With Sample Supply To Analyzer Patents (Class 73/864.21)
  • Patent number: 11965863
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography system includes a solvent delivery system, a sample manager including a sample delivery system in fluidic communication with the solvent delivery system, the sample delivery system configured to inject a sample from a sample-vial into a chromatographic flow stream, a liquid chromatography column located downstream from the sample delivery system, and a detector located downstream from the liquid chromatography column. The sample delivery system further includes a first needle drive including a first sample needle configured to extract the sample from the sample-vial and deliver the sample to the liquid chromatography column, and a first syringe in communication with the first sample needle configured to meter extraction of the sample from the sample-vial. The sample manager further includes a sample automation system that includes a second needle drive including a second sample needle configured to add a volume of reagent to the sample-vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvain Gilles Cormier, Joseph D. Antocci, Francis Patrick Tracey, Charles H. Phoebe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11921091
    Abstract: A sample injection device is used to inject a sample into a chromatograph and includes a flow vial, a sampling needle and one or more than one sample dissolution devices. A sample is supplied to the flow vial. The sample that has been supplied to the flow vial is collected by the sampling needle and injected into the chromatograph. At least one of ultrasonic waves, an electric field and a magnetic field is used, so that dissolution of a sample to be injected into the chromatograph is promoted by one or more than one sample dissolution devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Nagai, Yosuke Iwata
  • Patent number: 11630392
    Abstract: In a chemical liquid container replacement device D2 configured to replace a chemical liquid container 50, multiple chemical liquid containers 50 respectively connected to base end sides of chemical liquid supply paths configured to supply chemical liquids, and a nozzle attachment/detachment device 61 is configured to attach/detach the base end side of the chemical liquid supply path with respect to the chemical liquid container 50 of a container arrangement section 60. A loading/unloading port 62 loads a new chemical liquid container 50 for performing a liquid process on a substrate W and unloads a completely used chemical liquid container 50. A container transfer device 7 unloads the completely used chemical liquid container 50 from the container arrangement section 60 toward the loading/unloading port 62 and loads the new chemical liquid containers 50 from the loading/unloading port 62 toward the container arrangement section 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsunenaga Nakashima
  • Patent number: 11614428
    Abstract: A method for collecting a sample for sample analysis includes drawing a first portion of the sample into a sample storage portion of a chromatography system while the chromatography system is in a first configuration. The method further comprising switching the chromatography system to a second configuration; sealing an end of a sample pick-up needle and draining a portion of a liquid from the second tubing; switching the chromatography system to a third configuration; drawing a second portion of the sample into the sample storage portion of the chromatography system; switching the chromatography system to an injection configuration; and fluidly connecting the sample storage portion to the chromatography column and supplying the first portion of the sample and the second portion of the sample from the sample storage portion to the chromatography column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Hollnagel
  • Patent number: 11161065
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography system, includes a fluidic flow path, a chromatography column located in the fluidic flow path, a filtration device located in the fluidic flow path before the chromatography column, the filtration device including a housing having a fluidic inlet, a fluidic outlet, wherein at least a portion of the fluidic flow path is located between the fluidic inlet and the fluidic outlet and at least one filter disposed in the portion of the fluidic flow path, wherein the at least one filter is made of a micromachined material. Liquid chromatography filtration methods are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin D. Wyndham, Moon Chul Jung, Abhijit Tarafder, Wade P. Leveille, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11112390
    Abstract: An online sample manager of a liquid chromatography system includes a fluidic tee having a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A diluent pump moves diluent from a diluent source to the first inlet port of the fluidic tee. A valve has a fluidic intake port connected to a process source for acquiring a process sample therefrom. A pumping system moves the acquired process sample from the valve into the second inlet port of the fluidic tee where the process sample merges with the diluent arriving at the first inlet port to produce a diluted process sample that flows out from the outlet port of the fluidic tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sylvain Cormier
  • Patent number: 10908173
    Abstract: A sample measurement apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a processing unit that aspirates a sample inside a sample container and measures the sample; a transfer unit that includes a holder to hold the sample container, and that picks up the sample container from a rack capable of storing the sample containers at storage positions on a row and transfers the sample container to the processing unit; and a detection unit that is attached to the holder and is movable integrally with the holder, and that detects whether or not there is the sample container at each of the storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yamasaki, Tomonori Okazaki, Noriyuki Nakanishi, Takahiro Saino
