公开(公告)号：US20050054112A1

公开(公告)日：2005-03-10

申请号：US10940915

申请日：2004-09-14

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  James Shaw

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  James Shaw

IPC: G01N33/72 ,  G01N33/92 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01N35/00594 ,  G01N35/00603 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G01N2035/1055 ,  G01N2035/1062 ,  Y10T436/11 ,  Y10T436/112499 ,  Y10T436/114998 ,  Y10T436/119163 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: 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. Another possible aspect of the present invention relates to improving performance of the analyzer by sealing the end of the metering tip to spontaneously form a cuvette for holding the sample during the sample quality measurement. Some advantages of the present system and method include improved throughput, the capability to use smaller sample liquid volumes, eliminating any need for a separate supply of cuvettes independent of the metering tips, and providing for detection through a cone of the metering tip rather than through any label, compared to doing the scanning of the sample liquid in a primary patient collection container.

Abstract translation: 一种用于检测和分析患者样品质量和/或分析物的系统，同时样品在用于从原始患者样品容器吸出样品液体的计量头中，并且还将液体分配到载玻片测试元件上。 可以在样品液体上进行分光光度分析，同时其仍处于已经转化为比色杯的尖端中。 用于这种分析的一种技术是通过在不透光的外壳中扫描比色杯以获得透射率。 可以使用近红外和相邻的可见光，并检测和分析液体的吸收光谱。 本发明的可能方面涉及通过在与主分析仪定时周期平行的处理中进行样本质量测量来提高分析器的生产量。 本发明的另一个可能的方面涉及通过密封测量尖端的端部来自动形成用于在样品质量测量期间保持样品的比色杯来提高分析仪的性能。 本系统和方法的一些优点包括提高吞吐量，使用较小样品液体体积的能力，消除了独立于计量尖端独立供应比色皿的任何需要，并且通过计量尖端的锥体提供检测，而不是通过 与在初级患者收集容器中扫描样品液体相比，任何标签。

公开(公告)号：US20070054405A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-08

申请号：US10968524

申请日：2004-10-19

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  Michael Sundberg ,  Zhong Ding

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  Michael Sundberg ,  Zhong Ding

IPC: G01N33/86

CPC classification number: G01N15/042 ,  G01N15/0211 ,  G01N15/05 ,  G01N33/4905 ,  G01N33/80

Abstract: An apparatus for classifying a liquid patient sample includes at least one sample container having a quantity of a sample that is aggressively acted upon so as to create a flow field. A measurement mechanism includes at least one low angle light emitter aligned with a measurement window of the at least one sample container and a detector oppositely disposed relative to the measurement window. Measurement of the scattered light detects particle characteristics of a moving flow field from the sample to determine, for example, the amount of agglutination of the sample so as to perform blood typing or other classifications without spatial separation.

Abstract translation: 用于对液体患者样品进行分类的装置包括至少一个样品容器，该样品容器具有积极作用的样品数量以产生流场。 测量机构包括与至少一个样品容器的测量窗对准的至少一个低角度光发射器和相对于测量窗相对设置的检测器。 散射光的测量检测来自样品的移动流场的粒子特性，以确定例如样品的凝集量，以进行血液分型或其它分类而不进行空间分离。

公开(公告)号：US20060154372A1

公开(公告)日：2006-07-13

申请号：US11302660

申请日：2005-12-14

Applicant: Thomas Arter ,  Merrit Jacobs

Inventor： Thomas Arter ,  Merrit Jacobs

IPC: G01N35/00

CPC classification number: G01N35/00 ,  G01N2035/00633 ,  Y10T436/11

Abstract: A method of providing motion to a sample during a reaction phase in an incubator of a clinical analyzer includes: providing an analyzer containing an incubator, wherein the incubator has one or more cells for containing sample and optionally one or more reagents; moving the incubator to position one or more cells to perform an operation, the operation includes dispensing a sample and optionally one or more reagents into each of the one or more cells; and additionally moving the incubator in such a manner that the number of motions of the one or more cells during the reaction phase for an assay does not substantially change as a function of the number of samples being analyzed in the incubator or the order of the sample in the incubator for the same assay. Also disclosed is a method for increasing precision for multiple assays in a clinical analyzer, which includes: providing an analyzer containing an incubator, wherein the incubator has two or more cells for containing sample to be assayed and optionally one or more reagents; moving the incubator to position the two or more cells to perform an operation, the operation includes dispensing a sample and optionally one or more reagents into each of the two or more cells; and additionally moving the sample prior to performing a measurement of the sample, such that samples receiving the step of additionally moving have greater precision than samples which do not receive the step of additionally moving.

