With Specific Analytical Program Control Means Patents (Class 422/67)
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Publication number: 20100105143Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a plurality of measuring units for measuring samples and outputting measurement data; a transporting device for transporting samples to be measured to the respective measuring units; a data processor for processing the measurement data output from at least one of the measuring units; a connection state information obtainer for automatically obtaining connection state information relating to connection state of the measuring units; and a transport controller for controlling operation of the transporting device in accordance with the connection state information obtained by the connection state information obtainer, is disclosed. A sample analyzing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATIONInventor: Yoshiyuki KAWAMURA
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Publication number: 20100105074Abstract: The invention provides systems, compositions, kits and methods for automated processing of biological samples and analysis using a flow cytometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Nodality, Inc. a Delaware CorporationInventors: Todd Covey, Adam Palazzo, Norman Purvis, James Cordiero, David Rosen
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Patent number: 7704457Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Charles J. Patton
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Patent number: 7700043Abstract: A plurality of analyzer units for serum, a plurality of analyzer units for blood plasma and a plurality of analyzer units for urine are arranged along a main transfer line for transferring a sample rack from a rack providing portion to a rack storage portion. A reagent bottle for inspecting liver function is contained in each reagent delivery mechanism of two analyzer units among the plurality of analyzer units for serum. When the reagent for inspecting liver function in one of the two analyzer units is to be short, analysis for the liver function analysis item to samples can be continued by transferring a sample rack from the rack providing portion to the other analyzer unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Mimura, Hiroshi Mitsumaki, Tadashi Ohishi, Taku Sakazume
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Publication number: 20100093097Abstract: A specimen processing system comprising: a plurality of measurement units for acquiring a reagent from each of corresponding reagent containers, and performing measurement of a specimen for a common measurement item by using the reagent; a conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens to the measurement units; a reagent information acquirer for acquiring reagent information related to the reagent stored in each of the reagent containers; a conveying destination determiner for determining a conveying destination of specimens based on the reagent information acquired by the reagent information acquirer; and a conveyance controller for controlling the conveyance mechanism to convey specimens based on the conveying destination determined by the conveying destination determiner, is disclosed. Specimen conveyance method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kawamura
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Publication number: 20100087012Abstract: An aerosol sample collector with an air flow path comprising: (i) at a first segment thereof, a particle charging device, and (i) at a second segment thereof, deflection plates configured to focus particles of a desired charge into a preselected cross-section of the air flow path. The air flow path also includes charged substrates arranged at an outflow portion of the air flow path to collect charged particles on a collection surface of the charged substrates; and an exit path for flowing particles not in the preselected cross-section of the air flow path away from the charged substrates. Related methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventor: Alexander Shenderov
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Patent number: 7687028Abstract: A sequential, time-integrated collector having an electronic controller that actuates either of two electrically-actuated valves, each connected to a water reservoir. At a preset time interval (e.g., every 30 minutes), time-integrated water samples are transferred into sample vials in a multi-sample carousel. Evaporation that could change the isotopic composition of a precipitation sample is minimized by sealing the opening of each sample vial by pressing each vial against a flat, low-friction surface, such as a TeflonĀ® sheet, from the time each sample vial is filled until it is removed from the collector.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the InteriorInventor: Tyler Benjamin Coplen, II
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Patent number: 7684943Abstract: A method for appropriately managing the quality and distribution of a probe carrier. Probe carriers manufactured by a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus having ejecting portions for ejecting probe solutions, each containing a probe, which can be specifically coupled with a target substance, for applying the probe solution on a carrier, and a plurality of probe tanks storing mutually different probe solutions for supplying ejecting portions. Each probe tank is labeled with the bar-code. The labeled bar-code is read by the bar-code reader. On the basis of the read bar-code, the probe solution stored in the probe tank is identified. On the other hand, the probe tank is mounted on the ejecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuyuki Okamura, Makoto Kameyama, Tadashi Okamoto
