With Treatment Or Replacement Of Aspirator Element (e.g., Cleaning, Etc.) Patents (Class 436/49)
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Patent number: 7824915Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Yanami, Isao Yamazaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hitoshi Otake
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Patent number: 7802437Abstract: The electronic component with heat transfer by boiling and condensation comprises heat exchange surfaces immersed in a heat conducting fluid constituted by the free ends of nanowires of a thermoelectric converter. An electrically insulating coating material with a low thermal conduction partially covers the nanowires above the heat conducting fluid. Each nanowire forms a thermocouple composed of two coaxial branches made from materials of different natures separated by a layer of electrically insulating material and electrically connected individually to the free end of the nanowire.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Jean-Antoine Gruss, Marc Plissonnier
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Patent number: 7803626Abstract: An automatic analyzer is for analyzing a reaction liquid in which a specimen and a reagent have been reacted. The automatic analyzer includes a dispensing system, a detector, and a determiner. The dispensing system includes a dispensing nozzle by which the specimen and the reagent are dispensed; and a dispensing pipe connected to the dispensing nozzle and filled with a cleaning liquid. The dispensing nozzle is cleaned with the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The detector detects a discharge amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The determiner determines whether the detected discharge amount of the cleaning liquid is over a predetermined value which is less than a pre-set discharge amount of the cleaning liquid. The determiner determines that the dispensing is abnormal if the detected discharge amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventor: Akihisa Kuroda
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Patent number: 7794660Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: HF Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Joel Leal
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Patent number: 7776616Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for purifying and isolating nucleic acid. The system uses one or more automated stations to perform steps of the method, including loading a sample onto a solid support in a processing container, purifying the sample, and isolating nucleic acid from the sample. A pump or vacuum may be used in the apparatus of the present invention for supplying fluids to the sample. A pump, vacuum or centrifuge may be used to separate impurities from the sample or to separate nucleic acid from the solid support. Exemplary solid supports and sample processing containers are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth M. Shuman
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Patent number: 7763467Abstract: A drip shield includes cover members that define a protective canopy over sample receptacles to prevent unwanted material from being deposited into the receptacles. The cover members cooperate to define at least one access hole through the drip shield to permit access to a sample receptacle by a pipette tip through the access hole. One of the cover members is moveable with respect to another cover member between a closed stated defining the access hole and an open state permitting a pipette tip extending through the access hole to be laterally conveyed relative to the drip shield and out of the access hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventor: Byron J. Knight
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Patent number: 7758809Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Dako Cytomation Denmark A/SInventors: John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer, Jeff Rau, Marc Key, Robert Lathrop, Rosanne Welcher
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Patent number: 7749441Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that dispenses a sample and a reagent into each of a plurality of reaction vessels to allow them to react with each other, and that measures the liquid formed as a result of the reaction. This automatic analyzer includes a first reagent storage case for storing the reagent to be used for the reaction, a second reagent storage case for storing the reagent for supplemental purpose, and a reagent conveying unit for conveying the reagent from the second reagent storage case to the first reagent storage case.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Masaaki Hanawa, Isao Yamazaki, Hitoshi Tokieda, Masaharu Nishida, Masaki Shiba, Heino Eikmeier, Dietmar Kappelhoff, Christoph Möllers, Stephan Sattler
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Publication number: 20100151578Abstract: A clinical tester has been described that includes a probe to aspirate a fluid. The probe is washed between aspirations to reduce carryover. The wash operation includes both an internal and an external wash, where the internal wash operation is terminated prior to terminating the external wash. In one embodiment, the probe wash can be implemented on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay tester.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventors: Patricia H. Ravalico, Charlie W. Wilson, III
