公开(公告)号：EP0884575A2

公开(公告)日：1998-12-16

申请号：EP98304267.2

申请日：1998-05-29

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Inventor： McCandless, William ,  Lovette, Spencer ,  Lopez, Hugo ,  De Santo, Arthur

IPC: G01N1/00

CPC classification number: G01N35/1079 ,  G01N35/109 ,  Y10T436/11 ,  Y10T436/113332 ,  Y10T436/114998 ,  Y10T436/119163

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accessing a sealed container (12), and in particular a sealed container which is at a pressure other than atmospheric and which generally contains blood or other bodily fluid. A piercer (60) and a probe (62) are provided which are mounted to a XYZ positioning mechanism (30) and are controlled such that the piercer (60) passes through a stopper or seal (14) of the container (12), forming a cut therein through which the probe (62) may subsequently enter the container. A foot mechanism (64, 66, 68) is provided which is held against the stopper or seal for the container during piercer or probe removal for stripping purposes and through which the probe and piercer pass, the size and shape of the foot (68) bing such that for both piercing and probing operations, it is over only a single container (12). The piercer (60) and probe (62) are operated such that the one not being used is in each instance in a raised position relative to the one being used. A lubrication station is provided in which the piercer is dipped prior to use to facilitate the piercing operation, to coat the cut and to minimize stopper debris. A wash station is also provided.

Abstract translation: 提供一种用于访问密封容器（12）的方法和装置，特别是处于除大气之外的压力并且通常含有血液或其它体液的密封容器。 设置有穿孔器（60）和探头（62），其安装到XYZ定位机构（30）并被控制成使得穿孔器（60）穿过容器（12）的塞子或密封件（14）， 在其中形成切口，探针（62）可随后通过该切口进入容器。 提供了一种脚部机构（64,66,68），其在用于剥离目的的穿刺器或探针移除期间保持抵靠容器的塞子或密封件，并且探针和穿孔器通过该脚部机构（68）的尺寸和形状， 这样，对于穿刺和探测操作，它只是一个单一的容器（12）。 穿孔机（60）和探头（62）的操作使得未被使用的穿孔器（60）和探头（62）在每种情况下都相对于所使用的位置处于升高位置。 提供了一种润滑站，其中在使用之前将穿孔器浸入以便于穿孔操作，以涂覆切口并最小化止动器碎片。 还提供洗手台。

公开(公告)号：EP0747689A3

公开(公告)日：1997-10-29

申请号：EP96304222.1

申请日：1996-06-06

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Inventor： Inacu, Fulga ,  Lovette, Spencer M. ,  McCandless, William

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  G01N35/10

CPC classification number: G01N35/1016

Abstract: A fluid is aspirated from a sealed container (12) and a precise quantity of the aspirated fluid is dispensed. The method involves standard steps of inserting a probe (20 into the container (12) through the container seal (14) and aspirating bubbles and the selected quantity of fluid into the probe before removing the probe from the container and dispensing the fluid. The method also includes an additional step performed at at least one stage in the method to assure that, before the dispensing operation is performed, sample fluid in the probe extends to the end of the probe without any fluid extending beyond the end of the probe. For one embodiment of the invention, both the selected quantity of fluid to be dispensed and a selected extra volume of fluid are initially aspirated and, prior to the dispensing step, a selected quantity of the sample which is greater than the maximum amount that air bubbles in the probe might shrink as a result of the pressure in the container being less than the pressure outside the container, but less than the selected extra volume, is wasted. An additional step might be to withdraw a volume of fluid from the probe before the probe is inserted into the container which is substantially equal to the fluid and air bubbles to be aspirated, such fluid being replaced by air entering the probe and then dispensing such volume of air from the probe into the container after the probe has been inserted into the container. A hollow needle (18) may also be inserted into the container prior to the aspiration operation to equalize the pressure inside and outside the container before the above step is performed or, the pressure and air volume in the container may be determined and used to calculate the change in air volume of air bubbles which will occur when the probe is removed from the container and this information used to compensate for such increase or shrinkage when fluid is removed from the probe prior to insertion into the container and when air from the probe is injected into the container after insertion.

