Patent Abstract:
A transporting apparatus is described, a representative one of which includes a transporting apparatus which transports at least one specimen container accommodated in a rack to a specimen supplying position for supplying a specimen processing apparatus, comprising: a transport mechanism configured to transport the at least one specimen container to the specimen supplying position by transporting the rack; and a detection unit for obtaining information specifying the position of the rack being transported by the transport mechanism.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a transporting apparatus, and more particularly relates to a transporting apparatus for transporting a rack accommodating specimen containers to a specimen supplying position of a specimen processing apparatus for processing the specimen samples.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Conventional transporting apparatuses for transporting a rack accommodating sample containers to a specimen supplying position of a specimen processing apparatus for processing specimen samples are well known (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model No. 63-141455). The specimen samples to be processed by the specimen processing apparatus are placed in specimen containers accommodated in a rack.  
         [0003]     In the transporting apparatus disclosed in the -previously mentioned Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model No. 63-141455, a belt is stopped when a sensor detects an edge (detection part) of identical shape provided at a predetermined pitch on a specimen frame (rack) transported by the belt, and the specimen sample in the specimen container accommodated in the rack is mixed and suctioned.  
         [0004]     In the conventional transporting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Filing No. 6-770, when the specimen frame (rack) is moved one pitch in a transport direction, or a direction opposite to the transport direction, it is impossible for the sensor to detect the one pitch movement of the specimen frame because the edge (detection part) on the specimen frame has identical shape. In this case, an anomaly in the transporting of the rack is not determined, and a problem arise inasmuch as the transport of the specimen frame (rack) continues, and a different specimen container than the specimen container that is supposed to be analyzed is supplied to the specimen supplying position of the specimen processing apparatus.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     A first aspect of the transporting apparatus of the present invention provides a transporting apparatus which transports at least one specimen container accommodated in a rack to a specimen supplying position for supplying a specimen processing apparatus, comprising: a transport mechanism configured to transport the at least one specimen container to the specimen supplying position by transporting the rack; and a detection unit for obtaining information specifying the position of the rack being transported by the transport mechanism.  
         [0007]     A second aspect of the transporting apparatus of the present invention provides a transporting apparatus which transports at least one specimen container accommodated in a rack to a specimen supplying position for supplying a specimen processing apparatus, comprising: a transport mechanism configured to transport the at least one specimen container to the specimen supplying position by transporting the rack along a transport path extending in a predetermined direction; and a detection unit for obtaining information representing the position of the rack whenever a rack is transported by the transporting mechanism; wherein the position information at adjacent positions on the transport path are mutually different information.  
         [0008]     A third aspect of the present invention provides a transport system comprising: a transport system comprising: a specimen processing apparatus configured to process specimen samples in a specimen container; a transporting apparatus which transports at least one specimen container accommodated in a rack to a specimen supplying position for supplying the specimen processing apparatus, comprises, a transporting mechanism configured to transport the at least one specimen container to the specimen supplying position by transporting the rack, a detection unit configured to obtain information specifying the position of the rack transported by the transporting mechanism; and a control unit configured to control the operation of the transporting apparatus; wherein the control unit determines whether or not a container accommodated in a rack has been transported to the specimen supplying position based on the position specifying information of the detection unit. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the transporting apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention connected to an analyzer;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the structure of the rack transported by the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a frontal view showing the structure of the rack transported by the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the structure of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a plan view showing the structure of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view showing the structures on the periphery of the retention regulating mechanism of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a plan view showing the structure of a first rack transport mechanism of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the first rack transport mechanism of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  is a plan view showing the transportation of a rack by the first rack transport mechanism of  FIG. 7  in a stopped state;  
         [0018]      FIG. 10  is a side view showing the connecting member of the first rack transport mechanism of  FIG. 8  engaged to the rack;  
         [0019]      FIG. 11  is a side view showing the connecting member of the first rack transport mechanism of  FIG. 8  engaged to the rack;  
         [0020]      FIG. 12  is a side view showing the structures on the periphery of a return prevention member of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 13  is a side view showing the return prevention member of  FIG. 12  in the rotating state;  
         [0022]      FIG. 14  is a side view showing the structures on the periphery of the retention regulating mechanism of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 15  is a side view showing the retention regulating member of the retention regulating mechanism of  FIG. 14  protruding from the installation surface of the retention plate;  
         [0024]      FIG. 16  is a plan view showing the structure of the horizontal feeding unit of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the horizontal feeding unit of  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 18  is a side view showing the connecting member of the horizontal feeding unit of  FIG. 17  engaged to the rack;  
         [0027]      FIG. 19  is a side view showing the connecting member of the horizontal feeding unit of  FIG. 17  engaged to the rack;  
         [0028]      FIG. 20  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 21  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 22  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 23  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 24  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 25  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 26  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 27  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 28  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 29  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 30  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the horizontal feeding unit of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 31  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the horizontal feeding unit of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 32  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 33  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 34  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 35  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the horizontal feeding unit of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 36  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the horizontal feeding unit of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 37  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 38  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 39  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 40  is a plan view showing the structure of the transporting apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0049]      FIG. 41  is a plan view showing the structure of a first rack transport mechanism of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 40 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 42  is a side view of the first rack transport mechanism of  FIG. 41 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 43  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 44  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 45  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0054]      FIG. 46  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0055]      FIG. 47  is a schematic view illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0056]      FIG. 48  is a schematic view showing the transport controller of the first embodiment of the present invention connected to an analyzer. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0057]     The embodiments of the present invention are described below based on the drawings.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0058]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the transporting apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention connected to an analyzer.  FIGS. 2 and 3  are respectively a perspective view and frontal view showing the structure of the rack transported by the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 48  is a schematic view showing the transport controller of the first embodiment of the present invention connected to an analyzer. The overall structure, which includes a first blood analyzer  2  and a second blood analyzer  3  connected to the transporting apparatus of the first embodiment is described hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 .  
         [0059]     The transporting apparatus of the first embodiment is, for example, connected to a first blood analyzer  2  for performing primary analysis, and a second blood analyzer  3  for performing secondary analysis, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The primary analysis performed by the first blood analyzer  2  is performed on all specimen samples, and the secondary analysis performed by the second blood analyzer  3  is performed on only those specimen samples that are determined to require detailed analysis based on the results of the primary analysis.  
         [0060]     A specimen sample is placed in a specimen container  4 , and the specimen container  4  is placed in a rack  5 . The rack  5  is constructed so as to accommodate ten specimen containers  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The rack  5  has a bottom part  5   a  that has a length in the foreground direction that is greater than the part accommodating the specimen containers  4 . Empty regions are provided on the back surface side of the rack  5 , and a plurality of partitions  5   b  are provided in the empty regions on the back surface side of the rack  5 . Furthermore, a plurality of channels  5   c  are provided on the side surface side of the part of the rack  5  accommodating the specimen containers  4 .  
         [0061]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a transporting apparatus  1  has the function of transporting a rack  5  accommodating specimen containers  4  to the respective specimen supplying positions  2   a  and  3   a  of the first blood analyzer  2  and the second blood analyzer  3 . The specimen supplying position  2   a  of the first blood analyzer  2  is provided with a hand member  2   b , for taking the specimen container  4  from the rack  5  and mixing the specimen sample in the specimen container  4  and supplying the specimen sample into the first blood analyzer  2 . The specimen supplying position  3   a of the second blood analyzer  3  is also provided with a hand member  3   b , for taking the specimen container  4  from the rack  5  and mixing the specimen sample in the specimen container  4  and supplying the specimen sample into the second blood analyzer  3 . Barcode readers  2   c  and  3   c  for reading barcodes adhered to the specimen containers  4  are respectively provided at positions forward of the transported rack  5  at the specimen supplying position  2   a  of the first blood analyzer  2  and specimen supplying position  3   a of the second blood analyzer  3 .  
         [0062]     Specimen container rotation devices  6  for rotating the specimen containers  4  accommodated in the rack  5  are respectively provided in the region corresponding to the position toward the viewer to which the rack  5  is transported at the specimen supplying positions  2   a  and  3   a  of the transporting apparatus  1 . The reading of the barcode adhered to the specimen container  4  by the barcode readers  2   c  and  3   c  is accomplished when the specimen container rotation device  6  rotates the specimen container  4 .  
         [0063]     The two transporting apparatuses  1 , which are respectively connected to the first blood analyzer  2  and second blood analyzer  3 , are connected through an intermediate transporting apparatus  7 . The two transporting apparatuses  1 , which are respectively connected to the first blood analyzer  2  and second blood analyzer  3 , have identical structures.  
