With Specific Analytical Program Control Means Patents (Class 422/67)
  • Patent number: 11860176
    Abstract: A method of operating an analytical laboratory is presented. The method comprises the steps of: setting a load limit for each laboratory instrument at maximum instrument capacity; dispatching biological samples to laboratory instrument(s) at a dispatch rate not greater than the instrument load limit; each laboratory instrument sending test order queries to the laboratory middleware upon identifying a biological sample; in response to the test order queries transmitting test orders to the laboratory instruments corresponding to the biological samples; the laboratory middleware monitoring a query rate of the plurality of laboratory instruments in order to determine an effective flow rate corresponding to each laboratory instrument; decreasing the load limit of a first laboratory instrument if its effective flow rate is lower than the dispatch rate; increasing the load limit for the first laboratory instrument if its effective flow rate is greater than or equal to the dispatch rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc
    Inventors: Frederic Furrer, Marco Maetzler
  • Patent number: 11863557
    Abstract: A mechanism for providing connection to a database is described. A connection to the database is intercepted. The connection is assigned to an instance of the database. A sidecar is configured to proxy the connection to the database. The sidecar is stateless and passes all communications for the connection to the instance of the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cyral Inc.
    Inventors: Manav Ratan Mital, Srinivas Nageswarrao Vadlamani, Pramod Chandraiah, Hugo Araújo de Sousa
  • Patent number: 11835496
    Abstract: A method and a fluidic network for acquiring and injecting a chromatographic sample into a chromatography system flow include a metering pump module, a sample needle, a needle seal and an injection valve. The metering pump module includes a metering pump and a pressure transducer in serial fluidic communication. When the injection valve is in a first valve state, the injection valve is configured to fluidically terminate ports of the metering pump module. When the injection valve is in a second valve state, the injection valve is configured to fluidically couple a fluidic path that includes the metering pump module and sample needle into the system flow of a chromatography system without resulting in a substantial change in the pressure of the system flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Burnett, Rose Solow, David A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 11754580
    Abstract: A sample measurement method of performing first measurement for a blood coagulation test and second measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test includes: dispensing a sample for use in the first measurement into a first container from a sample container; dispensing the sample for use in the second measurement into a second container different from the first container from the sample container from which the sample for use in the first measurement has been dispensed; performing the first measurement based on the sample dispensed into the first container; and performing the second measurement based on the sample dispensed into the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke Ariyoshi, Tsuyoshi Fukuzaki, Masaki Shiba
  • Patent number: 11737671
    Abstract: Method and devices are provided for assessing tissue samples from a plurality of tissue sites in a subject using molecular analysis. In certain aspects, devices of the embodiments allow for minimally invasive collection of liquid tissue samples and delivery of the samples for mass spectrometry analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Livia Schiavinato Eberlin, Thomas Milner, Jialing Zhang, Noah Giese, Nitesh Katta
  • Patent number: 11732289
    Abstract: A receptacle distribution system includes a rotary distributor and a receptacle handoff device. The rotary distributor includes a motorized turntable with an upright wall, a distributor head for holding a receptacle, a hook configured to engage a receptacle for moving the receptacle into or out of the distributor head, and an a system for powered elevation of the distributor head. The receptacle handoff device is configured to transfer a receptacle from a first receptacle distributor to the rotary distributor and includes a receptacle yoke configured to hold a receptacle placed in the receptacle yoke with the first receptacle distributor, the receptacle yoke being rotatable between a first position to receive the receptacle and a second position to present the receptacle to the rotary distributor to enable the hook of the rotary distributor to pull the receptacle from the receptacle yoke and into the distributor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David A. Buse, Norbert D. Hagen, David Opalsky
  • Patent number: 11686712
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fraction collector for dispensing liquids into plural receptacles (P1,P2) arranged in a two dimensional array. The fraction collector comprises a table (22) for supporting said receptacles, and an arm supported above the table, in tum supporting a liquid dispenser (35), the fraction collector arm is rotatable about an arm axis (C) and the liquid dispenser is movable along the arm on a carriage 34 (FIG. 2). Thereby, the dispenser is low cost and is repositionable simply above the receptacles as a result of said rotation and as a result of said movement along the arm, without occupying too much laboratory bench space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CYTIVA SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Stefan Dargy, Olle Bjernulf, Mats Lundkvist
  • Patent number: 11634746