  • Patent number: 10408729
    Abstract: A nephelometric turbidimeter for measuring a turbidity of a liquid sample in a transparent sample cuvette. The nephelometric turbidimeter includes a cuvette chamber housing with a cuvette chamber having the transparent sample cuvette arranged therein, and a drying apparatus. The drying apparatus includes a cuvette chamber inlet opening which vents the cuvette chamber, a cuvette chamber outlet opening which de-vents the cuvette chamber, an air circulator which circulates air from the cuvette chamber outlet opening to the cuvette chamber inlet opening, and a drying body. The drying body is provided as a container of a hygroscopic agent defined by a drying substance which is arranged in a drying path between the cuvette chamber outlet opening and the cuvette chamber inlet opening so that air flows through the drying body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred Battefeld, Hans-Joachim Kumpch, Axel Leyer, Bas De Heij, Clemens Hanschke, Michael Kueppers, Andreas Jonak, Elk Fricke, Heinz Rudde, Markus Hahn, Markus Lenhard, Rolf Uthemann, Sebastian Minke, Andreas Golitz, Bernd Gassner, Frank Steinhauer, Lothar Heidemanns, Andreas Mitreiter
  • Patent number: 9810604
    Abstract: Provided is a sample injection device for flow-type analysis including a cylindrical needle (27) which penetrates through an upper wall and a lower wall of a sample injection portion (22) of a carrier-liquid channel through ring-like sealing members (25, 26). The needle (27) includes an inner hole (41) which is closed on a side of a lower end of the needle (27) and open on an outer peripheral surface as a horizontal hole (42). The needle moving unit (44) induces the needle (27) to move downward so that the horizontal hole (42) faces an inside of a sample vessel (40) to draw the sample to the inside of the needle (27). Then the moving unit (44) induces the needle (27) to move upward so that the horizontal hole (42) faces an inside of the sample injection portion (22) to inject the sample in the inside of the needle (27). At an intermediate position, washing liquid is discharged from the horizontal hole (42) of the needle (27), and the washing liquid is recovered via a discharge path (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Yotani, Takayuki Oka, Hideki Muraki
  • Patent number: 9523699
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders for use in an automated sample analyzer is disclosed herein. The apparatus for dispensing sample holders includes a rotating carousel for housing stack of sample holders. Stacks of sample holders from the rotating carousel are fed into a chute where sample holders contact a set of rotating members having helical threads thereon. The helically threaded rotating members engage the sample containers and separate each sample holder from the remaining sample holders in the stack by rotation of the helically threaded rotating members. The sample holder can then be transferred for use in an automated sample analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Biokit, S.A.
    Inventors: Mark Talmer, Paul C. Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 9480428
    Abstract: This assembly includes: a transportable support; a strip attached to the support and including an application area for applying the sample and at least one reagent required for the analysis; a piercing member for piercing the skin and a blood vessel; and a container for collecting, storing and returning the sample of human or animal blood. The piercing member is inserted into the container. The tip is connected to the support. The container is connected to the support in a removable manner between a storage configuration and a use configuration, in which the container is placed close to the application area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BIOMERIEUX
    Inventors: Bruno Colin, Cécile Paris, Michel Goudard
  • Patent number: 9352313
    Abstract: A device used to test the analyte in a liquid sample includes a test chamber used to contain test components, a collecting chamber used to collect liquid sample, a piston chamber between the test chamber and the collecting chamber, a piston and an opening. The piston has two positions in the piston chamber, i.e. the first position and the second position. When the piston is in the first position, liquid can flow between the piston cavity and the collecting chamber through the opening; during the piston's move from the first position to the second position, the opening is sealed by the piston, wherein while the opening is sealed by the piston, the liquid is released from the piston cavity to the test chamber. This device can help to precisely quantify a liquid sample, with higher accuracy in the tests and higher comfort during the operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Hangzhou Ditu Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jielin Dai
  • Patent number: 9261524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device for a sample distribution apparatus, such as a pipetting apparatus, providing a first part, at which a sample transport device can be arranged, a second part, at which a sample holder can be arranged, wherein the first part and the second part are arranged moveable in relation to each other between a first position and an adjusted target position of the first and second part for performing a positioning motion, such that a sample can be conveyed towards the sample holder by the positioning motion. The automated change of the target position assists for achieving an error-free positioning and sample distribution. A corresponding method for the automatical change of a position of a first part relative to a second part using the positioning device, is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Boris Von Beichmann, Uwe Mellenthin, Rainer Disselbach
  • Patent number: 9163618
