Means Is Turntable (circular) Patents (Class 422/64)
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Patent number: 8790597Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively accessing a portion of a sterile cryopreserved sample are disclosed. The apparatus may include a container configured to receive the cryopreserved sample and having a first portion and a second portion, a heat sink chamber surrounding the first portion of the container, and a heat source adjacent to the second portion of the container. The chamber may be configured to maintain a non-accessed portion of the sample in a cryopreserved state. The heat source may be configured to separating an accessed portion of the sample from the non-accessed portion of the sample while maintaining the viability of the accessed portion while the non-accessed portion is maintained in the cryopreserved state.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The United States of Americas, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Richard W. Childs, Herb Cullis, Sumithira Vasu, Phillippe Jean Broussard, Kevin Douglas Clark, Eric Kelsey Harting
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Patent number: 8790577Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sample analyzer includes an analysis section for analyzing a sample by using a reagent to obtain numerical data and distribution diagram of particles contained in the sample; a display device; an information receiver for receiving an input of reagent information assigned to the reagent; a determination section configured for determining whether or not the reagent satisfies a condition to determine that the reagent is a genuine product based on the reagent information; and a controller that controls the display device to display both the numerical data and the distribution diagram if the reagent satisfies the condition by the determination section and to display the numerical data without displaying the distribution diagram if the reagent does not satisfy the condition by the determination section.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Toru Mizumoto, Ryuichiro Ebi, Keisuke Tsutsumida, Yousuke Tanaka, Junya Inoue
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Patent number: 8784734Abstract: An assembly that utilizes reusable sheaths for covering magnetic rods for collecting particles in an inverse magnetic particle process. The magnetic rod is removed from the reusable sheath to release particles at the same or a different location. The reusable sheaths can be assembled in a cylindrical plate, which can be rotated to position a clean sheath for each step of the inverse magnetic particle process. When not being used for particle separation, the sheaths can be washed of potentially contaminating solution in wash receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Douglas M. Campbell, Gregory E. Gardner
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Patent number: 8778266Abstract: A slide processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprise a liquid transporter for transporting a staining liquid reserved in a first liquid container and a washing liquid reserved in a second liquid container; a first instruction receiver for receiving a first instruction that instructs to initiate preparation of a slide stained with the staining liquid; a second instruction receiver for receiving a second instruction that instructs to initiate washing of a housing element which accommodates therein a slide to be stained; and a controller. When receiving the first instruction, the controller performs staining of the slide accommodated in the housing element by causing the liquid transporter to transport the staining liquid into the housing element. When receiving the second instruction, the controller performs washing of the housing element by causing the liquid transport to transport the washing liquid into the housing element.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Mitsuo Yamasaki
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Publication number: 20140193300Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatable device (1) for transporting reaction vessels in an automatic analysis apparatus, said device (1) comprising a circular base plate (16), and a number of holders (2) which are connected to the base plate (16), are preferably made of a plastic and comprise the receiving positions (4, 6) for the reaction vessels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODUCTS GMBHInventors: Joachim Bernhard, Joerg Filzinger, Hugo Wilmes
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Patent number: 8765475Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a colorimetric absorbance measurement method and a system for performing the same. The method comprises driving a reaction tray carrying a plurality of reaction cuvettes to rotate at a speed; transferring or rotating filters on a filter wheel to a light path of a light beam, starting from a filter of a first wavelength; and sampling photoelectric data when the light beam has passed through each reaction cuvette in some embodiments. The method ensures consistency in the measurement and synchronization between the calibration and the sample test and reliability of the measurements. Various embodiments simplify data processing and reduce the complexity of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Eletronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lihua Zhou, Zhihong Wang, Yanwen Weng, Feng Li
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Patent number: 8757864Abstract: A chemical analyzer supplies a sample and a reagent into a reaction container provided with an opening mixes a fluid which is to be measured and contains the sample and reagent supplied into the reaction container, measures a property of the fluid in the reaction container, and controls the drive for the mixer. The mixer has a vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down. The control unit controls the vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down in the fluid to be measured in the reaction container so as to cause upward and downward flow of the fluid which is to be measured and is positioned below the mixing tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Hironobu Yamakawa, Hideo Enoki, Isao Yamazaki, Nobuhiro Tsukada