    Abstract: A portable detector is disclosed for detecting certain analytes of interest, such as genetic material (e.g., nucleic acids). The detector includes a reading component for the detection of the analytes, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the reading component. Processing circuitry may be included to perform both primary analysis of acquired data, and where desired, secondary analysis. Where desired, some or all of the computationally intensive tasks may be off-loaded to enhance the portability and speed of the device. The device may incorporate various types of interface, technologies for reading and analysis, positioning system interfaces, and so forth. A number of exemplary use cases and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Min-Jui Richard Shen, John A. Moon, Helmy A. Eltoukhy
  • Patent number: 11604201
    Abstract: Disclosed is a specimen analyzer configured to perform analysis on a specimen for a plurality of measurement items, the specimen analyzer including a measurement section configured to perform a specimen measurement for measuring a measurement sample prepared from a specimen and a reagent corresponding to a measurement item, and configured to perform a quality control measurement for measuring a measurement sample prepared from a quality control substance and a reagent corresponding to a measurement item; and a controller programmed to set a quality control for each measurement item, from a quality control group that includes at least two types of quality controls selected from a first quality control in which the quality control measurement is performed at a predetermined time, a second quality control in which the quality control measurement is performed every time the specimen measurement is performed a predetermined number of times of measurement, and a third quality control in which the quality control me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kurono
  • Patent number: 11585770
    Abstract: A method of using the transverse relaxation rate (R2) of solvent NMR signal to noninvasively assess alum-containing products such as vaccines. This technique can be used for quality control in vaccine manufacturing (e.g., fill-finish step) to determine the evenness of alum filling level as well as extent of alum particle sedimentation in filled and sealed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE, ACCESS TO ADVANCED HEALTH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yihua (Bruce) Yu, Marc Taraban, Christopher Fox
  • Patent number: 11548000
    Abstract: Techniques regarding one or more structures that can facilitate automated, multi-stage processing of one or more nanofluidic chips are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a system, which can comprise a roller positioned adjacent to a microfluidic card comprising a plurality of fluid reservoirs in fluid communication with a plurality of nanofluidic chips. An arrangement of the plurality of nanofluidic chips on the microfluidic card can defines a processing sequence driven by a translocation of the roller across the microfluidic card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin Wunsch, Joshua T. Smith, Stacey Gifford, Sung-Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 11463021
    Abstract: A gas detecting module is provided. The gas detecting module includes a base, a piezoelectric actuator, a driving circuit board, a laser component, a particulate sensor and an outer cover. A gas-guiding-component loading regain and a laser loading region are separated by the base. By the design of the gas flowing path, the driving circuit board covering the bottom surface of the base, and the outer cover covering the surfaces of the base, an inlet path is collaboratively defined by the gas inlet groove of the base and the driving circuit board, and an outlet path is collaboratively defined by a gas outlet groove of the base, the outer cover and the driving circuit board. Consequently, the thickness of the gas detecting module is drastically reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Wei-Ming Lee, Chun-Yi Kuo, Chin-Wen Hsieh, Chang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 11402397
    Abstract: In the case of adopting a configuration in which reagent bottles are radially disposed on a reagent disk and a reagent dispensing mechanism is rotated to access the reagent bottles, one reagent bottle includes a plurality of suction ports in which suction positions are different from each other, resulting in prolonging a step of dispensing a reagent. The invention is directed to an automatic analyzer including: a reagent disk that accommodates a plurality of reagent bottles including a plurality of suction ports and conveys the reagent bottles to a desired position by rotating in a circumferential direction around a central axis; and a reagent dispensing mechanism that rotates around a rotational axis and sucks a reagent of the reagent bottle placed at a predetermined position on the reagent disk. The reagent bottle is accommodated in the reagent disk such that the central axis of the reagent bottle and a diameter of the reagent disk form a predetermined inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kabe, Takenori Okusa
  • Patent number: 11391750
    Abstract: A sample-processing system that improves total system processing efficiency, and reduces a sample-processing time, by establishing a functionally independent relationship between a rack conveyance block with rack supply, conveyance, and recovery functions, and a processing block with sample preprocessing, analysis, and other functions. A buffer unit with random accessibility to multiple racks standing by for processing is combined with each of multiple processing units to form a pair, and the system is constructed to load and unload racks into and from the buffer unit through the rack conveyance block so that one unprocessed rack is loaded into the buffer unit and then upon completion of process steps up to automatic retesting, unloaded from the buffer unit. Functional dependence between any processing unit and a conveyance unit is thus eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tokieda, Yoshimitsu Takagi, Takeshi Shibuya, Masashi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 11333641
