Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus can properly determine a quality of an analysis supporting liquid, after being supplied to the automatic analyzing apparatus, which supports an analysis performed in the automatic analyzing apparatus and can properly maintain an accuracy of the analysis. The analysis supporting liquid which supports an analysis of a specimen is dispensed into a reaction vessel by using a specimen dispensing unit which dispenses the specimen, a reagent dispensing unit which dispenses a reagent, a cleaning unit which cleans the reaction vessel, or a diluted solution dispensing unit which dispenses a diluted solution. An optical measurement is performed with respect to a liquid including the dispensed analysis supporting liquid in the reaction vessel. Analysis data of the analysis supporting liquid is generated by using the measured result. The quality of the analysis supporting liquid is determined by comparing the generated analysis data with reference data.

Abstract: An analyzer for analyzing a specimen includes a central control unit that instructs systems of the analyzer of a process operation; and a primary control unit that time-divisionally outputs an instruction by the central control unit. The analyzer also includes a plurality of secondary control units; a communication connection unit; and a plurality of connecting units. The secondary control units are connected to the systems, respectively, and control an operation of the systems according to the instruction by the central control unit. Each of the secondary control units has positional information set in advance. The communication connection unit connects the primary control unit and the secondary control units. The connecting units are provided on a fixed arrangement position, have arrangement positional information indicating the arrangement position, and are connected to the secondary control units, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic analyzer that is capable of reducing a user's workload required when a reagent is placed, and thereby facilitating change of the operation mode of the automatic analyzer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic analyzer which determines a vessel blank value of the automatic analyzer based on a criterion associated with the sensitivity of an analysis item to determine whether or not a vessel is usable. An automatic analyzer includes: an operation unit for calculating an absolute value of a difference between a vessel blank value immediately before measurement of the analysis item and a vessel blank value under periodical measurement to determine whether or not a vessel is usable for measurement based on a plurality of criteria set for each analysis item; and a function of issuing an alarm if the vessel blank value is not judged to be within a criterion.

Abstract: A method of operating a blanching system includes steps of automatically sampling a blanching solution and mixing the sampled blanching solution with a reagent that is formulated to change at least one property according to a concentration of a metal ion in the blanching solution.

Abstract: An automated detection system includes a robotic fluid handling system for performing a plurality of assays; a detection system for imaging the assays as they are performed; and a computer control, data acquisition, and data analysis system for controlling the operation of the fluid-handling and detection system and for collecting and analyzing imaging data. The automated detection system comprises a pipettor for simultaneously distributing a predetermined amount of a liquid and a signal-generating element to each of the plurality of wells; an excitation source for simultaneously exposing the wells to excitation radiation; a detector for simultaneously detecting signal emitted from each of the wells over a period of time comprising a single imager for optically imaging the plurality of wells simultaneously; and computerized controller for simultaneously coordinating the pipettor, the excitation source, and the detector.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer which assures uniformity in mixing effects regardless of sample quantity and test item and thus produces analysis results with high repeatability. The analyzer includes a device for adding a conditioning liquid into a reaction chamber so that the quantity of liquid in the reaction chamber becomes a predetermined quantity at latest just before mixing. The conditioning liquid may be a diluent or physiological saline as used for dilution of a sample or any other special liquid that adjusts the properties such as viscosity, surface tension, etc. of liquid to be mixed.

Abstract: A fluorometer for sensing the fluorescence of a sample utilizes an optical energy source for exciting a sample to be tested and an optical energy detector for detecting the emitted energy from the excited sample. Drive electronics are used for positioning the sample with respect to the optical components allowing a plurality of sample regions to be tested. A processor is utilized to control the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from the sample to determine test results. A ROM chip socket accepts a plurality of ROM chips, wherein each ROM chip stores test data sets for one or more test types to be performed. ROM chips can be swapped to allow the fluorometer to be configured and reconfigured to perform a plurality of different tests. A communications interface facilitates the sharing of test information between the fluorometer and external entities.