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Publication number: 20140170756Abstract: Apparatus and processes for placing sample cuvettes at measuring points, dispensing a reagent into the cuvettes, and forwarding used cuvettes to a receptacle after finishing the measurements. The apparatus has an incubation module (1) for incubating sample cuvettes (7), a reagent module (3) containing a reagent of an amount needed for the assay, and a measuring module (2) favorably accommodating optical measuring points. Arms (K1 . . . KN) can move the sample cuvettes (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: DIAGON Kft.Inventors: Matyas Petoe, Laszlo Izsak, Jozsef Antal
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Publication number: 20140170022Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Hideyuki YANAMI, Isao YAMAZAKI, Masaaki HANAWA, Hitoshi OTAKE
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Publication number: 20140170636Abstract: A method and an automated system for testing liquid samples comprising a reaction vessel transferring device are presented. A first analytical unit for running a first diagnostic test comprises a rotatable first vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. A second analytical unit for running a second diagnostic test comprises a stationary linear second vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. The transferring device comprises a gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transfers reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or vice versa. The device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder and the gripper moves along a curved path between a picking position and a reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Marco Bucher, Gottlieb Schacher
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Patent number: 8753572Abstract: Stepped portions of a flow channel are reduced by completely fixing the channel that extends to the measuring unit, and reducing connections in the channel, thereby to suppress a disturbance in the flow of the liquid suctioned into the measuring unit. A means is provided so that the reaction solution and reagent suctioned will move towards the channel through which the liquids are suctioned.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Susumu Sakairi, Taku Sakazume, Katsuaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 8747744Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk is provided with a pore and a pressure detector connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe and a suction pipe inserted to the opening of the reaction container to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Hironobu Yamakawa, Yoichi Aruga, Takenori Okusa, Taisaku Seino
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Patent number: 8747743Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic analyzer including: an analyzing unit that includes an analyzing mechanism and a dispensing reagent cassette storage for storing a reagent cassette for dispensing; a reagent replenishing unit including a replenishing reagent cassette storage for storing in advance a reagent cassette for replenishing to be supplied as the reagent cassette for dispensing; and means for ejecting from the replenishing reagent cassette storage the reagent cassette for replenishing that cannot be supplied as the reagent cassette for dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Watanabe, Shigeki Matsubara, Masanori Akutsu
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Patent number: 8747746Abstract: An apparatus including at least one of a stainer module and a coverslipper module; an imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module for transporting at least one slide between at least one of the stainer module and the coverslipper module, the imaging module and the storage module; and a controller. A method including processing at least one slide; determining whether an imaging module is available for imaging of a biological specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to the imaging module using an automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module when it is determined that the imaging module is not available. A system including a processing module for processing at least one slide including a biological specimen thereon. A machine readable medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.Inventor: Gilles Lefebvre
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Patent number: 8741134Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sample container storage part for storing a number of sample containers S, a nozzle for dropping a sample component separated and supplied by an LC and an additive liquid such as digestive fluid supplied from another liquid supplying part to the sample container S, a carrying mechanism for carrying and positioning the sample container at an arbitrary position under the nozzle, and a second nozzle, serving as a suction/injection mechanism, for sucking in the fractionated/collected sample component and injecting the sample component to another LC. The carrying mechanism provides a rotation mechanism. The carrying mechanism rotates over 180 degrees and carries the sample container S completed with fractionating/collecting to the position of the second nozzle, and the sample is sucked in by the second nozzle and injected to the LC of next stage.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Shuzo Maruyama, Yosuke Iwata