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fraction collector for dispensing liquids into plural receptacles (P1,P2) arranged in a two dimensional array. The fraction collector comprises a table (22) for supporting said receptacles, and an arm supported above the table, in turn supporting a liquid dispenser (35), the fraction collector arm is rotatable about an arm axis (C) and the liquid dispenser is movable along the arm on a carriage 34 (FIG. 2). Thereby, the dispenser is low cost and is repositionable simply above the receptacles as a result of said rotation and as a result of said movement along the arm, without occupying too much laboratory bench space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Dargy, Olle Bjernulf, Mats Lundkvist
  • Patent number: 11322013
    Abstract: A monitoring method of a manufacturing execution system (MES), a monitoring device, and a readable storage medium are provided. The monitoring method of the MES includes: reading log files of applications of an MES distributed on multiple servers and monitoring business operation information of the MES according to the log files. Based on this, this can make up for a gap in MES service monitoring and timely respond to abnormal production conditions. In addition, operators do not need to perform log query on each server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junlong Su
  • Patent number: 11313870
    Abstract: A method of operating an analytical laboratory is presented. The method comprises the steps of: setting a load limit for each laboratory instrument at maximum instrument capacity; dispatching biological samples to laboratory instrument(s) at a dispatch rate not greater than the instrument load limit; each laboratory instrument sending test order queries to the laboratory middleware upon identifying a biological sample; in response to the test order queries transmitting test orders to the laboratory instruments corresponding to the biological samples; the laboratory middleware monitoring a query rate of the plurality of laboratory instruments in order to determine an effective flow rate corresponding to each laboratory instrument; decreasing the load limit of a first laboratory instrument if its effective flow rate is lower than the dispatch rate; increasing the load limit for the first laboratory instrument if its effective flow rate is greater than or equal to the dispatch rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Furrer, Marco Maetzler
  • Patent number: 11275095
    Abstract: A sample pretreatment apparatus includes: a plurality of sample pretreatment sections, each of which executes a sample pretreatment prior to a measurement; and a robotic arm including: an articulated arm member; and a hand attached to the articulated arm member. The plurality of sample pretreatment sections includes a sample dispenser that dispenses a sample in a first sample container into a second sample container. For a first measurement, the robotic arm holds the second sample container with the hand and transports the second sample container to a pretreatment group of the plurality of sample pretreatment sections, the pretreatment group including the sample dispenser. For a second measurement, the robotic arm holds the second sample container with the hand and transports the second sample container to another pretreatment group of the plurality of sample pretreatment sections, the another pretreatment group including the sample dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignees: SYSMEX CORPORATION, KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshida, Hiroaki Inokuchi, Takehiro Hasegawa, Chikako Murata, Yukio Iwasaki, Satoshi Ouchi
  • Patent number: 11209445
    Abstract: A blood testing apparatus includes an analyzer configured to analyze blood components of an animal that are included in a test medium; an output device configured to display analysis results of the blood components; and a controller configured to determine a species of the animal based on at least one from among types of the blood components and the analysis results of the blood components and control the output device to display the determined species of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun Jeong Jang, Ki Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11161118
    Abstract: The mixing of reagents with each other in the reagent storage flow paths of an automatic analyzer is suppressed before and after exchange of the reagents, which are capable of being replenished without stopping analysis. An exchangeable reagent container that accommodates a reagent is connected to a reagent storage flow path that stores a portion of the reagent. The reagent storage flow path has first and second flow paths in which the second flow path is branched from the first flow path. A reagent syringe applies a negative or a positive pressure to the first and second flow paths; and a valve controls the flow path through which the reagent is sent. As a result, the reagent supplied to a measurement portion at a predetermined timing is switched from the reagent container to the reagent storage flow path wherein the reagent can be supplied without stopping analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujita, Toshiharu Suzuki, Takenori Okusa, Shunsuke Sasaki, Yoshihiro Yamashita, Kenta Imai
  • Patent number: 11137336
    Abstract: A flow cytometer module configured to be integrated with a liquid handling system is provided herein. The flow cytometer module includes (a) a flow cell, (b) a first fluidic pathway, (c) an inlet configured to receive a sample introduction device of the liquid handling system including one or more samples, (d) a second fluidic pathway in fluid communication with the first fluidic pathway, (e) a laser interrogation device configured to examine the one or more samples at a laser interrogation point in the second fluidic pathway, and (f) a controller in communication with the liquid handling system and configured to cause the flow cytometer module to perform functions comprising: (i) recording data from the laser interrogation device corresponding to a plurality of events as the one or more samples pass the laser interrogation point, and (ii) transmitting the data corresponding to the plurality of events to the liquid handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Essen Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Barnes