Abstract: An automated sequential reaction system that can be used to either sequentially produce a plurality of different products each requiring a single reaction, or to produce a desired product that requires a series of sequential reactions. A system controller controls an automated reactant supply, a solvent supply, a reaction module, a detector, and a product collector. Prior to initiating any reaction, the system is flushed with solvent and a heat exchanger supplies the reaction module with a temperature-conditioned fluid to maintain the reaction module at a desired temperature. For single reactions, a plurality of reactants are injected into a chemical reactor included in the reaction module. As fluid exits the chemical reactor, the detector determines if the fluid is a desired chemical product or solvent, and routes the fluid to the appropriate receptacle.

Abstract: A methodology for converting venous blood values to arterial blood values provides the advantage of obviating the need for taking arterial blood samples. The method entails (i) measuring arterial oxygenation, (ii) measuring and estimating values of venous blood acid/base status and oxygenation status of a venous blood sample, and (iii) converting the venous blood values by applying a mathematical model for deriving blood acid/base status and oxygenation status into estimated arterial blood values.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for analyzing patient samples. The analyzer includes a plurality of cuvettes, which allow the samples to be mixed with various reagents. The analyzer includes one or more detectors, including a detector adapted to detect luminescence of the reaction mixture in the cuvettes. The analyzer allows for various diagnostic assays to be performed on a single system, and provides for high-sensitivity analysis at faster speeds.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which chemical preparations can be made. Reactions can be accelerated on special chips using microwave energy. The chips contain materials that efficiently absorb microwave energy causing chemical reaction rate increases. The invention is important in many small scale chemical transformations including those used in protein chemistry and in combinatorial chemistry.

Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution has a reaction cell for receiving a sample, a titrant dropper for releasing one or more drops of titrant into the sample, a first photosensor for sensing disruptions of light for every drop of titrant released, and a controller that communicates with the photosensor and computes the concentration of the chemical agent based on the number of disruptions of light at the photosensor. The present invention also includes a method for sensing and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution. The method includes having a sample containing the chemical agent, triggering the release of a number of drops of titrant into the sample, detecting the number of drops released into the sample, and computing the concentration of the chemical agent in the sample based on the number of drops of titrant released into the sample.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling analytical instruments are provided. A sequence of steps can be utilized to specify wells of a microfluidic device, mobility to be applied to fluid in the wells, and the duration to apply the mobility. For example, fluids can be sequentially run past down a main channel to a detection zone of the microfluidic device in order to analyze the fluids. In order to increase the efficiency of the analysis, fluids can be processed in parallel by running one fluid down the main channel while another fluid is loaded to the main channel.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus has an analysis section including an immunity analysis unit and a biochemical componential analysis unit. A sample rack which has undergone the immunity componential analysis is horizontally fed by a rack feeding mechanism from a position confronting the inlet of a rack stationing section to a position near the outlet of the rack stationing section, so that the sample rack is directly moved to a return line, while skipping over the rack stationing section, so as to be efficiently returned to the analysis section and subjected to a subsequent biochemical analysis. A sample rack that needs reexamination by an identical analysis unit is also returned in the same efficient way.

Abstract: A method and system for switching the dispensing of a first solution from a first vessel to dispensing a second solution from a second vessel when a parameter of the first solution crosses a threshold is described. In one embodiment, a fluid dispensing apparatus includes a first vessel and a second vessel. The first vessel includes an output conduit adapted to dispense the first solution from the first vessel into a fluid receiving region. The second vessel includes an output conduit adapted to dispense the second solution from the second vessel into the fluid receiving region. The apparatus includes a first sensor positioned to measure a parameter of the first solution before the first fluid enters the fluid receiving region. The apparatus also includes a second sensor positioned to measure a parameter of the second solution before the second solution enters the fluid receiving region.

Abstract: In a cleaning treatment of a substrate using an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride or a mixture of an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride and hydrofluoric acid as a cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is replenished by at least one liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ammonia, aqueous ammonia, and an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride with the lapse of time during the use of the cleaning liquid, in which the required amount of the liquid to be added according to the time lapse is calculated based on the measurement date and controlled, or the component concentration of the cleaning liquid is detected and the liquid is added according to the obtained result, so that not only can the substrate be cleaned uniformly and stably, but also a resource saving and a reduction in waste can be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for tissue preparation for the tissue embedding, having a transport plate (15) that is surrounded by a housing (5). The housing defines an inner upper side (8a), a heating and cooling device (3), that is provided on the inner upper side (8a) of the housing (5) and a mechanic module (24) for turning the transport plate (15) and for raising and lowering the transport plate (15). The mechanic module (24) comprises a first motor (42) exclusively for turning the transport plate (15) around an axle (18) and a second motor (44) exclusively for raising and lowering the transport plate (15) in the direction of the axle (18).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes of separating, analyzing and/or collecting selected species within a target sample by use of magnetic microspheres including magnetic particles, the magnetic microspheres adapted for attachment to a receptor agent that can subsequently bind to selected species within the target sample. The magnetic microspheres can be sorted into a number of distinct populations, each population with a specific range of magnetic moments and different receptor agents can be attached to each distinct population of magnetic microsphere.

Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for determining reactor continuity of a polymerization reactor by non-linear dynamics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of analyzing system variables to indicate gas phase reactor continuity in real-time and controlling the reactor continuity to maintain operability.

Abstract: Ultrasonic spectroscopy, calorimetry, or thermogravimetric analysis provide measures which correlate with properties of asphaltene complex of petroleum residua which can be used to establish or maintain consistent properties of petroleum residua during blending or to determine immediacy of petroleum residuea to deposition phenomena during pyrolytic thermal treatment.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus to monitor fluid systems has at least one extraction module having a raw-sample reservoir connected by input fluid conduit to individual ones of said fluid systems, to extract raw samples for analysis from said fluid systems, one or more modification modules comprising additive materials to modify the extracted raw samples prior to analysis, an analytical device to receive at least a portion of said raw samples in an ordered sequence, and to determine concentration of at least one constituent of said sample portion, fluid-handling apparatus for transferring fluid through the analytical apparatus, and a computerized control and management system to manage operations of component modules and devices, and to report analytical results.

Abstract: In accordance with certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of analyzing assay test results for determining whether a fluid under test contains a certain substance. The disclosed method includes detecting the certain substance in the fluid under test received on a test strip, and generating an electrical signal indicative of the amount of the substance detected. The disclosed method further includes responding to the signal, and determining whether or not the fluid under test contains a predetermined quantity of the certain substance to generate an electric output signal. The method disclosed also includes responding to the output signal to indicate the presence or absence of a predetermined quantity of the certain substance contained within the fluid under test. The disclosed method includes delaying in the detecting until after a predetermined time delay interval, and storing the detected information at the completion of the time delay interval.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test process. The apparatus may have additional light source so that the photo sensor may monitor the test process by detecting the absorption light beam or fluorescent light beam from the flow cell at different phases of the test process.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test.

Abstract: Processes for preparing controlled samples of particles, including microorganisms and cells are described. A sample of particles is provided and separated into a predetermined number of desired particles by particle separation means. The predetermined number of particles is dispensed into a receptacle or onto a surface in accordance with a sorting instruction, with the receptacle or surface being positioned by collecting means so as to receive the dispensed particles. A sorting instruction from the particle dispensing means activates the collecting means such that when a sorting instruction has been actuated, so as to deliver a predetermined number of particles into a receptacle or onto a surface which is positioned accurately for sufficient time to collect all sorted particles, the collecting means advances and positions a subsequent surface or receptacle for receipt of particles, the collector means thereafter signaling the particle separation means to commence the next sorting instruction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling analytical instruments are provided. A sequence of steps can be utilized to specify wells of a microfluidic device, mobility to be applied to fluid in the wells, and the duration to apply the mobility. For example, fluids can be sequentially run past down a main channel to a detection zone of the microfluidic device in order to analyze the fluids. In order to increase the efficiency of the analysis, fluids can be processed in parallel by running one fluid down the main channel while another fluid is loaded to the main channel.

Abstract: A multicomponent fluid composition monitoring and compositional control system, in which a component analysis is effected by titration or other analytical procedure, for one or more components of interest, and a computational means then is employed to determine and responsively adjust the relative amount or proportion of the one or more components in the multicomponent fluid composition, to maintain a predetermined compositional character of the multicomponent fluid composition. The system is usefully employed in semiconductor manufacturing photoresist and post-etch residue removal, in which the cleaning medium is a semi-aqueous solvent composition, and water is the monitored and responsively adjusted component.