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Publication number: 20140147922Abstract: A device for positioning vessels, with a holder for vessels, comprising a series of receptacles arranged on a circular line, for a circular ring-shaped vessel chain, a central area, arranged within the series of receptacles, and having further receptacles for single vessels containing reagents, and means for aligning, and with a carrier for single vessels, which comprises a holding plate in the form of a circular disc or of a part of a circular disc, which has holes for single vessels at certain positions, and which has at least one further means for aligning the carrier to the means for aligning the holder in a certain position, wherein in this position, the holes are aligned to certain further receptacles, the remaining further receptacles are covered up by the holding plate, and single vessels filled with reaction liquid can be inserted into the holes and into the further receptacles aligned thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventors: Helmut Knofe, Jens-Peter Kroog, Judith Lucke
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Patent number: 8734719Abstract: A parts supply device for supplying disposable part selected from a cuvette and pipette tip, comprising: a storage section for storing a plurality of disposable parts; a sort section for sorting the disposable parts supplied from the storage section, the sort section including a push-up plate to be capable of pushing up the disposable part in the supplied parts and a wall section arranged at the downstream side of the push-up plate so as to be adjacent to the push-up plate, wherein the push-up plate is configured to vertically move along the wall section between a first position and a second position that is above the first position; and a transfer section for transferring one by one the disposable part supplied by the push-up plate over the wall section.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Kazunori Mototsu, Masayuki Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8734721Abstract: An analyzer includes, as a cleaning system, a cleanser tank that contains a cleanser; a cleaning-water tank that contains cleaning water; a connection pipe that connects the cleanser tank with the cleaning-water tank; a pump that is provided to the connection pipe and pumps the cleanser out of the cleanser tank to the cleaning-water tank; a valve that is provided to the connection pipe and adjusts a flow of the cleanser from the cleanser tank into the cleaning-water tank; and a control unit that opens the valve and causes the pump to pump the cleanser out of the cleanser tank to the cleaning-water tank via the connection pipe to clean the inside of the cleaning-water tank and the insides of cleaning-water flow-path constituents that form a flow path through which the cleaning water flows from the cleaning-water tank when the specimen is subjected to an analysis process.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventor: Shinya Matsuyama
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Publication number: 20140141518Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent station (1) for an automated analysis device, comprising a first and a second reagent container storage (2, 10) and a transfer apparatus (20) which transfers reagent containers (16) between the first and the second reagent container storage (2, 10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for loading an automated analysis device with reagent containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODUCTS GMBHInventor: Holger Pufahl
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Publication number: 20140140890Abstract: The automatic analysis device measures time sequential data on a scattered light amount as reaction process data, and quantitatively determines the concentration of an analyte from a change in light amount. The automatic analysis device has a function of selecting reaction process data to be used for quantitative determination from the reaction process data obtained by measurement using a plurality of light receivers at different angles. As a result of using this function, data is selected from the reaction process data obtained by measurement using the plurality of light receivers at different angles in accordance with the concentration of the analyte and whether the priority is given to high sensitivity in the case where sensitivity is prioritized or a dynamic range, and the result of the quantitative determination is displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Tomonori Mimura, Hajime Yamazaki, Masaki Shiba
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Patent number: 8728395Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic analyzer for analyzing blood, urine, or other samples in which, for the purpose of reducing the workload of the operator, the process of reagent replacement is automated such that the measurement operation of the analyzer need not be halted during the reagent replacement. A sample rack transfer mechanism and reagent storage/transfer mechanisms are placed on different levels of two-story structure. This configuration allows reagent replacement even when the analyzer is performing an analysis, as well as achieving size reduction of the analyzer. The automation of reagent replacement is achieved by the following: a sensor's detection of the remaining reagent amount in a reagent vessel reaching a particular value; and the analyzer's detection of a measurement request for a sample rack when necessary reagents are not present in any reagent storage mechanism of an analyzer unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Kouichi Suzuki, Hiroshi Watanabe, Takeshi Shibuya, Shinichi Nagara
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Patent number: 8715574Abstract: A system for managing bulk liquids for an automated clinical analyzer. The system comprises (a) at least one local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use, (b) at least one container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir, and (c) a controller for monitoring the level of a bulk liquid in a local reservoir. The local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use can be a trough. The use of troughs for storing a reagent, a diluent, or some other treating agent for impending use enables an aspirating/dispensing device having a plurality of pipettes to aspirate and dispense the reagent, diluent, or other treating agent at a high rate of throughput. The controller can monitor the level of a liquid in (a) a local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for imminent use and the level of liquid in a (b) container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, Gregory E. Gardner, Richard W. Mahoney