Abstract translation: 在临床分析仪的培养箱中的反应阶段期间向样品提供运动的方法包括：提供含有培养箱的分析器，其中培养箱具有一个或多个用于容纳样品和任选的一种或多种试剂的细胞; 移动培养器以定位一个或多个细胞以进行操作，所述操作包括将样品和任选的一种或多种试剂分配到所述一个或多个细胞的每一个中; 并且另外移动培养箱，使得在用于测定的反应阶段期间的一个或多个细胞的运动次数基本上不随培养箱中分析的样品数量或样品的顺序而变化 在孵化器中进行相同的检测。 还公开了一种用于在临床分析仪中提高多个测定的精度的方法，其包括：提供包含培养箱的分析仪，其中培养箱具有两个或更多个用于包含要测定的样品的细胞和任选的一种或多种试剂; 移动培养器以定位两个或更多个细胞以进行操作，操作包括将样品和任选的一种或多种试剂分配到两个或更多个细胞中的每一个中; 并且在进行样本的测量之前另外移动样本，使得接收附加移动步骤的样本具有比不接收附加移动步骤的样本更高的精度。

公开(公告)号：US4262541A

公开(公告)日：1981-04-21

申请号：US024645

申请日：1979-03-28

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs

IPC: G01N33/22 ,  G01N3/08

CPC classification number: G01N33/222

Abstract: A method of testing the aging properties of a rubber-based propellant by exposing a stressed sample of the rubber-based propellant to a controlled flow of air containing a carefully controlled concentration of ozone, and periodically measuring the physical properties.

Abstract translation: 通过将基于橡胶的推进剂的应力样品暴露于含有精心控制的臭氧浓度的受控空气流并且周期性地测量物理性质来测试橡胶基推进剂的老化性能的方法。

公开(公告)号：US07764372B2

公开(公告)日：2010-07-27

申请号：US11930433

申请日：2007-10-31

Applicant: Donald James Moran, Jr. ,  Michael W. LaCourt ,  Davis Freeman, III ,  Merrit Jacobs ,  David Allen Heavener

Inventor： Donald James Moran, Jr. ,  Michael W. LaCourt ,  Davis Freeman, III ,  Merrit Jacobs ,  David Allen Heavener

IPC: G01J3/42 ,  G01N21/64

CPC classification number: G01N21/59

Abstract: A method for measuring the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by spectrophotometry: providing an open top cuvette having a sample with an analyte to be measured; providing a light source and a detector for detecting emitted light; taking at least two measurements that includes: (i) directing at least two beams of light from the light source to different locations on the cuvette; (ii) passing the at least two beams through the cuvette at their respective locations and through the sample to be measured; and (iii) measuring at least two respective emitted light beams with the detector; and comparing the at least two emitted light beams to determine if: all the emitted light beams should be disregarded; one or more of the emitted light beams should be disregarded; or the sample absorbances should be averaged. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes taking at least three measurements. In another preferred embodiment, the spectrophotometry is absorption spectrophotometry, and the method is performed on a diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract translation: 通过分光光度法测量样品中分析物的存在或浓度的方法：提供具有待测量待分析物的样品的开放顶部比色皿; 提供光源和用于检测发射光的检测器; 进行至少两个测量，其包括：（i）将来自光源的至少两束光束引导到比色杯上的不同位置; （ii）使所述至少两束光束在其各自的位置通过所述比色皿并通过待测样品; 和（iii）用检测器测量至少两个相应的发射光束; 以及比较所述至少两个发射的光束以确定是否：所有发射的光束应被忽略; 一个或多个发射光束应被忽略; 或样品吸光度应平均。 在优选实施例中，该方法包括进行至少三次测量。 在另一个优选的实施方案中，分光光度法是吸收分光光度法，并且该方法在诊断分析仪上进行。

公开(公告)号：US07247487B2

公开(公告)日：2007-07-24

申请号：US10464156

申请日：2003-06-18

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  Zhong Ding

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  Zhong Ding

IPC: G01N35/08 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N1/10 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: F04B19/006 ,  Y10T137/0318 ,  Y10T436/11 ,  Y10T436/118339 ,  Y10T436/119163 ,  Y10T436/25 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: A method of transporting a desired fluid in a channel includes: providing a working fluid to transport the desired fluid, such as a sample; providing a first segment of a first buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; providing a first segment of the desired fluid; providing a second segment of a second buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; providing the desired fluid to be transported and further manipulated; and transporting the desired fluid in the channel by applying a motive force to the working fluid which in turn exerts force against the desired fluid through the first and second buffer fluid. The method prevents dilution of a sample in an apparatus such as a diagnostic analyzer or an apparatus for immunohematological testing of blood. A microfluidics handling system includes a microsystem platform that has: a substrate having: a first flat, planar surface; and a second flat planar surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface includes: at least one microchannel; an optional reagent source; an optional reaction chamber; a source of motive force to transport the fluid; a working fluid in the microchannels; a first segment of a first buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; a first segment of the desired fluid; a second segment of a second buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; and the desired fluid to be transported and further manipulated, wherein the fluid is present in the microchannels in the order of working fluid; first buffer fluid; first segment of the desired fluid, second buffer fluid; and the desired fluid.

Abstract translation: 在通道中输送所需流体的方法包括：提供工作流体以输送所需流体，例如样品; 提供与工作流体和所需流体不混溶的第一缓冲流体的第一段; 提供所需流体的第一段; 提供与工作流体和期望流体不混溶的第二缓冲流体的第二段; 提供要运输和进一步操纵的所需流体; 以及通过向所述工作流体施加动力来输送所述通道中的所需流体，所述工作流体又通过所述第一和第二缓冲流体对期望的流体施加力。 该方法防止样品在诸如诊断分析仪或血液免疫血液学检测装置之类的装置中稀释。 微流体处理系统包括微系统平台，该微系统平台具有：具有：第一平坦的平面; 以及与第一表面相对的第二平坦平面。 第一表面包括：至少一个微通道; 任选的试剂源; 可选的反应室; 输送流体的动力源; 微通道中的工作流体; 与工作流体和所需流体不混溶的第一缓冲流体的第一段; 所需流体的第一段; 与工作流体和所需流体不混溶的第二缓冲流体的第二段; 以及待运输和进一步操纵的期望流体，其中流体以工作流体的顺序存在于微通道中; 第一缓冲液; 所需流体的第一段，第二缓冲流体; 和所需的流体。

公开(公告)号：US20060104865A1

公开(公告)日：2006-05-18

申请号：US10988251

申请日：2004-11-12

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  Robert Burkovich

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  Robert Burkovich

IPC: B01L9/00

CPC classification number: B01L7/52 ,  B01L3/50851 ,  B01L2300/1805 ,  B01L2300/1883

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container. The device includes: a unitary heat or cold source providing a source of heat or cold; heat exchange elements in thermal communication with the heat or cold source and extending away from the heat or cold source; a thermal barrier between each of said heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the heat exchange elements from each other. Each heat exchange element is thermally associated with one or more chambers that are different from one or more chambers associated with other heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the chambers from each other. Preferably the container is a sample or reagent container used in a clinical analyzer, such as a multi-chamber reaction cuvette or a multi-chamber microtiter plate. An incubator assembly, preferably usable in a clinical analyzer, can include the device for heating or cooling.

Abstract translation: 用于加热或冷却多个单室容器或多室容器的装置。 该装置包括：提供热源或冷源的单一热源或冷源; 与热源或冷源热交换并且远离热源或冷源延伸的热交换元件; 每个所述热交换元件之间的热障将热交换元件彼此热隔离。 每个热交换元件与一个或多个不同于与其它热交换元件相关联的一个或多个室的腔室热关联，以将隔室彼此热隔离。 优选地，容器是用于临床分析器中的样品或试剂容器，例如多腔反应试管或多室微量滴定板。 优选可用于临床分析仪的培养箱组件可包括用于加热或冷却的装置。

公开(公告)号：US20050074897A1

公开(公告)日：2005-04-07

申请号：US10417912

申请日：2003-04-17

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  Ann Skrobach ,  Andrew Foote ,  Anthony Machulskis

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  Ann Skrobach ,  Andrew Foote ,  Anthony Machulskis

IPC: G01N1/40 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N1/00

CPC classification number: G01N1/40 ,  G01N2035/00564 ,  Y10T436/25 ,  Y10T436/25125 ,  Y10T436/25375 ,  Y10T436/255 ,  Y10T436/25625 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: A method for removing undesired component(s) from bound desired component(s) in an analysis including: (a) providing a container having a desired component bound thereto and an undesired component; (b) dispensing wash fluid in the container at a first level sufficient to contact a portion of the bound desired component; (c) oscillating wash fluid level in the container; and (d) removing a portion of the wash fluid from the container. A method for removing undesired components from bound desired components in an analysis including steps (a) and (b) above; (c) removing the wash fluid; (d) dispensing a wash fluid at a subsequent level lower than the first level and sufficient to wash the bound desired substrate; and (e) removing wash fluid. Preferably, the desired component is an analyte being measured. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for removing an undesired component from a bound desired component in an analysis by removing a surface portion of fluid containing a portion of the undesired component.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在分析中从结合的所需组分除去不需要的组分的方法，包括：（a）提供具有结合到其上的所需组分的容器和不期望的组分; （b）以足以接触所述结合的所需组分的一部分的第一水平分配所述容器中的洗涤流体; （c）在容器中振荡冲洗液面; 和（d）从容器中除去洗涤液的一部分。 一种用于在包括上述步骤（a）和（b）的分析中从结合的所需组分中除去不想要的组分的方法; （c）去除洗涤液; （d）在低于第一水平的后续水平处分配洗涤液体并足以洗涤结合的所需底物; 和（e）除去洗涤液。 优选地，所需组分是被测量的分析物。 本发明的另一方面提供了一种在分析中通过去除含有一部分不需要的组分的流体的表面部分从结合的所需组分中除去不需要的组分的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20060286004A1

