B07C 5/34 - Sorting according to other particular properties
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
According to an aspect of the invention, a sorting apparatus comprises; a holder station in which a plurality of holders each configured to hold a specimen container in an upright state are disposed; a sort conveyance unit including a plurality of sort conveyance paths configured to convey the holders; a transfer unit including a plurality of transfer arms, each configured to hold one of the holders and transfer the holder to any one of the sort conveyance paths; and a control unit configured to control a transfer destination of the holder in the transfer unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, a storage apparatus, includes; a storage unit including a storage space configured to store a plurality of racks in a plurality of rows in a second direction intersecting a first direction, each of the racks holding a plurality of specimen containers in the first direction; and a plurality of movement units arranged in a plurality of levels in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, each of the movement units being configured to: sequentially supply the rows of the racks supported by the storage unit to one side in the second direction toward a carry-in position by a predetermined pitch; move the racks in the third direction on a carry-in side; and sequentially withdraw the racks by the predetermined pitch to another side in the second direction.
According to an embodiment, a centrifugal separation apparatus includes, a centrifugal separator comprising a retainer and a rotating member for rotation of the retainer, the retainer adapted to retain a workpiece, an imaging unit configured to acquire a detection image of an installation position at which the retainer is placed, a transfer mechanism configured to move the workpiece into the centrifugal separator, and a sensor processing unit configured to detect, based on the detection image acquired after an installation process of placing the workpiece into the retainer and before a rotation process of rotating the rotating member, a state of the workpiece subjected to the installation process.
According to an embodiment, a centrifugal separation apparatus includes, a centrifugal separator comprising a retainer and a rotating member for rotation of the retainer, the retainer adapted to retain a workpiece, an imaging unit configured to acquire a detection image of an installation position at which the retainer is placed, a transfer mechanism configured to move the workpiece into the centrifugal separator, and a sensor processing unit configured to detect, based on the detection image acquired after an installation process of placing the workpiece into the retainer and before a rotation process of rotating the rotating member, a state of the workpiece subjected to the installation process.
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
According to an embodiment, a label peeling device includes a container holding portion configured to hold a specimen container, and a cutter holder configured to detachably hold a cutter, to apply a blade of the cutter to a side surface of the specimen container held by the container holding portion with a label being attached to the side surface, and to move along an axial direction of the specimen container, thereby peeling the label attached to the side surface of the specimen container.
According to an embodiment, a label peeling device comprises a container holding portion configured to hold a specimen container, and a cutter holder configured to detachably hold a cutter, to apply a blade of the cutter to a side surface of the specimen container held by the container holding portion with a label being attached to the side surface, and to move along an axial direction of the specimen container, thereby peeling the label attached to the side surface of the specimen container.
According to an aspect of the invention, a specimen information detection apparatus includes, an image capture device configured to capture an image of a specimen container that contains a specimen, an illumination device configured to irradiate the specimen container with light sideways with respect to an image capturing direction when the image is captured, and an information processing portion configured to detect a state in the specimen container through image processing based on image information of the specimen container acquired by capturing the image of the specimen container.
G06T 7/90 - Determination of colour characteristics
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
G06V 10/56 - Extraction of image or video features relating to colour
G06V 30/224 - Character recognition characterised by the type of writing of printed characters having additional code marks or containing code marks
10.
SPECIMEN INFORMATION DETECTION APPARATUS AND SPECIMEN INFORMATION DETECTION METHOD
According to an aspect of the invention, a specimen information detection apparatus includes, an image capture device configured to capture an image of a specimen container that contains a specimen, an illumination device configured to irradiate the specimen container with light sideways with respect to an image capturing direction when the image is captured, and an information processing portion configured to detect a state in the specimen container through image processing based on image information of the specimen container acquired by capturing the image of the specimen container.
According to an embodiment, a detection apparatus includes an inclination sensor arranged to be capable of inclining according to an outer shape of a specimen container, the inclination sensor configured to detect inclination information, and an information processor configured to detect posture information of the specimen container based on the inclination information.
According to an embodiment, a detection apparatus includes an inclination sensor arranged to be capable of inclining according to an outer shape of a specimen container, the inclination sensor configured to detect inclination information, and an information processor configured to detect posture information of the specimen container based on the inclination information.
G01C 9/00 - Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
A holder transport apparatus according to an embodiment includes, an elevator device comprising a conveyance member which includes an ascending path and a descending path arranged along an ascending and descending circulation path that circulates, and a plurality of support plates which are attached to the conveyance member and support a holder which holds a sample container in an erect state.
B65G 1/127 - Storage devices mechanical with article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the circuit being confined in a vertical plane
B65G 17/12 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising a series of individual load-carriers fixed, or normally fixed, relative to traction element
A specimen processing apparatus includes; a first image acquisition portion configured to capture an image of a specimen container and acquire a first image of an outer peripheral surface of the specimen container; a label removal portion configured to remove at least a part of a label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen container; a second image acquisition portion configured to acquire a second image of the specimen container from which the at least part of the label is removed; and a label printing portion configured to prepare a copy label based on the first image.