  • Patent number: 11130126
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid analysis chamber module that allows an analysis element to be replaced in a sliding manner. The module includes a middle body, an upper body, and a lower body, in which the upper body and the lower body are rotated to be in contact with an upper surface and a lower surface of the middle body and to release from the contact state. The middle body provides a chamber hole where a tray with the analysis element seated thereon can be mounted. The middle body is provided on its front end with a tray receiving opening through which the tray is mounted into the chamber hole. When the upper body and lower body are rotated to be in contact with the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively, the chamber hole is closed, a fluid supplying line and discharging line are sealed, pogo pins for power supply and signal transmission are contacted to electrodes of the analysis element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Kookmin University Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Si Hyung Lim, Jang Hyeon Lee, Yeong Seok Lee, Ae Ran Song
  • Patent number: 11130123
    Abstract: Pipette tip couplers, pipette tips, coupler and tip combinations, and methods for coupling and decoupling a pipette tip to or from, respectively, a pipette tip coupler mounted on a pipette device. The pipette tip couplers include an elastomeric element, an annular crown shaped raceway, and a coupler stop shoulder surface. The pipette tips include a groove in a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, a tip stop shoulder surface at the interface of the first and second cylindrical sections, a third cylindrical section, a sealing seat surface at the interface of the second and third cylindrical sections, and a fourth section adjacent to the third cylindrical section. When the pipette tip is mounted on the pipette tip coupler, the annular crown shaped raceway abuts the tip groove, the coupler stop shoulder surface abuts the tip stop shoulder surface, and the elastomeric element abuts the sealing seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Company
    Inventors: Jose Eduardo Guzman, Thomas Barresi, Dana A. Belton
  • Patent number: 11125673
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for optical characterization of inclusions, such as solids and liquids, in liquid samples. An inclusion characterization system may include a radiation source, a radiation detector, a sample optical cell, and a sample delivery mechanism. The radiation detector may be configured to perform time resolved measurements. The sample may be delivered to the sample optical cell by the sample delivery mechanism at a flow rate set for preserving the sample integrity (i.e., the transport rate). The inclusion characterization in the sample may be performed at flow rates set for sample analysis (i.e., the analysis rate). The analysis rate may differ from the transport rate. The rate difference may be achieved by diverting only a portion of the overall sample into the sample optical cell. Also provided are examples of disengagement of sample transport and analysis flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Rashid Mavliev
  • Patent number: 11117125
    Abstract: Pipette tip couplers, pipette tips, coupler and tip combinations, and methods for coupling and decoupling a pipette tip to or from, respectively, a pipette tip coupler mounted on a pipette device. The pipette tip couplers include an elastomeric element, a discrete segment assembly, and a coupler stop shoulder surface. The pipette tips include a groove in a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, a tip stop shoulder surface at the interface of the first and second cylindrical sections, a third cylindrical section, a sealing seat surface at the interface of the second and third cylindrical sections, and a fourth section adjacent to the third cylindrical section. When the pipette tip is mounted on the pipette tip coupler, the discrete segment assembly abuts the tip groove, the coupler stop shoulder surface abuts the tip stop shoulder surface, and the elastomeric element abuts the sealing seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Company
    Inventors: Jose Eduardo Guzman, Thomas Barresi, Dana A. Belton
  • Patent number: 11099175
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a blood sample (48, 50), including measuring hemoglobin concentration within at least a portion (48) of the blood sample, by performing a first measurement on the blood sample. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin in the blood sample (48, 50) is measured, by performing a second measurement on the blood sample (48, 50). A parameter of the blood sample is determined, based on a relationship between the concentration of hemoglobin and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: S.D. Sight Diagnostics Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Zait, Arnon Houri Yafin, Dan Gluck, Sharon Pecker, Yochay Shlomo Eshel, Sarah Levy Schreier, Joseph Joel Pollak
  • Patent number: 11067590
