With Conveyance Of Sample Along A Test Line In A Container Or Rack Patents (Class 436/47)
  • Patent number: 12162142
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided. The method includes receiving, with a coordinator component, a task for testing at least one electronic device, retrieving, by a first agent from the coordinator component, the task for testing the at least one electronic device, controlling a first robotic device to test the at least one electronic device based on the retrieved task, and receiving, with the coordinator component, a result of the task based on the testing of the at least one electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: RAKUTEN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Fernando de Araujo Paulo, Dhananjaya Byranayakanahalli Honnappa, Vivek Gokhale, Vikram Mahendrakar
  • Patent number: 11971426
    Abstract: An automatic analysis device that avoids carryover and prevents deterioration of analysis performance without controlling reaction cell position is provided with: a reaction cell in which a sample and a reagent are mixed and allowed to react; a light source that radiates light onto the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent; a detector that detects the light radiated from the light source; and a cleaning mechanism that cleans the reaction cell. The cleaning mechanism includes an intake nozzle that draws in liquid from the reaction cell and a discharge nozzle that discharges the liquid into the reaction cell; the intake nozzle and the discharge nozzle can move vertically; and the intake nozzle is cleaned by lowering the intake nozzle into the reaction cell, in which a cleaning liquid or cleaning water have been accumulated, without drawing in the cleaning liquid or the cleaning water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Rei Konishi, Nobuhiko Sasaki, Masahiko Iijima
  • Patent number: 11511279
    Abstract: A method to handle tubes in a diagnostic laboratory automation system comprising a control device and a tube-analyzing device is presented. The tube-analyzing device comprises a tube identification reader, a tube type recognition unit, a sample color determination unit, and a tube consistence unit. The tube identification reader reads tube identification device. The tube type recognition unit identifies tube type. The sample color determination unit determines sample color. The tube consistence unit determines sample consistency. The sample tube type, the tube type, the sample color, the sample consistency are send to the control device. The control device determines a construed tube type from one or more of the information of the tube type, the sample color, and the sample consistency. The control device checks whether the tube type matches the construed tube type and changes a used tube type from the tube type to the construed tube type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Enck
  • Patent number: 11402398
    Abstract: A sample injector is configured to determine an amount of movement of a piston for injecting a sample into an analyzer based on a preset amount of the sample to be injected into the analyzer and information of a first identification code about an internal volume read by an optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaka Kuratani
  • Patent number: 11372015
    Abstract: A sample injector is configured to determine an amount of movement of a piston for injecting a sample into an analyzer based on a preset amount of the sample to be injected into the analyzer and information of a first identification code about an internal volume read by an optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaka Kuratani
  • Patent number: 11199560
    Abstract: An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventors: Michael T. VanSickler, Neil G. Terry, Brian Bell, Steven C. Rotundo, Stephen Robert LaChance, Alyssa Shedlosky
  • Patent number: 11125763
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and apparatus for detecting sample defects in blood samples processed in automated processing systems are described herein. One aspect describes an automated blood sample processing apparatus having a pre-analytic specimen integrity monitoring device. Another aspect describes devices, systems, and methods for identifying blood components and properties in blood samples. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for setting reference ranges for sample defects and interference in blood samples. Additionally, devices, systems, and methods for identifying defective samples are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Sameer Bhatia, Anton F. Flieg, Joseph Eugene Rose, Stephen Ward
  • Patent number: 10739265
    Abstract: A solution attachment device includes: an ejection tool having an ejection opening that ejects a solution in a direction of gravitational force; and a solution attachment control portion for controlling attachment of the solution ejected from the ejection opening to at least one attachment subject region of the solution formed on a substrate in a state in which the at least one attachment subject region is disposed below an end surface including the ejection opening of the ejection tool in the direction of gravitational force, and, in the state, a first projection region obtained by projecting the end surface to a surface perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force substantially overlaps a second projection region obtained by projecting the at least one attachment subject region to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kota Kato
  • Patent number: 10197550
    Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a plurality of sample processing units; and a transport apparatus for transporting a sample to any of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a communication section for communicating with an apparatus external to the transport apparatus and a controlling section for setting the transport apparatus in a start-up state when the communication section have received a start-up command signal from the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara
  • Patent number: 10101351
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples in an analyzer utilizes a track system with a plurality of track portions. A queue of samples for processing can be handled on a first portion, while priority samples may be handled on another portion. An instrument in a module may process samples in queues and priority samples. The instrument may process priority samples while a queue of samples remains on the first portion and resumes processing the queue of samples along the first portion upon completion of processing the priority sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Samuel Pollack, Colin Mellars, Baris Yagci
  • Patent number: 10048285
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a first mechanism unit having a first operation range of movement and that carries out a first process on a container with a sample, the first operation range comprising an overlap region and a non-overlap region; a second mechanism unit having a second operation range of movement and that carries out a second process on the container after completion of the first process, the second operation range comprising the overlap region but not the non-overlap region; an operation detector that senses operation of the first mechanism unit; and a controller that causes the first mechanism unit to stop the first process and retreat from the overlap region and that causes the second mechanism unit to continue the second process upon detection of abnormality in the first mechanism unit based on the detection result by the operation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Ohfuchi, Yusuke Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9810621
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer including: a transport apparatus configured to transport a sample rack holding a sample container; and a measurement apparatus body configured to measure a sample in the sample container held in the sample rack transported by the transport apparatus, wherein the transport apparatus includes a light source holding unit configured to detachably hold a light source unit, and the measurement apparatus body includes a detection unit configured to detect, via an analysis specimen containing the sample, light emitted from the light source unit held in the light source holding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 9646375
    Abstract: One variation of a method for setting a blood transfusion parameter for a patient includes identifying a blood transfusion bag in a photographic image; extracting a color feature from a region of the photographic image corresponding to the blood transfusion bag; estimating a blood component content within the blood transfusion bag based on the color feature; and triggering transfusion from the blood transfusion bag based on the blood component content within the blood transfusion bag and an estimated volemic status of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Gauss Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Siddarth Satish, Kevin Miller, Ali Zandifar
  • Patent number: 9536716
    Abstract: When a sample plate 3 is set on a sample stage 2, an irradiation trace formation controller 22 appropriately moves the sample stage 2 and throws a short pulse of high-power laser beam to create an irradiation trace at a predetermined position on the sample plate 3. The irradiation trace has a unique shape. A microscopic image of the irradiation trace is captured and saved in an image storage section 32. After the sample plate 3 is temporarily removed from the stage 2 to apply a matrix to a sample, the sample plate 3 is re-set on the same stage 2. Then, the displacement of the sample plate 3 from its original position is calculated from the difference in the position of the irradiation trace between an image taken at that point in time and the image previously stored in the image storage section 32. Based on the calculated result, an analysis position corrector 24 modifies the position information of an area selected by an operator. Thus, the displacement of the re-set sample plate can be accurately detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Ikegami, Takahiro Harada
  • Patent number: 9494609
    Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. To aid in operator handling of payloads and carriers, carriers include an electronically rewritable display on a surface visible to an operator. The display can include an LCD, E-ink, or other rewritable display and can utilize color, pattern, or text to convey status information of the payloads to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Gelbman, Benjamin Samuel Pollack
  • Patent number: 9381524
    Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kevin Bailey, Christopher Embres, Donald Gorelick, Timothy R. Hansen, Dwight Livingston, Andre Scherz, Gerard Sevigny, Mark Talmer, Tong Zhou, Spencer Lovette
  • Patent number: 9360492
    Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes: a disk having a plurality of holding sections for holding a plurality of containers on the circumference of the disk or on a closed loop that rotationally moves, the disk adapted to move the plurality of containers; a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent into the container on the disk; and a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the container on the disk. The automatic analyzer also includes a container transfer mechanism for mounting the container in the holding sections on the disk. The container transfer mechanism is driven in such a manner that the container can be mounted in the plurality of holding sections on the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuaki Takahashi, Taku Sakazume, Yukinori Sakashita
  • Patent number: 9347965