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and process of converting a standard, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) flow path to a flow path suitable for supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) are described. This reversible technique is applied to a variety of flow configurations including binary, high pressure solvent mixing systems and quaternary, low pressure solvent mixing systems than can be conventionally operated or automated. The technique is generally applied to the fields of supercritical fluid chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography, but users skilled in the art will find utility for any flow system where pressurization components must be periodically applied to and removed from both ends of a flow stream in an automated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Wikfors, Kimber D. Fogelman, Terry A. Berger
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9016146
    Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Instrumentation Scientifique de Laboratoire
    Inventors: Cleris Hervé, Marie Patrick
  • Patent number: 8850905
    Abstract: An automated sampler for sampling contaminants that are dissolved in water. An empty, sealed first vial is placed at a first sampling station with a dual-port needle, and a mechanical syringe pump displaces a programmable volume of gas from the first vial. A sealed second vial having a field sample of water with dissolved contaminants, typically without a headspace region, is placed at a second sampling station, with a dual-port needle. The syringe pump extracts an aqueous volume from the second vial, then transfers the aqueous volume into the first vial. This is all done without exposing the field sample to any external gasses or other compounds, and without opening the seal of the field sample to atmosphere. The sample in the first vial is heated, and an aliquot of headspace from the first vial is then injected into an analyzer device for identification and quantification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: EST Analytical, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Meece
  • Patent number: 8783121
    Abstract: A blood collecting apparatus includes a cleaning solution piping. The cleaning solution piping feeds into a flow path a heparin solution which is a liquid other than blood to be measured, in order to return the blood present in the flow path to a catheter disposed upstream of a blood inlet of the flow path. Thus, the blood having flowed into the flow path in an amount more than is necessary for blood collection, which corresponds to a portion returned to the upstream catheter of the blood to be measured present in the flow path, can be used in a next blood collection. As a result, the amount of collected blood can be reduced. The liquid to be measured is separated apart by means of a gas, and the flow path is cleaned in a way to leave no impurities in the flow path, thereby preventing impurities from mixing into the liquid to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Shumadzu Corporation, National Institute of Radiological Sciences
    Inventors: Nobuya Hashizume, Keishi Kitamura, Takahiro Nishimoto, Yuichi Kimura, Chie Seki, Iwao Kanno
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8701508
    Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit; and a transportation device operable to transport a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a first rack and containing samples and a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a second rack and containing samples, to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation device comprises a first transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the first rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the first rack on a transport path, and a second transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the second rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the second rack on the transport path independently from movement of the first rack, is disclosed. A transportation device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Kunio Ueno
  • Patent number: 8691148
    Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Yanami, Isao Yamazaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hitoshi Otake
  • Patent number: 8683879
    Abstract: A sample injecting device is provided for reducing carryover. The sample injecting device includes the following mode: a needle is set at a low descending speed when sample is injected into an injection port in a total-volume injection manner by the sample injecting device. When the needle is in contact with the injection port, the needle is set at a low speed, thereby increasing the accuracy of the position of the needle relative to an injection hole and decreasing friction between the needle and the injection hole. Contaminants present in the injection hole are prevented from easily flowing from the injection hole into an analyzing flow path, so as to achieve an excellent low carryover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Tomita
  • Patent number: 8679421
    Abstract: A dispensing device and an analyzer capable of improving dispensing accuracy as well as improving jamming detection accuracy can be realized by having a short distance between a syringe and a suction tip. The dispensing device 10 includes an upper fixed unit 10A, a lower movable unit 10B which is connected to the upper fixed unit 10A, the movable unit being relatively movable with respect to the upper fixed unit 10A, and a Z-axis movement mechanism 55Z which moves the upper fixed unit to and fro. A syringe 4 and a plunger 13 are held by the upper fixed unit 10A. A tip nozzle 8 is attached to the lower movable unit 10B. An interior space of the syringe 4 and an interior space of the tip nozzle 8 are connected with each other by a connection tube 1 having flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Sano, Kazutoshi Onuki, Yoshiyuki Shoji, Isao Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8573073
