Patents by Inventor Hiroo Tatsutani

Hiroo Tatsutani has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9829497
    Abstract: A sample analysis system includes a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit arranged to a downstream side of the first measurement unit, and an information processing section which obtains a measurement result of a sample. The information processing section determines, based on the measurement result of the sample measured by the first measurement unit, whether or not a retest of the sample by the first measurement unit is necessary. When the retest by the first measurement unit is necessary, the information processing section causes the sample container to be transported to a first sample supply position for the first measurement unit and causes the first measurement unit to perform measurement of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara, Keisuke Kuwano
  • Publication number: 20170285053
    Abstract: A measurement system according to one or more embodiments may include a measurement unit that measures a sample contained in a sample container; a transport unit including a first transporter that transports a rack holding sample containers in a longitudinal direction of the rack to the measurement unit, and a second transporter that transports the rack from the measurement unit; and a rack export-import unit that sets racks thereon, that is capable of transferring each of the set racks in a lateral direction of the rack, that exports the rack to the first transporter from one end side of the rack export-import unit, and that imports the rack transported by the second transporter from another end side of the rack export-import unit. The rack export-import unit includes a transfer prevention section that prevents the rack imported from the other end side from being transferred from the one end side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichiro OHMAE, Hiroo TATSUTANI
  • Publication number: 20170285052
    Abstract: A sample analysis system includes one or more sets. Each of the one or more sets include includes a measurement block including measurement units configured to test a sample contained in a sample container, and a transport unit disposed corresponding to the measurement block. The transport unit includes a first transport path along which a sample rack is transported from an upstream side to a downstream side and a second transport path along which the sample rack received from the first transport path is transported to the measurement units in the measurement block. The second transport path is configured to move the sample rack back and forth between the measurement units to distribute the sample containers held on the sample rack to the measurement units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroo TATSUTANI, Kei TAKAI, Atsushi KUMAGAI, Toshihisa TANAKA
  • Patent number: 9529007
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus comprising a processor of a controller and a memory that stores programs executable by the processor to: receive a test result on a test item from a measurement unit; analyze the test result to determine whether the test result indicates an abnormality on the test item; if the test result is determined to indicate an abnormality on the test item, update a history database in which a history of abnormality determinations made on the test item is recorded; review the history database to determine whether a frequency of abnormality determinations made on the test item exceeds a predetermined frequency for the test item; and if the frequency of abnormality is determined to exceed the predetermined frequency for the test item, alert a user on a possible problem is disclosed. An analyzing method and a non-transitory storage medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Mizumoto, Hiroo Tatsutani
  • Publication number: 20160349279
    Abstract: Transport part transports first sample container to sample aspiration position. Setting part is set second sample container that accommodates sample to be measured with priority over measurement of the sample in first sample container. Nozzle is capable of moving for aspirating sample from first sample container at sample aspiration position, and aspirating the sample from second sample container set in setting part. Detector detects components of the sample aspirated by nozzle. Controller controls transport part such that first sample container moves to position distant from sample aspiration position, when first sample container has been transported to sample aspiration position and when the sample aspiration from the second sample container using the nozzle is required. Controller executes control such that nozzle that has aspirated the sample from second sample container moves above sample aspiration position in state in which first sample container is distant from sample aspiration position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki KOIKE, Yousuke MATSUI, Go SENDA, Hiroo TATSUTANI, Yuichiro OHMAE, Atsushi KUMAGAI, Tomoyuki ASAHARA
  • Patent number: 9446900
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tube sorter comprising: a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a storage arranged at a higher level than the transporting section, capable of storing a plurality of sample tubes; a lifting section configured to lift up the sample rack transported by the rack transporting section; and a sample tube transferring section configured to remove a sample tube from the sample rack lifted up by the lifting section and set the removed sample tube in the storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kei Takai, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa, Hiroo Tatsutani, Yuji Takano
  • Patent number: 9316658
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of testing units arranged along a transport path and each configured to perform at least one type of test; a plurality of transport units configured to collectively constitute the transport path and collectively function to deliver samples to the plurality of testing units for testing; and at least one processor of a computer system and at least one memory that stores programs executable by the at least one processor to: (a) determine a type of test required to be performed on a sample; (b) if a trouble of a transport unit is reported, determine whether there is an available testing unit performable of the required type of test to which the sample is deliverable; (c) if there is the available testing unit, instruct to transport the sample to the available testing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroo Tatsutani
  • Publication number: 20160060046
    Abstract: A transport apparatus transports sample holder racks. The apparatus employs a first transport unit that moves the rack in a path between two ends of the transport apparatus, a rack sender unit that extends in a first direction that intersects the path, a second transport unit dimensioned parallel to the first transport unit and with the rack sender unit interposed therebetween, which locates the sample container held in the rack at a sample loading position of a measurement device, and a first movable member capable of moving in the first direction between the first and the second transport units. The apparatus has movable portions that alternately stop the rack movement, and push the rack such that optimal movement is achieved whereby the rack moves beyond the rack sender unit to the second transport unit as the first movable member moves in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Yuichiro OHMAE, Hiroo TATSUTANI, Nobuyoshi YAMAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20160061851
    Abstract: Provided is a test system operable with a simplified structure. A test system includes a test device and a test device each of which transports and tests a sample. The test device includes a master control unit, which performs assignment of samples to the test device and the test device, and control of a transport operation of the sample assigned to the test device. The test device includes a slave control unit, which controls a transport operation of the sample assigned to the test device by the master control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi YAMAKAWA, Hiroo TATSUTANI, Yuichiro OHMAE