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Patent number: 7678330Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an express-control system for analyzing the compatibility of blood with other substances. The present invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for use in blood testing and more specifically, food intolerance testing through analysis of blood using luminescence. The present invention utilizes a blood testing system and apparatus, which includes a displacement assembly, a blood divider assembly, a reagent divider assembly, an electro-optical multiplier assembly and a central controller. A sample of blood is added to a corresponding one of a plurality of canisters containing a test substance. Thereafter a luminescent reagent is added and the plurality of canisters are moved in the blood testing apparatus until the canisters begin to luminese.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventors: Aleksandr Ostrovsky, Mikhail Leibovski
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Patent number: 7674587Abstract: The present invention generally provides a rapid efficient method for analyzing polymorphic or biallelic markers, and arrays for carrying out these analyses. In general, the methods of the present invention employ arrays of oligonucleotide probes that are complementary to target nucleic acids which correspond to the marker sequences of an individual. The probes are typically arranged in detection blocks, each block being capable of discriminating the three genotypes for a given marker, i.e., the heterozygote or either of the two homozygotes. The method allows for rapid, automatable analysis of genetic linkage to even complex polygenic traits.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Lipshutz, Ronald J. Sapolsky, Ghassan Ghandour
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Patent number: 7674430Abstract: The performance of an analyzer is checked on by use of a performance check cartridge which has the same external shape as a reagent cartridge for analyzing samples has; the performance check cartridge holds reagents for checking on the performance of the analyzer, and concurrently holds process conditions and determination conditions for checking on the performance of the analyzer in the form of two-dimensional dot codes; in accordance with the process conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, the automated analyzer determines the absorbance by use of the reagents filled in the performance check cartridge, and compares a result of the determination with the determination conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, thereby checking on the performance of the analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Ouchi, Hiroshi Mitsumaki
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Patent number: 7666358Abstract: A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventor: Steven A. Scampini
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Patent number: 7662339Abstract: An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Mattila, Brian D. Wilson
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Patent number: 7648837Abstract: A method for determining oxidation stability for a plurality of different lubricating oil composition samples is provided. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions is generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Chevron Oronite Company, LLCInventors: Robert H. Wollenberg, Thomas J. Balk
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Patent number: 7642093Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to the axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Lab Vision CorporationInventors: Ken K. Tseung, Norman K. Rhett, Glenn K. Takayama, Wai Bun Wong, Delia P. Yuen
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Publication number: 20090324447Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for chromatographically analyzing each of a plurality of samples in detector, comprising an autosampler to contain a plurality of samples for chromatographic analysis and a pluraltity of chromatographic systems, each system comprising one or more pumps and one or more chromatographic columns. A detector is included for detecting compounds in the samples from each of the chromatography systems along with a valve positioned between the detector and the plurality of chromatography systems, the valve permitting each sample to reach the detector in sequence. A computer control device is included which adjusts the introduction of samples from the autosampler into the plurality of chromatography systems as well as the position of the valve to sequentially separate and deliver compounds within the samples to the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: John BRANN
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Patent number: 7635594Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Theranos, Inc.Inventors: Elizabeth A. Holmes, Shaunak Roy, John Howard, Chengwang Wang, Ian Gibbons, Timothy M. Kemp, Shize Daniel Qi
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Patent number: 7632462Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52,53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to receive said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge or from said pipette.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Axis-Shield ASAInventors: Jostein Holtlund, Stig Morten Borch, Thorstein Seim, Tore Janson, Hege TĆøn, Jan Roger Karlson, Inger Lise Lauvstad
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Patent number: 7632468Abstract: A retaining clip for retaining reagent test slides in a stacked arrangement includes a first assembly having a first cover plate and at least two parallel, co-planar rails extending transversely from an inner surface of the first cover plate. A second assembly includes a second cover plate, and a rail receiving platform extending transversely from an inner surface of the second cover plate. The first cover plate and the second cover plate define between them a space for receiving the plurality of reagent test slides. The rails of the first assembly include ratchet teeth, and the rail receiving platform of the second assembly includes pawls. The pawls engage the ratchet teeth to prevent the separation of the first assembly and the second assembly and to securely but removably hold the plurality of reagent test slides in a stacked arrangement between the first and second cover plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignees: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Stanislaw Barski, Joseph Michael Chiapperi, Mark Elliott Deacon, Mark R. Dumont, Mark Weston Pierson, Timothy Robert Keegan, Mark Benno Loeser, Gerald George Meiler, Ross Bryan Goldman, Carl Russell Rich, Richard James Versluys
