Means Is Conveyor And Rack Patents (Class 422/65)
  • Patent number: 8911815
    Abstract: An apparatus can be used to apply and remove fluid substances for processing biological samples. The fluid substances can be delivered between a first substrate and a second substrate. One substrate carries a specimen. A layer of the fluid substance is retained in a gap defined by the first and second substrates. One substrate is moved with respect to the second substrate to disperse the fluid substance in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Howard Kram, Kevin David Marshall, Christine Tse, Timothy James Keller, Austin Micheil Ashby
  • Patent number: 8906304
    Abstract: Reaction containers (110) each comprising a plurality of treatment parts (wells) (501-506) are placed side by side in a reaction container set so as to be movable independently of each other in the direction of arrangement of the treatment parts (wells). A plurality of stems (401) correspond to the respective reaction containers (110) and are disposed above the reaction containers to be vertically movable and disposed in the direction crossing the direction of movement of the reaction containers. Control is performed so that when the reaction containers (110) and a stem mechanism (111) are operated together and one of the treatment parts (501-506) of each of the reaction containers (110) comes immediately below the stem mechanism (111) in accordance with a treatment procedure, a stem (401) corresponding thereto, a magnetic chip (402) attached thereto, or the cover (405) thereof can go into and out of the treatment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Muneo Maeshima
  • Patent number: 8900877
    Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Luminex Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Jia Chang Yu, Jesus Ching, Phillip You Fai Lee, David Hsiang Hu
  • Patent number: 8894929
    Abstract: An example rack accommodation device includes a base capable of supporting supporters on a plurality of stages in a first direction and in a plurality of rows in a second direction across the first direction. The supporters are each configured to hold a rack capable of holding a plurality of upright sample holders each accommodating a sample. A first movement mechanism is configured to move the supporters in the first direction, and a second movement mechanism is configured to move the supporters in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aoi Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 8894928
    Abstract: A junction for transporting sample racks in an analytical system having one or more work cells for processing samples and a method thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, the junction may include multiple main transport lines, a turntable and one or more bypass transport lines. The multiple main transport lines can transport first sample racks and second sample racks having different sizes. The rotatable transport line can alternately connect to one or more of the main transport lines. Each of the one or more bypass transport lines can interconnect two of the main transport lines and bypass the turntable. Each of the bypass transport lines can be curved such that transport of the second sample racks through each of the bypass transport lines is enabled and transport of the first sample racks through each of the bypass transport lines is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Joerg Haechler
  • Patent number: 8894930
    Abstract: A specimen processing device is disclosed that comprises: a processing unit configured to aspirate a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen, and to process the aspirated specimen; a state transition section configured to make the processing unit undergo transition to a pause state; an instruction accepting section configured to accept an instruction to start processing of the specimen when the processing unit is in the pause state; and a pause state releasing section configured to release the processing unit from the pause state to make the processing unit perform the processing of specimen when the instruction to start the processing is accepted by the instruction accepting section. A specimen processing method using a specimen processing device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Mizumoto
  • Publication number: 20140342465
    Abstract: A new laboratory automated system comprising a plurality of work cells coupled to a conveyor and a method for processing sample tubes are disclosed, both of which enable a system to maintain the maximum overall throughput regardless of the number and throughput of the individual work cells and regardless of the frequency at which sample tubes are loaded into the system. This is achieved by a sample buffer module coupled to the conveyor, the sample buffer module being in common to the plurality of work cells, and by a sample workflow manager configured to dispatch sample tubes from the sample buffer module to the work cells via the conveyor with a frequency for each work cell, which is equal to the sample processing throughput of each respective work cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Haechler, Florian Schindler, Georgios Spitadakis
  • Patent number: 8892254
    Abstract: A robot controller includes queues, a storage unit, and an execution control unit. The queues are provided for respective controlled groups serving as controlled units. The storage unit stores therein instructions directed to the respective controlled groups, one at a time, from a bottom end of each of the queues. When having accepted a predetermined operation request, the execution control unit simultaneously fetches the instructions directed to the controlled groups, one for each of the controlled groups at a time, from tops of the queues, and makes all of the controlled groups simultaneously start the operations based on such instructions. If there is any controlled group to which no corresponding instruction exists, the storage unit stores therein a no-operation instruction. If the fetched instruction is the no-operation instruction, the execution control unit keeps the controlled group from operating until an instruction is fetched next time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Takahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8883078
    Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a test unit for loading and testing a sample contained in the sample container accommodated in the rack; a rack storage for storing the rack accommodating the sample container from which the sample has been loaded into the test unit; and a transporting part, configured to transport the rack in a first direction and in a second direction that is a reverse direction of the first direction, for transporting the rack in the first direction to the rack storage and transporting the rack stored in the rack storage in the second direction to a sample loading position at which the sample is loaded from the rack into the test unit, is disclosed. A transporting apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Daigo Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8877128