         [0064]     As shown in  FIG. 48 , the first blood analyzer  2  is provided with a control unit  2   d , the second blood analyzer  3  is provided with a control unit  3   d , and the transport controller  91  (personal computer) is provided with a control unit  91   d . The control unit  91   d  is connected to the control unit  2   d  and control unit  3   d , respectively, by landline or wireless connection so as to be capable of communication. The transport controller  91  is connected to the transporting apparatus  1  so as to control the operation of the transporting apparatus  1  (not shown in the drawing). The control unit  91   d  of the transport controller  91  determines whether or not a specimen container  4  in the rack  5  has arrived at the specimen supplying position  2   a  or  3   a  of the transporting apparatus  1  based on signals from a detection unit  34  for detecting the transport position of the rack  5  conveyed by the transporting apparatus  1  described later. The control unit  91   d  commands the control unit  2   d  or the control unit  3   d  so as to bring the specimen container  4  arrived at the specimen supplying position  2   a  or  3   a  of the transporting apparatus  1  to the first blood analyzer  2  or the second blood analyzer  3  when the control unit  91   d  determines the presence of the specimen container  4  in the rack  5  arrived at the specimen supplying position  2   a  or  3   a  of the transporting apparatus  1 .  
         [0065]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are a perspective view and plan view, respectively, showing the structure of the transporting apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 6 through 19  are detailed drawings showing the structure of the transport apparatus of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The structure of the transporting apparatus  1  of the first embodiment is described in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 4 through 19 .  
         [0066]     The transporting apparatus  1  of the first embodiment includes an input delivery unit  10 , retention unit  20 , horizontal feeding unit  30 , discharge unit  40 , and output delivery unit  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  
         [0067]     The input delivery unit  10  of the transporting apparatus  1  is provided to deliver a rack  5 , which has been introduced from the entrance  1   a  of the transporting apparatus  1 , to the retention unit  20  side after being moved in the X 1  direction. The input delivery unit  10  includes a rack take-in mechanism  11 , and rack take-out mechanism  12 .  
         [0068]     The rack take-in mechanism  11  of the transporting apparatus  1  is provided to move a rack  5 , which has been introduced from the entrance  1   a , in the X 1  direction. The rack take-in mechanism  11  is configured by a conveyor belt  111 , pulleys  112   a  and  112   b , motor  113 , detection unit  114 , and transmission-type sensor  115 . The conveyor belt  111  is installed on the pulleys  112   a  and  112   b , and the pulley  112   a  is linked to the motor  113 . Thus, the conveyor belt  111  is driven through the pulley  112   a  by driving the motor  113 . Accordingly, when a rack  5  is introduced from the entrance la, the rack  5  is moved in the X 1  direction by driving the conveyor belt  111  in the X 1  direction.  
         [0069]     The detection unit  114  of the rack take-in mechanism  11  is provided to detect the arrival of a rack  5 , which is being moved in the X 1  direction by the conveyor belt  14 , at a take-out position P 1 . The take-out position P 1  is a position at which the rack  5  can be moved to the retention unit  20  side by the rack take-out mechanism  12 . The detection unit  114  has a detection pin  114   a , compression spring  114   b , and transmission-type sensor  114   c . A force is exerted by the compression spring  114   b  on one end of the detection pin  114   a , such that the detection pin  114   a  projects to the take-out position P 1  side. The transmission-type sensor  114   c  is disposed at the other end of the detection pin  114   a . When a rack  5  is transported to the takeout position P 1  by the conveyor belt  111 , the projecting end of the detection pin  114   a  is pressed by the rack  5 , such that the detection pin  114   a  is moved in the X 1  direction against the force exerted by the compression spring  114   b . Thus, since the other end of the detection pin  114   a  blocks the transmission-type sensor  114   c , the arrival of the rack  5  being conveyed by the conveyor belt  111  in the X 1  direction at the take-out position P 1  can be detected.  
         [0070]     The transmission-type sensor  115  of the rack take-in mechanism  11  is provided to detect the presence/absence of a rack  5  at the take-out position P 1 , and detect when a rack  5  has been taken out from the takeout position P 1  to the retention unit  20  side by the rack take-out mechanism  12 . The transmission-type sensor  115  is disposed so as to be blocked when a rack  5  is present at the takeout position P 1 .  
         [0071]     The rack take-out mechanism  12  of the input delivery unit  10  is provided to take a rack  5 , which has been transported to the take-out position P 1 , to the retention unit  20  side. The rack take-out mechanism  12  is configured by a takeout member  121  direct-acting guide  122 , arm  123 , and motor  124 . The takeout member  121  is mounted on the direct-acting guide  122 , and the direct-acting guide  122  is arranged so as to extend in the Y 1  direction (Y 2  direction). A slot  123   a  is formed at one end of the arm  123 . This end of the arm  123  is mounted on the take-out member  121  through the slot  123   a , and the other end of the arm  123  is linked to the rotating shaft of the motor  124 . Thus, one end of the arm  123  is rotated by the drive of the motor  124 , such that the take-out member  121  is moved in the direction (Y 1  direction) of extension of the direct-acting guide  122 . Accordingly, when a rack  5  is present at the take-out position P 1 , the rack  5  is moved to the retention unit  20  side by the take-out member  121 .  
         [0072]     The retention unit  20  of the transporting apparatus  1  is provided to retain the rack  5  that has been transported from the entrance la to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ). In the first embodiment, the retention unit  20  has the function of again retaining a rack  5 , which has been moved from the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) in a direction opposite of the transport direction to repeat an analysis. The retention unit  20  includes a retention plate  21 , first rack transport mechanism  22 , transmission-type sensors  23  and  24 , return prevention member  25 , retention regulating mechanism  26 , and barcode reader  27 .  
         [0073]     The retention plate  21  of the retention unit  20  has a rack contact part  21   a , retention regulating unit  21   b , a pair of hole s 21   c  and a pair of holes  21   d , and a notch  21   e . The rack contact part  21   a  is provided on the retention plate on the opposite side relative to the input delivery unit  10 . The rack contact part  21   a  is formed by bending the retention plate  21  at a right angle relative to the installation surface  21 f. The region between the rack contact part  21   a  and the end (return prevention member  25 ) of the retention plate  21  on the input delivery unit  10  side is the retention region for retaining a rack  5 . One part of the region the size of a rack  5  on the input delivery unit  10  side of the retention plate  21  is a rack receiving position P 2  for receiving a rack  5  that has been moved from the input delivery unit  10 . One part of the region the size of a rack  5  on the rack contact part  21   a  side of the retention plate  21  is a horizontal feed start position P 3  for starting the transport of a rack  5  by the horizontal feeding unit  30 .  
         [0074]     The retention regulating unit  21   b  of the retention plate  21  is formed by bending a predetermined region of the rack contact part  21   a  parallel to the installation surface  21 f. That is, the retention regulating member  21   b  is formed so as to project from the rack contact part  21   a  to the horizontal feed start position P 3  in a planar view. The retention regulating member  21   b  is provided to prevent the rack from being placed at the horizontal feed start position P 3  by an operator. Furthermore, the distance from the installation surface  21   f  of the retention regulating unit  21   b  is set so as to be less than the entire height of the rack  5 , and greater than the height of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The amount of projection of the retention regulating member  21   b  from the rack contact part  21   a  is set such that the rack  5  does not come into contact with the retention regulating member  21   b  when the rack  5  (bottom part  5   a ) abuts the rack contact part  21   a.    
         [0075]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the pair of holes  21 c of the retention plate  21  are formed so as to extend from the rack receiving position P 2  of the retention plate  21  to the horizontal feed starting position P 3 . The pair of holes  21   d  of the retention plate  21  are formed as rectangular slots so as to have a length in the lengthwise direction that actually matches the length of the rack  5  (bottom part  5   a ) in the forward direction. The pair of holes  21   d  of the retention plate  20  are arranged in a region separated from the rack contact part  21  by an actual distance equal to the length of the rack  5  (bottom part  5   a ) in the forward direction, so as to sandwich the pair of holes  21   c  therebetween. The region in which the pair of holes  21   s  are formed in the retention plate  21  is the region for regulating the retention of the rack  5  (retention regulating position P 4 ). Furthermore, the pair of notches  21   e  of the retention plate  21  are formed at the end of the retention plate  21  on the input delivery unit  10  side.  