A holder transport apparatus according to an embodiment includes, an elevator device comprising a conveyance member which includes an ascending path and a descending path arranged along an ascending and descending circulation path that circulates, and a plurality of support plates which are attached to the conveyance member and support a holder which holds a sample container in an erect state.
B65G 17/12 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising a series of individual load-carriers fixed, or normally fixed, relative to traction element
A holder transport apparatus according to an embodiment includes, an elevator device comprising a conveyance member which includes an ascending path and a descending path arranged along an ascending and descending circulation path that circulates, and a plurality of support plates which are attached to the conveyance member and support a holder which holds a sample container in an erect state.
According to an embodiment, a sample processing apparatus includes an image capture unit which captures an image of a sample container, and a sorting unit which performs a sorting process for the sample container based on a type of the sample container detected from the image.
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G06Q 90/00 - Systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial or supervisory purposes, not involving significant data processing
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
According to an embodiment, a sample processing apparatus comprises an image capture unit which captures an image of a sample container, and a sorting unit which performs a sorting process for the sample container based on a type of the sample container detected from the image.
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
G01N 37/00 - Details not covered by any other group of this subclass
19.
Centrifugal separation apparatus having a plurality of separators arranged and moveable in a base and centrifugal separation method
A centrifugal separation apparatus includes a plurality of centrifugal separators each comprising a rotator which supports a plurality of sample containers containing a sample therein, a base in which the centrifugal separators are arranged in columns and stages and a route is defined therein, the centrifugal separators being movable inside the base, and a movement mechanism that sequentially move the centrifugal separators along the route in the base.
A centrifugal separation apparatus includes a plurality of centrifugal separators each comprising a rotator which supports a plurality of sample containers containing a sample therein, a base in which the centrifugal separators are arranged in columns and stages and a route is defined therein, the centrifugal separators being movable inside the base, and a movement mechanism that sequentially move the centrifugal separators along the route in the base.
A conveying device includes a carrier which includes a holder side member; a conveying passage which guides conveyance of the carrier; a spirally-shaped spiral member which is arranged below the carrier and extends along the conveying passage, the spiral member causing between the spiral member and the holder side member a first force which acts in a direction away from the holder side member or a second force which acts to draw in the holder side member; a partition wall portion which is provided between the carrier and the spiral member and partitions the carrier and the spiral member; and a rotary unit which rotates the spiral member axis-wise thereof.
B65G 54/02 - Non-mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for electrostatic, electric, or magnetic
B65G 33/04 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for articles conveyed between a single screw and guiding means
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
B65G 37/00 - Combinations of mechanical conveyors of the same kind, or of different kinds, of interest apart from their application in particular machines or use in particular manufacturing processes
A conveying device includes a carrier which includes a holder side member; a conveying passage which guides conveyance of the carrier; a spirally-shaped spiral member which is arranged below the carrier and extends along the conveying passage, the spiral member causing between the spiral member and the holder side member a first force which acts in a direction away from the holder side member or a second force which acts to draw in the holder side member; a partition wall portion which is provided between the carrier and the spiral member and partitions the carrier and the spiral member; and a rotary unit which rotates the spiral member axis-wise thereof.
B65G 15/00 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration
23.
Cap-closing apparatus, cap-closing unit and cap-closing method
According to an embodiment, a cap-closing apparatus includes, a holding mechanism section configured to be capable of holding a cap which is attached to an opening of a specimen container that is formed to be capable of containing a specimen, a moving mechanism section configured to move the cap, a rotating mechanism section configured to rotate the cap, a torque detector configured to detect a torque at a time of rotation, and a controller configured to control an amount of rotation of the rotating mechanism section, based on the torque detected by the torque detector.
B65B 7/28 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
According to an embodiment, a cap-closing apparatus includes, a holding mechanism section configured to be capable of holding a cap which is attached to an opening of a specimen container that is formed to be capable of containing a specimen, a moving mechanism section configured to move the cap, a rotating mechanism section configured to rotate the cap, a torque detector configured to detect a torque at a time of rotation, and a controller configured to control an amount of rotation of the rotating mechanism section, based on the torque detected by the torque detector.
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
B65D 41/00 - Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge apertureProtective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
25.
Sample processing apparatus and sample processing method
According to an embodiment, a sample processing apparatus includes a detection section configured to detect pose information regarding a sample container which is configured to house a sample; and a raising section which turns the sample container in a predetermined direction based on the pose information regarding the sample container to raise the sample container.
According to an embodiment, a sample processing apparatus includes a detection section configured to detect pose information regarding a sample container which is configured to house a sample; and a raising section which turns the sample container in a predetermined direction based on the pose information regarding the sample container to raise the sample container.
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
G01N 35/10 - Devices for transferring samples to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
A carrying apparatus includes a holder which houses an object to be carried and which comprises a holder side member; a carrying path which guides the movement of the holder; a helical member which generates, between the holder side member and the helical member, a first force in a direction to depart from the holder side member or a second force to attract the holder side member and which is disposed along the carrying path; and a rotation unit which rotates the helical member.