公开(公告)号：EP0747689B1

公开(公告)日：2002-01-23

申请号：EP96304222.1

申请日：1996-06-06

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Inventor： Iancu, Fulga ,  Lovette, Spencer M. ,  McCandless, William

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  G01N35/10

CPC classification number: G01N35/1016

公开(公告)号：EP0932041A2

公开(公告)日：1999-07-28

申请号：EP99300513.1

申请日：1999-01-25

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION INC.

Inventor： Anderson, Eric S.

IPC: G01N33/49

CPC classification number: G01N33/4905

Abstract: One method and apparatus for analyzing clotting characteristics of a blood sample includes the use of a non-linear equation having coefficients capable of being related to the underlying clotting processes. The non-linear equation is curve fit to a waveform of a clotting sample to provide values for the coefficients of the non-linear function. Once the coefficients are obtained, an inference engine may be used to evaluate the non-linear relationship between the coefficients and factor concentrations within the blood sample. Advantageously, the waveform of the actual sample may be detrended to extract a residual oscillatory component to aid in the determination of initial coefficients for simplifying the curve fit operation. The non-linear equation may additionally be used for providing simulated clotting waveforms for testing clot analysis instruments. A residual oscillatory component may advantageously be extracted from the clotting signal. The oscillatory components may be used to provide a high quality clot time indicator for the sample. In addition, the oscillatory component may be used to correct for clot anomalies by correlating the frequency of the oscillatory to various physical characteristics of the blood clot. The oscillatory component may be used to provide initial estimates for values of the coefficients of the logistic. The logistic, because it represents knowledge as to the underlying chemistry of the clotting process, may also be used to provide initial estimates for coefficients of the logistic, and may also be used to enhance the accuracy of existing polynomial template clot analysis techniques. The logistic model may also be used to verify the operation of clot analysis tools.

Abstract translation: 用于分析血液样本的凝血特征的一种方法和装置包括使用具有能够与潜在凝血过程相关的系数的非线性方程式。 非线性方程曲线拟合到凝固样品的波形，以提供非线性函数系数的值。 一旦获得了系数，就可以使用推理机来评估血样中的系数和因子浓度之间的非线性关系。 有利地，实际样品的波形可以被去除以提取残余振荡分量以帮助确定初始系数以简化曲线拟合操作。 非线性方程可以另外用于提供用于测试凝块分析仪器的模拟凝血波形。 可以有利地从凝血信号中提取残留振荡成分。 振荡组分可用于为样品提供高质量的凝血时间指示剂。 此外，通过将振荡频率与血块的各种物理特征相关联，振荡组件可用于校正血块异常。 振荡分量可用于为逻辑系数的值提供初始估计。 因为它代表关于凝血过程的基础化学的知识的逻辑，也可以用于提供逻辑系数的初始估计，并且也可以用于提高现有多项式模板凝块分析技术的准确性。 物流模型也可用于验证凝块分析工具的操作。

公开(公告)号：EP0884575A3

公开(公告)日：1999-06-09

申请号：EP98304267.2

申请日：1998-05-29

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Inventor： McCandless, William ,  Lovette, Spencer ,  Lopez, Hugo ,  De Santo, Arthur

IPC: G01N1/00

CPC classification number: G01N35/1079 ,  G01N35/109 ,  Y10T436/11 ,  Y10T436/113332 ,  Y10T436/114998 ,  Y10T436/119163

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accessing a sealed container (12), and in particular a sealed container which is at a pressure other than atmospheric and which generally contains blood or other bodily fluid. A piercer (60) and a probe (62) are provided which are mounted to a XYZ positioning mechanism (30) and are controlled such that the piercer (60) passes through a stopper or seal (14) of the container (12), forming a cut therein through which the probe (62) may subsequently enter the container. A foot mechanism (64, 66, 68) is provided which is held against the stopper or seal for the container during piercer or probe removal for stripping purposes and through which the probe and piercer pass, the size and shape of the foot (68) bing such that for both piercing and probing operations, it is over only a single container (12). The piercer (60) and probe (62) are operated such that the one not being used is in each instance in a raised position relative to the one being used. A lubrication station is provided in which the piercer is dipped prior to use to facilitate the piercing operation, to coat the cut and to minimize stopper debris. A wash station is also provided.

