Sample analyzer and its components

A sample analyzer comprising;

• a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample using a sample;
• an analyzing section for analyzing the prepared analysis sample;
• first and second flow paths for transporting liquid to the preparing section;
• first and second valves for opening and closing the first and second flow paths, respectively;
• first and second air bubble sensors for sensing an air bubble in the first and second flow paths, respectively, each air bubble sensor outputting a signal;
• and
• a controller for controlling the first and second valves so that the valves are selectively opened,
• wherein the controller judges whether the air bubble is present in the flow path opened by the valve based on the signals outputted from the first and second air bubble sensors.

A sample analyzer comprising:

• an adaptor for holding a sample container containing a sample;
• a rack for removably receiving the adaptor;
• a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample from the sample;
• and
• an analyzing section for analyzing the prepared analysis sample,
• wherein the adaptor comprises a sample container supporting section for receiving the sample container and a receiving tray for receiving the sample to be spilled from the sample container.

A sample analyzer comprising:

• a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample to be analyzed;
• and
• an analyzing section for analyzing the prepared analysis sample,
• wherein the preparing section comprises a syringe pump unit used for preparing the analysis sample,
• the syringe pump unit including:
• a first syringe pump having a first cylinder and a first piston to be inserted in the first cylinder;
• a second syringe pump having a second cylinder and a second piston to be inserted in the second cylinder;
• a connecting section provided between the first syringe pump and the second syringe pump for connecting the first piston and the second piston;
• and
• a driving source for driving the first and second pistons through the connecting section.

A syringe pump unit comprising:

• a first syringe pump including a first cylinder and a first piston to be inserted in the first cylinder;
• a second syringe pump including a second cylinder and a second piston to be inserted in the second cylinder;
• a connecting section for connecting the first piston and the second piston;
• and
• a driving source for driving the first and second pistons through the connecting section.

A sample analyzer comprising:

• a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample to be analyzed using a sample, a first liquid and a second liquid;
• and
• a detector for detecting a signal from the analysis sample,
• wherein the preparing section comprises a liquid transfer unit,
• the liquid transfer unit including:
• a pump connected to a first liquid retaining section for storing the first liquid and a second liquid retaining section for storing the second liquid;
• a flow path for connecting between the pump and the second liquid retaining section;
• a third liquid retaining section placed in the flow path;
• and
• a liquid discharge section connected to the third liquid retaining section;
• the pump transporting the second liquid from the second liquid retaining section to the third liquid retaining section and discharging the second liquid with the first liquid via the liquid discharge section to the detector.

A liquid transfer unit comprising:

• a pump connected to a first liquid retaining section for storing a first liquid and a second liquid retaining section for storing a second liquid;
• a flow path for connecting between the pump and the second liquid retaining section;
• a third liquid retaining section placed in the flow path;
• and
• a liquid discharge section connected to the third liquid retaining section;
• the pump transporting the second liquid from the second liquid retaining section to the third liquid retaining section and discharging the second liquid with the first liquid via the liquid discharge section.