read-out device  405  is implemented by a CD drive, a DVD drive, or the like, and can read out computer programs and data stored in storage mediums. 
     The input/output interface  406  receives signals outputted from the display input unit  41 . The image output interface  407  outputs video signals corresponding to image data to the display input unit  41 . The display input unit  41  displays an image based on the video signals outputted from the image output interface  407 , and outputs instructions received from the user via the screen of the display input unit  41 , to the input/output interface  406 . 
     The communication interface  408  is connected to the measurement unit  3 . The CPU  401  transmits instruction signals to the measurement unit  3  via the communication interface  408 , and receives instruction signals transmitted from the measurement unit  3  via the communication interface  408 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing control of the cuvette supplying section  5  regarding transfer of cuvettes C 1 . 
     The CPU  31   a  of the measurement unit  3  determines whether it is necessary to transfer a cuvette C 1  to the reagent discharging position P 1  in order for the R1 reagent to be discharged (S 101 ). When it is not necessary to transfer a cuvette C 1  to the reagent discharging position P 1  (S 101 : NO), the processing is advanced to S 104 . When it is necessary to transfer a cuvette C 1  to the reagent discharging position P 1  (S 101 : YES), the CPU  31   a  determines whether there is a cuvette C 1  at the lowest position P 4  of the transfer rails  531  based on a detection signal from the sensor  534  (S 102 ). 
     When there is no cuvette C 1  at the lowest position P 4  (S 102 : NO), the processing is advanced to S 105 . When there is a cuvette C 1  at the lowest position P 4  (S 102 : YES), the CPU  31   a  causes this cuvette C 1  to be transferred to the reagent discharging position P 1  (S 103 ). Subsequently, the CPU  31   a  determines whether there is a cuvette C 1  at the middle position of the transfer rails  531  based on a detection signal from the sensor  533  (S 104 ). It should be noted that if the sensor  533  has been detecting a cuvette C 1  for a predetermined time period, the CPU  31   a  determines that there is a cuvette C 1  at the middle position. 
     When there is a cuvette C 1  at the middle position (S 104 : YES), the CPU  31   a  returns the processing to S 101 , and continues the processes of S 101  to S 109  until a shutdown instruction is issued (S 110 ). When there is no cuvette C 1  at the middle position (S 104 : NO), the CPU  31   a  determines whether there are cuvettes C 1  or pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  based on a detection signal from the sensor  522  (S 105 ). 
     When there are cuvettes C 1  or pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  (S 105 : YES), the CPU  31   a  causes the swing part to perform the sending out as described above, to send out a cuvette C 1  or a pipette tip C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  (S 106 ). As described above, in a case where a cuvette C 1  has been sent out, this cuvette C 1  is transferred along the transfer rails  531 , and in a case where a pipette tip C 2  has been sent out, this pipette tip C 2  is sent to the space S 3 . Then, the processing is advanced to S 110 . On the other hand, when there is neither a cuvette C 1  nor a pipette tip C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  (S 105 : NO), the CPU  31   a  determines whether there are cuvettes C 1  or pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the first hopper  511  based on a detection signal from the sensor  512  (S 107 ). 
     When there are cuvettes C 1  or pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the first hopper  511  (S 107 : YES), the CPU  31   a  drives the belt  513  to transfer cuvettes C 1  or pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the first hopper  511  to the second hopper  521  (S 108 ). Then, the processing is returned to S 105 . On the other hand, when there is neither a cuvette C 1  nor a pipette tip C 2  on the bottom surface of the first hopper  511  (S 107 : NO), the CPU  31   a  causes a message that urges refill of cuvettes C 1  to be displayed (S 109 ). That is, the CPU  31   a  lights the indicator  303  in red and transmits an instruction signal to the control device  4 . Upon receiving this instruction signal, the control device  4  causes the display input unit  41  to display a message for urging the user to refill cuvettes C 1 . Then, the processing is returned to S 107 . When cuvettes C 1  are refilled, the color of the indicator  303  is returned to the color at normal operation. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing control of the cuvette supplying section  5  regarding pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake. It should be noted that the control shown in  FIG. 10  is performed in parallel with the control shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Upon activation of the immune analyzer  1 , the CPU  31   a  of the measurement unit  3  assigns 0 to a variable n for counting pipette tips C 2  in the memory  31   b  (S 201 ). Subsequently, the CPU  31   a  determines whether a pipette tip C 2  has been sent to the space S 3  based on a detection signal from the sensor  556  (S 202 ). When a pipette tip C 2  has been sent to the space S 3  (S 202 : YES), the CPU  31   a  increments the value of n by 1 (S 203 ). 
