Means Is Conveyor And Rack Patents (Class 422/65)
-
Publication number: 20140287515Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Stephan Habrich, Martin Trump
-
Publication number: 20140287523Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventor: Joseph P. Donohue
-
Patent number: 8840851Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Takeo Kowari, Makoto Ueda
-
Publication number: 20140273242Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Brian L. Ochranek, David C. Arnquist, Takehiko Oonuma, Hirotoshi Tahara, Naoto Sato, Bradley P. Smith
-
Publication number: 20140271360Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: David BUSE, Byron J. KNIGHT, Julian GROELI
-
Publication number: 20140273088Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Lars Winther
-
Publication number: 20140256050Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Toshihisa TANAKA
-
Patent number: 8828319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa
-
Patent number: 8821815Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Nihon Kohden CorporationInventors: Takahiro Shioyama, Akane Suzuki, Teruo Okano, Tatsuya Shimizu, Yuji Haraguchi
-
Publication number: 20140241946Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Brian Austin Self, Jonathan Mathew Miller, Carl Theodore Edens
-
Patent number: 8815153Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Naoto Sato
-
Patent number: 8815154Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Hans List, Hans-Peter Haar, Bernd Rösicke
-
Publication number: 20140234978Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Heise, Hans Schneider
-
Patent number: 8808623Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Jo Linssen, Matthias Guhl
-
Patent number: 8809069Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Lee Brady, Larry Schoell, Gary Millard, Richard R. Harazin
-
Patent number: 8808624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Hideaki Matsumoto, Kinya Uchihashi, Yuji Itose, Aya Konishi
-
Patent number: 8802008Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Shinichi Taniguchi, Akihiro Nojima
-
Patent number: 8795593Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Inventors: Michael J. Nichols, Louis J. Guarracina
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 8784750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventor: Yoshiro Gunji
-
Patent number: 8784735Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 8758684Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Kenichi Yagi, Takayuki Noda, Kenichi Takahashi, Kenji Teshigawara, Atsushi Suzuki
-
Publication number: 20140170023Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshiaki Saito, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Naoto Suzuki, Toshihide Orihashi
-
Patent number: 8752440Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of sample processing units each configured to process a sample; at least one transport device configured to provide a transport path along which a rack is transported to or from one of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein a rack comprises a plurality of positions configured to hold containers thereat, and at least some of the positions are correlated to at least some of the sample processing units; a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer programs executed by the at least one processor to: direct the at least one transport device to transport the rack to deliver a container held therein to a sample processing unit correlated to a position of the container at which the container is held in the rack.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa, Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Tomoyuki Asahara
-
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
-
Patent number: 8747745Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing that performs a plurality of treatment operations includes a plurality of treatment units arranged in a vertical direction of the apparatus. The apparatus for analyzing also includes a conveying mechanism configured to convey a sample between the treatment units. The sample is delivered above or in the treatment units. A pipette chip is also delivered above or in the treatment units.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Kitaoka
-
Patent number: 8741219Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting a sample; a plurality of sample processing apparatuses, arranged along a direction in which the sample is transported by the transporting apparatus, for processing the sample transported by the transporting apparatus; a base on which at least one of the sample processing apparatuses is placed; and a movement restricting section for restricting, on the base, a movement area within which the sample processing apparatus moves, wherein the movement restricting section allows the sample processing apparatus to move on the base so as to change orientation of the sample processing apparatus, is disclosed. A base for a sample processing system and a sample processing apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Yuichi Hamada, Keisuke Kuwano
-
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
-
Patent number: 8734720Abstract: Automated testing system arrangements using a docking station. One system includes a unit including: a) a polygonal base having a plurality of sides, a number of the plurality of sides including a docking station for mating with a mobile equipment carrying cart; and b) a robotic arm having a stationary base positioned on or in the polygonal base and configured to interact with the equipment on each mobile equipment carrying cart.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventors: Michael J. Nichols, Louis J. Guarracina
-
Patent number: 8726944Abstract: A method in a fraction collector for accurate positioning of a dispensing device with respect to wells of a micro plate in which prior to the dispensing a sensing device is moved over the micro plate the sensing device being able to detect the number of walls between the wells in the rows and columns of the micro plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences ABInventors: Johan L. Carlsson, Hakan Frojdh, Pia Liljedahl, Lars Rosengren, Johan Svensson, S. Fredrik Svensson, Bengt Asberg
-
Patent number: 8731709Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample processing units, each processing a sample contained in a sample container; a transport apparatus that transports a sample rack holding a sample container to at least any one of the plurality of sample processing units; a rack feeding section that receives a sample rack and feeds the received sample rack to a transport line of the transport apparatus; and a controller configured to instruct the transport apparatus, according to a quantity of sample racks received by the rack feeding section, to transport a sample rack fed by the rack feeding section to either (a) a sample processing unit which can accept a subsequent sample rack more rapidly than any other sample processing unit or (b) a sample processing unit having a lower processing load than any other sample processing unit. Also, a sample rack transporting method.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara, Nobuyoshi Yamakawa
-
Patent number: 8728396Abstract: The present invention is a sample analyzer including: a first and a second measurement unit configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container; a rack transport unit configured to transport each of a plurality of sample containers held in a sample rack to either the first or the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to acquire a measurement item information indicating a measurement item of each of samples accommodated in the plurality of sample containers held in the sample rack, determine a sample container to be a transport object and a measurement unit to be a transport destination of the sample container based on the acquired plurality of measurement item information, and control the rack transport unit to transport the sample container determined as the transport object to the measurement unit determined as the transport destination.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Keisuke Kuwano, Daigo Fukuma
-
Patent number: 8721965Abstract: A transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a specimen, comprising: an engage unit capable of engaging with the specimen rack; and a moving mechanism for moving the engage unit in a transport direction of the specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with the specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation. A specimen analyzing apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Hiroki Koike
-
Patent number: 8722412Abstract: An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Markus Egle, Stefan Thiem, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
-
Patent number: 8715571Abstract: A system and method for receiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluid testing device. The system includes parallel first and second guide rails defining a rail cavity between the guide rails. A sled includes a sled post and opposed first and second side leg sets each having at least one deflectable leg. Each of the deflectable legs is externally slidably engaged to one of the guide rails limiting the sled to only sliding motion in either a loading direction or an opposite ejection direction. An actuator arm is rotatably connected to a mechanism assembly. The sled post is received in an actuator arm slot. Actuator arm rotation in a loading rotational direction displaces the sled in the loading direction in a sliding motion. Subsequent opposite rotation of the actuator arm in an ejection rotational direction displaces the sled in the ejection direction and ejects the test strip.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: James R. Hanson, Derek C. Lotarski, Matthew C. Sauers, Anthony J. Uberta, III
-
Publication number: 20140109527Abstract: An automated system and method for storing/retrieving vessel holders is presented. A first storage compartment comprises first storage sections. A first translating mechanism vertically translates one storage section to a loading level for loading holders into the first storage compartment and translates one storage section to a handing-in level for handing in holders to/from an analyzer. A second storage compartment comprises second storage sections. A second translating mechanism vertically translates one second storage sections to a handing-out level and translates one storage section to an unloading level for unloading holders from the second storage compartment. A first transport mechanism comprises a first conveyor for transporting holders from a first storage section at the handing-in level to a handing-over station. A second transport mechanism comprises a second conveyor for transporting holders from the handing-over station to a second storage section at the handing-out level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Martin Burri, Andreas Eberhart, Akihiro Tanji
-
Publication number: 20140112830Abstract: An automated analyzer (100) has a second transport portion (40) including a first transport line (42) for conveying a second analyte holding container (4) located at a first position P1, a plurality of second transport lines (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) for conveying second analyte holding containers (4) conveyed by the first transport line (42) into positions P10, P12, P14, P16, and a third transport line (46) for returning second analyte holding containers (4) to the first position P1. The control portion (72) performs a first processing step for associating identification information about first nonaliquoted analyte holding containers (2) with identification information about second aliquoted analyte holding containers (4) and a second processing step for sensing the positions of second analyte holding containers (4) and determining which of analyzing portions (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) is used to analyze analytes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: JEOL Ltd.Inventor: Koichi Saika
-
Patent number: 8701730Abstract: Problems of a conventional cover glass sticking device, in which a slide glass having one end side, where a describing portion is formed, is stored in a storage container and the one end side is always projected from level of a protection liquid therein, are solved by the device of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: Sakura Seiki Co., Ltd., Sakura Finetek Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kohji Naritake, Kiyokazu Iijima, Seiichi Takizawa, Tetsu Nagabayashi
-
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
-
Patent number: 8703492Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.Inventors: Brian Austin Self, Jonathan Matthew Miller, Carl Theodore Edens
-
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
-
Patent number: 8697005Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Pierre F. Indermuhle
-
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
-
Patent number: 8691149Abstract: A component of a laboratory automation system that integrates (a) separating a solid magnetic substrate from the liquid contents of a reaction vessel, (b) management of the thermal characteristics of the component of the laboratory automation system, (c) automated loading of multi-well plates and tip combs into the component of the laboratory automation system, (d) automated unloading of multi-well plates and tip combs from the component of the laboratory automation system, and (e) reading of radio frequency identification tags attached to multi-well plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, Gregory E. Gardner, Richard W. Mahoney
-
Publication number: 20140093424Abstract: A specimen storage device capable of easily identifying a specific specimen plate stored in a rack is proposed. The specimen storage device for storing a tested specimen plate in a rack capable of storing a plurality of specimen plates, the specimen storage device including specimen storage section configured to store the specimen plate in the rack, and a control section configured to control the specimen storage section to store a specific specimen plate, whose test result satisfies a predetermined condition, in the rack in a manner distinguishable from a one or more specimen plate, whose test result does not satisfy the predetermined condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Tomoyuki ASAHARA
-
Publication number: 20140093425Abstract: To provide a specimen storage device capable of preventing liquid such as immersion oil and the like attached to the specimen plate from leaking to the outside of the rack and capable of enhancing the operation efficiency by automating the supply and discharge of the rack. Provided is a specimen storage device which stores a imaged specimen plate in a bottomed-shaped rack having an opening at an upper part, the specimen storage device including a rack transport mechanism which transports the rack with the opening directed upward, and a specimen transport mechanism which transports the specimen in an up-down direction, wherein the rack transport mechanism transports the rack to a predetermined specimen storage position, and the specimen transport mechanism stores the specimen to the rack positioned at the specimen storage position from above the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Yuichiro OHMAE
-
Publication number: 20140093967Abstract: A specimen transporter for transporting a specimen plate, one side of which is a smearing surface, to a specimen imaging apparatus, the specimen transporter comprising: a specimen transport section that transports the specimen plate to the specimen imaging apparatus; a posture changing section that receives the specimen plate from the specimen imaging apparatus with the smearing surface facing upward, and changes the posture of the specimen plate so that one end side in a longitudinal direction of the received specimen plate is positioned above the other end side; and a specimen inserting section that inserts the specimen plate, which posture is changed, into a plate storage rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Mitsuo YAMASAKI, Hidetaka HAYAMA, Yuichiro OHMAE, Tomoyuki ASAHARA, Takaaki NAGAI