         [0076]     In the first embodiment, the first rack transport mechanism  22  of the retention unit  20  has the function of moving a rack  5  that is retained at the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21  from the horizontal feed start position P 3  in a direction opposite to the transport direction to the rack receiving position P 2  (Y 2  direction), in addition to the function of moving the rack  5  retained at the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21  from the rack receiving position P 2  side to the horizontal feed start position P 3  (Y 1  direction). The first rack transport mechanism  22  is configured by a drive unit  22   a  and a rack transport unit  22   b , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The drive unit  22   a  is provided to move the rack transport unit  22   b  in the Y 1  direction (transport direction) and Y 2  direction (direction opposite the transport direction), and is disposed below the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 . The drive unit  21   a  has a motor  221 , intermediate belt  222 , motor pulley  223 , large diameter pulley  224 , drive belt  225 , pulleys  226   a  and  226   b , tension pulley  227 , and direct-acting guide  228 . The intermediate belt  222  is installed on the motor pulley  223  and the large diameter pulley  224 , and the motor pulley  223  is linked to the motor  221 . The drive belt  225  is installed on the pulleys  226   a  and  226   b , and the small diameter part  224   a  of the large diameter pulley  224 . A tension force is exerted on the drive belt  225  by the tension pulley  227 . Thus, the drive belt  225  is driven by the drive of the motor  221  at reduced speed through the intermediate belt  222 , motor pulley  223  and large diameter pulley  224 . The direct-acting guide  228  is disposed so as to extend in the Yl direction (Y 2  direction).  
         [0077]     The rack transport unit  22   b  of the first rack transport mechanism  22  is provided to move a rack  5 , which is retained at the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 , in the Y 1  direction and Y 2  direction. The rack transport unit  22  includes a first moving member  229 , and a second moving member  230 . The first moving member  229  is linked to the drive belt  225 , and the second moving member  230  is mounted on the direct-acting guide  228 . The second moving member  230  has a pair of plates  230   a  arranged so as to be mutually opposite with a predetermined distance therebetween, and the first moving member  229  is disposed between the pair of plates  230   a  of the second moving member  230 . The second moving member  230  is configured so as to track the movement of the first moving member  229  when the first moving member  229  is moved by the actuation of the drive belt  225 .  
         [0078]     Specifically, a shaft  231  is mounted between the pair of plates  230   a  of the second moving member  230 , and the first moving member  229  is inserted on the shaft  231  so as to be slidably in the direction of extension of the shaft  231  (Y 1  direction and Y 2  direction). A compression spring  232  is installed on the shaft  231  to exert a force in the Y 2  direction on the first moving member  229 . Thus, when the first moving member  229  is moved in the Y 1  direction by the drive belt  225  (when the first moving member  229  is moved from the position of  FIG. 7  to the position of  FIG. 9 ), the first moving member  229  presses one plate  230   a  of the second moving member  230  in the Y 1  direction through the compression spring  232 , such that the second moving member  230  is moved in the Y 1  direction along the direct-acting guide  228 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 through 9 . When the first moving member  229  is moved in the Y 2  direction by the drive belt  225  (when the first moving member  229  is moved from the position of  FIG. 9  to the position of  FIG. 7 ), the first moving member  229  presses the other plate  230   a  of the second moving member  230  in the Y 2  direction, such that the second moving member  230  is moved in the Y 2  direction along the direct-acting guide  228 .  
         [0079]     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a cylinder  233  and direct-acting guide  234  are mounted on the second moving member  230  of the rack transport unit  22   b . The cylinder  233  is arranged so as to extend in a perpendicular direction (Z direction) relative to the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 , and the direct-acting guide  234  extends in the Z direction. Furthermore, a shaft holder  235  is mounted on a cylinder rod  233   a and direct-acting guide  234 . Thus, the shaft holder  235  is moved in the direction (Z direction) of the extension of the direct-acting guide  234  by the cylinder rod  233   a extending in the Z direction.  
         [0080]     A shaft  236  is mounted on the shaft holder  235  of the rack transport unit  22   b , and a pair of connectors  237   a  and a pair of connectors  237   b  are mounted on the shaft  236  so as to be pivotable on the shaft  236 . One of the pair of connectors  237   a  is placed at one end of the shaft  236 , and the other of the pair of connectors  237   a  is placed at the other end of the shaft  236 . One of the pair of connectors  237   b  are placed at one end of the shaft  236 , and the other of the pair of connectors  237   b  is placed at the other end of the shaft  236 . The connectors  237   a  and  237   b  project from the installation surface  21   f  through the pair of holes  23   c  of the retention plate  21  when the shaft holder  235  is moved in the Z direction, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The connectors  237   a  and  237   b  respectively have connecting surfaces  237   c  and  237   d  for engaging the interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5 . Thus, the connectors  237   a  and  237   b  project from the installation surface  21   f , and when the rack transport unit  22   b  is moved in the Y 1  direction (Y 2  direction), the rack  5  is moved in the Y 1  direction (Y 2  direction) by the engagement of the interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5  with the connecting surface  237   c  ( 237   d ) of the connector  237   a  ( 237   b ). As shown in  FIG. 10 , the connector  237   a  engages the interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5  when the rack  5  is moved in the Y 1  direction, and the connector  237   b  engages the interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5  when the rack  5  is moved in the Y 2  direction, as shown in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0081]     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the connector  237   a  of the rack transport unit  22   b , receive a force exerted by the tension spring  238   a  mounted on the shaft holder  235 , such that the connector  237   a  is brought into parallel with the connecting surface  237   c  and interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5 . The connector  237   b  receives a force exerted by a tension spring  238   b  mounted on the shaft holder  235  so as to be brought into parallel with the connecting surface  237   b  and interior surface  5   a  of the rack  5 . Therefore, when an external force is added from above to the connector  237   a  ( 237   b ), the connector  237   a  ( 237   b ) is rotated in a predetermined direction against the force exerted by the tension spring  238   a  ( 238   b ). Moreover, when the external force from above is eliminated on the connector  237   a  ( 237   b ), the connector  237   a  ( 237   b ) is rotated in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction by the force exerted by the tension spring  238   a  ( 238   b ) and is brought into parallel with the connecting surface  237   c  ( 237   d ) and the interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5 .  
         [0082]     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a detection piece  239  is mounted on the first moving member  229  of the rack transport unit  22   b , and a transmission-type sensor  240  is mounted on the second moving member  230 . The detection piece  239  and the transmission-type sensor  230  are provided to detect a stoppage during the transport of the rack  5  in the Y 1  direction by the first rack transport mechanism  22 . Specifically, the detection piece  239  and transmission-type sensor  240  are arranged such that the detection piece  239  blocks the light of the transmission sensor  240  when the second moving member  230  is stationary and the first moving member  229  is moved in the Y 1  direction, as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0083]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the transmission-type sensor  23  of the retention unit  20  is provided to detect the presence/absence of a rack  5  in the retention region outside the horizontal feed starting position P 3  of the retention unit  20 . The transmission-type sensor  23  is arranged so as to block the light when at least one rack  5  is retained in the retention region outside the horizontal feed starting position P 3  of the retention unit  20 . The transmission-type sensor  24  of the retention unit  20  is provided to detect the arrival of a rack  5 , which is moved from the rack receiving position P 2  side, at the horizontal feed starting position P 3 . The transmission-type sensor  24  is arranged so as to block the light when a rack  5  has arrived at the horizontal feed start position P 3 .  
         [0084]     The return prevention member  25  of the retention unit  20  is provided to prevent a rack  5 , which has been taken from the take-out position P 1  and placed at the rack receiving position P 2 , from being returned from the rack receiving position P 2  to the take-out position P 1 . The return preventing member  25  is disposed in a region corresponding to the notch  21   e  of the retention plate  21 . The return prevention member  25  has a perpendicular surface  25   a  that is perpendicular to the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 , and an inclined surface  25   b  that is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the perpendicular surface  25   a , as shown in  FIG. 12 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , when a rack  5  is passing the boundary of the take-out position P 1  and the rack receiving position P 2 , the return prevention member  25  rotates downward from the retention plate  21 , and rotates upward from the retention plate  21  to return to the initial condition (condition shown in  FIG. 12 ) when the rack  5  has passed the boundary of the take-out position P 1  and the rack receiving position P 2 . The return prevention member  25  does not rotate relative to an external force in the Y 2  direction.  
