Patents by Inventor Muneo Maeshima

Muneo Maeshima 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: 11851642
    Abstract: The invention provides a technology for promptly determining bacterial identification or an antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In the invention, first, a state where the bacteria are divided is monitored by performing microscopic observation with respect to the shape or the number of bacteria in each of wells of a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, the shape, the number or the area of the bacteria are interpreted from the image obtained by the microscopic observation whether or not the bacteria proliferate at a stage from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, and the time-dependent changes thereof are made into a graph. From the graph, it is determined whether or not the bacteria proliferate for each measurement, the determination results are displayed on the screen, and accordingly, the result of the antimicrobial susceptibility is provided every time when the measurement is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chihiro Uematsu, Muneo Maeshima
  • Patent number: 11578300
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus in which a test for bacterial identification or antimicrobial susceptibility can be promptly determined. A division state of bacteria is monitored by performing microscopic observation of shapes and the number of the bacteria in each of wells in a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or an antimicrobial susceptibility test, and it is determined whether or not the bacteria grow in a stage shifted from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, with reference to an image obtained through microscopic observation. In addition, determination performed based on turbidity in the related art may be combined with determination performed based on microscopic observation in which change and the like in the shapes of the bacteria are monitored. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a highly accurate test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Chihiro Uematsu, Muneo Maeshima, Akira Masuya
  • Publication number: 20210189321
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus in which a test for bacterial identification or antimicrobial susceptibility can be promptly determined. A division state of bacteria is monitored by performing microscopic observation of shapes and the number of the bacteria in each of wells in a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or an antimicrobial susceptibility test, and it is determined whether or not the bacteria grow in a stage shifted from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, with reference to an image obtained through microscopic observation. In addition, determination performed based on turbidity in the related art may be combined with determination performed based on microscopic observation in which change and the like in the shapes of the bacteria are monitored. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a highly accurate test result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Chihiro Uematsu, Muneo Maeshima, Akira Masuya
  • Patent number: 10983039
    Abstract: In the present invention, information is analyzed, the positional relationship of cells/microbes in the optical axis direction is detected, and motility of cells/microbes is evaluated even in an out-of-focus view from an image obtained by a single image capture in an observation view of the cells/microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Masuya, Muneo Maeshima
  • Patent number: 10935497
    Abstract: A highly reflective light-guide system has a highly reflective light-guide surface for reflecting light that has been emitted from a sample and has entered from an entry port opposing a window material and propagating the same to an exit port opposing a light reception surface of a photodetector. An optical filter is provided in a space surrounded by the window material, the photodetector, and the highly reflective light-guide system and transmits the signal luminescence to be measured that is emitted from the sample between the window material and photodetector. The optical filter is fixed to the window material or photodetector by an adhesive, and the peripheral shape of the optical filter is smaller than the shape of the inside of a fitting part to which the optical filter is fitted and that is formed on the highly reflective light-guide system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunichiro Nobuki, Muneo Maeshima, Kenta Imai
  • Patent number: 10900011
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus in which a test for bacterial identification or antimicrobial susceptibility can be promptly determined. A division state of bacteria is monitored by performing microscopic observation of shapes and the number of the bacteria in each of wells in a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or an antimicrobial susceptibility test, and it is determined whether or not the bacteria grow in a stage shifted from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, with reference to an image obtained through microscopic observation. In addition, determination performed based on turbidity in the related art may be combined with determination performed based on microscopic observation in which change and the like in the shapes of the bacteria are monitored. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a highly accurate test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Chihiro Uematsu, Muneo Maeshima, Akira Masuya
  • Publication number: 20200399581
    Abstract: The invention provides a technology for promptly determining bacterial identification or an antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In the invention, first, a state where the bacteria are divided is monitored by performing microscopic observation with respect to the shape or the number of bacteria in each of wells of a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, the shape, the number or the area of the bacteria are interpreted from the image obtained by the microscopic observation whether or not the bacteria proliferate at a stage from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, and the time-dependent changes thereof are made into a graph. From the graph, it is determined whether or not the bacteria proliferate for each measurement, the determination results are displayed on the screen, and accordingly, the result of the antimicrobial susceptibility is provided every time when the measurement is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chihiro UEMATSU, Muneo MAESHIMA
