Patents Examined by Curtis A Thompson
  • Patent number: 11143667
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes a specimen holding section that holds a specimen container for containing a specimen; a specimen dispensing section that dispenses the specimen from the specimen container into a dilution container; a dilution container holding section that holds the dilution container for containing a diluted specimen, which is the specimen that has been diluted; a diluted specimen dispensing section that dispenses the diluted specimen from the dilution container into a reaction container; and a controlling section that, while the diluted specimen dispensing section dispenses the diluted specimen into the reaction container in accordance with a measurement item, causes the specimen dispensing section to perform a cleaning operation of the specimen dispensing section any number of times by using a cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Asakura
  • Patent number: 11103872
    Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a consumable rack in a diagnostic system is disclosed. The positioning system comprises a rack comprising an upper surface comprising holding positions and a receiving compartment comprising a rectangular chassis comprising front, rear, and two lateral sides. The receiving compartment comprises a holding structure coupled to the chassis to move between first and second positions. The rack comprises sidewalls. At least three sidewalls have a center alignment element. The chassis comprises three chassis alignment elements on the rear and two lateral sides. The holding structure comprises a corner push element between the chassis front and lateral sides to push against a side edge of the rack between two sidewalls when the holding structure is moved from the first position towards the second position forcing the three alignment elements against a chassis alignment element and laterally holding the rack in position by the chassis alignment elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Renato Belz, Armin Bucher, Christian Thalmann, Reto Joho, Thomas Huber
  • Patent number: 11090647
    Abstract: A double bottom test tube has a first tubular section having an open end and a rounded closed end. A second tubular section has an open end and a rounded closed end. The open end of the first tubular section is couplable to the open end of the second tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    Inventor: Elizabeth Ann Sams
  • Patent number: 11085940
    Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a sample storage section for accommodating a plurality of samples, a reagent storage section for accommodating a plurality of reagents, an analysis section for carrying out an analysis by reacting the sample with the reagent, a display, a storage section for storing a setting of an operation item to be automatically executed, which is effective only at restarting, and a control section which displays a screen for setting the operation item to be automatically executed upon acceptance of power shutdown operation by an operator during the analysis on the display to accept the setting from the operator, and automatically executes or omits execution of the operation item to be automatically executed, which has been set by the operator in accordance with the setting read from the storage section at the restarting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Noda
  • Patent number: 11079402
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic analyzer that has a plurality of mechanisms including a mechanism that suctions reaction waste liquid and a mechanism that suctions cleaning liquid, etc. on a sample and a probe surface, the automatic analyzer reducing pressure in a vacuum tank using a pressure-reducing pump, etc., and suctioning waste liquid by negative pressure in the vacuum tank. A contact point of a vacuum switch that is provided in the vacuum tank is closed when the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches a specified negative pressure, and then the analyzer becomes ready for analysis. If any flow path portion of any mechanism that connects with the vacuum tank becomes clogged, suctioning operation cannot be performed properly and analysis performance is affected. The vacuum pump is switched off at a timing at which each solenoid valve connecting to the vacuum pump is individually opened, and the time that elapses before the pressure in the vacuum tank reaches the specified negative pressure is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yudai Fukushi, Takamichi Mori
  • Patent number: 11079331
    Abstract: To provide an inspection system capable of performing a target biological reaction under temperature conditions suitable for the reaction even with reciprocal liquid feeding. An inspection system including at least: a sensor chip with a flow path having a reaction site for performing biological reactions; a liquid feeder that causes reaction liquid to flow into and out of the flow path; and a first temperature adjuster that adjusts temperature of reaction liquid flowed in the flow path, where the system performs reciprocal liquid feeding by the liquid feeder where some of the reaction liquid flowed in the flow path is caused to flow out of the flow path and to flow in again. The inspection system includes a second temperature adjuster that, during reciprocal liquid feeding, adjusts temperature of the reaction liquid flowed outside the flow path through temperature adjustment of a liquid holding section of the liquid feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Masataka Matsuo, Tetsuya Noda
  • Patent number: 11067589
    Abstract: An automatic analysis device is provided with a storage chamber for adjusting the temperature of and storing a container in which liquid is stored, an opening provided in a portion of the storage chamber, and a loader mechanism for bringing the container in and out of the storage chamber by moving the container through the opening, and is characterized in that the loader mechanism and storage chamber are closed by an elastic body. In the present invention, attaching a sealing member for sealing to an upper part from among overlapping parts makes it difficult for debris and dust to adhere to the sealing member and makes it possible to maintain the sealed state of a reagent storage chamber over a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Hirama, Tatsuya Fukugaki