    Abstract: A sample dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a sample and a reagent to the reaction vessel at a first dispensing position and the reaction cell positioned at a second dispensing position; a second reagent vessel disposed on a track of the sample dispensing mechanism; and a control unit configured to control the sample dispensing mechanism, in which the control unit is configured to, based on information on presence or absence of incubation of an analysis item, control the sample dispensing mechanism to dispense a sample and a reagent to the reaction vessel positioned at the first dispensing position in a case where the incubation is not required by the analysis item, and control the sample dispensing mechanism to dispense a sample to the reaction cell positioned at the second dispensing position in a case where the incubation is required by the analysis item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rei Konishi, Akihisa Makino
  • Patent number: 11067587
    Abstract: To reduce the risk of mistaken operation and improve convenience in an automatic analysis device. Information about types of measurement inputted from an input device is combined in an examination mode creation screen image 301 on a display device of an automatic analysis device that performs analysis of specific types of measurement on a specimen container accommodating a specimen, the information about types of measurement including biochemistry examination items 303, immunology examination items 304, ISE examination items 304, blood clotting examination items 306, etc. This information is associated with an examination mode name 302, which comprises discretionary setting information, and is stored in a table of a storage unit. Information which is to be displayed on the display device and for which a change in settings is to be enabled is limited on the basis of the stored information about types of measurement associated with the examination mode name 302.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Joji
  • Patent number: 11060081
    Abstract: Disclosed is a specimen pretreatment apparatus comprising: a specimen container holder configured to hold a specimen container for containing a plasma specimen; a reagent container holder configured to hold a first reagent container for containing a first reagent including magnetic particles on which a nucleic acid in the plasma specimen is adsorbed; a reaction unit in which a plurality of reaction containers are disposed, the reaction unit being configured to accelerate, in each reaction container, reaction of the plasma specimen and the first reagent; a washing unit in which a washing container is disposed, the washing unit including a magnetic force applying portion configured to apply magnetic force to the washing container; a dispensing unit; and a controller programmed to control the dispensing unit to: dispense the plasma specimen contained in the specimen container and the first reagent into the plurality of reaction containers in the reaction unit; dispense a mix liquid of the plasma specimen and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sakai, Hiroaki Tobimatsu, Takeo Saitou, Tomoko Ohyama, Takanori Maekawa
  • Patent number: 10955389
    Abstract: A sample introduction device 100 includes a heating unit 102, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 103, and a sample supply part 106. The heating unit 102 vaporizes a sample 22 by heating externally a container 2 in which the sample 22 is enclosed. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 103 causes ultraviolet rays to pass through the container 2 and irradiates the sample 22 with the ultraviolet rays. The sample supply part 106 supplies the sample vaporized in the container 2 to a gas chromatograph 1 side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Aono, Isao Sawamura
  • Patent number: 10908175
    Abstract: A sample analyzer is configured to execute a liquid surface detection of detecting a liquid surface in a container by a liquid surface detector prior to a lowering operation of an aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid if a liquid level information is not stored in a memory, and store a liquid level information of a container in the memory based on a detection result by the liquid surface detection. Also, a liquid aspirating method by a sample analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kurono, Takashi Yamato
  • Patent number: 10878384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device maintainer, a device maintenance system, a device maintenance method, a device maintenance program, and a recording medium, which are capable of supporting an accurate operation and improving an operation efficiency in the maintenance operation of the device or a recording operation of the maintenance result. A device maintainer having a maintenance information display for displaying maintenance information regarding a maintenance of a device; a list display for displaying a maintenance list listing a maintenance item for the device to be a maintenance target together with the displayed maintenance information and enabling designation of the maintenance item; and a maintainer for performing the maintenance based on the designated maintenance item for the device to be the maintenance target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ryouhei Furihata, Yusuke Yokota
  • Patent number: 10866254
    Abstract: A system that rapidly detects the presence of a target analyte in a biological test sample, which includes a sensor for measuring a detectable signal generated upon the reaction of a biosensor reagent with a specific target analyte within the sample; a reservoir card that includes the biosensor reagent that further includes living, engineered biological cells, and wherein the reservoir card is configured to interface with a test cartridge base; a test cartridge base configured to accept the reservoir card and to be placed within the testing device, wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber adapted to receive both the biosensor reagent and the sample and a fluid displacement mechanism that includes a dispensing plunger, wherein actuation of the dispensing plunger displaces the biosensor reagent in the reservoir into the reaction chamber where the biosensor reagent is mixed with the sample; and a function verification cartridge adapted to be received and recognized by the testing devic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Fundamental Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Phelan, Stephan M. Lawson, Andrew Weiman, Marvin R. Williams, Charles McBrairty, Joel S. Lwande