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Patent number: 7625524Abstract: A highly-reliable, inexpensive and small-sized automatic analyzer is provided which can eliminate the need of an additional space for piercing a seal of a reagent bottle and can prevent a deviation of a reagent sampling nozzle from the position of a pierced hole. A piercing tool for piercing the seal of the reagent bottle is fitted over a nozzle of a reagent sampling mechanism, and a stripper for automatically fitting and removing the piercing tool is provided. By fitting the piercing tool for piercing the seal of the reagent bottle over the nozzle of the reagent sampling mechanism, the seal of the reagent bottle can be pierced in situ on a reagent disk by using the piercing tool. An additional space so far required for the seal piercing is no longer needed and a deviation between the seal piercing position and the reagent sampling position is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Hitachi Science Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Isobe, Katsuaki Takahashi, Isao Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7625525Abstract: A machine for processing samples of biological tissues or the like, comprising a box-like structure, which delimits a compartment for accommodating trays for containing sample treatment liquid (the trays being arranged in preset positions of the compartment), and racks for supporting at least one sample supporting slide to be inserted in the trays. The machine comprises elements for transfer within the compartment for the trays and the racks, both individually and with the racks inserted in the trays.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Kaltek S.R.L.Inventor: Lorenzo Cortelazzo
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Patent number: 7622078Abstract: The apparatus comprises an assembly of modules functionally interrelated with one another, and controlled by means of a central control unit in an embodiment of circular type in concentric rings of a reagent module and a rotatory carousel carrying the incubation reaction containers, with adjacent and external arrangement of a module for feeding the disposable reaction containers by means of detachable racks and a scanning device likewise concentric with the carousel, combining with a unit for feeding by pushing the reaction containers from the racks towards the grooves of the incubation carousel, and of two displacement arm devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Grifols, S.A.Inventor: Josep PagƩs Pinyol
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Patent number: 7618587Abstract: Analyzers and methods of analysis are described for performing blood cell counting and immunoassay on a whole blood specimen in one measurement section. An assay sample is prepared by blending carrier particles sensitized with an antibody or an antigen against a substance to be immunoassayed and a fluorescent dye for staining blood cells with the whole blood specimen. Optical information is detected from a particle in the assay sample, and the blood cells are differentiated and counted based on the detected optical information. A rate of agglutination of the carrier particles is obtained based on the detected optical information, thereby enabling detection of the substance to be immunoassayed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Yasunori Kawate
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Patent number: 7618586Abstract: An automatic analyzer for performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of living samples, such as blood and urine, which effectively utilizes the sample and enables requested tests to be performed as many as possible, when sample deficiency is predicted as a result of measuring a sample volume in advance. The analyzer includes a unit for measuring a sample volume, and has a function of, when sample deficiency is predicted, automatically changing an analysis mode to a decrease sample assay for a part of tests, thereby reducing a sample volume required depending on the measured sample volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Saito, Kazuhiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 7611900Abstract: Method for determining deposit formation tendencies for a plurality of fluid samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil compositions containing at least one or more base oils of lubricating viscosity and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Chevron Oronite Company LLCInventor: Robert H. Wollenberg
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Patent number: 7608466Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing reagent carriers having a binding capability that are suitable for determining analytes in liquids, wherein the process comprises at least one step of treating a respective reagent carrier body in particular by transferring material between a treatment device and the reagent carrier body in a preparation device and wherein this treatment step takes place on the moving reagent carrier body during its transport in the preparation device or during a movement of the treatment device relative to the reagent carrier body in the preparation device.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventor: Hans Hornauer