         [0085]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the retention regulating mechanism  26  of the retention unit  20  is provided to regulate the retention of a rack  5  to the retention regulating position P 4  of the retention plate  21 . The retention regulating mechanism  26  is configured by a pair of retention regulating members  261 , and a pair of cylinders  262 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 14 . The cylinder  262  is arranged so that the cylinder rod  262   a  extends in a perpendicular direction (Z direction) relative to the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 . The cylinder rod  262   a  is mounted to the surface of the retention plate  21  on the side opposite the installation surface  21   f . Therefore, the body of the cylinder  262  moves in the Z direction toward the retention plate  21  when the cylinder rod  262   a  is extended in the Z direction, as shown in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0086]     The retention regulating member  261  is mounted on the body of the cylinder  262  on the side opposite the cylinder rod  262   a . The retention regulating member  261  is arranged so as to project from the installation surface  21   f  through the hole  21   d  of the retention plate  21  when the body of the cylinder  262  is moved in the Z direction. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the retention regulating member  262  is formed in a rectangular shape from a planar view, similar to the hole  21   d  of the retention plate  21 , and has a length in the length direction that is substantially the same as the length of the rack  5  (bottom part  5   a ) in the forward direction. Therefore, when the retention regulating member  261  projects from the installation surface  21   f , the retention of the rack  5  toward the retention regulating position P 4  is regulated by the retention regulating member  261 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Moreover, when the retention regulating member  261  projects from the installation surface  21   f , the distance between the end of the retention regulating member  261  on the horizontal feed starting position P 3  side and the end of the retention plate  21  on the horizontal feed starting position P 3  side is less than the length of the rack  5  (bottom part  5   a ) in the forward direction, such that the retention of the rack  5  toward the horizontal feed starting position is also regulated.  
         [0087]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the barcode reader  27  of the retention unit  20  is provided to read the barcode of a rack  5  moving from the rack receiving position P 2  side to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  side.  
         [0088]     In the first embodiment, the horizontal feeding unit  30  of the transport apparatus  1  is provided to move a rack  5 , which has been transported to the horizontal feed starting position P 3 , to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) and the discharge unit  40 . The horizontal feeding unit  30  is configured so as to transport a rack  5  a distance of approximately 20 mm (the distance between adjacent specimen containers  4  accommodated in the rack  5 ). In the first embodiment, the horizontal feeding unit  30  is configured so as to move a rack  5 , which has been transported to the discharge unit  40  side, in the reverse direction to the transport direction to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  when performing a repeat analysis. The horizontal feeding unit  30  includes a horizontal feed plate  31 , drive unit  32 , rack transport unit  33 , and detection unit  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  
         [0089]     A hole  31   b  extending from the horizontal feed starting position P 3  to a discharge starting position P 5  described later is formed in the transport surface  31   a  of the horizontal feed plate  31  of the horizontal feeding unit  30 .  
         [0090]     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the drive unit  32  of the horizontal feeding unit  30  is provided to move the rack transport unit  33  in the X 1  direction (transport direction) and X 2  direction (direction opposite of the transport direction), and is disposed below the transport surface  31   a  of the horizontal feed plate  31 . The drive unit  32  is configured by a motor  321 , drive belt  322 , pulleys  323   a and  323   b , and a direct-acting guide  324 . The motor  321  is linked to the pulley  323   a , and the drive belt  322  is installed on the pulleys  323   a and  323   b . Thus, the drive belt  322  is driven by the actuation of the motor  321  through the pulley  323   a . The direct-acting guide  324  is arranged so as to extend in the X 1  direction (X 2  direction).  
         [0091]     In the first embodiment, the rack transport unit  33  of the horizontal feeding unit  30  has the function of moving the rack  5  from the discharge starting position P 5  to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  (X 2  direction) in addition to the function of moving the rack  5  on the transport surface  31   a  of the horizontal feed plate  31  from the horizontal feed starting position P 3  to the discharge starting position P 5  (X 1  direction), as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In the horizontal feeding unit  30 , the initial position  30   a  in  FIG. 5  is a position where the horizontal feeding of the rack  5  begins by the rack transport unit  33 , and the horizontal feed ending position  30   b  in  FIG. 5  is the position where the horizontal feeding of the rack  5  ends by the rack transport unit  33 . The rack transport unit  33  is configured by a moving member  331 , solenoid  332 , direct-acting guide  333 , connector  334 , and transmission-type sensor  335 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The moving member  331  is mounted on the direct-acting guide  324  and is linked to the drive belt  322 . Thus, the moving member  331  is moved in the direction of the extension of the direct-acting guide  324  (X 1  direction and X 2  direction) by the actuation of the drive belt  322 . The solenoid  332  is mounted on the moving member  331 , and is arranged such that the rod  332   a  of the solenoid  332  extends in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the transport surface  31   a  of the horizontal feed plate  31 . The direct-acting guide  333  is mounted on the moving member  331 , and extends in the Z direction. The connector  334  is mounted on the direct-acting guide  333  and the rod  322   a  of the solenoid  322 . Thus, the connector  334  moves in the direction of extension (Z direction) of the direct-acting guide  333  when the rod  322   a  of the solenoid  322  is extended in the Z direction.  
         [0092]     In the first embodiment, a first connector  334   a  and second connector  334   b  are integratedly provided as a unit on the connector  334  of the rack transport unit  33 . The first connector  334   a  and the second connector  334   b  are disposed so as to project from the transport surface  31   a  through the holes  31   b  of the horizontal feed plate  31  when the connector  334  is moved in the Z direction, as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the first connector  334   a  and the second connector  334   b  project from the transport surface  31   a , and when the rack transport unit  33  is moved in the X 1  direction, the rack  5  is moved in the X 1  direction by the engagement of the interior surface of the rack  5  on the first specimen container  4  side to the first connector  334   a . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the plate  5   b  of the rack  5  on the tenth specimen container  4  side engages the second connector  334   b , and two racks  5  are simultaneously moved in series in the X 1  direction by the engagement of the interior surface of the rack  5  on the first specimen container  4  side to the first connector  334   a .  FIGS. 18 and 19  show racks  5  being moved in the X 1  direction. That is, in  FIG. 18 , the first connector  334   a  engages the plate  5   b  of the rack  5  on the first specimen container  4  side when the rack  5  is moved in the X 2  direction. Furthermore, in  FIG. 19 , the second connector  334   b  engages the rack  5  on the tenth specimen container  4  side when the rack  5  is moved in the X 2  direction and the first connector  334   a  engages the plate  5   b  of the rack  5  on the first specimen container  4  side.  
         [0093]     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the transmission-type sensor  335  of the rack transport unit  33  is provided to detect the projection of the first connector  334   a  and the second connector  334   b  from the transport surface  31   a  of the horizontal feed plate  31 . The transmission-type sensor  335  is arranged such that the light is blocked by the detection piece  334   c  mounted on the connector  334  when the first connector  334   a  and the second connector  334   b  project from the transport surface  31   a  of the horizontal feed plate  31 .  
         [0094]     The detection unit  34  of the horizontal feeding unit  30  is provided to detect the position of the rack transport unit moving in the X 1  direction and X 2  direction. The detection unit  34  is configured by transmission-type sensors  341   a  and  341   b , and a detection panel  343 . The transmission-type sensor  341   a  is provided to detect a rack transport unit  33  that has been moved to the initial position  30   a  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). The transmission-type sensor  341   a  is arranged such that the light is blocked by the detection piece  331   a  of the moving member  331  of the rack transport unit  33  when the rack transport unit  33  has been moved to the initial position  30   a . The transmission-type sensor  341   b  is provided to detect a rack transport unit  33  that has been moved to horizontal feed end position  30   b  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). The transmission-type sensor  341   b  is arranged such that light is blocked by a detection piece (not shown in the drawing) of the moving member  331  of the rack transport unit  33  when the rack transport unit  33  has been moved to the horizontal feed end position  30   b.    
         [0095]     In the first embodiment, the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  of the detection unit  34  are provided to detect the transport position of the rack  5 . The transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  are mounted on the moving member  331  of the rack moving member  33 . The light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit of the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  are arranged so as to confront one another with the detection panel  343  disposed therebetween. The transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  are disposed so as to be separated by a predetermined distance in the movement direction (X 1  direction and X 2  direction) of the rack transport unit  33 . In the first embodiment, the detection panel  343  of the detection unit  34  has a plurality of square-shape detection holes  343   a through  343   h  arrayed in the movement direction (X 1  direction and X 2  direction) of the rack transport unit  33 . The detection holes  343   a through  343   h  are provided to change the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  to the transmit (ON) state or block (OFF) state. The detection holes  343   a  through  343   h  are further arranged to change the state of at least one of the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  (ON state and OFF state) whenever the rack transport untit  33  is moved one pitch in the X 1  direction as the rack transport movement  33  is moved at the approximate 20 mm pitch in the X 1  position. Thus, the combinations of the ON state and OFF state of the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  is changed each time the rack transport unit  33  is moved one pitch in the X 1  direction. That is, the position of the rack transport unit  33  is detected by the combination of ON state and OFF state of the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b.    