Abstract translation: 提供一种用于访问密封容器（12）的方法和装置，特别是处于除大气之外的压力并且通常含有血液或其它体液的密封容器。 设置有穿孔器（60）和探头（62），其安装到XYZ定位机构（30）并被控制成使得穿孔器（60）穿过容器（12）的塞子或密封件（14）， 在其中形成切口，探针（62）可随后通过该切口进入容器。 提供了一种脚部机构（64,66,68），其在用于剥离目的的穿刺器或探针移除期间保持抵靠容器的塞子或密封件，并且探针和穿孔器通过该脚部机构（68）的尺寸和形状， 这样，对于穿刺和探测操作，它只是一个单一的容器（12）。 穿孔机（60）和探头（62）的操作使得未被使用的穿孔器（60）和探头（62）在每种情况下都相对于所使用的位置处于升高位置。 提供了一种润滑站，其中在使用之前将穿孔器浸入以便于穿孔操作，以涂覆切口并最小化止动器碎片。 还提供洗手台。

公开(公告)号：EP0444136A1

公开(公告)日：1991-09-04

申请号：EP90900482.0

申请日：1989-11-16

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION INC.

Inventor： FROEHLICH, John, A. ,  ANDERSON, Eric, S.

IPC: B01L3 ,  G01N21

CPC classification number: B01L3/545 ,  G01N21/03 ,  G01N2021/0325 ,  G01N2201/0256

Abstract: Cuvette (10) adaptée pour une utilisation avec un appareil d'analyse photométrique du sang et analogue. Ladite cuvette (10) comprend un réceptacle à rebords souples (30) améliorant le positionnement de ladite cuvette. Des modes de réalisation à une et deux cuvettes sont décrits. L'invention comprend en outre un moyen de codage d'une cuvette (10) permettant la détection optique de cette dernière, au moyen de facettes multiples (34) réfléchissant la lumière passant à travers ces dernières, et moulées de manière solidaire dans les rebords (30).

公开(公告)号：EP0932041A3

公开(公告)日：2000-08-30

申请号：EP99300513.1

申请日：1999-01-25

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION INC.

Inventor： Anderson, Eric S.

IPC: G01N33/49

CPC classification number: G01N33/4905

Abstract: One method and apparatus for analyzing clotting characteristics of a blood sample includes the use of a non-linear equation having coefficients capable of being related to the underlying clotting processes. The non-linear equation is curve fit to a waveform of a clotting sample to provide values for the coefficients of the non-linear function. Once the coefficients are obtained, an inference engine may be used to evaluate the non-linear relationship between the coefficients and factor concentrations within the blood sample. Advantageously, the waveform of the actual sample may be detrended to extract a residual oscillatory component to aid in the determination of initial coefficients for simplifying the curve fit operation. The non-linear equation may additionally be used for providing simulated clotting waveforms for testing clot analysis instruments. A residual oscillatory component may advantageously be extracted from the clotting signal. The oscillatory components may be used to provide a high quality clot time indicator for the sample. In addition, the oscillatory component may be used to correct for clot anomalies by correlating the frequency of the oscillatory to various physical characteristics of the blood clot. The oscillatory component may be used to provide initial estimates for values of the coefficients of the logistic. The logistic, because it represents knowledge as to the underlying chemistry of the clotting process, may also be used to provide initial estimates for coefficients of the logistic, and may also be used to enhance the accuracy of existing polynomial template clot analysis techniques. The logistic model may also be used to verify the operation of clot analysis tools.

公开(公告)号：EP0884575B1

公开(公告)日：2007-04-18

申请号：EP98304267.2

申请日：1998-05-29

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Inventor： McCandless, William ,  Lovette, Spencer ,  Lopez, Hugo ,  De Santo, Arthur

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  B01L11/00 ,  B01L3/02

CPC classification number: G01N35/1079 ,  G01N35/109 ,  Y10T436/11 ,  Y10T436/113332 ,  Y10T436/114998 ,  Y10T436/119163

公开(公告)号：EP0784587A1

公开(公告)日：1997-07-23

申请号：EP95904047.0

申请日：1994-10-18

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION INC.