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Patent number: 7606680Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from an assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when problems arise, repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and it can perform external quality control in real time.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Ken'ichi Okuno, Hiroyuki Morihara, Tadayuki Yamaguchi, Tomomi Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7597848Abstract: A transport system for transporting and handling microtiter plates, for use in high throughput screening, diagnosis and/or combinatorial chemistry, comprising modules with devices for preparing specimens and/or introducing specimens, and/or for optical readout and/or for plate storage and/or devices for further processing steps or readout steps. The system includes an inter-modular transport system for transporting the microtiter plates between the different devices and at least one central transport system for asynchronous plate transfer between individual modules via input and output buffers.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignees: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH, F. Hoffmann-LaRoche AGInventors: Richard Ameling, Thilo Enderle, Christof Fattinger, Martin Gluch, Hansjoerg Tschirky
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Patent number: 7597846Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one receiver block (1) and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. The donor block (2) comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being provided. For positioning of the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1) and/or the donor block (2), a positioning array (11) having predefined markings, as well as a movably mounted lever, are provided for transferring the position of the markings onto a corresponding position on the donor block (2) and/or onto a corresponding position on the receiver block (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
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Patent number: 7595025Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
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Patent number: 7595024Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. A marked tissue section of the tissue (3) to be investigated is arranged on a specimen slide (22), a hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) being present. A sighting device (12) is provided for positioning the hollow needle (5) above the donor block (2).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
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Publication number: 20090226344Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed which enables to confirm the position of a pipette of dispensing section not depend on instruction directed a start of a position confirmation operation from the operator, and to prevent a pipette from being damaged or credibility of analysis results from declining. Concretely, the sample analyzer comprises a pipette, a pipette moving mechanism and a position confirming member disposed at a position where the pipette can be moved by the pipette moving mechanism. The position confirming member comprises a space into which a tip end of the pipette can be inserted. When the sample analyzer carries out the position confirmation process, the tip end of the pipette is moved by the pipette moving mechanism so as to be inserted into the space of the position confirming member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Tomoyuki Nishida, Takatomo Kudo, Hiroto Toyoshima
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Publication number: 20090223308Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transportation device for transporting samples to at least one measurement unit selected from the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a transportation controller for determining whether or not a sample is transportable to the selected one measurement unit on the basis of at least one of a state notification of the first measurement unit and a state notification of the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation controller controls the transportation device to perform a sample transportation operation of transporting the sample to the selected one measurement unit when the sample is transportable to the selected one measurement unit, and to perform the other transportation operation than the sample transportation operation when the sample is not transportable to the selected one measurement unit, is disclosed. Sample transportation method and a computer program product are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventor: Daigo Fukuma
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Patent number: 7585466Abstract: Genotypes of a subject may be determined by analyzing a biological sample. Measurements of the intensity of allele specific signals may be obtained and used to generate reaction values. These reaction values may be compared to probability distributions in order to obtain conditional probabilities of genotypes of interest. The genotype of the subject may be determined based on the measures of these conditional probabilities.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Lincoln, Michael R. Knapp
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Publication number: 20090221080Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a various-substance holder, a various-substance holder treating apparatus, and a various-substance holder treating method which enable the mutual identification of a plurality of particulate carriers to which various substances are or can be immobilized without the need to arrange the particulate carriers at predetermined positions or in a predetermined order, eliminating the need for time and effort to arrange the various substance at predetermined positions or in a predetermined order to allow treatments to be quickly and easily achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: UNIVERSAL BIO RESEARCH CO., LTD.Inventor: Hideji Tajima
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Patent number: 7582258Abstract: Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Werner Ruhl, Hugo Schrem, Volker Zimmer, Klaus Zimmer, legal representative