  • Patent number: 9222952
    Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: first, second and third sample processing units; first, second and third sample transport units; and a control section is disclosed. In order to transport a sample rack which is to be introduced to the first sample transport unit to a destination sample transport unit which is located downstream of a second sample transport unit, the control section initially controls the first and second transport unit to move a transport member. When the sample rack arrives at a predetermined position on the transport path of the first transport unit, the control section controls the third transport unit to move a transport member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9213041
    Abstract: A rack transporting apparatus including: a first transport path for transporting a sample rack to the sample processing unit; a second transport path for transporting the sample rack, without passing through the sample processing unit, in the same direction as a transport direction of the sample rack by the first transport path; a third transport path for transporting the sample rack in the opposite direction of the transport direction by the first transport path and the second transport path; a first rack transferring mechanism for transferring the sample rack from the second transport path to the first transport path through a first holding region being capable of holding the sample rack; and a second rack transferring mechanism for transferring the sample rack from the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path through a second holding region being capable of holding the sample rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Kei Takai, Hiroo Tatsutani
  • Publication number: 20150093290
    Abstract: A sample sorting apparatus configured to transfer a sample container from a sample rack supporting the sample container to a storage rack. The sample sorting apparatus comprises a storage part configured to allow a plurality of storage racks to be placed thereon, a sample container gripper configured to grip a sample container supported in a sample rack, a movement mechanism configured to move the sample container gripper, and an identification information reader provided so as to be movable together with the sample container gripper by the movement mechanism. The identification information reader is configured to read, from an identifier attached to each of the plurality of storage racks stored in the storage part, identification information for identifying the storage rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Kei TAKAI, Hiroo TATSUTANI
  • Patent number: 8942852
    Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a sample processing apparatus configured to process a sample in a sample container; a transporting apparatus configured to transport a sample container to the sample processing apparatus; a first computer configured to perform information processing for the sample processing apparatus; a second computer connected to the first computer through a communication network and configured to control a transporting operation performed by the transporting apparatus; an input unit and a display commonly used for the first and second computers, wherein the first computer configured to control the display to show a first computer screen image, and to control the display to show a second computer screen image upon receiving a switching instruction via the input unit, and the second computer receives an input from the input unit via the second computer screen image shown on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Shunsuke Ariyoshi
  • Patent number: 8939040
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus comprising: a transporting device for transporting a sample; a plurality of measuring units, each measuring unit measuring a sample transported by the transporting device; a determination result obtainer for obtaining a determination result representing whether the sample requires remeasurement based on a measurement result by a predetermined measuring unit among the plurality of measuring units; a designation receiver for receiving a designation of one measuring unit for remeasuring the sample determined to be remeasured; and a transport controller for controlling the transporting device so as to transport the sample determined to be remeasured to the designated measuring unit. An analyzing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hiroo Tatsutani
  • Patent number: 8828319
    Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20140212248
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tube sorter comprising: a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a storage arranged at a higher level than the transporting section, capable of storing a plurality of sample tubes; a lifting section configured to lift up the sample rack transported by the rack transporting section; and a sample tube transferring section configured to remove a sample tube from the sample rack lifted up by the lifting section and set the removed sample tube in the storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kei TAKAI, Nobuyoshi YAMAKAWA, Hiroo TATSUTANI, Yuji TAKANO
  • Patent number: 8752440
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of sample processing units each configured to process a sample; at least one transport device configured to provide a transport path along which a rack is transported to or from one of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein a rack comprises a plurality of positions configured to hold containers thereat, and at least some of the positions are correlated to at least some of the sample processing units; a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer programs executed by the at least one processor to: direct the at least one transport device to transport the rack to deliver a container held therein to a sample processing unit correlated to a position of the container at which the container is held in the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa, Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Tomoyuki Asahara
  • Patent number: 8731709
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample processing units, each processing a sample contained in a sample container; a transport apparatus that transports a sample rack holding a sample container to at least any one of the plurality of sample processing units; a rack feeding section that receives a sample rack and feeds the received sample rack to a transport line of the transport apparatus; and a controller configured to instruct the transport apparatus, according to a quantity of sample racks received by the rack feeding section, to transport a sample rack fed by the rack feeding section to either (a) a sample processing unit which can accept a subsequent sample rack more rapidly than any other sample processing unit or (b) a sample processing unit having a lower processing load than any other sample processing unit. Also, a sample rack transporting method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20140037502
    Abstract: A sample analysis system includes a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit arranged to a downstream side of the first measurement unit, and an information processing section which obtains a measurement result of a sample. The information processing section determines, based on the measurement result of the sample measured by the first measurement unit, whether or not a retest of the sample by the first measurement unit is necessary. When the retest by the first measurement unit is necessary, the information processing section causes the sample container to be transported to a first sample supply position for the first measurement unit and causes the first measurement unit to perform measurement of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo TATSUTANI, Tomoyuki ASAHARA, Keisuke KUWANO
  • Patent number: 8641969
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara