With Treatment Or Replacement Of Aspirator Element (e.g., Cleaning, Etc.) Patents (Class 436/49)
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Patent number: 7153689Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning and priming a droplet dispensing device having a plurality of nozzles aligned in at least one row. A dispensing surface of the dispensing device comprising the nozzles is sealingly engaged to form a chamber adjacent the dispensing surface. A wash fluid is introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber. A priming vacuum is applied individually, and preferably, simultaneously, to at least a portion of the plurality of the nozzles. Optionally, a wash fluid is subsequently introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber to rinse the dispensing surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brent T. Tolosko, Allen C. Thompson
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Patent number: 7115386Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for carrying out in an optimized and automated manner immunological marking techniques for thin-sectioned tissue (2b). A support plate (1) which can be automatically moved by means of a computer-controlled conveying device (20) and on which several thin sections of tissue (2b) are placed on small metal screens (2) is immersed like a die into a liquid that is composed of a washing or marking solution (6) and is placed in several recesses (5) within an object support (4). The object support can also be automatically moved.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbHInventor: George Posthuma
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Patent number: 7097981Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to reaction vessels, to sets of such vessels for automatic immunological assay apparatuses, to automatic immunological assay apparatuses making use of such sets of vessels, and to a method implementing sets of such vessels. According to the present invention, photometric detection is implemented of the luminescence of a reaction mixture found in a reaction vessel, the apparatus and/or the vessel guaranteeing light-tightness so as to prevent entry of external light falsifying the measurement. Advantageously, sets of vessels in accordance with the present invention are made out of a material that is opaque. The present invention is particularly applicable to detecting the presence of a chemical or a biological substance in a sample. The present invention applies mainly to medical analysis and research.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: BiomerieuxInventors: Thierry Gicquel, Edouard Lentwojt
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Patent number: 7011792Abstract: A plurality of analyzer units for serum, a plurality of analyzer units for blood plasma and a plurality of analyzer units for urine are arranged along a main transfer line for transferring a sample rack from a rack providing portion to a rack storage portion. A reagent bottle for inspecting liver function is contained in each reagent delivery mechanism of two analyzer units among the plurality of analyzer units for serum. When the reagent for inspecting liver function in one of the two analyzer units is to be short, analysis for the liver function analysis item to samples can be continued by transferring a sample rack from the rack providing portion to the other analyzer unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Mimura, Hiroshi Mitsumaki, Tadashi Ohishi, Taku Sakazume
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Patent number: 7010448Abstract: A system for mitigating instrumentation differences in laboratory instruments includes one or more groups of laboratory instruments in communication with a normalization server over a network. Each group of instruments communicates output data to the normalization server which then presents normalized data to the groups of laboratory instruments. Various exemplary embodiments of the system and associated methods are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: John C. Yundt-Pacheco
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Patent number: 7010446Abstract: A system for mitigating instrumentation differences in laboratory instruments includes one or more groups of laboratory instruments in communication with a normalization server over a network. Each group of instruments communicates output data to the normalization server which then presents normalized data to the groups of laboratory instruments. Various exemplary embodiments of the system and associated methods are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: John C. Yundt-Pacheco
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Patent number: 6984527Abstract: A method for automatically operating a sample handling system and associated analyzers to conduct assays on a number of patient samples by comparing the assays to be conducted with a set of assay defined rules, subdividing the analyzers into analyzers which are in compliance with the assay defined rules and analyzers not in compliance with the set of assay defined rules; thereafter, operating the system to supply patient samples to analyzers in compliance or operating the system so as to bring at least one analyzer into compliance with the assay defined rules and supplying patient samples to such an analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.Inventor: Kerry Lynn Miller