  • Patent number: 10837976
    Abstract: The sample analyzer includes: a reagent arranging section for arranging a plurality of reagents; an analyzing section for analyzing a measurement sample prepared by mixing a sample and the reagent arranged on the reagent arranging section; a display device; an input device; and a display control section for displaying a reagent arrangement displaying region for displaying a plurality of reagent marks inscribed with a reagent name respectively on the display device, wherein the each reagent mark is displayed in a manner selectable by the input device, wherein arrangement of the each reagent mark on the reagent arrangement displaying region corresponds to arrangement of the each reagent on the reagent arranging section, wherein the display control section displays detailed information related to the reagent corresponding to the reagent mark selected by the input device on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujino, Kyozo Fujita, Mitsuyo Ito
  • Patent number: 10732089
    Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Essen Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron B. Kennington
  • Patent number: 10697943
    Abstract: An automatic analysis device capable of effectively preventing incorrect container number input when analysis conditions are set. An image display area and text display area are provided in a setting screen. An image in which a selection area is assigned to each container number corresponding to a sample container is displayed in the image display area. If a selection area in the image display area is selected through operation unit operation, the container number expressing the selected selection area is displayed in the text display area (container number input part). If the container number expressing the selected sample container is displayed in the text display area (container number input part) as a result of operation unit operation, the display mode of the selection area corresponding to the container number is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Kohei Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10684297
    Abstract: A method and system for automatic in-vitro diagnostic analysis are described. The method includes adding a first reagent type and a second reagent type to a first test liquid during a first and second cycle times respectively. The addition of the first reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a second reagent type to a second test liquid during the first cycle time. The addition of the second reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a first reagent type to a third test liquid during the second cycle time, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Meyer, Gottlieb Schacher, Rolf Sigrist, Christian Guzek
  • Patent number: 10656169
    Abstract: A method of reducing carryover of liquids, such as reagent and/or samples, in analytical or immunoassay testing. The method includes providing an incubation member including a plurality of reaction vessels thereon, pre-assigning certain ones of the reaction vessels in the incubation member for only first test types or certain reagent types for all test lots; and pre-assigning other ones of a second subset of reaction vessels in the incubation member for only second test types for all test lots. By ensuring no mixing of potentially interfering test types or reagent types from test lot to test lot, sample and/or reagent carryover is mitigated. Testing apparatus adapted to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Jianfang Wang, Mark Sprenkle, Colin Ingersoll, Stephen Frye
  • Patent number: 10648973
    Abstract: An immunoassay apparatus may include: a sample dispenser part that dispenses a sample into a first reaction container; a reagent dispenser part that dispenses, into the first reaction container,: a solid-phase reagent containing a solid-phase carrier; a labeled reagent; and a releasing reagent that releases, from the solid-phase carrier, an immune complex including a target substance and a labeled substance; a measurement part that measures a signal based on the labeled substance in the immune complex in a second reaction container; a container supply part that stores a plurality of reaction containers; a transfer part that transfers the first reaction container so that the sample dispenser part and the reagent dispenser part perform a dispensing operation to the first reaction container, and that transfers the second reaction container so that the immune complex dispended from the first reaction container is dispensed into the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPROATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Toshikatsu Fukuju, Shuhei Kaneko, Atsushi Aoki, Tomohiro Okuzaki, Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Yutaka Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 10605818
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to stably hold the lid of a reagent container in an open state without being influenced by reagent container lid opening and closing operations. An automated analyzer is provided with reagent containers 116-118, a cassette 100, a reagent container lid opening and closing mechanism, and a lid holding mechanism 131. The reagent containers 116-118 accommodate the reagent and have lids 101a-101c that pivot about a pivot point. The reagent containers 116-118 are mounted on the cassette 100. The reagent container lid opening and closing mechanism opens and closes the lids 101a-101c. The lid holding mechanism 131 holds the lids 101a opened by the reagent container lid opening and closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Noda, Yukinori Sakashita, Takushi Miyakawa, Katsuhiro Kambara
  • Patent number: 10583413