     Next, when the value of n is 1 (S 204 : YES), the CPU  31   a  starts counting elapsed time T (S 205 ). That is, the elapsed time T since the timing at which a pipette tip C 2  loaded by mistake entered the space S 3  for the first time is counted. 
     Next, when the value of n is 1 or 2 (S 206 : YES), the CPU  31   a  determines whether the elapsed time T is longer than or equal to a predetermined value (e.g., 3 minutes) (S 207 ). When the elapsed time T is longer than or equal to the predetermined value (S 207 : YES), the CPU  31   a  returns the value of n to 0. For example, in a case where the number of pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake is 1 or 2, the time taken for such pipette tip(s) C 2  loaded by mistake to pass through the space S 3  is momentary. In this case, it is considered as unnecessary to make the user notice that pipette tip(s) C 2  have been loaded by mistake, or to stop transfer of cuvettes C 1 . Therefore, in S 208 , the number of pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake is reset. 
     Next, when the value of n is 3 (S 209 : YES), the CPU  31   a  performs an abnormality handling process (S 210 ). For example, in such a case where the user loaded by mistake pipette tips C 2  of a whole bag into the first hopper  511 , the value of n becomes greater than or equal to 3 before the elapsed time T reaches the predetermined value and n is reset. Thus, the abnormality handling process is performed. The abnormality handling process will be described later with reference to  FIG. 11 . Further, at this time, the CPU  31   a  lights the indicator  303  in red. When the abnormality handling process is completed, the CPU  31   a  resumes operations (S 211 ), returns the color of the indicator  303  to the color at normal operation, and then assigns 0 to the value of n. Then, the CPU  31   a  returns the processing to S 202  and continues the processes of S 202  to S 212  until a shutdown instruction is issued (S 213 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing the abnormality handling process. 
     The CPU  31   a  of the measurement unit  3  transmits an error signal to the control device  4  (S 301 ). Subsequently, by stopping the belt  513 , the CPU  31   a  stops transfer of cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  from the first hopper  511  to the second hopper  521  (S 302 ). Moreover, the CPU  31   a  causes the swing part to stop the sending out, to stop sending out cuvettes C 1  and pipettes tip C 2  (S 303 ). 
     Next, the CPU  31   a  continues only the processes from S 101  to S 103  in  FIG. 9 . That is, when it is necessary to transfer a cuvette C 1  to the reagent discharging position P 1  in order for the R1 reagent to be discharged (S 304 : YES), the CPU  31   a  determines whether there is a cuvette C 1  at the lowest position P 4  of the transfer rails  531  based on a detection signal from the sensor  534  (S 305 ). When there is a cuvette C 1  at the lowest position P 4  (S 305 : YES), the CPU  31   a  causes this cuvette C 1  to be transferred to the reagent discharging position P 1  (S 306 ). Accordingly, only the cuvettes C 1  being held on the transfer rails  531  will be sent to the subsequent stages. 
     Further, the CPU  31   a  determines whether it has received an automatic recovery signal from the control device  4  during the abnormality handling process (S 307 ). Upon receiving an automatic recovery signal (S 307 : YES), the CPU  31   a  causes the swing part to perform the sending out, to send out a cuvette C 1  or a pipette tip C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  (S 308 ). Then, based on a detection signal form the sensor  522 , the CPU  31   a  determines whether neither a cuvette C 1  nor a pipette tip C 2  is on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  (S 309 ). When there are cuvettes C 1  or pipette tips C 2  on the bottom surface of the second hopper  521  (S 309 : NO), the processing is returned to S 308 . As a result, all cuvettes C 1  in the second hopper  521  are transferred to the transfer rails  531 , and all pipette tips C 2  in the second hopper  521  are sent to the space S 3 . 
     It should be noted that, when a cuvette C 1  is sent out to the transfer rails  531  in S 308 , cuvettes C 1  may be held in the transfer rails  531  exceeding the middle position of the transfer rails  531 . However, since only several cuvettes C 1  are held in the second hopper  521 , all the cuvettes C 1  in the second hopper  521  will be transferred to the transfer rails  531 . 