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Patent number: 7731898Abstract: A reagent container assembly adapted for being installed in a cavity of an analyzer. The reagent container assembly comprises a housing having an upper opening and defining at least one circular array of chambers, each chamber being adapted for receiving a reagent container, a cover for closing the upper opening of the housing, and a locking mechanism arranged within the housing. The locking mechanism is adapted for locking the cover and for preventing rotation thereof. The locking mechanism is further adapted for locking the housing and thereby preventing rotation thereof when the reagent container assembly is removed from its position in the analyzer. The locking mechanism is further adapted for cooperating with a pin arranged at the bottom of the cavity of the analyzer when the reagent container assembly is installed in the analyzer, the housing being unlocked by the cooperation and thereby allowed to be rotated within the cavity of the analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Claudius Burkhardt, Gottlieb Schacher, Renato Belz
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Patent number: 7732192Abstract: The microreactor has a body of semiconductor material; a large area buried channel extending in the body and having walls; a coating layer of insulating material coating the walls of the channel; a diaphragm extending on top of the body and upwardly closing the channel. The diaphragm is formed by a semiconductor layer completely encircling mask portions of insulating material.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Gabriele Barlocchi, Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Flavio Francesco Villa
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Patent number: 7727476Abstract: A device for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples comprising a pump that comprises a cylindrical chamber, a piston movable in this cylindrical chamber, and a piston drive that engages the piston. The device further comprises a tip connected to the cylindrical chamber with a line, and a channel system that discharges into the cylindrical chamber for flushing or rinsing the latter. The device is characterized in that the piston entirely seals this cylindrical chamber from the channel system, if the piston is positioned in the cylindrical chamber in such a way that a free piston end comes to rest between the channel system and the line. Preferably, the cylindrical chamber is located in a cylinder block, which comprises two parts that are separated by and enclosing an intermediate channel system. The channel system most preferably is implemented as a coherent cavity. According to a first embodiment, the cylindrical chamber is implemented as a sleeve that is inserted in a boring located in a cylinder block.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Nikolaus Ingenhoven, Noa Schmid, Stefano Fornito
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Patent number: 7727469Abstract: In an automatic analyzer, when a sample is newly added, all sample barcodes on a sample disk are read. Immediately before dispensing it, second time reading is performed, and the result thereof is checked against that of the first time reading. A sample hand-contact preventing plate is provided above the reading position and dispensing position in order to prevent the sample from being exchanged after the second time reading. This hand-contact preventing plate has a damage-preventing configuration to protect a hand and fingers of an operator against a sampling probe.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Hitachi Science Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Katsuaki Takahashi, Hiroshi Ohga, Masaharu Nishida
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Patent number: 7718435Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump has a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a sensor for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Steven A. Bogen, Herbert H. Loeffler
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Patent number: 7713476Abstract: An apparatus for preferably automatic handling and/or processing of objects (1), in particular in the field of medical technology, having at least one processing station (3) and one object carrier (2) for bringing the object (1) to the processing station (3), optionally through the processing station (3), and away from the processing station (3), is characterized in that the object carrier (2) has a code; that data concerning the object (1) and/or the handling or processing of the object (1) can be assigned to the code; and that the data can be read or retrieved by way of the code.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Andreas Käpplein, Robert Gropp, Peter Scheck
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Publication number: 20100075426Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can remove a residual liquid all around the leading end of a pipette, without requiring any new equipment, regardless of the viscosity of the residual liquid. This cartridge includes a plurality of tanks, each of which has an upper opening, and a liquid is introduced into or led out from at least one of the plurality of tanks 110 to 119 with a pipette. The cartridge further includes waste liquid tanks 120 to 122. The waste liquid tanks 120 to 122 each includes a capillary phenomenon generation portion. A residual liquid present at the leading end of the pipette is brought into contact with the capillary phenomenon generation portion of the waste liquid tanks, and the residual liquid is transferred to the capillary phenomenon generation portion through the capillary phenomenon to be removed from the pipette.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.Inventors: Kosuke KUBO, Junichi OKA
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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: 7678332Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a series of cuvettes (C) forming a strip (2) fixed by means of a film (3) in an automatic analytical device (1), comprising at least one toothed belt (12), the teeth of which engage with the corresponding forms of the cuvettes. The above finds application in an automatic analytical device, particularly for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Diagnostica StagoInventors: Alain Rousseau, Khaled Abou-Saleh
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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: 7662631Abstract: Sample analyzers for analyzing a sample are described that include a pipette for suctioning the sample; a sample preparation unit for preparing a measured sample by diluting the sample supplied by the pipette with an acidic solution; a pipette washing unit for washing the pipette with the acidic solution; a detection unit for obtaining a detection signal from the measured sample prepared by the sample preparation unit; and a controller for calculating an analysis result from the detection signal obtained by the detection unit. Bacteria analyzers for analyzing bacteria and solutions for use in sample analyzers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Yasuyuki Kawashima, Masayuki Ikeda
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Patent number: 7648678Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer, Jeff Rau, Marc Key, Robert Lathrop, Rosanne Welcher
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Patent number: 7622079Abstract: A fluid distribution system comprises a table configured to engage at least two microplates and moveable in an X-Y plane and in a Z direction toward and away from the X-Y plane. The fluid distribution system can comprise a dispensing head that comprises a plurality of dispensing tips adapted to dispense fluid to one or more locations of a microplate. A plate-handling device is provided to selectively pick up and deposit, substantially simultaneously, two or more of the microplates. The fluid distribution system can further comprise an accessory carriage configured to engage a source of fluid and move the source of fluid into a position adjacent the dispensing head in position for the dispensing head to aspirate fluid from the source of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventor: Dennis A. Lehto
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Patent number: 7608456Abstract: In a microplate processing apparatus that removes lid (11) of microplate (10) conveyed by microplate conveying mechanism (3), performs a dispensing process by dispensing head (8), and attaches lid (11) after the dispensing process is completed, lid (11) removed by lid removing mechanism (6) at second position (P2), is conveyed to fourth position (P4) located downstream, in advance of microplate (10) with this lid (11) having been attached, by microplate conveying mechanism (3), to be retained by lid attaching mechanism (9), and then is attached to microplate (10) having been conveyed to fourth position (P4), after the dispensing process is completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Akira Higuchi, Eiji Watanabe
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Patent number: 7595495Abstract: A microreactor device includes: a microchannel; magnetic particles that are introduced into the microchannel; and a magnet that is arranged on an outside of the microchannel and exerts a magnetic force on the magnetic particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryojiro Akashi, Daisuke Nakayama, Masaki Hirota
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Patent number: 7593787Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Alan Feingold, James B. Gilmartin, Mark Richard Holbrook, John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key
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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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Patent number: 7569189Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a container having a slidable shutter closure moving past the apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft into a line of travel, whereby the extension is adapted to engage the shutter closure of the container and move the shutter closure from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. A reagent source for an automated analyzer includes: a reagent source which includes a container having a shutter closure which slides between an open and closed position; an apparatus for opening and closing the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Merrit N. Jacobs, Robert A. Burkovich
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Publication number: 20090104704Abstract: A sample analyzer comprises a reaction tray, a sample/reagent tray, and a probe. The reaction tray performs a first number of stops and rotations during an operating cycle, wherein the first number is configured to cause each of the reaction vessels to stop once at a position for the test before any of the number of the reaction vessels stops at the position for a second time. The sample/reagent tray rotates one of a sample container and reagent containers to a sample/reagent retrieving position during an operating cycle. The probe dispenses test sample(s), first reagent, and second reagent during different periods in different stop periods during an operating cycle. A method for analyzing samples is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhihong WANG, Zhi XU, Chuanfen XIE, Feng LI
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Patent number: 7521245Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for washing and drying pins in a microarray spotting instrument. The apparatus includes an array of chambers, each for receiving one of the pins of the spotting instrument. To wash the pins, streams of wash fluid are directed at the pins. To dry the pins, a gas such as air is flowed over pin surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.Inventors: Avery Osgood, Mack J. Schermer, Marc Silvagni
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Patent number: 7516749Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for washing an array of sites in high-density microplates or similar assay plates wherein the microplates or assay plates are washed in an inverted or nearly inverted position, rather than in an upright position. Preferably, the wash liquid is dispensed upwardly in the form of a sheet from a nozzle mounted on a spray bar as the spray bar moves relative to the microplate or assay plate. After washing, the microplate or assay plate is dried with a stream of gas such as air, also preferably blown upwardly in the form of a sheet.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Neogen, LLCInventors: Stephen Felder, Richard Kris, Brian McGraw
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Patent number: 7507377Abstract: This invention relates to a device usable in an automatical apparatus for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium. This device has a series of cuvettes having two opposites shoulders which extend in the plane of the opening of the cuvette and a flexible film which is fixed on the shoulders. This film is provided with a series of oblong opening respectively arranged above the cuvette openings. An optical detection station is provided which has a light source generating a light beam which illuminates the upper face of the cuvette bowls and an optoeleclectronic detector placed below the bottom of the bowls.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Stago InstrumentsInventors: Alain Rousseau, Khaled Abou-Saleh, Patrick Perin, Philippe Poutrel
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Method and system for transporting and storing multiple reagent packs and reagent packs used therein
Patent number: 7491364Abstract: A new method and system for transporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument is provided. The new system includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantry movably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism, wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with the reagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement of the gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one of the respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of the reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting. Methods of using the system and a novel reagent pack used in connection with the new system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Mattila, Mark J. Kittock -
Patent number: 7485465Abstract: In a microplate processing apparatus that removes lid (11) of microplate (10) conveyed by microplate conveying mechanism (3) to perform a dispensing process by dispensing head (8), and that attaches lid (11) after the dispensing process is completed, lid (11) removed by lid removing mechanism (6) at first position (P1) is conveyed to third position (P3) located downstream, by microplate conveying mechanism (3), to be held by lid attaching mechanism (9), and then lid (11) is attached to microplate (10) having been conveyed to third position (P3), after the dispensing process is completed, while microplate (10) with this lid (11) having been attached is being lifted to processing position (P4) above microplate conveying mechanism (3), by microplate stage (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Akira Higuchi, Eiji Watanabe
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Patent number: 7485464Abstract: An automated discrete fluid sample analyzer includes a sample preparation module. The sample preparation module includes a well configured to receive a sample deposited by a pipettor and a sample preparation device in fluid communication with the well. The fluid sample is transferred from the well to the sample preparation device, and the sample preparation device prepares the fluid sample. The pipettor then aspirates the prepared fluid sample. The prepared fluid sample may be transferred from the sample preparation device back to the well, and the pipettor aspirates the prepared fluid sample from the well. In one embodiment, the sample preparation device includes a receptacle having a catalyst disposed therein. The catalyst may include a noble metal catalyst, such as cadmium. In another embodiment, the sample preparation device includes an ultraviolet lamp configured to apply ultraviolet light to the fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Westco Scientific Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Platano, Antonio Gagliarducci, Ausilio Pieralisi
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Publication number: 20080240994Abstract: The present invention is to present a liquid dispensing apparatus which is capable of preventing contamination by previously aspirated liquid, even when residual liquid in a pipette tip separated from the dispensing apparatus is scattered. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes: sample dispensing arm 5 which comprises a dispensing nozzle 54b for aspirating and discharging sample on which a pipette tip 200 is attached; tip separating section 140 for separating the pipette tip 200 from the dispensing nozzle 54b; and nozzle wiping section 16 for cleaning a tip of the dispensing nozzle 54b.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Keiichiro Shohmi, Tomoyuki Nishida, Yoshinori Ooi