    Abstract: An empty rack transport line is arranged at a lower stage and independent of a main transport line, a fast emergency line and a reverse line. In a rack stocker, an inclined transport line connects the empty rack transport line to the rack stocker. The rack stocker is arranged between a storage module and a loading module. The rack stocker is capable of continuously supplying and collecting empty racks, while transport lines do not cross each other. It is, therefore, possible to continuously supply and collect empty racks in a simple configuration, without an increase in the system size, an intersection of transport lines and a reduction in processing capability. In addition, it is possible to provide an automated sample testing system that is highly extendable for various facility sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Fukugaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hiroshi Ohga
  • Patent number: 8871159
    Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods useful for the processing of a tissue sample and the preparation of cells, cell aggregates and/or tissue fragments. The invention provides two-stage filer devices and two-membrane devices. Cell aggregates and/or tissue fragments prepared using such devices and according to methods of the present invention can be used in a variety of assay systems, including, but not limited to, drug validation assays, drug screening assays, proliferation assays, metabolic assays, metastasis assays, angiogenesis assays, binding assays, biochemical assays, cellular assays, genetic assays, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Christian Apfel
  • Patent number: 8871158
    Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into a slot in the protective sheath and is held into place by retainers running on the interior face of the protective sheath. A paraffin block cassette accepts a paraffin block and slides into a sample block sleeve holder disposed on one edge of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel D. Clark, Johnson Wong
  • Patent number: 8863802
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically marking laboratory test tubes in the stage of drawing biological material to be analyzed, which includes two or more distributors of test tubes of different types that are selectable by a control unit and are suitable for feeding test tubes to a test-tubes positioning device which in turn is suitable for presenting correctly positioned test tubes to a computerized labelling machine containing a printer for printing barcodes on labels. Each distributor includes an automatic drawing and discharging device for drawing and discharging single test tubes from a container of test tubes of a selected distributor to the positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Inpeco Holding Ltd.
    Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
  • Patent number: 8865070
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products has a pocket conveyor, mobile along a loop-shaped path and provided with a plurality of pockets, each adapted to receive and withhold a respective container, and a transfer device for transferring the containers with a rectilinear motion between the respective pockets and at least one operating station for executing an operation on the containers themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
  • Patent number: 8865069
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automated opening/closing of one or more fluid containers is presented. Each container comprises an opening and a cap for closing the opening. The cap is pivotable with respect to the container body so as to open or close the container. A mount and a carriage supported by the mount by a translating mechanism bidirectionally translate the carriage with respect to the mount. The carriage comprises a base portion and a pivoting portion supported by the base portion by a pivoting mechanism that bidirectionally pivots the pivoting portion with respect to the base portion. The pivoting portion has a contact member that contacts a projecting portion of the cap of each of the fluid containers while pivoting the pivoting portion so as to open and optionally close the opening. A drive is coupled to the carriage for translating the base portion and pivoting the pivoting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Raphael Gut, Gottlieb Schacher
  • Patent number: 8865473
    Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. A detecting apparatus may be configured so that light from luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a first lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon an image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The detecting apparatus may further include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and/or a robot for handling of samples and reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gambini, Jeff Levi, John Voyta, Bruce E. DeSimas, II, Edward Lakatos, Israel Metal, George Sabak, Yongdong Wang, Susan A. Atwood-Stone
  • Patent number: 8864030
    Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement unit for measuring a sample contained in a sample container; a barcode reader; a rotating section; and a controller is disclosed. The controller controls the rotating section and the barcode reader so that the barcode reader repeatedly reads the barcode over the range of a predetermined rotation angle; and obtains identification information of the sample contained in the sample container on the basis of reading results obtained as a result of the repeated reading of the barcode by the barcode reader. Method of obtaining sample identification information and a sample identification information obtaining apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichiro Ohmae
  • Patent number: 8865092
    Abstract: A method for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample comprises placing the bag with the sample in a dosing system (e.g., on a holder or weighing device), computing a required volume or weight of fixative solution as a function of the sample or the bag with the sample, and automatically transferring the computed volume or weight of fixative solution from a storage container into the bag. A system is also described for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample, a carrier for said flexible bags, and a storage cabinet for storing the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Milestone S.r.l.