    Abstract: A method and a device for transferring a microscopic, isolated sample, particularly a membrane-supported micro-dissected specimen, from an object table to an analysis arrangement, with a suction apparatus comprising a nano-suction means with a suction tube and a terminal membrane and a vacuum/overpressure unit which can be coupled to the nano-suction means for sucking or blowing the sample onto or from the terminal membrane; and a carrier apparatus for carrying the nano-suction means, which can be moved by means of an associated positioning unit for positioning the nano-suction means exactly in a sample removal position for sucking the sample onto the terminal membrane and in a sample release position for blowing the sample from the terminal membrane. A micro-dissection system, comprising such a device and a method for the production of a nano-suction means that is used in such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum fur Gesundheit und Umwelt GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thalhammer, Norbert Hohn, Albert Zink, Wolfgang Heckl
  • Patent number: 8545760
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 8522628
    Abstract: A liquid sample introducing apparatus capable of executing a process with high reliability and high speed is realized. An injection valve includes a sample storage loop connected to a mobile phase flow passage for supplying a sample to a detector of a liquid chromatograph apparatus. A sample is sucked in a needle through a valve and a pipe by a syringe, being introduced to the sample storage loop, being supplied to the mobile phase flow passage. A washing solution from a washing solution bottle is supplied to the needle by a washing unit through the valve and the pipe to wash the inner wall of the needle. The washing solution from the washing solution bottle is supplied to a washing tank by the washing unit through the valve and a pipe to wash the external wall of the needle in the washing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Seki, Kimihiko Ishii, Mitsuhiko Ueda, Katsutoshi Shimizu, Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8474336
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing samples in modules, in particular, in kits, in addition to an adapter. The inventive adapter (1) is embodied in such a manner that an injection needle can be received in a liquid-tight manner. It is connected in a liquid-tight manner to the low-lying module or kit (20) and enables a continuous flow of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Atoll GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Hubbuch, Tim Schroeder, Pierre Beugre, Matthias Wiendahl
  • Patent number: 8413490
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for obtaining a sample underwater. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a syringe pump comprising a plurality of syringes, a sampling probe coupled to the syringe pump for collecting the sample underwater and an analyzer module coupled to the syringe pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ryan J. Bell, R. Timothy Short, Strawn K. Toler, Bill Huzar
  • Patent number: 8384026
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source probe assembly (10) includes an outer casing assembly (14) adapted for attachment to an atmospheric pressure ion source chamber of a mass spectrometer and a docking probe (12) for detachable connection to the outer casing. The arrangement is such that in its docked condition or position the probe extends through, and in sealing engagement with the outer casing. In this docked condition or position, a sample holder (28) carried by the docking probe (12) is presented within the ion chamber. When the docking probe is detached from the outer casing the casing can be sealed off relative to the ion source chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: Ronan O'Malley, Hilary Jamieson Major, Matthew James Henderson, Richard William Jarrold, Richard Barrington Moulds
  • Patent number: 8371181
    Abstract: A continuous flow syringe pump includes a first syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing at least one fluid, a second syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing the at least one fluid, and a first valve connected to the first syringe and the second syringe. The continuous flow syringe pump also includes a second valve connected to the first valve. The continuous flow syringe pump further includes at least one outlet connected to the first valve. The at least one outlet is configured to alternate output of the at least one fluid between the first syringe and the second syringe in a substantially continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 8356525
    Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit; and a transportation device operable to transport a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a first rack and containing samples and a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a second rack and containing samples, to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation device comprises a first transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the first rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the first rack on a transport path, and a second transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the second rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the second rack on the transport path independently from movement of the first rack, is disclosed. A transportation device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Kunio Ueno
  • Patent number: 8347743
    Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: first and second units for processing specimens; a conveyance unit for conveying a specimen rack in a first direction from a first position where the specimen is retrieved by the first unit to a second position where the specimen is retrieved by the second unit, and a second direction opposite to the first position; a detector common to the first and second units for executing a detection process with respect to the sample containers; and a conveyance controller controlling the conveyance unit to convey some sample containers of the detected sample containers executed with the detection process to the first position, and to convey the other sample containers of the detected sample containers to the second position, the some sample containers and the other sample containers being held by a common rack, is disclosed. A specimen processing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Takaaki Nagai, Masaharu Shibata