         [0096]     When the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is positioned in the region corresponding to the detection hole  343   a  in the detection unit  34 , the rack transport unit  33  is moved to the initial position  30   a  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). When the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is position in the region corresponding to the detection hole  343   g , the rack transport unit  33  is moved to the horizontal feed ending position  30   b  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). The detection holes  343   a  through  343   g  are arranged sequentially in the X 1  direction (from the initial position  30   a  to the horizontal feed ending position  30   b ). The detection hole  343   h  is separated by a predetermined distance in the X 2  direction from the detection hole  343   a.    
         [0097]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the discharge unit  40  of the transporting apparatus  1  is provided to transport the a rack  5 , which has been moved from the horizontal feeding unit  30  to the discharge unit  490 , to a position from which the rack  5  can be delivered from an output opening  1   b  by a transport unit  50 . The discharge unit  40  includes a discharge plate  41 , second rack transport mechanism  42 , and transmission-type sensors  43  and  44 .  
         [0098]     The discharge plate  41  of the discharge unit  40  has a rack contact part  41   a , and a pair of holes  41   b . A region of the size of a single rack  5  on the horizontal feeding unit  30  side of the discharge plate  41  is the discharge starting position P 5  for starting the transport of a rack  5  in the discharge unit  40 . A region of the size of a single rack  5  on the side of the discharge plate  41  opposite the discharge starting position P 5  is output starting position P 6  for starting the transport of a rack  5  from the output opening  1   b  by the transport unit  50 . The rack contact part  41   a  is provided on the output starting position P 6  side of the discharge plate  41 . The rack contact part  41   a  is formed by bending the discharge plate  41  in a direction perpendicular to the discharge surface  41   c . The pair of holes  41   b  of the discharge plate  41  are formed in the discharge plate  41  and extend from the discharge starting position P 5  to the output starting position P 6 .  
         [0099]     A second rack transport mechanism  42  of the discharge unit  40  is provided to move a rack  5  on the discharge surface  41   c  of the discharge plate  41  in the Y 2  direction, and is provided below the discharge surface  41   c  of the discharge plate  41 . The second rack transport mechanism  42  has a pair of connectors  421  that engage the interior surface of the bottom part  5   a  of the rack  5  when the rack  5  is moved in the Y 2  direction. The connectors  421  are disposed in a region corresponding to the holes  41   b  of the discharge plate  41 , and are movable in the Y 2  direction (Y 1  direction) in the holes  41   b  by the drive unit of the rack transport mechanism  42  not shown in the drawing. The connectors  421  are configured so as to project from the discharge surface  41   c  through the holes  41   b  of the discharge plate  41  when the rack  5  is moved in the Y 2  direction.  
         [0100]     The transmission-type sensor  43  of the discharge unit  40  is provided to detect the arrival of a rack  5 , which is moving from the horizontal feeding unit  30  in the X 1  direction, at the discharge starting position P 5 . The transmission-type sensor  43  is disposed such that the light is blocked when the rack  5  arrives at the discharge starting position P 5 . The transmission-type sensor  44  of the discharge unit  40  is provided to detect the arrival of a rack  5 , which is moving from the discharge starting position P 5  in the Y 2  direction, at the output starting position P 6 . The transmission-type sensor  44  is disposed such that the light is blocked when the rack  5  arrives at the output starting position P 6 .  
         [0101]     The output delivery unit  50  is provided to transport a rack  5 , which has been moved to the output starting position P 6  in the discharge unit  40 , from the output opening  1   b . The output delivery unit  50  includes a rack transport member  51 , motor  52 , drive belt  53 , pulleys  54   a  and  54   b , and direct-acting guide  55 .  
         [0102]     The rack transport member  51  of the output delivery unit  50  is provided to transport a rack  5 , which has been moved to the output starting position P 6 , in the X 1  direction (output opening  1   b  side). The motor  52  is linked to the pulley  54   a , and the drive belt  53  is installed on the pulleys  54   a  and  54   b . Thus, the drive belt  53  is driven by the actuation of the motor  52  through the pulley  54   a . The direct-acting guide  55  is arranged so as to extend in the X 1  direction (X 2  direction). The rack transport member  51  is linked to the drive belt  53 , and mounted on the direct-acting guide  55 . Thus, the rack transport member  51  is moved in the direction of extension of the direct-acting guide  55  (X 1  direction and X 2  direction) by the actuation of the drive belt  53 .  
         [0103]     The transport operation of the transporting apparatus  1  of the first embodiment is described below with reference to  FIGS. 1, 5 ,  9 , and  20  through  39 .  
         [0104]     First, a first rack  5  is introduced through the entrance opening la to the input delivery unit  10  of the transporting apparatus  1 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . At this time in the input delivery unit  10 , the conveyor belt  111  of the rack transport mechanism  11  is actuated. Thus, rack  5  is moved from the entrance opening la to the take-out position P 1  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) by the conveyor belt  111 . Then, the arrival of the first rack  5  at the take-out position P 1  is detected by the detection unit  114 . The presence of the first rack  5  at the take-out position P 1  is detected by the transmission-type sensor  115 .  
         [0105]     As shown in  FIG. 21 , in the input delivery unit  10 , the take-out member  121  of the rack take-out mechanism  12  is moved in the Y 1  direction after the first rack  5  has arrived at the take-out position P 1 . Thus, the first rack  5  is moved from the takeout position P 1  to the rack receiving position P 2  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). Then, the move of the first rack  5  from the take-out position P 1  to the rack receiving position P 2  is detected by the transmission-type sensor  115 . Furthermore, the presence of the first rack  5  at the rack receiving position P 2  (retention region outside the horizontal feed starting position P 3  of the retention unit  20 ) is detected by the transmission-type sensor  23  of the retention unit  20 .  
         [0106]     Thereafter, in the retention unit  20 , the first rack  5 , which has arrived at the rack receiving position P 2 , is moved in the Y 1  direction by the connector  237   a  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the first rack transport mechanism  22 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . Then, the retention regulating member  261  of the retention regulating mechanism  26  is housed below the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 .  
         [0107]     Thus, the first rack  5 , which has been moved in the Y 1  direction by the connector  237   a  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the first rack transport mechanism  22 , is not prevented from moving in the Y 1  direction by the retention regulating member  261 , and is transported to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  (refer to  FIG. 5 ), as shown in  FIG. 23 . Then, the arrival of the first rack  5  at the horizontal feed starting position P 3  is detected by the transmission-type sensor  24 .  
         [0108]     In the retention unit  20 , when the first rack  5  arrives at the horizontal feed starting position P 3  (refer to  FIG. 5 ), the movement of the first rack  5  in the Y 1  direction is stopped when the first rack  5  abuts the rack contact part  21   a  of the retention plate  21 . The operation of the rack transport unit  22   b  of the first rack transport mechanism  22  at this time is described below, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The drive belt  225 , which is driven by the actuation of the motor  221 , is linked to the first moving member  229  of the rack transport unit  22 , and since the connector  237   a  for engaging the first rack  5  is not mounted, the movement of the first moving member  229  in the Y 1  direction continues while the motor  221  is actuated. Since the drive belt  225  is not linked to the second moving member  230  of the rack transport unit  22   b , and the connector  237   a  for engaging the first rack  5  is mounted through various parts, the movement of the second moving member  230  in the Y 1  direction is stopped. Thus, since only the first moving member  229  moves in the Y 1  direction against the force exerted by the compression spring  232 , the transmission-type sensor  240  mounted on the second moving member  230  is blocked by the detection piece mounted on the first moving member  229 . As a result, the movement of the first rack  5  to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  by the first rack transport mechanism  22  is stopped.  
         [0109]     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the specimen containers  4  accommodated in the first rack  5  are sequentially moved to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) when the horizontal feeding unit  30  moves the first rack  5  at the horizontal feed starting position P 3  a pitch of approximately 20 mm in the X 1  direction. The second through fourth racks  5  are transported to the retention region of the retention unit  20  in the same manner as the first rack  5 . Then, in the retention unit  20 , the retention regulating member  261  of the retention regulating mechanism  26  is projected from the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 . Thus, the transport of the second and subsequent racks  5  to the retention regulating position P 4  is controlled by the retention regulating member  261 .  
         [0110]     Then, when the first rack  5  has been completely moved from the horizontal fed starting position P 3  in the retention unit  20 , the retention regulating member  261  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the retention regulating mechanism  26  is housed below the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . Then, with the retention regulating member  261  housed below the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 , the second through fourth racks  5  are moved in the Y 1  direction by the connector  237   a  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the first rack transport mechanism  22 . Then, the second through fourth racks  5  are moved in the Y 1  direction until the second rack  5  is moved to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  (refer to  FIG. 5 ).  