    Inventor: Visinoni Francesco
  • Patent number: 8858882
    Abstract: There is provided a data processing method that reduces influences of air bubbles and dirt while maintaining changes in light amounts. Two scattering light photoreceivers are disposed in the forward direction. A photoreceiver 33a closer to the optical axis is taken to be a main angle photoreceiver, and a photoreceiver 33b further from the optical axis is taken to be a sub-angle photoreceiver. Noise is estimated based on the reaction process data of the sub-angle photoreceiver, and noise is reduced by subtracting the estimated noise from the reaction process data of the main angle photoreceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Terumi Tamura, Hajime Yamazaki, Akihisa Makino, Takeshi Yogi
  • Patent number: 8858899
    Abstract: A fraction collector where fractions of liquid are sequentially dispensed from a dispensing means into a plurality of receptacles arranged in a cassette in the fraction collector, by displacing the dispensing means relative to the receptacles, the receptacles being arranged at predefined positions with respect to the cassette and the cassette being arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the fraction collector, wherein the cassette is retained at the predefined position with respect to the fraction collector by a magnetic arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Tomas Agren, Johan Carlsson
  • Patent number: 8859289
    Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tubes and an image analyzing unit are disclosed. An incoming primary rack (PR) containing sample tubes (S) is transferred to an image analyzing unit (310). Geometry parameters of at least one sample tube contained in the primary rack are determined by means of image analyzing and compared with predetermined geometry criteria. If the sample tube's geometry fulfils the criteria, the sample tube is categorized as system conform and removed from the primary rack with a gripper for further processing; otherwise it is categorized as non-system conform and entered into error processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Marty, Markus Rinderknecht
  • Patent number: 8852507
    Abstract: An interface apparatus between a pneumatic mail system and a feeding system of biological products to a laboratory automation system is described, the apparatus comprising a capsule suitable for being conveyed in a pneumatic mail system which accommodates therein one or more biological material containers, said capsule opening and connecting to a device for transferring said biological material containers contained in said capsule into at least one recruiting device of said biological product containers, said at least one recruiting device being used to load said containers of biological products into a positioning device interfaced with a gripping device of said biological product container for transferring said biological product container on an automatic conveyor belonging to a laboratory automation system. Said capsule has an inner chamber containing foam elements adapted to withhold said biological product containers present in said capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Inpeco Holding Ltd.
    Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
  • Patent number: 8845982
    Abstract: A method for fixation of organic tissue samples includes immersing a tissue sample in a solution of Formalin at a temperature of between 2° C. and 10° C. for a first time period (A), and immersing the tissue sample in a cold fixation dehydrating agent for a second time period (B) following the first time period. An automated tissue fixation system for fixating organic tissue samples in Formalin is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Milestone S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bussolati Giovanni, Visinoni Francesco
  • Patent number: 8845984
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Amshey, Daniel Bezdek, Espir Kahatt, Alexander Khorlin, Lance Parsons, Todd Peterson, Timothy Powers, Michael Thacker, Timothy Updyke, Kornelija Zgonc
  • Publication number: 20140287523
    Abstract: A diagnostic analyzer system includes a linear track, at least one pipetting device, and at least one diagnostic module. The linear track includes a pre-treatment lane disposed parallel to at least one processing lane. The linear track moves reaction vessels, containing samples, held by the pre-treatment lane and by the at least one processing lane. The pre-treatment lane pre-treats the samples in the reaction vessels of the pre-treatment lane. The pre-treatment lane is not connected to any diagnostic module for testing the samples in the reaction vessels of the pre-treatment lane. The at least one pipetting device transfers the pre-treated samples from the reaction vessels in the pre-treatment lane to the reaction vessels in the at least one processing lane. The at least one diagnostic module is connected to the at least one processing lane for testing the pre-treated samples transferred into the reaction vessels in the at least one processing lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph P. Donohue
  • Publication number: 20140287515
    Abstract: A laboratory module for storing and providing access to a plurality of samples, the laboratory module comprising a plurality of bays comprising a plurality of guiding rails and a plurality of rack tray bays for accommodating a plurality of rack trays, and a transport chamber for transporting at least one sample rack to a storage location and for delivering at least one sample rack at predetermined times to a processing system. The transport chamber is adapted to align with any one of the plurality of guiding rails, comprised in the bays and in the rack trays, for placing and moving on the guiding rails the at least one sample rack, and a sensor for sensing the presence and location of a sample rack on any one of the guiding rails, and a barcode scanner that identifies the sample rack and a storage device for storing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephan Habrich, Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 8840851
    Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip supplying apparatus which comprises: a storing section configured to store a plurality of pipette tips; a supplying section configured to supply at least one of the plurality of pipette tips stored in the storing section outside the storing section; a detector configured to detect a pipette tip assembly in which one pipette tip and another pipette tip are piled up with a distal end of the one pipette tip inserted into the another pipette tip; and a discharging section configured to discharge the pipette tip assembly from the storing section, when the detector has detected the pipette tip assembly in the storing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Kowari, Makoto Ueda
  • Publication number: 20140273088
    Abstract: A method, an automated apparatus and a system for staining of a plurality of biological samples arranged on slides, e.g. for histological and cytological examination. A patient case having slides arranged in a frame is loaded into the apparatus, in which pre-treatment, including e.g. drying, baking, dewaxing and target retrieval, as well as staining, is carried out differently in respect of the slides in accordance with predetermined or operator-specified treatment protocols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Lars Winther
  • Publication number: 20140271360
    Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: David BUSE, Byron J. KNIGHT, Julian GROELI
  • Publication number: 20140273242
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods related to automated diagnostic analyzers having rear accessible track systems. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes an analyzer to perform a diagnostic test, the analyzer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The example apparatus includes a loading bay disposed on the first side of the analyzer to receive a first carrier and a pipetting mechanism coupled to the analyzer adjacent the second side. The example apparatus also includes a first carrier shuttle to transport the first carrier from a first location adjacent the loading bay to a second location adjacent the pipetting mechanism and a track disposed adjacent the second side of the analyzer to transfer a second carrier to a third location adjacent the pipetting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Brian L. Ochranek, David C. Arnquist, Takehiko Oonuma, Hirotoshi Tahara, Naoto Sato, Bradley P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140256050
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprises a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack that is capable of holding a sample container at a plurality of holding positions, a detecting section that is configured to detect presence or absence of a rack distinction member at a holding position of the sample rack, an aspirating section that is configured to aspirate a sample in the sample container, and a control section that is configured to control an aspirating operation of the aspirating section. The control section changes an aspirating operation with respect to the sample container held in the sample rack based on the presence/absence of the rack distinction member at the holding position of the sample rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihisa TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8828319
    Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8821815
    Abstract: A cell isolation instrument includes: a first container which has an opening in an upper portion; a filtration member which defines at least a part of a lower portion of the first container; an isolation member which is movably housed in the first container to collide with a tissue, thereby isolating cells; and a second container which houses the first container in a manner that the first container can be taken out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Shioyama, Akane Suzuki, Teruo Okano, Tatsuya Shimizu, Yuji Haraguchi
  • Publication number: 20140241946
    Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Austin Self, Jonathan Mathew Miller, Carl Theodore Edens
  • Patent number: 8815153
    Abstract: A holding unit pivotally holds a plurality of reagent bottles which store reagents. A reagent case houses the holding unit and has an edge higher than at least the housed holding unit. The reagent cover is a cover for closing the reagent case. A cooling unit is mounted on one outer surface of the reagent case and cools air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover through one outer surface. A circulating unit is mounted on the holding portion and circulates the cooled air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Sato
  • Patent number: 8815154
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a tape magazine especially for a hand-held device for analyzing a body fluid with a test tape that can be unwound from a storage unit and wound onto a waste unit where the waste unit can be driven in order to wind forward the test tape. The invention provides that a lock which keeps the test tape under tension is integrated in the tape magazine at least on the storage unit. The present invention also concerns a hand-held device with such a tape magazine. The present invention also concerns a hand-held device with a mechanical drive for the test tape and a disposable hand-held device with polymer-based electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans List, Hans-Peter Haar, Bernd Rösicke
  • Publication number: 20140234978
    Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system further comprises a transport plane to carry the multiple container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The system also comprises at least one transfer device to transfer a sample item, wherein the sample item is a container carrier, a sample container, part of the sample and/or the complete sample, between the transport plane and a laboratory station such as, for example, a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Heise, Hans Schneider
  • Patent number: 8809069
    Abstract: A lab member for use in a laboratory liquid handling system including a pipetting module and a drive system, the pipetting module including first and second pipettors, the first and second pipettors including first and second pipettor shafts, respectively, a first pipetting tip extending from an end of the first pipettor shaft, and a second pipetting tip extending from an end of the second pipettor shaft, includes a lab object and first and second integral adapter structures. The first and second adapter structures are configured to engage the first and second pipettor shafts, respectively. The first adapter structure is configured to releasably secure the lab member to the first pipettor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Brady, Larry Schoell, Gary Millard, Richard R. Harazin