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Patent number: 6979425Abstract: A high capacity microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. A microplate indexing device automatically moves, in sequence, a plurality of microplates to a solution removal area. A dispense head accesses each microplate at the solution removal area to remove solution from the microplate. The dispense head then moves to a slide positioning station to spot slides at the slide positioning station. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microplate indexing station has at least one input stacking chamber for stacking microplates, and at least one output stacking chamber for stacking microplates. A walking beam indexer is disposed between the at least one input stacking chamber and the at least one output stacking chamber. The walking beam indexer is for moving microplates from said at least one input stacking chamber to said at least one output stacking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.Inventors: Brian L. Ganz, Mandel W. Mickley, John Andrew Moulds, Chritopher T. Brovold
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Patent number: 6924152Abstract: Sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 200 or 820 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 202 or 840 which uses a repetitively used pipette nozzle, and sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 100 or 810 for analyzing an immune analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 102 or 830 which uses a disposable nozzle tip. A sample bottle containing a sample to be analyzed on both of a biochemical analysis item and an immune analysis item is sample-pipetted by the nozzle tip first, and then transported so as to be sample-pipetted by the pipette nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shigeki Matsubara, Kyoko Imai, Ryuji Tao
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Patent number: 6890485Abstract: A high throughput chemical handling system includes a chemical storage module, a transport module, and one or more liquid handling modules. The transport module may implement parallel chemical transport, and the system may include a plurality of asynchronously operable liquid handling modules coupled to the parallel transport module.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Aurora Discovery, Inc.Inventors: Chari Stylli, Samuel S. Beckey, Christopher Bentley Shumate, Peter J. Coassin
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Patent number: 6881579Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processing samples on the surface of supports that are contained in support housings. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. An apparatus comprises an input element, a holding device for holding a plurality of support housings, one or more fluid dispensing stations, and an output element. Each of the support housings contains a support having attached thereto a plurality of biopolymer features. The holding device is movably mounted with respect to other components of the apparatus. The holding device is adapted to receive a support housing from the input element. The output element is adapted to receive a support housing from the holding device. The apparatus is adapted to index each support housing for a predetermined operation. In use, each of the support housings is moved to one or more processing stations by means of the movable holding device. The location and identity of each of the support housings is indexed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard O. Hilson, Edward P. Donlon, Donald J. Schremp, Laurence R. Shea, Carol T. Schembri, Joseph P. Fredrick
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Patent number: 6878554Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.Inventors: Mack J. Schermer, C. Brian Candiloro
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Patent number: 6869571Abstract: A device (1) for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples having a pump (2), which comprises a cylindrical chamber (3), a piston (4) movable in this cylindrical chamber, and a piston drive (5) engaging on the piston. The device additionally comprises a pulse generator (6), which effects dispensing of samples from a liquid by generating pressure waves in this liquid and a tip (8) connected via a line (7) with the cylindrical chamber (3), with the piston drive (5) comprising a first drive (9) and a second drive (10), implemented as a pulse generator (6). Such a device comprises a channel (27) for rinsing or flushing the cylindrical chamber (3), with the channel (27) discharging into the cylindrical chamber (3). Furthermore, the invention also concerns systems with, for example, 384 or more such devices that are arranged in an array.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Nikolaus Ingenhoven, Noa Schmid, Stefano Fornito
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Patent number: 6852288Abstract: This device is directed at filling multiple receptacles without losing integrity of the system. It is also directed at receiving a (sealed) container of receptacles (opened or stopper/closed), opening an access into the sealed container, retrieving receptacles, filling those receptacles, stoppering the receptacles after filling and ejecting the receptacles, either directly into the outside environment or into a closable sack or container, in the latter case while maintaining the integrity of the environment within the device and, if desirable, the sack or closed container.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: NL Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Douglas A. Newberg
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Patent number: 6846456Abstract: A work station for simultaneously performing multiple assays includes a base structure, a receptacle rack assembly received within a receptacle rack well formed in the base structure, a pipette tip rack assembly received within a pipette tip rack well formed in the base structure, a multiple conduit substance transfer device, and substance transfer device positioning structure. The receptacle rack assembly holds a plurality of receptacles in which a plurality of individual assays are performed, and the pipette tip rack assembly holds a plurality of contamination limiting pipette tips. The substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles or simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles. Alternatively, the substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles, and, at about the same time, simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Galo F. Acosta, Jeffrey D. Bransky, Robert Case, Gregory J. Foster, Kristi K. Myers, Thomas M. Shimei, Andrew J. Woodhead