         [0111]     Thereafter, in the retention unit  20 , the third and fourth racks  5  are moved in the Y 2  direction, that is, the direction opposite the transport direction, by the connector  237   b  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the first rack transport mechanism  22 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . Then, the third and fourth racks  5  are moved in the Y 2  direction until the third rack  3  is moved to the retention region adjacent to the retention regulating position P 4 . Thereafter, the retention regulating member  261  of the retention regulating mechanism  26  projects from the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 .  
         [0112]     The operation when it is determined that repeat analysis is required for a specimen sample in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5  in the state shown in  FIG. 26  is described below.  
         [0113]     When it is determined that repeat analysis is required for a specimen sample in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5 , first, in the retention unit  20 , the retention regulating member  261  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the retention regulating mechanism  26  is housed below the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 . Thereafter, with the retention regulating member  261  housed below the installation surface  21   f  of the retention plate  21 , the second rack  5  is moved to the retention regulating position P 4  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) by the connector  237   b  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the first rack transport mechanism  22 .  
         [0114]     Then, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the first rack  5  is moved to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) when the first rack  5  is transported in the X 2  direction (direction opposite the transport direction) by the horizontal feeding unit  30 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the first rack  5  is again moved to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) when the horizontal feeding unit  30  again moves the first rack  5  at the horizontal feed starting position P 3  a pitch of approximately 20 mm in the X 1  direction.  
         [0115]     After the first rack  5  has been completely moved to the horizontal feed starting position, the second rack  5  is transported to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  by the connector  237   a  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the first rack transport mechanism  22 , so as to be returned to the condition prior to the repeat analysis condition (refer to  FIG. 26 ).  
         [0116]     The transport operation performed by the horizontal feeding unit  30  is described in detail below.  
         [0117]     First, in the initial state shown in  FIG. 30 , the rack transport unit  33  of the horizontal feeding unit  30  is moved to the initial position  30   a . When the rack transport unit  33  has been moved a pitch of approximately 20 mm in the X 1  direction, the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  of the rack transport unit  33  operate as described below.  
         [0118]     As shown in  FIG. 30 , when the rack transport unit  33  is moved to the initial position  30   a , the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is set to the transmission (ON) state, and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  is set to the blocked (OFF) state. As shown in  FIG. 31 , when the rack transport unit  33  is moved only approximately 20 mm (one pitch) from the initial position  30   a , the rack transport unit  33  is transported to the first transport position  30   c  at which the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is set to the OFF state, and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  is set to the ON state. As shown in  FIG. 32 , when the rack transport unit  33  is moved only approximately 40 mm (two pitches) from the initial position  30   a , the rack transport unit  33  is transported to the second transport position  30   d  at which the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is set to the ON state, and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  is set to the OFF state. As shown in  FIG. 33 , when the rack transport unit  33  is moved only approximately 60 mm (three pitches) from the initial position  30   a , the rack transport unit  33  is transported to the third transport position  30   e  at which the transmission-type sensor  342   a  and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  are both set to the ON state. In the first embodiment, the rack  5  is transported by the horizontal feeding unit  30  to any among the first transport position  30   c  at which the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is set to the blocked (OFF) state and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  is set to the transmission (ON) state; second transport position  30   d  at which the transmission-type sensor  342   a  is set to the transmission (ON) state and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  is set to the blocked (OFF) state; and third transport position  30   e  at which the transmission-type sensor  342   a  and the transmission-type sensor  342   b  are both set to the transmission (ON) state. The first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , and third transport position  30   e  are provided so as to be sequentially adjacent in the stated order in the transport direction (X 1  direction).  
         [0119]     Thus, each time the rack transport unit  33  is moved one pitch in the X 1  direction, the rack  5  is transported to either he first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , or third transport position  30   e , that is, the rack  5  is transported to a different transport position with each one pitch of movement. In this way the shift can be readily detected when the position of the rack  5  is shifted one pitch. Furthermore, since the movement of the rack  5  can be reliably detected, it is possible to specify the specimen container  4  in the rack  5  moved to the specimen supplying position.  
         [0120]     In the horizontal feeding unit  30 , the barcode adhered on the first specimen container  4  of the first rack  5  is read when the first rack  5  is moved approximately 40 mm from the initial position  30   a  by the rack transport unit  33  (refer to  FIG. 32 ). As shown in  FIG. 34 , when the first rack  5  is moved approximately 80 mm (four pitches) from initial position  30   a  by the rack transport unit  33 , the specimen in the first specimen container  4  of the first rack  5  is agitated by the hand member  2   b  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) of the first blood analyzer  2 . As shown in  FIG. 35 , when the first rack  5  is moved approximately 100 mm (five pitches) from initial position  30   a  by the rack transport unit  33 , the specimen in the first specimen container  4  of the first rack  5  is supplied to the first blood analyzer  2  by the hand member  2   b  ( 3   b ).  
         [0121]     When it is determined that repeat analysis is required for a specimen sample in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5 , the rack transport unit  33  is moved in the X 2  direction, as shown in  FIG. 36 . Then, the rack transport unit  33  is moved in the X 2  direction until the transmission-type sensor  342   a  of the rack transport unit  33  arrives at the region corresponding to the detection hole  343   h . At this time the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  are set to the ON state and OFF state, respectively.  
         [0122]     As shown in  FIG. 37 , the first rack  5  is transported to the discharge starting position P 5  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) when the first rack  5  is moved approximately 20 mm (one pitch) in the X 1  direction by the horizontal feeding unit  30 . Then, the arrival of the first rack  5  at the discharge starting position P 5  is detected by the transmission-type sensor  43  of the discharge unit  40 .  
         [0123]     Then, in the discharge unit  40 , the first rack  5 , which has arrived at the discharge starting position P 5  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) is moved in the Y 2  direction by the connector  421  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the second rack transport mechanism  42  and arrives at the take-out starting position P 6 , as shown in  FIG. 38 . Then, the arrival of the first rack  5  at the take-out starting position P 6  is detected by the transmission-type sensor  44  of the discharge unit  40 .  
         [0124]     Finally, in the output delivery unit  50 , after the first rack  5  is moved to the takeout starting position P 6 , the rack transport member  51  is move din the X 1  direction, as shown in  FIG. 39 . Thus, the first rack  5  is moved from the output opening  1   b  since the first rack  5  at the take-out starting position P 6  is moved in the X 1  direction.  
         [0125]     In the first embodiment described above, when the rack  5  is transported by the horizontal feeding unit  30  to either the first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , or third transport position  30   e , whether or not the rack  5  has arrived at the transport position (first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , or third transport position  30   e ) can be confirmed when the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  detect the detection holes  343   a through  343   g  by providing a horizontal feeding unit  30  for transporting a rack  5  to the specimen supplying position  2   a  and  3   a  of a first blood analyzer  2  or second blood analyzer  3 , transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  for detecting the transport position of the rack  5 , and detection holes  343   a  through  343   g  for indicating the transport positions (first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , or third transport position  30   e ) detectable by the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b . Therefore, the movement of the rack  5  can be reliably detected by the change in the detection status of the transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  even when the rack  5  is moved one pitch in either the X 1  direction or X 2  direction from the transport position (first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , or third transport position  30   e ). Since the movement of the rack  5  can be detected in this way, it is possible to prevent supplying a specimen container  4  that is different from the specimen container  4  intended for current analysis to the first blood analyzer  2  or second blood analyzer  3 .  
         [0126]     In the first embodiment, when the rack  5  is moved one pitch (20 mm) at a time in the X 1  or X 2  directions between two transport positions (first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , or third transport position  30   e ), the movement of the rack  5  can be readily detected by providing sequentially adjacent first transport position  30   c , second transport position  30   d , and third transport position  30   e , and sequentially changing the detection status of the transmission-type sensor  342   a  and transmission-type sensor  342   b  among three different detection states.  
         [0127]     In the first embodiment, in the retention unit  20 , the first transport mechanism for transporting a rack  5  at the rack receiving position P 2  to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  is configured so as to be capable of moving the rack  5  in a direction opposite the transport direction from the horizontal feed starting position P 3  toward the rack receiving position P 2  side, such that a rack  5  can be moved in a direction (Y 2  direction) opposite the transport direction from the horizontal feed starting position P 3  toward the rack receiving position P 2  side by the first rack transport mechanism  22  without intervention by an operator. Thus, when a specimen in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5  is to be reanalyzed by the same analyzer (first blood analyzer  2  or second blood analyzer  3 ), the first rack  5 , which has been moved from the horizontal feed starting position P 3  to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ), is transported again to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  and again retained in the retention unit  20 ; then, since the second rack  5 , which was previously moved to the horizontal feed starting position by the first rack transport mechanism  22 , can be moved to a region outside the horizontal feed starting position P 3  of the retention unit  20  when the retained first rack  5  is again moved from the horizontal feed starting position P 3  to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ), the first rack  5  is ensured of the retention region (horizontal feed starting position P 3 ) in the retention unit  20  without the intervention of an operator. As a result, when a specimen is to be reanalyzed by the same analyzer (first blood analyzer  2  or second blood analyzer  3 ), the rack  5  (specimen sample) can be again transported to either the first blood analyzer  2  or the second blood analyzer  3 .  