  • Patent number: 11054433
    Abstract: An automated analyzer has a reaction disk on which a plurality of reaction vessels capable of holding sample and reagent mixtures can be placed, a first cover for covering at least a portion of the area above the reaction disk, a second cover that can be opened and closed independently from the first cover, at least one sensor for monitoring the opening and closing of the first cover, and a control unit for monitoring a signal from the sensor and carrying out control such that if the first cover has not been opened and closed during the period until a new analysis operation is started, a pre-analysis cleaning operation, blank measurement operation, or both, are skipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Yuya Matsuoka, Akihisa Makino, Hajime Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11047871
    Abstract: A centering unit for diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment is presented. The centering unit for diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment comprises at least two arms with grippers for centering diagnostics laboratory transporting compartments of different diameters. For accurate and reliable centering of laboratory transporting compartments, the two arms are biased with a single elastic member. A laboratory system and a method for centering diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment and diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment holder are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Arnold, Fabian Wenzler
  • Patent number: 11041870
    Abstract: An automated analysis device includes a reagent disc on which a plurality of reagent containers are loaded; a reagent loader that loads a reagent from the outside onto the reagent disc and carries a reagent to the outside; a display unit that displays the reagents in the plurality of reagent containers, so as to be paired with corresponding analysis items for which the reagents are used; and a control unit that causes the reagent loader to simultaneously carry, to the outside of the reagent disc, a reagent which is selected, on the display unit, by an operation device used for an operation input from an operator instructing the reagent loader to take out the reagent and simultaneously carry a reagent which is to be used for a different analysis item to be performed simultaneously with the analysis item for the selected reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yokotsuka, Toshiharu Suzuki, Rira Okashita
  • Patent number: 11016029
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measuring chamber, a working method of the measuring chamber, a chemiluminescence measurement method of the measuring chamber and a chemiluminescence detector. The measuring chamber includes a dark chamber, a first substrate nozzle, a photomultiplier detection component, a waste liquor adsorption needle component, a reaction cup turntable and a plurality of reaction cup processing stations; the reaction cup turntable is provided in the measuring chamber rotationally; and the plurality of reaction cup processing stations are sealed in a mutually light-isolated manner. When the instrument works, reaction cups in the reaction cup turntable are moved in the dark chamber; and after the reaction cups are moved to corresponding processing stations for processing the reaction cups, the plurality of different processing stations for processing, the reaction cups may simultaneously process the reaction cups moved to the corresponding reaction cup processing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Yin, Liang Zhu, Yi Hu, Dingping Ban, Junhui Tang, Jinhong Wu
  • Patent number: 10983138
    Abstract: A sample handling device for a laboratory automation system comprising a first carousel with a disc supported on a first axis, a second carousel with a disc supported on a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a transfer element between the first and second carousels is presented. Each disc has recesses distributed radially about the disc perimeter. Each recess receives a tube carrier. The first carousel and the second carousel connect via a passage for transferring sample tube carriers between the first and second carousels. The transfer element is a track switch which when in a rest position partly closes the passage to separate the first carousel from the second carousel. The track switch is swiveled and/or rotated about a third axis parallel to the first axis out of the rest position for transferring a tube carrier from the first carousel to the second carousel via the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gottlieb Schacher, Beat Jaeggi, Patrik Imfeld, Harald Ferihumer
  • Patent number: 10974248
    Abstract: An adapter for laboratory cell strainer is disclosed. The adapter includes a unitary structure having an annular top surface, an annular bottom surface, a smooth inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending therethrough. The adapter has a downwardly and radially inwardly sloped funnel section terminating in a cylindrical edge at the annular bottom surface with a lower section of the funnel section having a narrowed, tapered diameter. The outer surface of a middle section of the funnel section has an annular neck configured therearound with a plurality of radially protruding ribs. The unitary structure is configured for connection to the laboratory cell strainer at the annular top surface and placement inside a various sized laboratory tube for receiving filtered liquid during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: MTC Bio Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Demsia, Michael Demsia
  • Patent number: 10966690