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Publication number: 20040265185Abstract: In order to prevent the opening of the dispensing head from being blocked, the liquid pipetting apparatus having the strengthened washing capability is provided. A liquid pipetting apparatus for sucking and discharging a minute amount of liquid, comprising, has first opening 54 for sucking and discharging liquid at one end and second opening 45a for draining the liquid at an another end. The apparatus comprises a dispensing head 2 for holding the liquid inside thereof, washing tanks 7, 8 for holding cleaning solution to wash the inside of the dispensing head 2, and a head inside washing means for washing inside of the dispensing head, by sucking the cleaning solution from the opening 46a, under the state of soaking the one end of the dispensing head 2 in washing tanks 7 and 8 and for dispensing sucked cleaning solution from the opening 46a (for example, the decompressing tank 22 and the vacuum pump 25).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Hideya Kitagawa
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Publication number: 20040241865Abstract: The invention is directed to cleaning of micro- and mini-reactors for controlled process management and for avoiding blockages on carrying out chemical reactions and physical processes. The invention is characterized in that the micro- or mini-reactor is cleaned by means of a controlled pressure increase with a subsequent sudden release or with a gas pressure surge in a cyclical manner or using a controller. Wall deposits formed from solid material(s) involved in the chemical synthesis or the physical process are thus almost completely removed such that, after the cleaning procedure, the initial operating pressure can be set in the micro- or mini-reactor. A blockage of the micro- or mini-reactor can thus be avoided and the transferring of said production method to the production scale with micro- or mini-reactors is possible for the first time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Hans-Peter Gabski, Ruediger Winter, Christian Wille
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Patent number: 6797518Abstract: A system for detecting and analyzing patient sample quality and/or analytes, while the sample is in the metering tip used to aspirate the sample liquid from an original patient sample container, and also to dispense the liquid onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis may be done on the sample liquid while it is still in the tip which has been converted into a cuvette. One technique for such analysis is by scanning the cuvette for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure. Near-infrared and adjacent visible radiation may be used, and the absorption spectra of the liquid detected and analyzed. A possible aspect of the present invention relates to enhancing throughput of an analyzer by conducting a sample quality measurement in a process that is parallel to the main analyzer timing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Merrit N. Jacobs, James D. Shaw
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Patent number: 6794193Abstract: A method of assaying a specimen, comprising: preparing (i) a specimen, (ii) a liquid cell in which a liquid used for assaying a component in the specimen, such as a liquid reagent or a liquid diluent, is to be contained, and (iii) a mixing cell wherein the specimen and the liquid are mixed; supplying a liquid reagent into the liquid cell in an amount exceeding the amount required in the assay; pipetting a portion of the specimen and a portion of the liquid into the mixing cell using a pipetting tip; and washing the pipetting tip with the liquid remaining in the liquid cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Arkray, Inc.Inventor: Koji Fujimoto
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Publication number: 20040175833Abstract: An automatic sampler comprises a first rinsing bath for rinsing the needle by soaking the needle in a rinsing liquid, in which the rinsing liquid is reserved, and a second rinsing bath for rinsing the needle by soaking the needle in a rinsing liquid, in which the rinsing liquid is exchanged during the rinsing operation. The first rinsing bath and the second rinsing bath are selectively employed for the purpose of use. That is, when a high rinsing power is required, such as when cross contamination is prevented, the second rinsing bath having higher rinsing power is employed. On the other hand, when the throughput is emphasized, the first rinsing bath is employed to rinse the needle in a shorter time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventor: Nobuyuki Tatsumi
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Patent number: 6764650Abstract: A rack transportation assembly having a projecting member projecting forward is fixed onto a floor by a plurality of adjusters so that its rack transportation surface is brought to a desired level. The projecting member has a first reference surface facing upward. A treatment unit structure having a rack transferring area has a second reference surface in its lower surface. The treatment unit structure is pushed toward the rack transportation assembly under a condition that the second reference surface is lifted upward using height-adjustable casters so as to not become higher than the first reference surface. Then, the treatment unit structure is lowered so that the second reference surface is mounted onto the first reference surface, and a height in the front side of the treatment unit structure is adjusted using the plurality of adjusters.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Katsushi Takahashi, Hitoshi Tokieda, Toshiyuki Ikeda, Susumu Kai