         [0128]     In the first embodiment, the racks  5  are moved one at a time by the connectors  237   a  and  237   b  of the first rack transport mechanism  22  by configuring the first rack transport mechanism  22  so as to include the connectors  237   a  and  237   b  for engaging the rack  5 . In this case, when a specimen in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5  is to be reanalyzed by the same analyzer (first blood analyzer  2  or second blood analyzer  3 ), the first rack  5  can be assured of regaining the retention region (horizontal feed starting position P 3 ) in the retention unit  20  by setting a region the size of one rack  5  adjacent to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  on the rack receiving position P 2  side as a region for regulating the retention of a rack  5 , and moving only the second rack  5 , which has already been moved to the horizontal feed starting position P 3 , to the region (retention regulating position P 4 ) adjacent to the horizontal feed starting position P 3  on the rack receiving position P 2  side.  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0129]      FIG. 40  is a plan view showing the structure of the transporting apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 41 and 42  show details of the structure of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of  FIG. 40 . The aspects of the second embodiment which differ from those of the first embodiment are described below in the case of the transport of a rack  5  by a conveyor belt  825  in a retention unit  80  with reference to  FIGS. 3 , and  40  through  42 . The rack  5 , which is moved by the transporting apparatus  100  of the second embodiment, is identical to the rack  5  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0130]     The transporting apparatus  100  of the second embodiment is provided with an input delivery unit  70 , retention unit  80 , horizontal feeding unit  30 , discharge unit  40 , and output delivery unit  50 , as shown in  FIG. 40 . The structures of the horizontal feeding unit  30 , discharge unit  40 , and output delivery unit  50  of the transporting apparatus  100  of the second embodiment are identical to the structures of the horizontal feeding unit  30 , discharge unit  40 , and output delivery unit  50  of the transporting apparatus  1  of the first embodiment.  
         [0131]     The input delivery unit  90  of the transporting apparatus  100  is provided to transport a rack  5 , which has been introduced from the entrance opening  100   a  of the transporting apparatus  100 , in the X 1  direction to the retention unit  80  side. The input delivery unit  70  includes a drive unit  71 , a rack transport unit  72 , and transmission-type sensors  73   a and  73   b.    
         [0132]     The drive unit  71  of the input delivery unit  70  is provided to move the rack transport unit  72  in the X 1  direction and X 2  direction. The drive unit  71  is configured by a motor  711 , drive belt  712 , pulleys  713   a and  713   b , and a direct-acting guide  714 . The motor  711  is linked to the pulley  713   a , and the drive belt  712  is installed on the pulleys  713   a  and  713   b . Thus, the drive belt  712  is driven by the actuation of the motor  711  through the pulley  713   a . The direct-acting guide  714  is arranged so as to extend in the X 1  direction (X 2  direction).  
         [0133]     The rack transport unit  72  of the input delivery unit  70  is provided to move a rack  5  introduced from the entrance opening  100   a  in the X 1  direction, and functions as a retention regulating member. The input starting position  70   a  in  FIG. 40  is the position where the rack  5  begins to be taken in by the rack transport unit  72 , and the input ending position  70   b  in  FIG. 40  is the position where the rack  5  input by the rack transport unit  72  ends. The rack transport unit  72  has a moving member  721 , solenoid  722 , and microswitch  723 . The moving member  721  is linked to the drive belt  712 , and mounted on the direct-acting guide  714 . Thus, the moving member  721  is moved in the X 1  direction along the direct-acting guide  714  when the drive belt  712  is driven in the X 1  direction. The moving member  721  has a contact part  721   a  that comes into contact with a rack  5  introduced from the entrance opening  100   a . The rack  5  abuts the contact part  721   a  of the moving member  721  and in this condition is moved in the X 1  direction by the rack transport unit  72 .  
         [0134]     The microswitch  723  of the rack transport unit  72  is mounted on the contact part  721   a  of the moving member  721 . The microswitch  723  is arranged such that the switch part of the microswitch  723  is pressed by the rack  5  when the rack  5  abuts the contact part  721   a  of the moving member  721 . Thus, when a rack  5  abuts the contact part  721   a  of the moving member  721 , the contact of the rack  5  with the contact part  721   a  is detected since the microswitch  723  is switched from the ON (OFF) state to the OFF (ON) state.  
         [0135]     The solenoid  722  of the rack transport unit  72  is mounted on the moving member  721 . The solenoid  722  is arranged such that the rod  722   a  of the solenoid  722  extends in the Y 1  direction, and the rod  722   a  is inserted into a channel  5   c  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) of a rack  5  abutting the contact part  721   a  of the moving member  721 . Thus, when the rod  722   a  of the solenoid  722  is inserted into the channel  5   c  of the rack  5  and the rack transport unit  72  is moved in the X 1  direction, the rack  5  is moved in the X 1  direction by the engagement of the rod  722   a  of the solenoid  722  with the channel  5   c  of the rack  5 .  
         [0136]     The transmission-type sensors  73   a and  73   b  of the input delivery unit  70  are provided to detect the position of the rack transport unit  72  moving the X 1  direction and X 2  direction. That is, the transmission-type sensor  73   a  is provided to detect the movement of the rack transport unit  72  to the input starting position. The transmission-type sensor  73   a  is disposed such that the light is blocked by a detection piece (not shown in the drawing) of the moving member  721  of the track transport unit  72  when the rack transport unit  72  has been moved to the input starting position  70   a . The transmission-type sensor  73   b  is provided to detect the movement of the rack transporting unit  72  to the input ending position  70   b . The transmission-type sensor  73   b  is disposed such that the light is blocked by a detection piece (not shown in the drawing) of the moving member  721  of the track transport unit  72  when the rack transport unit  72  has been moved to the input ending position  70   b . When the rack transport unit  72  has been moved to the input starting position  70   a , the moving member  721  of the rack transport unit  72  is positioned in a predetermined region above a retention plate  81  described later. When the rack transport unit  72  has been moved to the input ending position  70   b , the moving member  721  of the rack transport unit  72  is position in a region separated from the retention plate  81  described later.  
         [0137]     The retention unit  80  of the transporting apparatus  100  is provided to retain a rack  5  that has been moved from the entrance opening  100   a  to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ). In the second embodiment, when a repeat analysis is to be performed, the retention unit  80  has the function of retaining a rack  5  that has been moved from the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) in a direction opposite the transport direction. The retention unit  80  includes a retention plate  81 , first rack transport mechanism  82 , and barcode reader  83 .  
         [0138]     The retention plate  81  of the retention unit  80  has three divisions, and the three divisions of the retention plate  81  are arranged at mutually predetermined spacing. The retention plate  81  is arranged so as to have a region through which the rack transport unit  72  (contact part  721   a  of the moving member  721 ) of the rack transport unit  72  passes as it moves in the X 1  direction (X 2  direction). The retention plate has a rack contact part  81   a . The rack contact part  81   a  is provided on the retention plate  81  on the opposite side from the input delivery unit  70 . The rack contact part  81   a  is formed by bending the retention plate  81  in a direction perpendicular to the installation surface  81 b. The region between the rack contact part  81   a  and the end of the retention plate  81  on the input delivery unit  70  side is a retention region capable of retaining a rack  5 . In the retention rack  81 , the region through which the rack transport unit  72  of the input delivery unit  70  passes is the rack receiving position for receiving a rack  5  transported by the input delivery unit  70 . A region of the size of a single rack  5  on the rack contact part  81   a  side of the retention plate  81  is the horizontal feed starting position for starting the transport of a rack  5  by the horizontal feeding unit  30 .  
         [0139]     In the second embodiment, the retention of a rack  5  to the rack receiving position P 22  is regulated by the moving member  721  when the rack transport unit  72  (moving member  721 ) of the input delivery unit  70  is moved to the input starting position  70   a . That is, when the rack transport unit  72  (moving member  721 ) of the input delivery unit  70  is moved to the input starting position  70   a , the rack transport unit  72  (moving member  721 ) functions as a retention regulating member to regulate the retention of the rack  5  toward the rack receiving position P 22 . When the rack transport unit  72  is moved to the input ending position  70   b , the rack transport unit  72  (moving member  721 ) does not function as a retention regulating member since the rack transport unit  72  (moving member  721 ) is positioned in a region separated from the retention plate  81 . Moreover, the transport of the rack  5  toward the rack receiving position P 22  starts when the rack transport unit  72  is present in a region capable of retaining at least one rack  5  in a region outside the rack receiving position P 22  of the retention unit  80 .  