  • Patent number: 8342044
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction device comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bingqiang Zhao, Quan Gan, Chengwei Sun
  • Publication number: 20120285268
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid-sample collecting system and liquid-sample collecting method that can decrease the amount of carryover in the process of collecting a liquid sample while maintaining the efficiency of collecting the liquid sample. A liquid-sample collecting system according to the present invention includes: a sampling needle to be inserted into a sample container, for collecting a liquid sample contained in the sample container; a driver for moving the sampling needle; an input unit for allowing a user enter to information for setting the ascent speed of the sampling needle; an ascent-speed determiner for setting the ascent speed based on the entered information; and a controller for controlling the driver so as to move the sampling needle downward at a predetermined descent speed in a descent phase and upward at the aforementioned ascent speed in an ascent phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki MAEDA
  • Patent number: 8281809
    Abstract: A flow modulator to control the flow of an aerosol to an aerosol detection and/or monitoring system and other aerosol flow systems includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a diverging section of the chamber beneath the inlet that has a flow divider at the center to divide the aerosol into fractions, a recirculation section in which the divided aerosol fractions are recombined, and a converging section that channels the recombined aerosol fractions to the outlet of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel G. Wise, Lawrence J. Hyttinen
  • Patent number: 8266973
    Abstract: After a sampling needle is moved to a position above a sample container, the sampling needle is moved down so that the tip of the sampling needle penetrates a septum, and is then preferably moved down to a position at which the tip of the sampling needle is not brought into contact with a sample contained in the sample container, and then, the sampling needle is once elevated until the sampling needle is pulled out of the septum, and is then again moved down to penetrate the septum until the tip of the sampling needle is inserted into the sample to suck the sample through a suction port of the sampling needle, and then, the sampling needle is moved to a sample injection port of an analyzer to inject the sample into the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Maeda, Takaaki Fujita
  • Patent number: 8234941
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting component information regarding a component in a specimen contained in each of analyzing containers, the analyzing containers comprising first and second analyzing containers; an analyzing part for analyzing the component information detected by the detector; a transporting device for transporting specimen containers each containing a specimen, the specimen containers comprising first and second specimen containers; an operation mode selector for selecting one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode; a first supplying device for supplying the specimen of a first amount; a second supplying device for supplying the specimen of a second amount grater than the first amount; and a supply controller for controlling the first and second supplying devices in accordance with an operation mode selected by the operation mode selector, is disclosed. A specimen analyzing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Fukuda, Hiroki Koike, Hironori Katsumi, Takashi Yamato, Masayuki Ikeda, Tsuyoshi Fukuzaki, Daisuke Nakano, Masanori Imazu, Nobuhiro Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8234939
    Abstract: A sample introduction method for reducing carry-over is provided. After a sample introduction device in a total volume injection method draws a proper amount of a sample solution from a sample container and further draws a solution with the same composition as a mobile phase solution with a needle 24, the needle 24 is inserted into an injection port 25. When flow paths are switched to communicate a liquid feeder, a sample loop 23, the needle 24, the injection port 25, and a separation/detection section, the solution with the same composition as the mobile phase solution is forced into a gap between the injection port 25 and the needle 24. Therefore, the samples squeezed out of a tip section of the needle 24 during the switching of the flow paths are prevented from being forced into the gap between the needle 24 and the injection port 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Maeda, Shuzo Maruyama, Kenichi Yasunaga
  • Patent number: 8197754
    Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Yanami, Isao Yamazaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hitoshi Otake
  • Patent number: 8161831
    Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transportation device for transporting samples to at least one measurement unit selected from the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a transportation controller for determining whether or not a sample is transportable to the selected one measurement unit on the basis of at least one of a state notification of the first measurement unit and a state notification of the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation controller controls the transportation device to perform a sample transportation operation of transporting the sample to the selected one measurement unit when the sample is transportable to the selected one measurement unit, and to perform the other transportation operation than the sample transportation operation when the sample is not transportable to the selected one measurement unit, is disclosed. Sample transportation method and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Daigo Fukuma
  • Publication number: 20120079896
    Abstract: A fraction collector comprising a liquid holding means (31) wherein it further comprises a fluid front control arrangement (43) arranged for locating the fluid front at a dispensing nozzle (5) and to control the liquid holding means (31) to keep the fluid front at a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventor: Hakan Frojdh