  • Patent number: 10793821
    Abstract: The invention provides a technology for promptly determining bacterial identification or an antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In the invention, first, a state where the bacteria are divided is monitored by performing microscopic observation with respect to the shape or the number of bacteria in each of wells of a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, the shape, the number or the area of the bacteria are interpreted from the image obtained by the microscopic observation whether or not the bacteria proliferate at a stage from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, and the time-dependent changes thereof are made into a graph. From the graph, it is determined whether or not the bacteria proliferate for each measurement, the determination results are displayed on the screen, and accordingly, the result of the antimicrobial susceptibility is provided every time when the measurement is performed (FIG. 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chihiro Uematsu, Muneo Maeshima
  • Patent number: 10739260
    Abstract: This optical analyzing device is provided with a light source, a detector, a substrate having a metal film on at least one surface thereof, and an optical element for introducing a light beam from the light source to the substrate and delivering the light beam from the substrate toward the detector. A plurality of sample regions for holding samples are provided on the metal film; and a portion of the light beam from the light source is irradiated to any one of the sample regions, is reflected, at least once, by the surface of the substrate on the opposite side of the side on which the sample regions are provided, and is not irradiated to a sample region other than the aforementioned sample region in the path thereof until the portion of the light beam is delivered by the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Obara, Muneo Maeshima, Kazumichi Imai, Yohei Hanazaki
  • Patent number: 10624712
    Abstract: This sensitivity measuring device is provided with: a stage for placing a sample container; a temperature adjustment device that is provided with an upper heating body and a lower heating body, which are disposed above and below the sample container; and an image pickup device for picking up an image of the sample container, said image pickup device being provided with a lighting apparatus and an image pickup apparatus. Each of the upper heating body and the lower heating body has a structure wherein the temperature of a first region, a peripheral portion, is higher than the temperature of a second region including a center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Minekawa, Muneo Maeshima, Akira Masuya
  • Patent number: 10302641
    Abstract: An analyzing device of the present invention is provided with a flow chamber that a fluid including magnetic particles associated with a labeling substance flows from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, magnetic trap means to apply a magnetic field for trapping the magnetic particles to the fluid in the flow chamber, a working electrode and a counter electrode to apply a voltage to the magnetic particles trapped by the magnetic trap means, and to emit a luminescence, a light detection element to detect a luminescence derived from the labeling substance on the magnetic particles trapped in the flow chamber, and regulating means to regulate a region that the light detection element detects the luminescence derived from the labeling substance on a part of magnetic particles of them trapped by the magnetic trap means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Shunichiro Nobuki, Muneo Maeshima, Terumi Tamura, Kenta Imai
  • Patent number: 10294519
    Abstract: A convenient method for nucleic acid analysis is provided, which enables 1000 or more types of nucleic acid to be analyzed collectively with high comprehensiveness and with a dynamic range of at least four digits. In particular, provided is a very effective analytical method especially for untranslated RNAs and microRNAs, of which the types of target nucleic acids is 10000 or lower. Nucleic acids can be analyzed conveniently and rapidly with high comprehensiveness and quantitative performance at single-molecule sensitivity and resolution by following the steps of: preparing a group of target nucleic acid fragments one molecule at a time and hybridizing the nucleic acid molecules, which have known base sequences and have been labeled with the fluorescence substances, with the group of the target nucleic acid fragments to detect the fluorescence substances labeling the hybridized nucleic acid molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiro Saito, Koshin Hamasaki, Satoshi Takahashi, Muneo Maeshima, Kyoko Imai, Kazumichi Imai, Ryuji Tao
  • Publication number: 20190033192
    Abstract: In the present invention, information is analyzed, the positional relationship of cells/microbes in the optical axis direction is detected, and motility of cells/microbes is evaluated even in an out-of-focus view from an image obtained by a single image capture in an observation view of the cells/microbes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Akira MASUYA, Muneo MAESHIMA
  • Patent number: 10113962
    Abstract: To be adapted to various types of latex reagents for detecting scattered light and thereby measuring agglutination reactions with high sensitivity while sufficiently ensuring integration time. To be adapted to various types of latex particles of different particle sizes, a plurality of light receivers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of cell movement by rotation of a cell disk. To ensure sufficient integration time, the angle between the optical axis of the irradiation light and each of a plurality of optical axes of scattered light viewed from above the cell is made equal to or less than 17.7° including a mounting error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Muneo Maeshima, Isao Yamazaki, Tomonori Mimura