         [0140]     The first rack transport mechanism  82  of the retention unit  80  has the function of moving a rack  5  in a direction (Y 2  direction) opposite the transport direction from the horizontal feed starting position P 23  side to the rack receiving position P 22  side in addition to the function of moving a rack  5  retained on the retention plate  81  from the rack receiving position P 22  side to the horizontal feed starting position P 23  side (Y 1  direction). The first rack transport mechanism  82  is disposed below the installation surface  81 b of the retention plate  81 . The first rack transport mechanism  82  is configured by a cylinder  82 , direct-acting guide  822 , holder  823 , motor  824 , two drive belts  825 , a pair of pulleys  826   a  and a pair of pulleys  826   b , a plurality of tension pulleys  827 , pulley shaft  828 , drive belt  829 , and transmission-type sensor  830 . The cylinder  821  is disposed so as to extend in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the installation surface  81   b  of the retention plate  81 , and the direct-acting guide  822  is arranged so as to extend in the Z direction. The holder  823  is mounted on a cylinder rod  821   a  and the direct-acting guide  822 . Thus, the holder  823  is moved in the direction of extension of the direct-acting guide  823  by the cylinder rod  821   a  extending in the Z direction.  
         [0141]     In the first rack transport mechanism  82 , the motor  824 , pulley pair  826   a  and pulley pair  826   b , and the plurality of tension springs  827  are mounted on the holder  823 . The pulley pair  826   a  are arranged so as to mutually confront one another separated by a predetermined distance, and the pulley pair  826   b  are arranged so as to confront one another separated by the same distance as that separating the pulley pair  826   a . The two transport belts  825  are respectively installed on the pulleys  826   a  and  826   b  on one side, and pulleys  826   a  and  826   b  on the other side. The transport belts  825  on one side and the other side are arranged so as to project from the installation surface  81   b  through the regions corresponding the medial areas between the three divisions of the retention plate  81  when the holder  823  is moved in the Z direction. A tension is applied by the plurality of tension springs  827  to the transport belts  825  installed on the pulleys  826   a  and  826   b.    
         [0142]     In the first rack transport mechanism  82 , the pulley shaft  828  is linked to the pair of pulleys  826   a , and the drive belt  829  is installed on the pulley shaft  828  and the rotating shaft of the motor  824 . Thus, the transport belt  825  is driven by the actuation of the motor  824  through the drive belt  829 , pulley shaft  828 , and pulley  826   a . When the transport belt  825  is driven in the Y 1  direction (Y 2  direction) while protruding from the installation surface  81   b , the rack  5  is move din the Y 1  direction (Y 2  direction) by means of the contact of the rack  5  with the driven transport belt  825 .  
         [0143]     The transmission-type sensor  830  of the first rack transport mechanism  82  is provided to detect the transport belt  825  projecting from the installation surface  81   b  of the retention plate  81 . The transmission-type sensor  830  is disposed such that the light is blocked by a detection piece  823   a  mounted on the holder  823  when the transport belt  825  projects from the installation surface  81   b  of the retention plate  81 .  
         [0144]      FIGS. 43 through 47  are schematic views illustrating the transport operation of the transporting apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention. The rack transport operation of the transporting apparatus  100  of the second embodiment is described below with reference to  FIGS. 40 , and  43  through  47 .  
         [0145]     In the retention unit  80 , the first through sixth racks  5  sequentially transported from the input delivery unit  70  are moved in the Y 1  direction by the transport belt  825  of the first rack transport mechanism  82 , as shown in  FIG. 43 . Then, the first rack  5  is moved to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) by moving the first rack  5  at the horizontal feed starting position P 23  (refer to  FIG. 40 ) approximately 20 mm (one pitch) in the X 1  direction (transport direction). When the first rack  5  is moved completely from the horizontal feed starting position P 23 , the second through sixth racks  5  are moved in the Y 1  direction by the transport belt  825  of the first rack transport mechanism  82 . Then, the second through sixth racks  5  are moved in the Y 1  direction until the second rack  5  reaches the horizontal feed starting position P 23 . Thereafter, the rack transport unit  72  of the input delivery unit  70  is moved to the input starting position  70   a  (X 2  direction).  
         [0146]     The operation when it is determined that repeat analysis is required for a specimen sample in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5  in the state shown in  FIG. 43  is described below.  
         [0147]     When it is determined that repeat analysis is required for a specimen sample in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5 , first, in the input delivery unit  70 , the rack transport unit  72  is moved to the input ending position  70   b  (X 1  direction), as shown in  FIG. 44 . As shown in  FIG. 45 , the second through sixth racks  5  are  
         [0148]     moved in the Y 2  direction, that is, a direction opposite the transport direction, by the transport belt  825  of the first rack transport mechanism  82 . Then, the second through sixth racks  5  are moved in the Y 2  direction until the sixth rack  5  reaches the rack receiving position P 22  (refer to  FIG. 40 ).  
         [0149]     As shown in  FIG. 46 , the first rack  5  is moved to the horizontal feed starting position P 23  by moving the first rack  5  in the X 2  direction, that is, a direction opposite the transport direction by the horizontal feeding unit  30 .  
         [0150]     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 47 , the first rack  5  is again moved to the specimen supplying position  2   a  ( 3   a ) by again moving the first rack  5  at the horizontal feed starting position P 23  approximately 20 mm (one pitch) in the X 1  direction. After the first rack  5  has been completely moved from the horizontal feed starting position P 23 , the second rack  5  is transported to the horizontal feed starting position P 23  by the transport belt  825  of the first rack transport mechanism  82 , so as to be returned to the condition prior to the repeat analysis condition (refer to  FIG. 43 ).  
         [0151]     The transport operations in the horizontal feeding unit  30 , discharge unit  40 , and output delivery unit  50  of the second embodiment are respectively identical to the transport operations of the horizontal feeding unit  30 , discharge unit  40 , and output delivery unit  50  of the first embodiment.  
         [0152]     In the second embodiment, the first rack transport mechanism  82  is configured to include the transport belt  825  to move the rack  5 , and all racks  5  retained in the region outside the rack receiving position P 22  of the retention unit  80  can be moved simultaneously in a direction opposite the transport direction from the horizontal feed starting position P 23  side to the rack receiving position P 22  side by the transport belt  825  of the first rack transport mechanism  82 . In this case, when a specimen in a specimen container  4  accommodated in the first rack  5  is to be reanalyzed by the same analyzer, the second rack  5 , which was previously moved to the horizontal feed starting position P 23 , can be moved together with the third and subsequent racks  5  to a region outside the horizontal feed starting position P 23  of the retention unit  80  by setting the rack receiving position P 22  as a region for regulating the retention of racks  5 , such that a region (horizontal feed starting position P 23 ) for again retaining the first rack  5  in the retention unit  80  can be readily ensured.  
         [0153]     The above disclosed embodiments are to be considered examples in all respects and in now manner limiting of the invention. The scope of the present invention is expressed in the scope of the claims and not in the description of the embodiments, and all modifications within the scope and meaning of equivalences are included within the scope of the claims.  
         [0154]     For example, although the transporting apparatus of the present invention is connected to blood analyzers in the first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as the transporting apparatus of the present invention may also be connected to specimen processing apparatuses other than blood analyzers.  
         [0155]     Although the first embodiment has been described by way of example in which the transmission state and blocked state of transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  of the rack transport unit  33  are changed by providing detection holes (light transmission holes (light transmission part)) in a detection plate  343 , the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as the transmission state and blocked state of transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  of the rack transport unit  33  may be changed by providing a light blocking part capable of being detected by the sensors  342   a  and  342   b.    
         [0156]     Although the example of the first embodiment uses two transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b , the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as three or more transmission-type sensors may be used. For example, when three transmission-type sensors are used, eight different patterns can be provided, excluding the pattern when all transmission-type sensors are OFF.  
         [0157]     Although rack transport is accomplished by a first moving mechanism having connectors or transport belts in a retention unit in the first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as the racks may be transported by a first transport mechanism other than a first transport mechanism having connectors or transport belts.  
         [0158]     Although the first embodiment is described by way of an example in which two transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  are mounted on a moving member  33  of a rack transport unit and move together with the moving rack while the detection plate  343  is stationary, it is to be noted that the detection plate  343  may be mounted on the moving member  331  of a rack transport unit so as to move together with the moving rack while the two transmission-type sensors  342   a  and  342   b  are stationary.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6