Abstract: A built-in analyzer controller including: a device controlling circuit for controlling the hardware of an analyzer; a network interface circuit for connecting the analyzer to a network; and built-in programs including a server program for performing a communication through the network interface using a predetermined communication protocol between the analyzer and an external terminal. The server program performs the processes of: sending information of the operating status of the analyzer to the external terminal on receiving a request for the same from the external terminal; and setting a control parameter of the analyzer using the device controlling circuit on receiving a request for setting the control parameter from the external terminal. Using the analyzer controller, the user can monitor and control an analyzer or analyzers connected to a LAN from a remote place, without requiring special programs, and at low cost.

Abstract: A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers.

Abstract: High throughput analytical systems and methods employing multiple liquid phase separation process regions coupled to a common mass spectrometer are provided. Disclosed systems and methods permits parallel separation and parallel storage of discrete eluate fractions, followed by sequential discharge and ionization of previously stored eluate portions to yield a composite ion stream containing the sequential series of eluate portions, followed by mass analysis of the ion stream. A common manifold may receive ions and utilize pressurized gas or ion gating to direct ions within the manifold toward the mass spectrometer inlet.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.

Abstract: A dual analyzer system comprising at least two analyzers where samples to be tested are partitioned into three groups in accord with the frequency the test assays are requested. One analyzer performs a portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a first subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The second analyzer performs a similar portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a second subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The first of the analyzers is not equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays and the second analyzer is not be equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays.

Abstract: A method for resupplying reagents inventoried on-board an automatic clinical analyzer by: comparing an averaged assay demand pattern on the analyzer for assays over a sequence of specifically defined time periods with the reagents inventoried on-board the analyzer to determine which reagents will be exhausted before the next following the sequence of specifically defined time periods, and, resupplying reagents appropriately.

Abstract: This invention improves the PAMPA (parallel artificial membrane permeability assay) method used in pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and agrochemical R&D. This new high-throughput method and apparatus for measurement of permeability and membrane retention of compounds overcomes shortcomings of prior art and includes sensitivity and speed enhancing reagents. The phospholipid membranes used here consist of 10–74% wt/vol soybean lecithin extract dissolved in dodecane. Concentrations are measured by direct UV spectroscopy. To reduce membrane retention, surfactants, cyclodextrins, or water-soluble lipophilic polymers with low UV absorption are used in the acceptor comparment of the permeation cells and create an artificial sink state. A pH gradient established between donor and acceptor solutions creates a secondary sink state. This “double-sink” makes successful modeling of passive-diffusion transport of molecules possible.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer where incoming samples are partitioned into groups in accord with the length of time required for the assay to be completed or in accord with the pattern of reagent addition(s) taken with length of time required for the assay to be completed. Medium length time assays are completed, removed from a reaction carousel and replaced by shorter length time assays during a single operational cycle in which longer length assays are also completed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer.

Abstract: An immunological analyzing apparatus and method using fine particles bonded with an antigen or an antibody are provided which are capable of obtaining a good analysis result with preferable reproducibility with no effect of carry-over.

Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for investigating polymorphs of a material, isomers of a material which allow different isomeric forms to be resolved, different hydrates/solvates and/or different salts of a material. The apparatus comprises an assembly (2) of reactor devices (6) arranged within a reactor body (8) which incorporates a heating/cooling block (10) and a stirrer block (12). A vessel support block (14) supports respective sample vessels (15) below each reactor device (6) for recieving material from the reactor devices. The apparatus includes a control unit (4) which includes a computer (16) which controls a robot for delivering materials to the reactor devices; a heating/cooling unit (18); a stirrer control unit (20); and a pressure unit (22) which controls the passage of material from the reactor devices (6) to the sample vessels (15).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for sorting particles in a stream of a sample in a flow cytometer by producing from a stable sort having desirable sort characteristics multiple images of a portion of the stream; generating from the multiple images an averaged numerical reference standard representative of the stable sort; continuously collecting during the sorting multiple running images of the portion of the stream; generating from the multiple running images at least one numerical sample average representative of the sample sort of each collection of the multiple running images; and comparing each numerical sample average to the numerical reference standard and determining whether a sample average exhibits a deviation from the reference standard that requires an adjustment of the sort. The sort may then be adjusted to eliminate or reduce the deviation and maintain the stable sort of the reference histogram. A novel imaging apparatus may be employed in a flow cytometer performing this method.

Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when troubles arise repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data, and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and can perform external quality control in real time.