    Abstract: A chemical autosampler is disclosed having a main control unit with a processing circuit that communicates with various electronic modules using wireless communications signals, which allows for easy expansion of the capabilities of the basic autosampler unit. The main control unit resides on a longitudinal rail module that allows many various accessory modules to be physically mounted to the rail. There is a head module that includes the sampling syringe, and also includes transport motors that allow the head module to move in three axes. The head module includes its own processing circuit to control various solenoids and valves to properly move liquids and gasses for the sampling procedures, and to control the various transport motors. The autosampler also includes a control routine to automatically detect and calibrate the position of each of the accessory modules that are installed by a user on the rail module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: EST Analytical, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Meece, Richard C. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 9335338
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods related to automated diagnostic analyzers having rear accessible track systems. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes an analyzer to perform a diagnostic test, the analyzer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The example apparatus includes a loading bay disposed on the first side of the analyzer to receive a first carrier and a pipetting mechanism coupled to the analyzer adjacent the second side. The example apparatus also includes a first carrier shuttle to transport the first carrier from a first location adjacent the loading bay to a second location adjacent the pipetting mechanism and a track disposed adjacent the second side of the analyzer to transfer a second carrier to a third location adjacent the pipetting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignees: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Brian L. Ochranek, David C. Arnquist, Takehiko Oonuma, Hirotoshi Tahara, Naoto Sato, Bradley P. Smith
  • Patent number: 9316661
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices and system that can be used to fill a sample cell. In some examples, the system can be configured with a pressure device configured to provide a negative pressure to accelerate filling of the cell with the sample. In some embodiments, the negative pressure can be used to fill a flow cell at a selected fill rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Thornton Hopley White, Steven Edward Liebold, Gary Vincent Millard
  • Patent number: 9033800
    Abstract: A gaming machine with more gaming excitement is provided. The gaming machine includes: a cabinet; an upper image display panel which is provided on the cabinet and displays an effect image concerning a game; a lamp body unit which includes a lamp body which is a formed object and a sensor configured to detect the player's gesture with respect to the lamp body and is provided at a position different from the upper image display panel when viewed from the front surface of the cabinet; and a controller used to start the game, and the controller detects the player's gesture by the sensor at a timing corresponding to the state of the game and displays an effect image corresponding to the detected player's gesture on the upper image display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Kenji Enokido, Keita Shimura, Kou Kobayashi, Hiroki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Publication number: 20150118757
    Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a transporting apparatus; a testing apparatus for obtain a sample and performing testing on the obtained sample; and a controller. The controller executes operation of: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample rack in first direction, such that each sample container held in a sample rack is transported to a obtaining position on which the testing apparatus obtains a sample and then the sample rack is transported toward the second position; changing, when retesting of a sample contained in a sample container is necessary, the transporting direction from the first direction to second direction, and then controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample container accommodating the sample, for which retesting is necessary, to the obtaining position again. Sample testing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Yuichi HAMADA, Daigo FUKUMA
  • Publication number: 20150079684
    Abstract: A tube rotator for rotating test tubes arranged in a tube rack as well as a system and process for reading information of machine-readable labels of the test tubes are disclosed. The tube rotator may comprise a pivoted lever having two lever arms, a friction wheel rotatably fixed to one lever arm and arranged to be brought in or out of contact with at least one test tube for rotating the test tube by friction. A first actuator may be rotatably coupled to the friction wheel, and a pretensioner which is capable of generating a pretensioning force may act on the lever for pivoting the lever in one pivoting direction. An eccentric may be rotatably fixed with respect to the base and arranged to roll off the other lever arm for pivoting the lever in another pivoting direction. A second actuator may be rotatably coupled to the eccentric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Marco Bucher, David Huber
  • Publication number: 20150079695
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples in an analyzer utilizes a track system with a plurality of track portions. A queue of samples for processing can be handled on a first portion, while priority samples may be handled on another portion. An instrument in a module may process samples in queues and priority samples. The instrument may process priority samples while a queue of samples remains on the first portion and resumes processing the queue of samples along the first portion upon completion of processing the priority sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Samuel Pollack, Colin Mellars, Baris Yagci
  • Patent number: 8972044