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Method and system for transporting and storing multiple reagent packs and reagent packs used therein
Patent number: 6746648Abstract: 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 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Mattila, Mark J. Kittock -
Publication number: 20040106203Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: James Stasiak, Paul H. McClelland, David E. Hackleman, Grant Pease, R. Stanley Williams, Kevin Peters
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Patent number: 6709870Abstract: A sample tube of a sampling valve is moved up and down by a cylinder. When the sample tube is moved downward, a sample inlet opposes a stored sample, and the sample can be extracted. When the sample tube is moved upward, the sample inlet opposes a cleaning liquid path. Thus, cleaning liquid is fed into the cleaning liquid path from a cleaning liquid supply port of a cleaning pipe. The cleaning liquid flows within the sample tube from the sample inlet, and flows out from a sample discharge port. Thus, an entire interior of the sample tube can be cleaned. In a sample extracting device using the sampling valve, a state in which no air or impurities are mixed in the sample can always be maintained, such that stable extraction can be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoo Suzuki, Takashi Ishikawa, Hirokazu Saito
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Patent number: 6673317Abstract: In order to provide an automatic testing apparatus with improved reliability of test results, capable of conducting automatically such operations as sterile testing, microorganism limit testing, insoluble particulate measurement testing, divided portion testing for chemical analysis and chemical reaction testing, etc., and capable of accommodating changes in the specimen or the test container with each sample as well as changes in operating procedures with each sample so as to eliminate the possibility of human error and prevent contamination of the operating environment by human hands, the automatic testing apparatus of the present invention prepares a sample by mounting a set of various pieces of equipment including the specimen or test containers required to be changed with every sample atop a same work base and providing that work base as a unit to within the operating range of a robot, with the robot then handling the various pieces of equipment atop the work base to prepare the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignees: Kasen Nozzle Mfg. Co., Ltd., Kasen Engineering Corp., Sankyo Company, LimitedInventors: Kiyoji Hashimoto, Masanori Matsumoto, Masaru Fujimoto, Mamoru Shiratori, Masato Ichikawa
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Publication number: 20030203494Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: David D. Hyde, Joseph S. Douglas
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Patent number: 6635488Abstract: An automated analyzer which analyzes a sample which might have been affected by carryover, judges the effect of carryover from the analytical value, and indicates the result. The automated analyzer also performs analysis on a specific inspection item necessary for a sample which might have been affected by carryover from its preceding sample and modifies the result of analysis of said sample according to the analytical value.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Michihiro Saito, Koshin Tagami
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Patent number: 6623697Abstract: Analysis device for analyzing samples, in particular of body liquids, with respect to components contained therein. It comprises a plurality of liquid handling (LH) stations. At at least a part of the LH stations there is a production of liquid waste whereby said LH-station form liquid waste sources. The liquid waste is evacuated, with at least one pump, from the liquid waste sources, with different proportions of air, via a liquid waste conducting system, into a liquid waste container. A substantial reduction of foam production is obtained by connecting at least two liquid waste sources to the liquid waste container via at least two liquid waste lines leading separately into the liquid waste container, whereas liquid waste sources with a higher average air proportion are connected to a first liquid waste line and liquid waste sources with a lower average air proportion are connected to a second liquid waste line.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbHInventors: Otto Fuerst, Paul Jansen, Thomas Jaeck
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Publication number: 20030147778Abstract: Disclosed is to improve the reliability of and lower the cost for an automatic analyzing apparatus for analyzing a biological sample such as urine or blood, by integrating the mechanisms of a dispenser and an agitator to reduce the number of parts. In an automatic analyzing apparatus of the type for analyzing a sample by dispensing the sample and a reagent into a reaction container and by agitating and mixing the sample and the reagent, an agitating motor head is mounted on a sampling arm so that the sampling mechanism is also used as an agitating arm turning mechanism and a vertical moving mechanism. Water for cleaning the reaction container is injected by a reagent dispensing probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Katsuaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 6599477Abstract: A chemically analyzing apparatus includes a plurality of reaction containers, a reaction container holder for holding the plurality of reaction containers and for supplying a sample and reagent at predetermined positions, a plurality of reagent containers for holding reagent adapted to be supplied into the reaction containers, a reagent container holder provided above the reaction container holder, for holding the plurality of reagent containers, a measuring part for measuring physical properties of the sample, a liquid feed mechanism provided in a lower part of each of the plurality of reagent containers, for supplying a predetermined quantity of reagent from each of the reagent container into the associated reaction containers by means of the liquid feed mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryo Miyake, Akira Koide, Takeo Takagi, Takao Terayama, Yasushi Nomura, Hiroshi Mitsumaki
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Patent number: 6592825Abstract: A microvolume liquid handling system includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a positive displacement pump for priming and aspirating transfer liquid into the microdispenser, controlling the pressure of the liquid system, and washing the microdispenser between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor to measure the liquid system pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. Dispensing of a single sub-nanoliter drop can be detected in real time. As the result of dispensing the liquid in sub-nanoliter droplets, the dispensed volume can be precisely controlled. The dispenser automatically detects the liquid surface of the transfer liquid, automatically aspirate, analyze desired volume of the transfer liquid, dispense the transfer liquid without contacting the destination vessel or its contents, and automatically wash off the transfer liquid from dispensing system after each transfer.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Packard Instrument Company, Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Pelc, Nicholas S. Chibucos, Roeland F. Papen, Wilhelm Meyer
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Publication number: 20030104632Abstract: A method for preparing a cold water infusing leaf tea. Green tea leaves are macerated, treated with tannase, fermented in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in an amount that is sufficient to activate endogenous peroxidases to oxidize gallic acid and other compounds that are liberated by the tannase treatment, and then dried. The final product is a black leaf tea that infuses in hot or cold water to give good flavor and color.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: Lipton, Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Christopher William Goodsall, Timothy Graham Jones, Joseph Kipsiele Mitei, Andrew David Parry, Richard Safford, Ambalavanar Thiru
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Patent number: 6572824Abstract: 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: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventors: Roy A. Ostgaard, Lewis A. Capriccio, Theodore S. Geiselman, Robert E. Jennings, Bruce Levkoff, Edward O'Connell, Douglas A. Tenney, Hugh Vartanian
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Patent number: 6562298Abstract: The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. One embodiment relates to a structure which comprises a process path. The process path comprises a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided. A first prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for moving a container holding the sample along the process path. A first pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing the sample to the container. A second pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing a reagent to the container. A device is operatively connected with the process path and is selectively engagable with the container for mixing the sample and the reagent in the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: David C. Arnquist, Grady Barnes, III, Richard D. Button, Chadwick M. Dunn, Richard C. East, Jr., Patrick P. Fritchie, Charles M. Galitz, Gregory E. Gardner, Cass J. Grandone, Robert C. Gray, James T. Holen, Robert P. Luoma, II, Jimmy D. McCoy, James E. Mitchell, Adrian John Murray, David W. Murray, Jack F. Ramsey, Neal T. Sleszynski, Julius J. Toth
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Patent number: 6562299Abstract: 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: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventors: Roy A. Ostgaard, Theodore S. Geiselman
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Patent number: 6551833Abstract: A sample handling method, in which the information on the sample to be examined is transferred throughout the entire measuring process by transferring the sample cup. The sample cups are handled in two independently operating drums, in which case at least two different handling phases can be carried out simultaneously in the measuring device. The diagnostic measuring device comprises a cassette drum, on the circumference of which the sample cup cassettes containing sample cups have been placed. The sample cup is fed to the first handling drum, which is simultaneously an incubation drum. After that the sample cup is transferred to a second handling drum, where washing, drying, measuring and discharge of the sample cup are carried out. The drums have been placed near each other, overlapping so that the transfers of the sample cup can be performed directly from one drum to another by means of transfer plungers.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Innotrac Diagnostics OyInventors: Kauko Lehtinen, Tom Javen, Vesa Sonne, Aarne Heinonen, Mika Routamaa