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Patent number: 8709344Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: bio Mérieux, Inc.Inventors: James C. Bishop, Lawrence Guerra, Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark J. Fanning, David M. Robbins, Tomasz Taubert, Christopher D. Justice
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Patent number: 8709345Abstract: To reduce measurement time, it may be considered to quicken reaction or speed up analytic determination. In existing analyzing devices, photometry is performed, typically, about every 15 seconds, so that it has not been possible to secure satisfactory reproducibility. Namely, reducing the measurement time and securing reproducibility have not been compatible. It has therefore been desired to increase the number of times of measurements performed in a short period of time. A cell disk is controlled to stop at a position for photometry during the time after a sample and a reagent are mixed and before measurement is finished and, while the cell disk is stopped, photometry is performed once or plural times thereby increasing the total number of times of measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Akihisa Makino
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Patent number: 8703056Abstract: An automated analyzer and a reagent vessel opening/closing device allows reduction of the time period during which reagent vessels are opened unnecessarily. The reagent vessel opening/closing device opens or closes the lids of reagent vessels when the reagent vessels are at a dispensing/stirring position on a reagent vessel transfer device of an automated analyzer. The device for opening/closing the lids of reagent vessels includes a hook base secured to a unit base and a hook-base drive unit for moving the hook base with respect to the unit base in opening/closing directions of the lids of the reagent vessels. A plurality of hooks are attached to the hook base and a plurality of motors are each adapted to slide one of the hooks with respect to the hook base to engage/disengage the hook with/from the lid of a reagent vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, F. Hoffman-La Roche AGInventors: Susumu Sakairi, Katsuaki Takahashi, Stephan Sattler, Reinhold Kraemer
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Patent number: 8703055Abstract: An automatic analysis apparatus analyzing a test specimen held in a reaction vessel on the basis of a property of a mixed liquid of the test specimen and a reagent, includes a plurality of reaction vessels which corresponds to a plurality of measurement channels, respectively, a moving unit which moves the plurality of the reaction vessels then stops them at every analysis recycle, a control unit which controls the dispensing unit so as to aspirate the test specimen during movements of the reaction vessels, infuse the test specimen to one of the plurality of the reaction vessels after the reaction vessels stop, and repeatedly aspirate the test specimen and infuse the test specimen to one or more reaction vessels except the first reaction vessel among the plurality of the reaction vessels during stoppages of the reaction vessels.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Takehiko Oonuma
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Patent number: 8696990Abstract: A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbHInventors: Paul Meller, Holger Pufahl
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Patent number: 8691148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Yanami, Isao Yamazaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hitoshi Otake
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Patent number: 8691583Abstract: A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Dako Instrumec ASInventors: Øystein Ljungmann, Torstein Ljungmann
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Patent number: 8679425Abstract: A reagent container set is disclosed which comprises: a first reagent container for accommodating a first reagent to be used in a sample analyzer, the top part of the first reagent container having a first aspiration opening for inserting a first reagent aspirating tube to aspirate the first reagent; a waste fluid container for accommodating the first reagent used in the sample analyzer as a waste fluid, the top of the waste fluid container having a discharge opening for inserting a waste fluid discharging tube to discharge the waste fluid into the waste fluid container; a box for accommodating the first reagent container and the waste fluid container; and a container holding member for holding the first reagent container and the waste fluid container so that the first aspiration opening and the discharge opening are disposed at predetermined positions, the container holding member being maintained at a predetermined position within the box.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Sachiko Ueda, Yusuke Mori, Hiroyuki Ohashi, Yuji Itose, Kinya Uchihashi, Yoichi Nakamura, Kohei Sugitani
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Patent number: 8679421Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Minoru Sano, Kazutoshi Onuki, Yoshiyuki Shoji, Isao Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8673642Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Marc Key, Gordon Feingold, Rosanne Welcher