    Abstract: A reactor includes a reaction unit, a first pipe, a second pipe, a composition analysis unit connected to the first pipe, a regulating unit connected to the second pipe so as to regulate a flow rate or the like of a second fluid, a control unit causing the regulating unit to regulate the flow rate or the like of the second fluid in accordance with a composition of a product analyzed by the composition analysis unit so that a temperature of a third fluid is controlled to lead the composition of the product to keep a predetermined reaction rate or yield, and a first temperature measurement unit connected to the first pipe so as to measure the temperature of the third fluid. The control unit acquires the information on the temperature of the third fluid from the first temperature measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taiga Yamamoto, Shigeki Sakakura, Akihisa Yano, Takahito Akita, Shunji Miyajima, Tatsuya Oka, Hideshi Shibuya, Yusuke Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10583469
    Abstract: The amount of consumption of a washing solution for a nozzle and the required time for washing are reduced. A nozzle washing apparatus usable for collection of a specimen comprises a washing tank which accommodates a nozzle, a first discharge port which discharges a washing solution supplied into the washing tank from an upper portion of the washing tank, a second discharge port which discharges the washing solution supplied into the washing tank from a position lower than the first discharge port of the washing tank, a detector which detects a range of contact of an outer wall of the nozzle with the specimen, and a controller which discharges the washing solution supplied into the washing tank from one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port on the basis of a detection result obtained by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Shinichi Ota
  • Patent number: 10533993
    Abstract: The invention provides a test strip comprising an identification region coded a screen function of the test strip by a chromaticity coordinates model; a calibration region having a particular color for calibrating an external spectrum analyzer; and a reaction region chemically reacted with a specific specimen for changing its own color. By using the external spectrum analyzer to conduct light splitting of the reflective lights from the recognition and reaction regions of the test strip, automatic recognition and simplified usage can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Ko
  • Patent number: 10507411
    Abstract: A device to extract a near continuous stream of sample water from a high solids content source for the purpose of delivery to a liquid analyzer or sensor for test or measurement. The device includes a source of compressed air and a source of chemical cleaning agent that are used in a coordinated effort to purge and clean the sampling system to ensure the water stream is maintained over long periods of time without significant human intervention. The device includes a valve to allow compressed air to intermittently be sent backwards through the sampling line to purge to drain an inline strainer of solids that have built up since the previous air purge. Downstream of the air valve another valve is used to introduce cleaning chemical into the sampling system to clean residual buildup downstream of the inline strainer. A debubbler unit is placed between the air valve and the cleaning chemical valve to remove air from the sampling system after it was introduced during the air purge event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: 2134761 ONTARIO LTD.
    Inventors: James Andrew Glover, Richard Hibbs
  • Patent number: 10309899
    Abstract: A device for determining an assay result may include a test strip, a light source system, a light detection system, and a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen P. Sharrock, Andrew P. Phelan
  • Patent number: 10156580
    Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: DAKO DENMARK A/S
    Inventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher
  • Patent number: 10078070
    Abstract: An analyzer, and a method and an apparatus for detecting liquid overflowing from a container that the analyzer comprises, are provided. The method according to the present invention for detecting liquid overflowing from a container in the analyzer, includes a step of judging that liquid is overflowing from at least one container if the difference between a standard deviation of absorbance of the liquid measured at a plurality of points of a container at time T1 and a standard deviation of absorbance of the liquid measured at a plurality of points in said container at time T2 is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hashimoto, Noriyoshi Okada
  • Patent number: 10048191
    Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Intellicyt
    Inventor: Aaron B. Kennington
  • Patent number: 10012663
    Abstract: A display unit displays, on a single screen, a first display area configured from a first area corresponding to the position on a reagent disc at which a reagent container is disposed and a second display area configured from a second area corresponding to the position on a reagent loader at which a reagent container is disposed. A control unit changes the display state of the first area on the basis of whether a reagent container is placed at a position on the reagent disk corresponding to the first area and reagent information for the reagent accommodated in the placed reagent container and changes the display state of the second area on the basis of whether a reagent container is placed at a position on the reagent loader corresponding to the second area and reagent-container-conveyance-state information for the placed reagent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Hagiwara, Toshiharu Suzuki, Hiroki Fujita
  • Patent number: 9989544
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Alexander G. Dickinson, Min-Jui Richard Shen, Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Francisco Jose Garcia