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Patent number: 7400983Abstract: A sample processing system (101) that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples) (198) are arranged on a carrier element (197) and a process operation control system (171) automatically processes the samples) perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor (402) or a data capture element (414). Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element (404) may cause notification of a person at some display (415) that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, Rosanne Welcher, John Favuzzi
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Patent number: 7393502Abstract: A test device 1 for analyzing a specific component in a test solution with a reagent by allowing the solution introduced via a feed opening 4 to react with the reagent maintained in a predetermined position in a capillary tube 3 having the opening 4 and an air outlet 5. The tube is provided with two hydrophilic regions 31, 33 and a hydrophobic region 32. The region 31 transfers the solution from the opening 4 to the reagent. The region 33 is delimited to a predetermined area maintaining the reagent. The region 32 separates the region 31 from the region 33. The reagent and the solution are applied in predetermined amounts to the region 33. A measuring device need not previously measure the solution. The device is useful as an analytical device for rapid and easy analysis, and can be produced in a less number of steps because the reagent can be fixed by merely applying it onto a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Okubo, Atsuko Katayama, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Yoshihiko Higuchi, Masufumi Koike
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Patent number: 7361509Abstract: A method for dynamically determining the volume of a liquid dispensed by a metering system, the metering system including a metering pump, a pump motor, a sensor, and a conduit interconnecting the pump and a metering probe. The method includes the steps of aspirating a quantity of fluid into the metering probe using the metering pump, moving the probe relative to a reaction vessel, and dispensing the fluid. The dispensing step includes the steps of identifying an onset point associated with a parameter which can be measured by the metering system, identifying an end point associated with the measurable parameter, and timing the pump motor during the period between the onset point and the end point in order to determine fluid volume. The sensor, such as a pressure transducer or capacitance change sensor, disposed in relation to the conduit can detect changes in the parameter and identify the onset and end points.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Ortho-Clinical DiagnosticsInventors: David D. Hyde, Joseph S. Douglas
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Publication number: 20080078260Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a continuous emissions monitor system that is in fluid communication with a flue stack conducting exhaust gas from a combustion source. The apparatus comprises a housing and a probe mounted in the housing. The probe is tubular and in fluid communication with the flue stack to acquire a sample of gas from the flue stack. The probe tends to have deposits from the exhaust gas accumulate on the inner walls of the probe. A device imparts cleaning energy to the probe for dislodging accumulated deposits from the inner walls of the probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: David F. Johnston, Jennifer Lynn Molaison, Terry Farmer, William Eberhardt, Mark Holt
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Patent number: 7338803Abstract: An automatic clinical analyzer in which the number of cuvette ports available for reaction vessels on a reaction carousel are 50% in a configuration using a single reagent storage areas; in a second configuration an additional reagent storage areas is employed and additional ones of the cuvette ports on reaction carousel are utilized, thereby significantly increasing throughput.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.Inventors: John Paul Mizzer, Steven Frye, William Jackson Devlin, Sr., Allan Tit-Shing Chow
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Patent number: 7312084Abstract: An incubator includes an incubator ring assembly having at least two concentric rings supported for rotation about a common axle defining an axis of rotation. Each concentric ring includes a plurality of circumferentially defined load positions, each load position being sized for accommodating a test sample. At least one test station is arranged in relation to the plurality of load positions to selectively test a test sample, the test samples being are sequentially shuttled into and out of load positions of at least one of the concentric rings to increase the overall throughput of the analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Francis Jakubowicz, Gary Steven Hartman, Johannes Jacobus Porte
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Patent number: 7300523Abstract: A method for cleansing used reaction cuvettes so that whenever certain assays are to be or have been performed in the reaction cuvette, the cuvette is automatically subjected to an additional cleaning operation by providing a number of washing and drying manifolds, each of which is independently selectively activated to perform or not perform a cleaning operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.Inventors: Ching-Cherng Lee, Donald Richard Phillips, Sr., Arnold Lloyd Lewis, William Jackson Devlin, Sr.