Inventor： CALHOUN, Jeffrey, E. ,  PERAGINE, Daniel, A., Jr. ,  SCORDATO, Emil ,  HELSTERN, Gary, C.

IPC: B65G59 ,  G01N35 ,  G07F11

CPC classification number: G07F11/22 ,  B65G59/062 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N2035/0465

Abstract: A feeder system (10) for sequentially supplying a plurality of cuvettes (30) or other objects to a conveyor track (18). The system includes a cassette (24), an escapement (15), and an actuator (198). The cassette retains the objects/cuvettes in at least one substantially vertical stack over the conveyor. The escapement (198) is movable between a first position in which the escapement supports the bottom object in the stack, a second middle position in which the escapement supports both the bottom object and the object above it and a third position in which the escapement continues to support the object in said stack above the bottom object and releases the bottom object to be deposited on the conveyor. The actuator moves the escapement between the first, second and third positions. Novel apparatus for use in the system, including a stick (86) for loading cuvettes into a cassette and a cuvette particularly adapted for stacking, are also provided.

公开(公告)号：EP0747689A2

公开(公告)日：1996-12-11

申请号：EP96304222.1

申请日：1996-06-06

Applicant: MEDICAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Inventor： Inacu, Fulga ,  Lovette, Spencer M. ,  McCandless, William

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  G01N35/10

CPC classification number: G01N35/1016

Abstract: A fluid is aspirated from a sealed container (12) and a precise quantity of the aspirated fluid is dispensed. The method involves standard steps of inserting a probe (20 into the container (12) through the container seal (14) and aspirating bubbles and the selected quantity of fluid into the probe before removing the probe from the container and dispensing the fluid. The method also includes an additional step performed at at least one stage in the method to assure that, before the dispensing operation is performed, sample fluid in the probe extends to the end of the probe without any fluid extending beyond the end of the probe. For one embodiment of the invention, both the selected quantity of fluid to be dispensed and a selected extra volume of fluid are initially aspirated and, prior to the dispensing step, a selected quantity of the sample which is greater than the maximum amount that air bubbles in the probe might shrink as a result of the pressure in the container being less than the pressure outside the container, but less than the selected extra volume, is wasted. An additional step might be to withdraw a volume of fluid from the probe before the probe is inserted into the container which is substantially equal to the fluid and air bubbles to be aspirated, such fluid being replaced by air entering the probe and then dispensing such volume of air from the probe into the container after the probe has been inserted into the container. A hollow needle (18) may also be inserted into the container prior to the aspiration operation to equalize the pressure inside and outside the container before the above step is performed or, the pressure and air volume in the container may be determined and used to calculate the change in air volume of air bubbles which will occur when the probe is removed from the container and this information used to compensate for such increase or shrinkage when fluid is removed from the probe prior to insertion into the container and when air from the probe is injected into the container after insertion.

Abstract translation: 从密封容器（12）吸出流体，并且分配精确量的抽吸流体。 该方法包括将探头（20）通过容器密封件（14）插入到容器（12）中并将所选量的流体吸入探针中的标准步骤，然后从容器中取出探针并分配流体。 还包括在该方法中在至少一个阶段执行的附加步骤，以确保在分配操作执行之前，探针中的样品流体延伸到探针的末端，而没有任何流体延伸超过探针的端部，对于一个 在本发明的实施方案中，首先吸取选择量的待分配流体和选定的额外体积的流体，并且在分配步骤之前，选择量的样品大于最大量的气泡 由于容器内的压力小于容器外部的压力但小于所选择的额外体积，因此探针会收缩，另外还有一步mi 在探针插入容器中之前要从探针中取出一定体积的液体，该容器基本上等于要吸入的流体和气泡，这种流体被进入探头的空气替代，然后从空气中分配这样的空气量 将探针插入容器后将探头插入容器。 在进行上述步骤之前，空心针（18）也可以在抽吸操作之前插入容器中以均衡容器内部和外部的压力，或者可以确定容器中的压力和空气体积并用于计算 当探头从容器中取出时将发生的气泡的空气体积变化，以及用于在插入容器之前流体从探针中取出时以及当来自探针的空气是否为 插入后注入容器。