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Publication number: 20090215183Abstract: Specimen analyzer includes a first holding section for holding a container; a first mechanism section for executing a first operation for the container on the first holding section; a second holding section for holding the container; a first transfer mechanism section for transferring the container from the first holding section to the second one; a second mechanism section for executing a second operation for the container on the second one; an error detector for detecting error in the first mechanism section; and an error controller for controlling the operation of the first holding section, the first and second operation so that the first operation and the transfer operation of the first holding section would be stopped while the second operation would be continued in case of the error in the first mechanism section. An abnormality control method of the analyzer and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Hisato Takehara, Yuji Wakamiya, Tomoyuki Nishida
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Patent number: 7578978Abstract: A carrier for holding up to N test sample devices as they are moved through a sample testing instrument. Each of the test sample devices are held in a receiving structure such as a slot in the carrier. The carrier also includes N optical interrupt positioning features, each placed in registry with one of the receiving structures (and thereby in registry with the test sample device). The instrument includes fixed optical interrupt sensors for detecting the position of the positioning feature as the carrier is moved through the instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the position features comprise voids formed in a rib on the lower surface of the carrier. The optical interrupt sensors are positioned below the path the carrier travels over, whereby as the carrier moves past the sensor the voids, and hence position of the test sample devices, are detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: bioMĆ©rieux, Inc.Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Douglas L. Hopper, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 7579192Abstract: A method for determining storage stability for a plurality of fluid lubricant samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil additives, or a combination of one or more lubricant base oils and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil additives or lubricating oil compositions containing such additives are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Chevron Oronite Company LLCInventors: Robert H. Wollenberg, Thomas J. Balk
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Patent number: 7579190Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: CYTYC CorporationInventors: Roy A. Ostgaard, Theodore S. Geiselman
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Publication number: 20090202390Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes a storage unit for storing operation information, information about usage histories of expendable supplies provided for the analysis, and an analysis-ID control unit giving an ID to the analysis, the analysis ID being used as information for identifying the analysis to derive a calibration curve. Data stored in the storage unit is organized along the same time axis both in the order of samples subjected to the analysis and inspection, and in the order of analysis items, so that the data is output in a total data display area. The data is organized from the viewpoint of an analysis process of an analysis item of each sample. By use of information used to identify an influence range based on a kind of an abnormal state, which is stored beforehand, a judgment is made as to whether or not it is necessary to perform reinspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Noriko IIZUMI, Tomoko Tomiyama, Yoshimitsu Takagi, Kyoko Imai, Ryuichiro Kodama, Tomonori Mimura
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Publication number: 20090191095Abstract: An automatic analyzer can be used for sucking out the specimen even if the shapes of racks differ from each other is provided. The automatic analyzer includes a shape-information obtaining apparatus which obtains the shape information of the rack including arrangement information of a specimen vessel, a position determining apparatus which transports racks to arrange the specimen vessel at a specimen-sucking position, and a control unit which controls the position determining apparatus to transport racks depending on shaped of the racks based on the shape information of racks. Further, the automatic analyzer includes a vessel detecting apparatus which detects whether there is the specimen vessel held in the rack, and at the same time, determines a position of the specimen vessel on the transport path as an adjustment reference position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Mizuki NAKAMURA
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Publication number: 20090180931Abstract: Embodiments include integrated robotic sample transfer devices and components thereof which are used for reliably and accurately transferring small samples of material from one registered position to another registered position. Such transfers of material may be carried out by a single pin tool or an array of pin tools of a pin tool head assembly of robotic sample transfer devices. Some embodiments also include automated cleaning of the pin tools used to transfer the sample material. Some embodiments are fully integrated units having internal fluid supply and waste tanks, vacuum source, fluid pumps, controllers and user interface devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: SEQUENOM, INC.Inventors: Rolf Silbert, Richard Capella, Justin Cuzens
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Patent number: 7560072Abstract: A blood analyzer that can check whether a cap is in place or not and can set a mixing mode at the same time when the specimen container is inserted. A specimen container holder holds a specimen container. A holder driving part can rotatably drive the specimen container holder around an axis arranged in a generally horizontal direction. A gradient angle detecting part detects a gradient angle of the specimen container in the specimen container holder, and a control unit controls the holder driving. The control unit receives an angle detecting signal from the gradient angle detecting part, judges whether or not a blood specimen in the specimen container is to be mixed in accordance with the gradient angle and accordingly controls the holder driving part.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.Inventor: Masaharu Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7556771Abstract: A reagent shortage detection unit detects that one of the reagents of reagent supply units of analyzing apparatuses is shortage. A reagent shortage occurrence display unit notifies the shortage of the one reagent in response to that the reagent shortage detection unit detects that the one reagent of the analyzing apparatuses is shortage. A control separation unit separates from the control of the analyzing system, the analyzing apparatus in which the one reagent is shortage, in accordance with reagent shortage detection information from the reagent shortage detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Nakamura, Toshihide Orihashi
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Patent number: 7553672Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Steven A. Bogen, Herbert H. Loeffler, John A. Purbrick
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Patent number: 7547414Abstract: For installing reagent bottles in a reagent disk, the operator needs to install them while confirming the orientation of each reagent bottle. However, the operator will groan under a psychological burden in working while confirming the orientation. If the operator installs a reagent cassette in wrong orientation, the result of measurement will be erroneous, possibly leading to a grave testing error particularly in a blood analyzer. An automatic analyzer comprises a recording medium for recording information on placement of a plurality of types of reagents contained in a single reagent container, a reagent container disk capable of carrying a plurality of the reagent containers, an information reader for reading information recorded on the recording medium, and a reagent dispense controller for controlling which of reagents is dispensed by a reagent dispenser based on the information read by medium information reader.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Hitachi Science Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Masaharu Nishida, Hiroshi Ohga
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Publication number: 20090142844Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing analyses of total blood samples and to a device that is useful for implementing the method, said samples being conserved in tubes including at least one identification means for identifying the sample, the device comprising: at least one compartment constituting a said storage zone for storing said tubes before and after analysis; and at least one said read means for reading said identification means of said tubes; and at least one preparation zone for preparing said blood samples prior to analysis and including means for verifying and/or treating said tubes containing said samples, and in particular at least one agitator means for agitating said tubes; and at least one access zone giving access to at least one automatic analyzer of total blood, said access zone enabling a said tube to be placed in said analyzer; and robotic gripper and displacement means controlled by an automatic controller and suitable for taking hold of and replacing said tubes indType: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2006Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: HORIBA ABX SASInventor: Roger Le Comte
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Publication number: 20090137047Abstract: An automated and autonomous diagnostic apparatus that is capable of dispensing collection vials and collections kits to users interesting in collecting a biological sample and submitting their collected sample contained within a collection vial into the apparatus for automated diagnostic services. The user communicates with the apparatus through a touch-screen monitor. A user is able to enter personnel information into the apparatus including medical history, insurance information, co-payment, and answer a series of questions regarding their illness, which is used to determine the assay most likely to yield a positive result. Remotely-located physicians can communicate with users of the apparatus using video tele-medicine and request specific assays to be performed. The apparatus archives submitted samples for additional testing. Users may receive their assay results electronically. Users may allow the uploading of their diagnoses into a central databank for disease surveillance purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: John Frederick Regan, James Michael Birch
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Publication number: 20090137048Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a high processing capability even when plural kinds of reagents are dispensed at different timings. The automatic analyzer comprises a plurality of reaction cells, a reaction cell moving unit for moving the plurality of reaction cells at a certain cycle; a sample dispensing unit for dispensing a sample into a reaction cell on the reaction cell moving unit, a reagent dispensing unit for dispensing plural kinds of reagents to be added during a sampleāreagent reaction process at different timings, the number of the reagent addition timings being larger than the number of times at which the reagents can be dispensed within a time of one cycle, and a control unit for controlling the sample dispensing unit to set a cycle in which no sample is dispensed by the sample dispensing unit, when analyses each using the reagent to be dispensed at the latest one of the reagent addition timings by the reagent dispensing unit succeed a predetermined number of times or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Isao YAMAZAKI, Masaharu NISHIDA