  • Publication number: 20180275053
    Abstract: This optical analyzing device is provided with a light source, a detector, a substrate having a metal film on at least one surface thereof, and an optical element for introducing a light beam from the light source to the substrate and delivering the light beam from the substrate toward the detector. A plurality of sample regions for holding samples are provided on the metal film; and a portion of the light beam from the light source is irradiated to any one of the sample regions, is reflected, at least once, by the surface of the substrate on the opposite side of the side on which the sample regions are provided, and is not irradiated to a sample region other than the aforementioned sample region in the path thereof until the portion of the light beam is delivered by the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Takayuki OBARA, Muneo MAESHIMA, Kazumichi IMAI, Yohei HANAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20180188181
    Abstract: A highly reflective light-guide system has a highly reflective light-guide surface for reflecting light that has been emitted from a sample and has entered from an entry port opposing a window material and propagating the same to an exit port opposing a light reception surface of a photodetector. An optical filter is provided in a space surrounded by the window material, the photodetector, and the highly reflective light-guide system and transmits the signal luminescence to be measured that is emitted from the sample between the window material and photodetector. The optical filter is fixed to the window material or photodetector by an adhesive, and the peripheral shape of the optical filter is smaller than the shape of the inside of a fitting part to which the optical filter is fitted and that is formed on the highly reflective light-guide system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Shunichiro NOBUKI, Muneo MAESHIMA, Kenta IMAI
  • Publication number: 20180079996
    Abstract: This sensitivity measuring device is provided with: a stage for placing a sample container; a temperature adjustment device that is provided with an upper heating body and a lower heating body, which are disposed above and below the sample container; and an image pickup device for picking up an image of the sample container, said image pickup device being provided with a lighting apparatus and an image pickup apparatus. Each of the upper heating body and the lower heating body has a structure wherein the temperature of a first region, a peripheral portion, is higher than the temperature of a second region including a center portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Hideaki MINEKAWA, Muneo MAESHIMA, Akira MASUYA
  • Publication number: 20180010084
    Abstract: The invention provides a technology for promptly determining bacterial identification or an antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In the invention, first, a state where the bacteria are divided is monitored by performing microscopic observation with respect to the shape or the number of bacteria in each of wells of a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, the shape, the number or the area of the bacteria are interpreted from the image obtained by the microscopic observation whether or not the bacteria proliferate at a stage from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, and the time-dependent changes thereof are made into a graph. From the graph, it is determined whether or not the bacteria proliferate for each measurement, the determination results are displayed on the screen, and accordingly, the result of the antimicrobial susceptibility is provided every time when the measurement is performed (FIG. 12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chihiro UEMATSU, Muneo MAESHIMA
  • Patent number: 9822399
    Abstract: The method for analyzing biomolecules, includes the steps of: immobilizing biomolecules to be analyzed on surfaces of magnetic microparticles; reacting labeled probe molecules with the biomolecules to be analyzed; collecting and immobilizing the microparticles on a support substrate; and measuring a label on the support substrate. Since single-molecule immobilized magnetic microparticles are used in the present invention, the number of biomolecules can be counted, and since hybridization and an antigen-antibody reaction are performed with the microparticles having biomolecules immobilized thereon dispersed, the reaction can be rapidly performed. Further, the type and the abundance of biomolecules of interest can be determined at a single molecular level, so as to evaluate, in particular, the absolute concentration of biomolecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiro Saito, Koshin Hamasaki, Satoshi Takahashi, Muneo Maeshima, Kyoko Imai, Kazumichi Imai, Ryuji Tao
  • Publication number: 20170211032
    Abstract: A temperature regulating container handles multiple samples which can be optically measured in real time while regulating the temperature of the samples. The samples can be moved at high speed by, for example, shaking without requiring a complicated mechanism. A cell culture container is a combination of three kinds of members: a temperature regulating liquid-holding member, a sample-holding member, and a lid. The cell culture container ensures that multiple samples are contacted with a temperature regulating liquid so that the temperature of the samples can be maintained at a uniform temperature, or quickly increased. The lid contacts the surface of the samples, preventing the samples from drying and contamination and, preventing dew formation on an optical path for performing optical measurement. The distance the light passes through the samples can be held constant to thereby assure accurate optical measurement; and sample containers can be easily moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira MASUYA, Muneo MAESHIMA, Yasunori SHOJI