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Patent number: 7300525Abstract: The invention concerns a device for cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the device comprising a trough which holds cleaning fluid and whose lower region has a fluid duct for filling and/or emptying purposes and whose upper region has at least one feed pipe which leads into at least one nozzle directed into the trough interior. Advantageously, the device has a cylindrical trough and in insert with nozzles which is screwed into the trough. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the material to be washed being introduced into the trough interior and sprayed with a washing fluid. The device can also be used to flush the interior of a pipette needle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbHInventors: Otto Fürst, Thomas Jäck, Peter Weber, Paul Jansen
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Patent number: 7250301Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: Lee Angros
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Patent number: 7250302Abstract: A method for optical measuring of the solid substance content in a fluid uses periodical flushing of an optical sensor (1) with a combination of pressurized air and water in the form of a jet. The jet exerts a very powerful cleaning effect without causing scratches on measuring surfaces of glass or similar materials. The invention also relates to a system for performing such flushing in connection with measuring.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Siljan Allards ABInventors: Sven Bernhardsson, Johan Liljha, Leif Pellas
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Patent number: 7220590Abstract: A conductive plastic tip rack for pipette tips includes a conductive outer shell formed around a support insert. The support insert serves as the skeleton for the tip rack, providing structural support to make the tip rack strong and sturdy. The conductive outer shell includes sidewalls depending from the sides of a face having a plurality of tip seats for receiving a plurality of pipette tips. The conductive outer shell is formed of an electrically conductive plastic. The conductive plastic rack is capable of sufficiently conducting or dissipating electricity such that static electricity existing on a pipette tip placed within the tip rack will flow out of the pipette tip and through the tip rack. By removing the static electricity from the pipette tips placed in the tip rack, static electricity is prevented from disturbing the tips seated in the tip rack.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Moritz, Allan Avnet
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Patent number: 7192558Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: McLuen Design, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. McLuen, Richard J. Hanney, Daniel W. Hugens
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Patent number: 7169357Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic chemical analyzer which is capable of conducting investigation of the influence of contamination regardless of the knowledge or technical skill of the user, and can prevent the occurrence of errors of determination by letting the user know that a problem has arisen in the function of inhibiting the generation of contamination. The combination of items which has been judged to involve contamination is extracted (step S7-1), and it is decided whether or not the result of judgement is the same as those of the previous judgements (step S7-2). In the step S7-2, if the results disagree, it is judged that trouble arises in the mechanism for preventing the generation of contamination, i.e., cleaning mechanism in this case, and an alarm of “trouble in cleaning mechanism” is given on the alarm display of a CRT.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Science Systems, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoya Motegi, Kiyotaka Saito, Tomonori Mimura
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Patent number: 7163659Abstract: A sensor device and method for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid solution are disclosed. The sensor device system can comprise a substrate and an array of free-standing nanowires attached to the substrate. The array can include individual free-standing nanowires wherein each of the individual free-standing nanowires have a first end and a second end. The first end can, in some embodiments, be attached to the substrate and the second end unattached to the substrate. Such individual free-standing nanowires are configured for electrical communication with other individual free-standing nanowires through the first end. A signal measurement apparatus can be electrically coupled to the array of free-standing nanowires for receiving electrical information from the array of free-standing nanowires.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: James Stasiak, Paul H McClelland, David E Hackleman, Grant Pease, R. Stanley Williams, Kevin Peters
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Patent number: 7157285Abstract: The automated sample-on-solid-support processing system of the present invention comprises a computer-based control unit and a main unit comprising a variable-speed centrifuge having an openable vacuum-tight chamber and a centrifuge rotor with a plurality of multi-sample holding positions, a liquid solvent supply subsystem which feeds solvent to a plurality of dispensing stations in the centrifuge chamber, a temperature control subsystem, and a vacuum subsystem. A sample/collection container includes a plurality of wells, each for separating a sample from its solid support when solvent is dispensed into the wells and the centrifuge is activated at a low speed. Operation of the centrifuge at high speed concentrates the cleaved sample in collection wells. In the preferred embodiment bar code reader or other identification means, preferably a non-contact reader, can be included in the chamber to allow sample carriers to be identified.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Nexus Biosystems, Inc.Inventors: Rob Neeper, John Lillig