  • Publication number: 20120073389
    Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: INSTRUMENTATION SCIENTIFIQUE DE LABORATOIRE
    Inventors: Cleris Hervé, Marie Patrick
  • Publication number: 20120016264
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to devices for the collection of chemical substances from substantially undisturbed natural environs for subsequent identification and quantification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jeff Weidenhamer, Brian Mohney
  • Publication number: 20110290042
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sample injection device and liquid sample injection method using a total volume injection method, which can prevent clogging of the channel or the needle, or carry-over of analysis components. The present invention is characterized by: moving the tip of a needle 9, before collecting a liquid sample, to an area where a predetermined fluid (for example, air, water, or the like) which reacts with neither the liquid sample nor the mobile phase is present; sucking the given fluid from the tip; and inserting the tip into a vial 15 to suck a predetermined amount of the liquid sample in the vial 15. As a result, a layer of the predetermined fluid is formed between the mobile phase remaining in the needle 9 and the newly sucked liquid sample. Thus, the mobile phase and the liquid sample are prevented from being in contact with each other in the needle 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20110219890
    Abstract: This invention provides a sample injector for injecting a fixed amount of a sample into a mobile phase medium and discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample. The sample injector includes a first member having a medium passage for supplying the mobile phase medium and a sample passage for supplying the sample and a second member having a discharge passage for discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample to an outside of the injector. The second member is provided in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are configured to move to a sample charging position and a sample injection position. The sample charging position is for the sample chamber to connect with the sample passage. The sample injection position is for the sample chamber to connect with the medium passage and the discharge passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi ITAFUJI, Masayuki KOUKETSU
  • Publication number: 20110209565
    Abstract: A sample injecting device is provided for reducing carryover. The sample injecting device includes the following mode: a needle is set at a low descending speed when sample is injected into an injection port in a total-volume injection manner by the sample injecting device. When the needle is in contact with the injection port, the needle is set at a low speed, thereby increasing the accuracy of the position of the needle relative to an injection hole and decreasing friction between the needle and the injection hole. Contaminants present in the injection hole are prevented from easily flowing from the injection hole into an analyzing flow path, so as to achieve an excellent low carryover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: MASAMI TOMITA
  • Patent number: 7964142
    Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a loading section in which a measuring unit is removably set, the measuring unit being adapted to receive a sample; and a control section which analyzes a signal acquired from the sample received in the measuring unit set in the loading section to provide a result of analysis of the sample; wherein the control section judges whether or not the measuring unit is properly set in the loading section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Mototsu, Seido Biwa
  • Patent number: 7951597
    Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized fluid sample injector system consisting of a sample needle, multiport valve, sample loop, metering syringe and a pressure assist pump. The speed of sample transport into the sample loop is increased by pressurizing the fluid in the system and metering the sample into the sample loop. The elevated system pressure allows the fluids to be moved faster than the vapor pressure would normally allow in a system at ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Usowicz, Theodore C. Ciolkosz, Russell Keene, Daniel J. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20110120213
    Abstract: A sample injection part connected to a column to inject a sample into the column; a sample injection needle attachable to the sample injection part; a sample suction part connectable to the sample injection needle and configured to cause a predetermined amount of the sample to be drawn by suction into the sample injection needle upon connecting to the sample connection needle; a mobile phase supply part configured to supply the column with a mobile phase; a first switching valve for selectively connecting the sample injection needle to one of the sample suction part and the mobile phase supply part; and a second switching valve, including the sample injection part, for supplying the sample and the mobile phase to the column via the sample injection needle in the case of having the sample injection needle attached to the sample injection part and for supplying the mobile phase to the column via the first switching valve in the case of having the sample injection needle removed from the sample injection part ar
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SHISEIDO COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Aya Hirayama, Osamu Shirota, Masashi Mita, Kazuhiko Mibayashi
  • Patent number: 7867772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the CaCO3, content of a scrubbing liquid, which has been separated from a scrubbing liquid circuit of a scrubbing column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Lentjes GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Westerwich, Manfred Kraus, Johannes Biernatzki