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Patent number: 6544476Abstract: When the operation function of an automatic analyzer is allowed to use, all selection buttons respectively provided in corresponding to a plurality of operation functions being grouped are displayed on a predetermined area of a CRT display. In this case, the button corresponding to the operation function allowed to be used for a particular operator is indicated by the color representing accessible, while the button corresponding to the operation function not allowed to be used for the particular operator is indicated by the color representing not-accessible. When the button corresponding to the accessible operation function is selected, the subclass operation function screens relating to the selected operation function are displayed in a hierarchy fashion or a multi-layer fashion.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Mimura, Taku Sakazume, Atsushi Takahashi
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Patent number: 6537817Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of capillary tubes used to dispense 1 to 100 micron diameter liquid droplets by a piezoelectric transducer surrounding each capillary tube. Magnetic particles are aspirated into the capillary tubes and moved by an exterior magnet to cause deposits on the interior walls to be dislodged and subsequently discharged from the capillary tube. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic particles are coated with a material capable of binding such deposits, e.g., DNA, RNA, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Packard Instrument CompanyInventor: Roeland F. Papen
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Patent number: 6534019Abstract: An automated chemical synthesizer includes a reaction vessel and a collection vessel. A passage block in which the passage is formed and which is provided between the reaction vessel and the collection vessel when the collection vessel is connected to the reaction vessel in a collection position. The passage includes a discharging hole and a connecting hole which is provided to correspond to the collection vessel. The collection vessel contacts the passage block around the connecting hole. The passage block includes upper and lower plates. A lower portion of the connecting hole formed in the lower plate has a size such that a top portion of the collection vessel fits into the lower portion. An upper portion of the connecting hole formed in the upper plate has a size such that a top portion of the collection vessel contacts the upper plate around the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Takaaki Inoue
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Patent number: 6531096Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening a vial lid with respect to its respective container includes the lid having a tamper evident tape applied over a top surface of the lid with the ends of the tape being adhered against the outer side walls of the vial container below a juncture of the lid and the container outer wall. The tape has a score on each side in the area adjacent to the juncture. The apparatus includes a device for opening the lid by lifting the lid with respect to the container by a sufficient elevation to ensure that the tape score is substantially completely separated. A second device places a downwardly depending flange of the lid in an overlapped position with respect to an upper end wall of the container after the lid has been opened.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Capitol Vial, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Deveney, Ralph J. Brooks
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Publication number: 20030027345Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid handling system capable of automated dispensing and reformatting operations by virtue of a quick-release cannula array mounting system that permits cannula arrays to be changed automatically by the system or manually by a user. Automated changing of the cannula array is carried out by relative movement of the dispensing head and the sample support surface to deliver the attached cannula array to a storage location, releasing the array from the dispensing head, and attaching a new cannula array. Relative movement between the dispensing head and sample support surface in at least two dimensions increases flexibility of the system and makes self-loading of the cannula array practical. The system provides advantages in time and accuracy of cannula array changeover procedures. The automated cannula array changeover capability permits automated wellplate reformatting procedures, which can be performed quickly and accurately.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: David R. Friswell, Raymond Dunlap, George Grubner, Enrique Bernal
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Publication number: 20030026732Abstract: An automated workstation capable of continuous, non-stop processing of specimens includes an environmentally controlled storage area that holds multiple cassettes containing specimen plates. A robotic arm for processing the specimens, e.g., by grasping the plates, moving them from the cassettes to other apparatus contained within the workstation, and placing the plates back in the cassettes. An interlock mechanism prevents the operator and robotic arm from simultaneously accessing a cassette. Novel robotic arms, robotic arm positioning mechanisms, plate handling mechanisms, effector tip/plate washing mechanisms, thin-walled pipetters, back-flushing mechanisms and fluid level detection mechanisms, as well as methods for operating the same, facilitate continuous operation of the workstation along with compactness, high throughput and high accuracy of operation. Narrow, thin-walled capillary-like pipetters serve as both means for acquiring and processing small quantity specimens with high precision.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Steven J. Gordon, Anthony J. Christopher, Alex G. Liberman, Richard J. Keane, Kenneth M. Caron, Hani M. Sallum, Jayanth Prabhakar