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Publication number: 20140072473Abstract: A junction for transporting sample racks in an analytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the junction may include a main transport line, a turntable having a rotatable transport line, and one or more bypass transport lines. The main transport line can transport first sample racks and second sample racks having different sizes via the turntable. The turntable further comprises a recess for diverting second sample racks from the main transport line to the bypass transport line or vice versa when rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventors: Joerg Haechler, Dietmar Reisch, Gottlieb Schacher
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Patent number: 8669112Abstract: Instrumentation and a method for efficient and reliable assaying and measuring samples. The teachings include an automated self-contained instrument, wherein the samples are located on wells of sample plates, and the instrument includes a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates. The instrument may includes at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and one or several measurement units for optically measuring samples in at least two measurement modes. Further, the instrument includes a manipulator for moving the sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof and for rotating the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Wallac OyInventors: Aarne Heinonen, Juha Karunen, Jarmo Korpi, Jarmo Nurmi, Markku Ojala, Timo Salminen, Paul White
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Patent number: 8668886Abstract: A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Therapeutic Proteins International, LLCInventor: Sarfaraz Niazi
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Patent number: 8663559Abstract: A sample analyzer that includes a sample preparing section operative to aspirate a sample from a sample container and a measuring section operative to prepare a plurality of measurement samples from the aspirated sample. A control unit is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of prepared measurement samples, obtain a plurality of measurement data for the respective measurement samples, and obtain an analysis result of a predetermined item of the sample based on the plurality of measurement data.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Masaharu Shibata, Noriyoshi Yoshida
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Patent number: 8663978Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for staining tissue samples, said apparatus including a reagent section or reagent containers; at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head or robotic element that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element. By providing the robotic element with a 2-D optical sensor, a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Doug Sweet, Marc Key, Gordon Feingold, Kristopher Buchanan, Bob Lathrop, John Favuzzi
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Patent number: 8657550Abstract: A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head. The shuttle is removably plugged into a sliding block of a carriage to move between a furnace and a crucible loading station. The carriage includes mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic plugs or sockets which couple to mating sockets or plugs of the shuttle. A linear actuator extends between the carriage and the furnace base to raise and lower the carriage and shuttle coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Leco CorporationInventors: Gordon C. Ford, Raghu Murthy
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Patent number: 8652407Abstract: A self-contained assay device that is capable of detecting various analyte(s), including bioanalytes, in specimens for example, from biological sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: PalmStat Diagnostics, LLCInventors: Pete Wilson, Eric Butt, Vincent Mata
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Patent number: 8651045Abstract: A device (1) is provided for orientating a plurality of laboratory sample cassettes (2) each having a marking surface (3) disposed on a main body (4) of the cassette (2). A cassette (2) is held by a clamp so that a printer can print on the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2). When the cassette (2) is released from the clamp, it is moved via a belt (13) to an opening (20) of a rotatable structure (15) in a cassette receiving position. When the cassette (2) has been received in the opening (20), the rotatable structure (15) is rotated so that the opening (20) is moved to a cassette releasing position. A rack (23) is positioned beneath the rotatable structure (15) in order to receive the cassette (2) from the rotatable structure opening (20) when the opening (20) is in its cassette releasing position. The cassette (2) is received into a rack slot (24) so that the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2) is at the top of the cassette (2).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Raymond A. Lamb LimitedInventor: Thomas Fergus Hughes
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Patent number: 8652408Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an assembly of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for staining of the tissue specimens, a loading station (2) for microscope slides (28), a conveyor (5) for transfer of carriers with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, an unloading station (8) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (18) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprises different levels (I, II) having units for execution of the relevant treatment operations.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Dako Instrumec ASInventors: Oystein Ljungmann, Torstein Ljungmann
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Patent number: 8641988Abstract: A sample analyzer which transports a rack holding a plurality of sample containers and analyzes samples includes: a first measurement apparatus which measures samples; a second measurement apparatus which is arranged downstream, in a transport direction, from the first measurement apparatus, and which measures samples; and a transporting apparatus which transports samples to a first supply position for supplying a sample to the first measurement apparatus, and to a second supply position for supplying a sample to the second measurement apparatus. The transporting apparatus linearly transports a rack from the first supply position to the second supply position, and the distance between the first supply position and the second supply position is a multiple of the distance between adjacent sample containers held in the rack.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Toru Mizumoto, Takayoshi Izumi, Keisuke Tsutsumida, Shinya Nakajima