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated sample test system includes a samples conveyance line for conveying samples racks, each holding samples, to a plurality of processing units, and an empty-rack stock section in which to stock samples racks not holding a sample. The control method is designed to collect information on whether the processing units are in need of a supply of empty samples racks, and then supply empty samples racks from the empty-rack stock section to the processing units based on the information. Decreases in throughput can be prevented by leveling the number of empty samples racks supplied to the processing units that require empty samples racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Suzuki, Koji Kamoshida, Masashi Akutsu, Kenichi Takahashi, Hiroshi Ohga
  • Patent number: 8956569
    Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a transporting apparatus; a testing apparatus for obtain a sample and performing testing on the obtained sample; and a controller. The controller executes operation of: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample rack in first direction, such that each sample container held in a sample rack is transported to a obtaining position on which the testing apparatus obtains a sample and then the sample rack is transported toward the second position; changing, when retesting of a sample contained in a sample container is necessary, the transporting direction from the first direction to second direction, and then controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample container accommodating the sample, for which retesting is necessary, to the obtaining position again. Sample testing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Daigo Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8956570
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Wilson, David L. Anderson, Matthew D. Erickson, Alan N. Johnson, Michael J. Rosen, Daniel R. Schmidt, Joshua D. Wiltsie
  • Patent number: 8945662
    Abstract: A slide stainer and a method for operating the slide carrier is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that carries one or more laboratory slides; a vessel that is capable of carrying fluid for staining the laboratory slides and that is sized to accommodate the laboratory slides; a slide transporter that moves the slide carrier into and out of the vessel; and a spring loaded pin that engages with a surface of the slide stainer to limit free-fall translation of the slide carrier in an event of a power loss. Additionally, during an agitation phase of a slide staining process, the slide transporter is configured to translate the slide carrier in an upward direction to a pre-determined height that is set by a user of the slide stainer, and the slide transporter translates the slide carrier in a downward direction back into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rushabh Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Preyas Shah
  • Patent number: 8945470
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transport unit for transporting a sample container to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining measurement item information indicating a measurement item of the sample contained in the sample container; and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the second measurement unit when a first measurement item and a second measurement item different from the first measurement item are indicated in the measurement item information, and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit when the first measurement item is indicated and the second measurement item is not indicated in the measurement item information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Kuwano, Daigo Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8926903
    Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nogami, Katsuhiro Kanda, Izumi Waki
  • Patent number: 8921094
    Abstract: A system and method for the processing of nucleic acids containing fluids involving manipulation of magnetically responsive particles contained therein are disclosed. In the system, a holder holds a plurality of containers containing the fluids, a heating device applies thermal energy to the fluids for incubation, and a separating device magnetically separates the particles. The heating and separating devices move into at least one operative position for processing the fluids and at least one inoperative position with respect to the containers, in which the containers are kept stationary at least during and in-between incubating the fluids and manipulating the magnetically responsive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Reto Keller, Thomas Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140370608
    Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. To aid in operator handling of payloads and carriers, carriers include an electronically rewritable display on a surface visible to an operator. The display can include an LCD, E-ink, or other rewritable display and can utilize color, pattern, or text to convey status information of the payloads to the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Gelbman, Benjamin Samuel Pollack
  • Patent number: 8894930
    Abstract: A specimen processing device is disclosed that comprises: a processing unit configured to aspirate a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen, and to process the aspirated specimen; a state transition section configured to make the processing unit undergo transition to a pause state; an instruction accepting section configured to accept an instruction to start processing of the specimen when the processing unit is in the pause state; and a pause state releasing section configured to release the processing unit from the pause state to make the processing unit perform the processing of specimen when the instruction to start the processing is accepted by the instruction accepting section. A specimen processing method using a specimen processing device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 8883078
    Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a test unit for loading and testing a sample contained in the sample container accommodated in the rack; a rack storage for storing the rack accommodating the sample container from which the sample has been loaded into the test unit; and a transporting part, configured to transport the rack in a first direction and in a second direction that is a reverse direction of the first direction, for transporting the rack in the first direction to the rack storage and transporting the rack stored in the rack storage in the second direction to a sample loading position at which the sample is loaded from the rack into the test unit, is disclosed. A transporting apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Daigo Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8858882
    Abstract: There is provided a data processing method that reduces influences of air bubbles and dirt while maintaining changes in light amounts. Two scattering light photoreceivers are disposed in the forward direction. A photoreceiver 33a closer to the optical axis is taken to be a main angle photoreceiver, and a photoreceiver 33b further from the optical axis is taken to be a sub-angle photoreceiver. Noise is estimated based on the reaction process data of the sub-angle photoreceiver, and noise is reduced by subtracting the estimated noise from the reaction process data of the main angle photoreceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Terumi Tamura, Hajime Yamazaki, Akihisa Makino, Takeshi Yogi
  • Publication number: 20140287515
    Abstract: A laboratory module for storing and providing access to a plurality of samples, the laboratory module comprising a plurality of bays comprising a plurality of guiding rails and a plurality of rack tray bays for accommodating a plurality of rack trays, and a transport chamber for transporting at least one sample rack to a storage location and for delivering at least one sample rack at predetermined times to a processing system. The transport chamber is adapted to align with any one of the plurality of guiding rails, comprised in the bays and in the rack trays, for placing and moving on the guiding rails the at least one sample rack, and a sensor for sensing the presence and location of a sample rack on any one of the guiding rails, and a barcode scanner that identifies the sample rack and a storage device for storing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephan Habrich, Martin Trump
  • Publication number: 20140287516
    Abstract: A diagnostic analyzer includes a track, a light-blocking member, a motor, and an optical testing device. The track moves a reaction vessel held by the track. The light-blocking member is disposed adjacent to the track. The light-blocking member moves from a first position apart from the track to a second position closer to the track. When the light-blocking member is disposed in the first position a sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is exposed to light. When the light-blocking member is disposed in the second position the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is blocked from exposure to the light. The motor moves the light-blocking member between the first and the second positions. The optical testing device is disposed adjacent to the track for optically testing the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track when the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph P. Donohue
  • Publication number: 20140273242
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods related to automated diagnostic analyzers having rear accessible track systems. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes an analyzer to perform a diagnostic test, the analyzer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The example apparatus includes a loading bay disposed on the first side of the analyzer to receive a first carrier and a pipetting mechanism coupled to the analyzer adjacent the second side. The example apparatus also includes a first carrier shuttle to transport the first carrier from a first location adjacent the loading bay to a second location adjacent the pipetting mechanism and a track disposed adjacent the second side of the analyzer to transfer a second carrier to a third location adjacent the pipetting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Brian L. Ochranek, David C. Arnquist, Takehiko Oonuma, Hirotoshi Tahara, Naoto Sato, Bradley P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140256050
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprises a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack that is capable of holding a sample container at a plurality of holding positions, a detecting section that is configured to detect presence or absence of a rack distinction member at a holding position of the sample rack, an aspirating section that is configured to aspirate a sample in the sample container, and a control section that is configured to control an aspirating operation of the aspirating section. The control section changes an aspirating operation with respect to the sample container held in the sample rack based on the presence/absence of the rack distinction member at the holding position of the sample rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihisa TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8808623
    Abstract: A diagnosis assisting system comprising: an analyzing section for analyzing a sample collected from a subject; a determining section for determining whether there is a possibility that a subject has a predetermined disease based on an analysis result obtained by the analyzing section; a notification section for notifying the possibility when the determining section has determined that there is the possibility; and a diagnosis assisting information display section for displaying a diagnosis assisting information screen which displays diagnosis assisting information related to the predetermined disease, is disclosed. A diagnosis assisting information providing device and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Jo Linssen, Matthias Guhl
