Shimadzu Corporation

Hiroshi Tanihata

Nobuhiro Hanafusa

Shin Nakamura

Masahito Ueda

The present invention provides a preprocessing device of a more compact structure, and an analysis system provided with the same. A preprocessing device () includes a container holding section (), a filtration port (), and a transport arm (). The container holding section () holds a separation container () and a collection container (). The filtration port () separates a sample by applying pressure to a sample in the separation container (). The transport arm () transports the separation container () and the collection container () held by the container holding section () from a predetermined transport position. The container holding section () holds the separation container () and the collection container () in an annular or arch-shaped holding region formed on an outer circumference of the filtration port (), and sequentially moves the separation container () and the collection container () to the transport position by shifting the separation container () and the collection container () in the circumferential direction of the holding region.

Preprocessing device and analysis system provided with same

An automatic sampling device is formed of a syringe with a hollow needle, a plug formed of a soft elastic member and slidably engaging the needle to cover at least an opening of the needle, and a guide mechanism situated between the plug and the syringe. The guide mechanism holds the plug to allow the plug to hold the tip of the needle along a center axis of the syringe and to allow the needle to move through the plug from the tip to a root of the needle. When the tip of the needle is located in the plug, the opening of the needle is closed to prevent passage of a fluid therethrough. Thus, a sample gas does not leak through the opening of the needle due to diffusion. Also, since the mechanism for holding the rubber plug provided at the needle tip also acts as the guide for holding the needle tip on the center axis of the syringe, the needle does not generally bend even if a force in an oblique direction is applied to the needle tip.

Automatic sampling device with a syringe

An automatic sampler of the invention holds a sample properly. The automatic sampler is formed of a sample holding section, and a moving mechanism attached to the sample holding section. The moving mechanism moves the sample holding section in plural directions to transfer the sample held by the sample holding section. The sample holding section has a holding mechanism, and at least three fingers projecting downwardly from the holding mechanism. When the holding mechanism is actuated, a space defined among the fingers is regulated to hold the sample by the fingers. Each finger has an elongated circular member with an elastic portion at least at an outer surface thereof, and is freely rotatably attached to the holding mechanism. Thus, when the sample is held by the fingers, the fingers are properly located on the sample to surely hold the sample.

Automatic sampler

In an automatic sample treatment apparatus of the invention, a tray for vials is provided with slits for a home position and vial positions. The slits for the vial positions have shapes different from that of the slit for the home position. When the apparatus is used, a position detecting sensor detects a desired sample position, and a vial detecting sensor recognizes that the vial is disposed. Then, a syringe is lowered to suck a sample from a vial. Accordingly, even if a stepping motor becomes out of tune, the tray can be transferred to a position in which a needle is securely inserted into the vial.

Automatic sample treatment apparatus

An automatic sample injector for a gas chromatograph includes not only a syringe with a barrel and a plunger which is adapted to move inside the barrel but also a plunger-driving motor for pushing and pulling the plunger inward and outward inside the barrel, a position sensor for the plunger and an abnormality detector for detecting an abnormal operating condition of the plunger. The plunger-driving motor has a variable torque, and it is operated at a preliminarily determined reduced torque smaller than the normal torque at which it is operated under normal conditions. The subsequent motion of the plunger, or lack thereof, is monitored by the position sensor to determine whether the plunger is totally or partially stuck inside the barrel.

Automatic sample injector

An automatic sample injector for injecting a liquid sample into a vaporization chamber of a gas chromatograph includes a syringe, a plunger adapted to move inside the barrel of this syringe, a stepping motor having a plurality of magnetic poles for moving the plunger up and down inside the barrel, a power source for supplying excitation currents to these magnetic poles, switches for these magnetic poles, and a control unit for controlling the switches or the power source such that the excitation current to one of a pair of the magnetic poles corresponding to a rotary angular position is increased and the excitation current to the other of the pair is simultaneously decreased.

Automatic sample injector and method of operating same

An automatic sampler has a robot arm capable of moving linearly and/or rotationally in a plurality of directions. A pair of gripper plates, attached to the robot arm, can be driven towards or away from each other such that vials of different sizes can be gripped between them. Vials of different sizes are carried on a plurality of trays each provided with slits representing the size of vials carried on it. Motions of both the drivers for moving the robot arm in these different directions and the gripper plates towards or away from each other are controlled by a central processing unit.

Growing community of inventors

Kyoto, Japan

Hiroshi Tanihata