     Further, the CPU  31   a  determines whether it has received an operation start signal from the control device  4  during the abnormality handling process (S 310 ). Until receiving an operation start signal (S 310 : YES), the CPU  31  returns the processing to S 304  and continues the processes of S 304  to S 309 . 
       FIG. 12A  is a flow chart showing processing performed by the control device  4 . 
     The CPU  401  of the control device  4  repeats determining whether it has received an error signal from the measurement unit  3  (S 401 ) until a shutdown instruction is issued (S 407 : YES). Upon receiving an error signal (S 401 : YES), the CPU  401  causes the display input unit  41  to display a dialogue D 1  including an error message (S 402 ). 
       FIG. 12B  shows the dialogue D 1 . In the dialogue D 1 , an error message indicating that pipette tips C 2  were loaded by mistake is displayed. Moreover, the dialogue D 1  includes an automatic recovery button D 11  and an operation resumption button D 12 . 
     With reference back to  FIG. 12A , the CPU  401  causes the processing to wait until the automatic recovery button D 11  or the operation resumption button D 12  is pressed (S 403 , S 405 ). When the automatic recovery button D 11  is pressed (S 403 : YES), the CPU  401  transmits an automatic recovery signal to the measurement unit  3  (S 404 ), and when the operation resumption button D 12  is pressed (S 405 : YES), the CPU  401  transmits an operation resumption signal to the measurement unit  3  (S 406 ). 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, each cuvette C 1  loaded into the first hopper  511  through the inlet  511   a  is transferred to the second hopper  521 , and then sent out by the swing part to be transferred onto the transfer rails  531 . On the other hand, each pipette tip C 2  loaded by mistake into the first hopper  511  is transferred to the second hopper  521 , and then sent out by the swing part to be sent into the space S 3  through the space S 1  only or through the spaces S 1  and S 2 . The pipette tip C 2  sent into the space S 3  is housed in the storage  380 . Accordingly, the user need not perform complicated restoration operations in order to remove the pipette tip C 2  loaded by mistake, and can take out the pipette tip C 2  loaded by mistake, by removing the pipette tip C 2  held in the storage  380 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the diameter d11 of the flange C 11  of each cuvette C 1  is greater than the intervals d3 and d4 of the spaces S 1  and S 2 , and the diameter d12 of the body C 12  of the cuvette C 1  is smaller than the intervals d3 and d4 of the spaces S 1  and S 2 . Accordingly, only the flange C 11  of the cuvette C 1  enters neither the space S 1  nor the space S 2 , and thus, the cuvette C 1  is transferred onto the transfer rails  531 . Further, the diameter of the pipette tip C 2  transferred from the second hopper  521  is smaller than the intervals d3 and d4 of the spaces S 1  and S 2 . Thus, in the present embodiment, cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake can be sorted from each other, through such a simple configuration. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that pipette tips C 2  have been sent to the space S 3  based on detection signals from the sensor  556  provided in the guide part  55 , the dialogue D 1  indicating that pipette tips C 2  were loaded by mistake is displayed on the display input unit  41 . Accordingly, the user can promptly notice that pipette tips C 2  were loaded into the first hopper  511  by mistake, and thus, can quickly take a subsequent countermeasure (for example, measures of removing the pipette tips C 2  and then resuming the operation of the cuvette supplying section  5 ). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the restoration operation from becoming complicated. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in the abnormality handling process, although transfer from the first hopper  511  to the second hopper  521  and sending out by the swing part are stopped, transfer of the cuvettes C 1  on the transfer rails  531  are continued as appropriate, as shown in S 304  to S 306 . Accordingly, different from a case where all transfer operations in the cuvette supplying section  5  are stopped, measurement operation can be continued, using the cuvettes C 1  remaining on the transfer rails  531 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, since transfer of pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake into the first hopper  511  is automatically stopped. Therefore, the user need not stop such operation manually, and thus the burden on the user is reduced. Further, transfer of the pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake can be promptly stopped. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, when the abnormality handling process is started, the dialogue D 1  shown in  FIG. 11B  is displayed. Accordingly, the user can quickly stop the immune analyzer  1  and quickly take a countermeasure such as removing the pipette tips C 2 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, each pipette tip C 2  sent into the space S 3  is guided by the plates  551  to  553  and the walls  554  and  555  which form the space S 3 , to the disposal channel which continues to the storage  380 . In the present embodiment, through a simple configuration using the weight of the pipette tip C 2  itself as described above, the pipette tip C 2  loaded by mistake can be easily guided to the storage  380 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the storage  380  set inside the measurement unit  3  is configured to be able to be taken outside when the door  302  is opened. Accordingly, simply by opening the door  302  and taking out the storage  380 , the user can easily remove pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, cuvettes C 1  are each transferred with the flange C 11  supported by the upper sides of the pair of plates  523   a  and the pair of transfer rails  531 . Pipette tips C 2  pass through the space S 1  formed by the pair of plates  523   a  and the space S 2  formed by the pair of transfer rails  531 , and are sent to the space S 3 . In this manner, since pipette tips C 2  are sorted by using the plates  523   a  and the transfer rails  531  for transferring cuvettes C 1 , the measurement unit  3  can be configured in a simple manner, without separately using an apparatus for sorting cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the first hopper  511  for loading cuvettes C 1  and the hopper  611  for loading pipette tips C 2  are adjacent to each other. Therefore, cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  can be easily refilled. That is, according to the present embodiment, in specimen analyzing processing, cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  are consumed by the same number. Therefore, it becomes necessary to refill cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  into the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611 , respectively, at substantially the same time. Therefore, by making the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611  adjacent to each other, cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  can be refilled into the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611 , through a series of operations. 
     However, when the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611  are adjacent to each other in this manner, loading pipette tips C 2  by mistake into the first hopper  511  is more likely to occur. As described above, since cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  are refilled into the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611  often through a series of operations, if the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611  are adjacent to each other, loading pipette tips C 2  by mistake into the first hopper  511  is more likely to occur. 
     However, even in a case where loading pipette tips C 2  by mistake is likely to occur, according to the present embodiment, the pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake are removed from the path for transferring cuvettes C 1 , and sent to the storage  380 . At the same time, occurrence of the loading by mistake is indicated, and the user is notified thereof. Therefore, if the loading by mistake should occur, the user can smoothly take measures after occurrence of such loading by mistake. Thus, in the present embodiment, by arranging the first hopper  511  and the hopper  611  so as to be adjacent to each other, convenience for the user is improved, and at the same time, even if loading by mistake should occur, the user can easily take measures thereafter. 
     Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. 
     For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which blood is measured. However, urine may be measured. That is, the present invention can be applied to analyzers that test urine, and further, the present invention can be applied to clinical sample testing apparatus that test other clinical samples. 
     In the above embodiment, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are sorted from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The cuvette C 1  and a cuvette used in another apparatus (such as blood coagulation apparatus) that is different from the immune analyzer  1  may be sorted from each other. In this case, it is sufficient that the diameter of the cuvette for said another apparatus to be sorted is smaller than the diameter d11 of the cuvette C 1 . 
     In the above embodiment, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are sorted from each other based on the difference in the shape of the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Two types of articles may be sorted, based on the articles having similar shapes but different sizes. For example, in a case where the cuvette C 1  and a cuvette used in another apparatus are sorted from each other, the outer shape of the cuvette used in said another apparatus and the outer shape of the cuvette C 1  may be in a similarity relationship with each other but have sizes different from each other. That is, “having a shape different” in claims includes “having a similar figure but a different size”. 
     In the above embodiment, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are sorted from each other by means of the space S 1  formed by the plates  523   a  and the space S 2  formed by the transfer rails  531 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A configuration for sorting the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  from each other may be provided in the first hopper  511  or the second hopper  521 . For example, a plurality of elongated openings are formed in the first hopper  511  or the second hopper  521 , and the gap in each opening is set to have dimensions that allow the pipette tip C 2  to pass therethrough but does not allow any portion of the cuvette C 1  pass therethrough. Further, a guide part is provided that guides pipette tips C 2  having passed through such openings to the storage  380 . Alternatively, a configuration for sorting the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  from each other may be provided at a position different from the cuvette supplying section  5 . For example, an opening may be provided at the reagent discharging position P 1  at which a cuvette C 1  is supplied by the cuvette supplying section  5 . Then, the opening may be set to have dimensions that allow the pipette tip C 2  to pass therethrough but cause the flange C 11  of the cuvette C 1  to be supported by the edges of the opening. 