  • Patent number: 8802037
    Abstract: A multiple cuvette strip comprises a plurality of wells and a reversible interlocking device. The well strips can be reversibly interlocked to other well strips to form a sample holder system. One embodiment of a well strip comprises a flange and a slot to form a reversible interlocking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Blouin, Robert R. Fisette
  • Patent number: 8795593
    Abstract: An automated testing system includes one or more laboratory devices that operate together to perform an assay. The testing system is designed such that a laboratory device may be seamlessly integrated with the remaining devices in a quick and effortless manner. Specifically, the laboratory device is securely mounted on a slidable cart with fluid and electrical connections established therebetween. The slidable cart is in turn adapted to releasably engage with a docking station that is fixedly mounted on the workspace floor, the docking station being provided with at least one fluid input connection, an input power connection and at least one communication signal connection that are relatively permanent in nature. In order to couple the cart to the docking station, the cart is rolled generally into position above the docking station using complementary alignment posts and tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Nichols, Louis J. Guarracina
  • Patent number: 8790577
    Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sample analyzer includes an analysis section for analyzing a sample by using a reagent to obtain numerical data and distribution diagram of particles contained in the sample; a display device; an information receiver for receiving an input of reagent information assigned to the reagent; a determination section configured for determining whether or not the reagent satisfies a condition to determine that the reagent is a genuine product based on the reagent information; and a controller that controls the display device to display both the numerical data and the distribution diagram if the reagent satisfies the condition by the determination section and to display the numerical data without displaying the distribution diagram if the reagent does not satisfy the condition by the determination section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Mizumoto, Ryuichiro Ebi, Keisuke Tsutsumida, Yousuke Tanaka, Junya Inoue
  • Patent number: 8784735
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Patent number: 8778268
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hisato Takehara, Yuji Wakamiya, Tomoyuki Nishida
  • Patent number: 8765475
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a colorimetric absorbance measurement method and a system for performing the same. The method comprises driving a reaction tray carrying a plurality of reaction cuvettes to rotate at a speed; transferring or rotating filters on a filter wheel to a light path of a light beam, starting from a filter of a first wavelength; and sampling photoelectric data when the light beam has passed through each reaction cuvette in some embodiments. The method ensures consistency in the measurement and synchronization between the calibration and the sample test and reliability of the measurements. Various embodiments simplify data processing and reduce the complexity of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Eletronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lihua Zhou, Zhihong Wang, Yanwen Weng, Feng Li
  • Patent number: 8765476
    Abstract: Automated sample processing systems may include onboard efficient high-speed mixing of at least two components with an automatic vertical force fluidic turbulent component mixer of which a mixed component may be aspirated and high-speed dispensed in a mixing vial. Other aspects may include single sweep applying a multi-treatment cleaning cycle to at least one slide. A multi-treatment cleaning cycle may include a washing treatment and a drying treatment. In yet other aspects the present invention may include an automated recovery sample processing system with the capability of detecting at least one immediate condition of a fortuitously terminated automatic sample processing run and perhaps even an automatic terminated sample processing run reconstruction calculator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Biocare Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Saradha Avantsa, Ravishankar Melkote, Thomas Maxwell, Geoffrey Cook
  • Patent number: 8758684
    Abstract: An automatic analysis system, which is capable of quickly performing reinspection, includes a sample rack which holds a sample vessel containing a sample; a sample rack input unit in which the sample rack is input; a carrier line which carries the sample rack; a plurality of automatic analyzers arranged along the carrier line; a sample rack holding unit which holds the sample rack storing an analyzed sample; a sample rack collection unit which collects the sample rack storing an analyzed sample; a carrier line for reinspection which returns the sample rack containing a sample subjected to reinspection depending on analysis results; and a controller for returning the sample rack from the sample rack holding unit through the carrier line for reinspection and controlling any one of automatic analyzers different from one that has previously performed analysis to perform reanalysis of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Yagi, Takayuki Noda, Kenichi Takahashi, Kenji Teshigawara, Atsushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8747745
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing that performs a plurality of treatment operations includes a plurality of treatment units arranged in a vertical direction of the apparatus. The apparatus for analyzing also includes a conveying mechanism configured to convey a sample between the treatment units. The sample is delivered above or in the treatment units. A pipette chip is also delivered above or in the treatment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Kitaoka