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Publication number: 20030022380Abstract: A clinical analyzer for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample includes at least one reagent supply and at least one reaction containment device for containing a volume of sample and a volume of said at least one reagent from said at least one reagent supply. A wash-free delivery system introduces reagent into at least one reaction containment device without requiring washing of delivery components.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: Ortho-ClinicalInventors: Raymond Francis Jakubowicz, Michael W. LaCourt, David Angelo Tomasso, James David Shaw
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Publication number: 20030017604Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for loading tips onto a pipettor. A means for applying removal force on the pipette tip box is provided so as to ensure that the box is dislodged from the pipette tips after the pipette tips have been forced onto the dispense head mandrels. In the preferred embodiment, the shuck arms are modified to incorporate springs such that when the engagement force is removed from the pipette tip box, the shuck arms are forced by the springs against the pipette tip box thereby displacing the pipette tip box from the pipette tips.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Jonn Hitch, Rick A. Spencer
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Patent number: 6509193Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling magnetic particles by a sample distributor and is intended to process a sample liquid with high precision, sensitivity and reliability by arresting magnetic particles to separate them from the liquid and by suspending the magnetic particles in a liquid to mix the magnetic particles with the liquid again. The pipette portion of this invention has a front end portion, a reservoir portion, a liquid passage connecting the front end portion and the reservoir portion, and a separation region in the liquid passage that is subjected to a magnetic field. The pipette portion of this construction draws in or discharges a liquid for processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Precision System Science Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideji Tajima
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Patent number: 6500388Abstract: An automatically analyzing apparatus includes a plurality of reaction containers for reacting a sample with a reagent, and a reaction container washing unit for washing the reaction containers through a plurality of washing steps. The reaction container washing unit includes a plurality of storage parts in each of which washing liquid containing therein reacted substance is reserved. The plurality of storage parts are sorted with different reacted substance concentrations. A supply part of the reaction container washing unit selects washing liquid of a desired reacted substance concentration among the plurality of storage parts in accordance with respective washing conditions of the reaction containers and supplies the selected washing liquid into the reaction containers for washing the respective reaction containers.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Nagaoka, Ryo Miyake, Masaharu Nishida, Takeshi Shibuya, Takao Terayama, Hiroshi Mitsumaki
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Patent number: 6498037Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Bayer CorporationInventors: Glen Carey, Scott C. Lewis
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Patent number: 6497155Abstract: In one embodiment, a particle-retrieval device in accordance with the present teachings includes a receiver tube, vacuum-flow providing means and particle-disengaging means. The receiver tube is in fluid communication with the vacuum-flow providing means such that when flow is introduced into the vacuum-flow providing means, a suction or vacuum flow is developed at an end of the receiver tube. The suction causes a particle to adhere to the end of the receiver. A particle is disengaged by discontinuing the suction and, advantageously, by wetting the engaged particle.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Pharmacopeia, Inc.Inventors: Ilya Feygin, Rhett L. Affleck, Aleksandr Grinberg, Thuc H. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20020185161Abstract: 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 sued to flush the interior of a pipette needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: Roche Diagnostics GmbHInventors: Otto Furst, Thomas Jack, Peter Weber, Paul Jansen
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Publication number: 20020164807Abstract: Disclosed herein is a diagnostic instrument for analyzing liquid samples. The diagnostic instrument in accordance with this invention includes a sample carousel and a diagnostic carousel. The sample carousel includes at least one sample tube and in the exemplary embodiment a plurality of sample tubes, each having unique identifying indicia readable by a machine reader. The sample tube capable of storing the liquid sample to be analyzed. The diagnostic carousel including at least one pipette capable of storing liquid sample to be analyzed. There are matching number of pipettes to sample tubes and each having matching unique identifying indicia which is matched with the appropriate sample tube. The diagnostic carousel being offset from the sample carousel and lying in a different plane from the sample carousel. Each pipette including a transfer mechanism for transferring sample from the sample tube directly to the pipette.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Hideki Itaya, Jason Dominik Hool, Javier Urena, Fredrick Spears, Osamu Ohno, Kantaro Maruoka