    Abstract: A specimen container system and methods of use are described herein for capturing, storing and accessing fluids for lab testing. A cup is removably secured to a cap assembly. The cap assembly is comprised of cover and a lid which are connected by a hinge assembly having a biasing member for maintain the lid in an open position. An aperture in the cap has two sections that in combination with the lid decreases the contamination risk compared to prior art container system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Marc Kopoian
  • Patent number: 10948507
    Abstract: A specimen transport apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a holder including first and second trenches and configured to hold a specimen; a first transporter including a first protrusion to engage with the first trench and configured to transport the holder by transferring the first protrusion engaged with the first trench in an extension direction of the second trench; a second transporter including a second protrusion to engage with the second trench and configured to transport the holder by transferring the second protrusion engaged with the second trench in an extension direction of the first trench. The first trench is formed in at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the holder. The second trench is formed in at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the holder, and is formed to extend to a lateral surface of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuto Sasaki, Kazuki Asao, Kazuyuki Iguchi, Keiichiro Shohmi, Shoichiro Asada, Hiroaki Tobimatsu, Ryutaro Shinya
  • Patent number: 10942194
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer configured to automatically prevent interruption of an analysis owing to water shortage in use includes a plurality of analysis sections using water supplied from the outside, an operation section for giving operation instructions to the analysis sections, and a control section executing a program for controlling operations of the analysis sections. The control section switches maintenance using water between simultaneous execution and time difference execution for all the analysis sections in accordance with an instruction input through the operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Noda
  • Patent number: 10926262
    Abstract: Technology for a biochip pillar structure is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the biochip pillar structure includes: a pillar structure including a plate-shaped first substrate portion, and pillar portions protruding from a surface of the first substrate portion; and a well structure including a plate-shaped second substrate portion, and well portions formed in a surface of the second substrate portion and having a predetermined depth to respectively receive the pillar portions of the pillar structure, wherein the well portions have a diameter within a range of 800 ?m to 1500 ?m, and the pillar portions configured to be inserted into the well portions have a diameter of which the ratio to the diameter of the well portions ranges from 0.3 to 0.58, thereby providing a high-density biochip and preventing bubbling in an aqueous liquid contained in the well portions when the pillar portions are inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: MBD CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Don Jung Lee, Ho Jeong Song, Dong Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 10921337
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzing device capable of carrying in/out a reagent suitable for the intended use of a user according to the state of the device. An automatic analyzing device has a reagent refrigerator for movably holding reagent containers and a reagent loader for carrying in/out the reagent containers to/from the reagent refrigerator through movement in a direction perpendicular to the reagent refrigerator. A reagent refrigerator cover covers an upper surface of the reagent refrigerator and has an opening through which the reagent loader can pass. A storage unit stores a device state of the automatic analyzing device and a reagent-carry-in/out-method is selected on the basis of the device state. A control unit controls the reagent holder and the reagent loader according to the selected reagent carry-in/out method so as to carry in/out a target reagent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujita, Toshiharu Suzuki, Takaaki Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 10895414
    Abstract: A drawer assembly for a laboratory instrument comprises a drawer loaded with a magazine. The drawer assembly comprises a frame comprising a portion adjacent the drawer that extends in a longitudinal direction. The drawer moves relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. The frame comprises a path having a first portion and a second portion below the first portion. The drawer assembly comprises a rolling element moveable in the path and a lifting mechanism to lift the rolling element from a second portion to a first portion when the drawer is in the retracted position. The path is configured such that the rolling element is located in the first portion and contacts the drawer when the drawer is moved from the retracted position to the extended position and that the rolling element enters the second portion exclusively when the drawer is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Meyer
  • Patent number: 10890594
    Abstract: The automated analyzer equalizes the temperature inside a reagent container storage apparatus. The automated analyzer is provided with a reagent container storage apparatus that cools a reagent container, the reagent container storage apparatus being provided with: a reagent storage chamber for storing the reagent container, the reagent storage chamber having at least one of the bottom surface and the side surface thereof cooled by a first cooling source; and a transfer member which is arranged to cover the reagent container stored in the reagent storage chamber, and which is thermally connected to the reagent storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Niiyama, Takenori Okusa