     In the above embodiment, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are sorted from each other through the spaces S 1  and S 2 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Such sorting may be performed by another sorting configuration. For example, into an opening whose diameter is greater than d21 and smaller than d12, cuvettes C 1  and pipette tips C 2  are sent from above. Then, the cuvettes C 1  which do not pass through this opening may be supplied to the mechanisms of the subsequent stages, and the pipette tips C 2  which have passed through this opening may be housed in the storage  380 . 
     That is, in the above embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5B , by arranging the pair of plates  523   a  so as to face each other, a gap (the space S 1 ) for sorting the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  from each other is formed. Also, as shown in  FIG. 5C , by arranging the pair of transfer rails  531  so as to face each other, a gap (the space S 2 ) for sorting the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  from each other is formed. However, the method for forming a gap for sorting the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  from each other is not limited thereto. These gaps may be formed by openings, cutouts, or the like. That is, the “gap” described in claims also include a gap formed by such an opening, a cutout, or the like. 
     Further, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are sorted from each other based on the difference in their shapes in the above embodiment. However, in a case where the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  are different from each other both in their shapes and their weights, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  may be sorted from each other based on their weights. In this case, for example, by arranging on the path for transferring the cuvette C 1  a receiving part that descends if the weight of an article placed thereon exceeds a predetermined weight, the cuvette C 1  and the pipette tip C 2  may be sorted from each other. 
     In the above embodiment, by only pipette tips C 2  loaded by mistake being sent to the space S 3 , cuvettes C 1  are supplied to the mechanisms of the subsequent stages. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may be configured such that consumables sent to the space S 3  are supplied to the mechanisms of the subsequent stages, and consumables sent onto the transfer rails  531  are discarded. In this case, the storage  380  is provided at the end of the transfer rails  531 , and a mechanism for sending the consumables to the mechanisms of the subsequent stages is provided at the end of the space S 3 . 
     In the above embodiment, each pipette tip C 2  is removed through the space S 1  formed by the plates  523   a  and the space S 2  formed by the transfer rails  531 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The pipette tip C 2  may be removed only through the space S 1 . In this case, for example, by the swing part slowly performing the sending out operation, the pipette tip C 2  may be prevented from entering the space S 2 . Further, by locating the stopper  532   a  of the cover  532  at the highest position of the transfer rails  531 , the pipette tip C 2  may be prevented from entering the space S 2 . 
     In the above embodiment, the space S 3  is connected to the disposal channel which continues to the storage  380 , and the pipette tips C 2  sent to the space S 3  are housed in the storage  380 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in  FIG. 13A , it may be configured such that the space S 3  is connected to a disposal tube  305  which is led to the outside of the measurement unit  3 , and the pipette tips C 2  sent into the space S 3  pass through the disposal tube  305  to be housed in a disposal box set outside the measurement unit  3 . 
     Further, in the above embodiment, when the abnormality handling process is started, transfer from the first hopper  511  to the second hopper  521  and sending out by the swing part are automatically stopped. However, such transfer and sending out may not be automatically stopped. In this case, as shown in  FIG. 13B , it may be configured such that a transfer stop button D 13  for stopping the above transfer and sending out is provided in the dialogue D 1  for making notification of pipette tips C 2  having been loaded by mistake. Then, when the transfer stop button D 13  is pressed, the above transfer and sending out are stopped. In such a configuration, when the user notices that pipette tips C 2  have been loaded by mistake, the user can promptly stop the above transfer and sending out. In addition, since the user need not press the emergency stop button  304   b  (see  FIG. 1 ), the user can stop only the above transfer and sending out, without stopping all the operations performed in the measurement unit  3 . 
     In the above embodiment, when the abnormality handling process is started, the dialogue D 1  is displayed in the display input unit  41 , and the indicator  303  is lit in red. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. An alarm sound for notifying the user an abnormality may be outputted from a speaker provided in the measurement unit  3  or the control device  4 . 
     In the above embodiment, when the elapsed time T has become longer than or equal to a predetermined value (e.g., 3 minutes) since a pipette tip C 2  sent to the space S 3  was detected for the first time, the value of n is returned to 0. However, the value of n may not be returned to 0. Alternatively, when the driven number of the swing part has become greater than or equal to a predetermined value since a pipette tip C 2  sent to the space S 3  was detected for the first time, the value of n may be returned to 0. Still alternatively, these predetermined values may be freely set by the user. 
     In addition to the above, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the technical idea defined by the claims.