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
A carrying apparatus includes a holder which houses an object to be carried and which comprises a holder side member; a carrying path which guides the movement of the holder; a helical member which generates, between the holder side member and the helical member, a first force in a direction to depart from the holder side member or a second force to attract the holder side member and which is disposed along the carrying path; and a rotation unit which rotates the helical member.
A61J 1/05 - Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids
B65G 33/02 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for articles
B65G 33/24 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors Details
An examination pretreatment apparatus includes a moving unit configured to place a tip portion of a rod member housed in a first container in a second container different from the first container through an opening in the second container; a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the tip portion; a position correction unit configured to correct the position of the tip portion; and a control unit configured to control the position correction unit so that the tip portion is housed in the second container, based on a result of detection by the position detection unit.
According to one embodiment, A chucking apparatus includes an arm that is configured to hold a test tube, an opening/closing mechanism that opens/closes the arm, a motor that drives the opening/closing mechanism, and a supplying unit configured to supply electric power to the motor at two different supply voltages.
B66C 1/00 - Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting, lowering, or hauling gear of cranes, or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting forces to articles or groups of articles
B66C 1/42 - Gripping members engaging only the external or internal surface of the articles
H02P 4/00 - Arrangements specially adapted for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of electric motors that can be connected to two or more different electric power supplies
B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
According to one embodiment, A chucking apparatus includes an arm that is configured to hold a test tube, an opening/closing mechanism that opens/closes the arm, a motor that drives the opening/closing mechanism, and a supplying unit configured to supply electric power to the motor at two different supply voltages.
A specimen transport apparatus according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a cup-like specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position, a chain member disposed along a predetermined transport path, and a supporting portion provided in a predetermined position on the chain member and configured to support the holder.
A stirring device according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position and a rotation mechanism section configured to rotate the specimen container, thereby stirring the specimen therein.
B01F 9/10 - Mixers with rotating receptacles rotating about a vertical axis
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
An example rack accommodation device includes a base capable of supporting supporters on a plurality of stages in a first direction and in a plurality of rows in a second direction across the first direction. The supporters are each configured to hold a rack capable of holding a plurality of upright sample holders each accommodating a sample. A first movement mechanism is configured to move the supporters in the first direction, and a second movement mechanism is configured to move the supporters in the second direction.
According to an embodiment, a rack accomodation device includes, a base capable of supporting supporters on a plurality of stages in a first direction and in a plurality of rows in a second direction across the first direction, the supporters each being configured to hold a rack capable of holding a plurality of upright sample holders each accommodating a sample, a first movement mechanism configured to move the supporters in the first direction, and a second movement mechanism configured to move the supporters in the second direction.
According to an embodiment, a sample information detection apparatus includes, a reflection unit includes a reflection mirror configured to reflect an image of a sample container configured to contain a sample, an image acquisition unit includes an imaging unit configured to image an imaging range covering images reflected by the reflection mirror, the image acquisition unit being configured to acquire the image of the sample container that is reflected by the reflection mirror, and a sample information detection unit configured to detect information displayed on a side portion of the sample container based on the acquired image.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
37.
SAMPLE INFORMATION DETECTION APPARATUS AND SAMPLE INFORMATION DETECTION METHOD
According to an embodiment, a sample information detection apparatus includes, a reflection unit includes a reflection mirror configured to reflect an image of a sample container configured to contain a sample, an image acquisition unit includes an imaging unit configured to image an imaging range covering images reflected by the reflection mirror, the image acquisition unit being configured to acquire the image of the sample container that is reflected by the reflection mirror, and a sample information detection unit configured to detect information displayed on a side portion of the sample container based on the acquired image.
According to an embodiment, a test preprocessing method includes, detecting a brightness of a specimen based on image of the specimen acquired by capturing the specimen before test processing of the specimen, and detecting a chylous state of the specimen based on the brightness, and detecting a hue of the specimen based on the image, and detecting a hemolytic state of the specimen based on the hue.
The present disclose provides a test preprocessing method which detects a test inhibiting factor of a specimen or specimen container before a test enables to prevent waste of reagents or processing for the test. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a brightness of a specimen based on image of the specimen acquired by capturing the specimen before test processing of the specimen, and detecting a chylous state of the specimen based on the brightness, and detecting a hue of the specimen based on the image, and detecting a hemolytic state of the specimen based on the hue.
According to an example of the invention, a test tube holder includes a holder body including a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical hollow portion, at least three guide grooves in the cylindrical wall and open on the inner peripheral side and upper end surface side, cam grooves which face the guide grooves and inclined obliquely upward, a plurality of holder members for test tube attachment which are fitted individually in the guide grooves of the holder body so as to be movable vertically and radially, cam pins which engage with the cam grooves so as to guide the holder member vertically and radially, and an urging spring which elastically urges the holder member to be pushed up so that the holder member is pressed upward and toward the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall.
patents