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Patent number: 8641968Abstract: A chemical analyzer, a method for sample-based analysis, a device for handling cuvette assemblies including a rotatable incubator with at least one curved opening for receiving a new cuvette assembly, an analyzer arranged around the incubator for analyzing contents of the new cuvette assembly, and a loading device adapted to carry the new cuvette assembly while initially being aligned in a straight manner before being loaded. The loading device includes a feed funnel having a first end for receiving the new cuvette assembly initially aligned in the straight manner into the feed funnel, and a second end for feeding the new cuvette assembly into the at least one curved opening, the second end having a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of the curved opening, the second end for bending the initially straight new cuvette assembly and fitting the new cuvette assembly into the at least one curved opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific OyInventors: Vesa Nuotio, Ville Saarainen, Juha Savonsalmi
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Patent number: 8641969Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara
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Patent number: 8641970Abstract: A clinical test apparatus employing a mobile robot is provided. The clinical test apparatus includes a stage unit, a test station provided in the stage unit and configured to perform a clinical test, a mobile robot configured to move on a top surface of the stage unit and to transfer a plate on which samples and reagents are loaded to the test station, and a docking unit disposed in the stage unit and configured to reset a position of the mobile robot. A variety of test stations for a clinical test can be integrated, and multiple tests can be performed at the same time through a plurality of mobile robots.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry FoundationInventors: Wan Kyun Chung, Hyouk Ryeol Choi, Sung Moo Ryu, Min Chul Kim, Ja Choon Koo
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Patent number: 8632737Abstract: A hypobaric apparatus and methods capable of inducing and maintaining in stored horticultural cellular tissue controlled pervaporation of undesired chemical compounds without reaching the boiling point of intracellular water molecules, comprising a hypobaric chamber constructed to provide a leak rate of less than 4.0 mm Hg per hour, sensors and regulators coupled to the chamber and to a controller to measure and regulate target correlates. Commodities processed, including processing storage periods longer than any known involving controlled atmosphere, exhibit an absence of low oxygen injury, high carbon dioxide injury, chilling injury, leaf abscission, leaf de-greening, fungal decay, bacterial decay, gravitational curving, geotropic curvatures, leaf epinasty, stem epinasty, flower fading, senescence, live invertebrates at any life stage, fumigant chemical compounds, volatile fungicides, volatile bactericides; no advance in ripening; minimal water loss.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Atlas Bimetals Labs, Inc.Inventors: Stanley P. Burg, Richard D. Bothell, Jed C. Bothell
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Patent number: 8632725Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Isao Yamazaki, Ryuji Tao, Katsuaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 8623278Abstract: A continuous automated extraction system and method for physically extracting at least one liquid phase of a series of liquid microsamples which are taken beforehand in discrete packets, both in space and in time, and are in stored is provided. The method may include an extraction system having a centrifuge provided with a plurality of microholders, at least one of which is filled with the corresponding microsample and includes a filling upper portion that is extended by a separating lower portion of smaller cross section than that of the upper portion. Each filled microholder has a mass which is more than ten times the mass of this microsample, in such a way that it is possible to extract, by centrifugation, at a given instant, only a single microsample contained in a single microholder, or several microsamples contained in some or all of these microholders, progressively as the latter are filled.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Jean-Marc Reymond, Sophie Kerhoas-Cavata, Philippe Mangeot
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Patent number: 8623299Abstract: The present invention solves a problem of conventional tissue treating apparatuses: liquid chemicals which have been used given times and have become useless in a tissue specimen infiltration treatment and a cleaning liquid which has been used given times and has decreased in cleaning ability are required to be separately discarded/replaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignees: Sakura Seiki Co., Ltd., Sakura Finetek Japan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Takahashi
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Patent number: 8609041Abstract: Tissue solubilizing apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses may be useful to solubilize tissue, including skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue. The apparatuses may be further useful to preserve and recover analytes contained within the solubilized skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventors: Samir Mitragotri, Sumit Paliwal, Makoto Ogura, Russell M. Lebovitz, MyPhuong Lam