  • Patent number: 8808623
    Abstract: A diagnosis assisting system comprising: an analyzing section for analyzing a sample collected from a subject; a determining section for determining whether there is a possibility that a subject has a predetermined disease based on an analysis result obtained by the analyzing section; a notification section for notifying the possibility when the determining section has determined that there is the possibility; and a diagnosis assisting information display section for displaying a diagnosis assisting information screen which displays diagnosis assisting information related to the predetermined disease, is disclosed. A diagnosis assisting information providing device and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Jo Linssen, Matthias Guhl
  • Patent number: 8808624
    Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Matsumoto, Kinya Uchihashi, Yuji Itose, Aya Konishi
  • Patent number: 8802008
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer for analyzing samples, such as urine and blood, is adapted so that analysis measured values are not affected by carry over by a repeatedly used dispensing nozzle. Coating the surface of the dispensing nozzle with a chemisorbed polyethylene glycol derivative forms a molecular layer that inhibits the adsorption of biopolymers, to reduce carry over by the dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Taniguchi, Akihiro Nojima
  • Patent number: 8795593
    Abstract: An automated testing system includes one or more laboratory devices that operate together to perform an assay. The testing system is designed such that a laboratory device may be seamlessly integrated with the remaining devices in a quick and effortless manner. Specifically, the laboratory device is securely mounted on a slidable cart with fluid and electrical connections established therebetween. The slidable cart is in turn adapted to releasably engage with a docking station that is fixedly mounted on the workspace floor, the docking station being provided with at least one fluid input connection, an input power connection and at least one communication signal connection that are relatively permanent in nature. In order to couple the cart to the docking station, the cart is rolled generally into position above the docking station using complementary alignment posts and tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Nichols, Louis J. Guarracina
  • Patent number: 8790597
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of Americas, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Richard W. Childs, Herb Cullis, Sumithira Vasu, Phillippe Jean Broussard, Kevin Douglas Clark, Eric Kelsey Harting
  • Patent number: 8790577
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Mizumoto, Ryuichiro Ebi, Keisuke Tsutsumida, Yousuke Tanaka, Junya Inoue
  • Patent number: 8784735
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Patent number: 8784750
    Abstract: A sample is contained in a sample container and a physical relationship between the sample and a sample ID thereof is established. However, after the sample ID is read by a bar code reader and the sample is transferred to an analysis-dedicated small sample container, the sample ID and the sample are separated from each other. Following the end of analysis, therefore, the sample ID must be merged with a corresponding analysis result. A read/write-enable ID carrier is provided on an analysis-dedicated sample container into which the sample is pipetted or on a tank for holding the analysis-dedicated sample container. When the sample is pipetted or when the analysis-dedicated sample container is moved, the sample ID and other information are transferred to the read/write-enable ID carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiro Gunji
  • Patent number: 8778266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuo Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 8765475
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Eletronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lihua Zhou, Zhihong Wang, Yanwen Weng, Feng Li
  • Patent number: 8758684
    Abstract: An automatic analysis system, which is capable of quickly performing reinspection, includes a sample rack which holds a sample vessel containing a sample; a sample rack input unit in which the sample rack is input; a carrier line which carries the sample rack; a plurality of automatic analyzers arranged along the carrier line; a sample rack holding unit which holds the sample rack storing an analyzed sample; a sample rack collection unit which collects the sample rack storing an analyzed sample; a carrier line for reinspection which returns the sample rack containing a sample subjected to reinspection depending on analysis results; and a controller for returning the sample rack from the sample rack holding unit through the carrier line for reinspection and controlling any one of automatic analyzers different from one that has previously performed analysis to perform reanalysis of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Yagi, Takayuki Noda, Kenichi Takahashi, Kenji Teshigawara, Atsushi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140170023
    Abstract: In determining whether a rack inputted to the automatic analyzer by the user is to be transferred to an analysis section or not, samples existing in a route from a buffer to a sample dispensing position in the analysis section are identified, and the number of items in which suction by a nozzle has not been completed in analysis items requested for the samples is managed. When the number of items is reduced to be smaller than a given number, the conveyance of a next rack from the buffer to the analysis section is controlled, thereby limiting the number of analysis items requested for samples in a waiting state for analysis in the analysis section constantly to be smaller than a fixed number. As a result, a period of time until a measurement result of emergency samples is outputted can be reduced even when emergency samples are newly inputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Saito, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Naoto Suzuki, Toshihide Orihashi