公开(公告)日：2006-12-21

申请号：US11153098

申请日：2005-06-15

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  Nicholas Van Brunt

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  Nicholas Van Brunt

IPC: B01L9/00

CPC classification number: B01L3/08 ,  B01L2200/026 ,  B01L2300/047 ,  G01N2035/00277

Abstract: A foam reducing or eliminating container for containing a liquid includes: a container body having a top portion, a bottom portion and an opening for adding a liquid to or removing a liquid from the container body; and a hollow baffle located within the container with first and second openings therein. The first and second openings are covered with a pierceable seal, wherein the first opening of the baffle is at least partially aligned with the opening of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a reagent supply container for an automated analyzer, which includes: a container as described above; and a closure which is movable away from the opening of the container to be in an open position and movable into contact with the opening to be in a closed position. In another preferred embodiment a reagent supply for an automated analyzer includes: the reagent supply container as described above; and a liquid reagent therein. The second opening of the baffle is submerged in liquid. A method for reducing or eliminating the aspiration of foam into a metering probe includes: providing a reagent supply as described above; providing a metering probe movable in a direction toward and away from the reagent supply; moving the closure away from the opening of the container; piercing both seals covering the first and second openings of the baffle allowing liquid to enter the baffle from the end of the baffle submerged in the liquid, wherein the seals may or may not be pierced with the metering probe; moving the metering probe into the first opening of the baffle and into contact with the liquid in the baffle; aspirating a selected amount of liquid in the baffle; and moving the metering probe out of the baffle.

Abstract translation: 用于容纳液体的泡沫减少或消除容器包括：具有顶部，底部和用于将液体添加到容器主体或从容器主体移除液体的开口的容器主体; 以及位于容器内的中空挡板，其中具有第一和第二开口。 第一和第二开口用可刺破的密封件覆盖，其中挡板的第一开口至少部分地与容器的开口对准。 在优选实施例中，容器是用于自动分析器的试剂供应容器，其包括：如上所述的容器; 以及能够远离容器的开口移动以使其处于打开位置并且能够与开口接触以处于关闭位置的闭合件。 在另一个优选的实施方案中，用于自动分析仪的试剂供应器包括：如上所述的试剂供应容器; 和其中的液体试剂。 挡板的第二个开口被浸没在液体中。 用于减少或消除泡沫进入计量探针的方法包括：提供如上所述的试剂供应; 提供可在朝向和远离所述试剂供应的方向移动的测量探针; 将盖子从容器的开口移开; 穿过覆盖挡板的第一和第二开口的两个密封件，允许液体从浸没在液体中的挡板的端部进入挡板，其中密封件可以或不可以用计量探头刺穿; 将测量探针移动到挡板的第一开口并与挡板中的液体接触; 在挡板中吸取选定量的液体; 并将测量探针移出挡板。

公开(公告)号：US20060228262A1

公开(公告)日：2006-10-12

申请号：US11093606

申请日：2005-03-30

Applicant: Merrit Jacobs ,  Robert Burkovich

Inventor： Merrit Jacobs ,  Robert Burkovich

IPC: G01N35/00

CPC classification number: G01N35/1002 ,  B01L3/50825 ,  G01N2035/0405 ,  Y10T436/11 ,  Y10T436/113332 ,  Y10T436/114998 ,  Y10T436/202499

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a container having a slidable shutter closure moving past the apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft into a line of travel, whereby the extension is adapted to engage the shutter closure of the container and move the shutter closure from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. A reagent source for an automated analyzer includes: a reagent source which includes a container having a shutter closure which slides between an open and closed position; an apparatus for opening and closing the container. The apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft, whereby the extension is located to engage the shutter closure of the container as the container is transported past the extension; and a bidirectional conveyor for transporting the container into engagement with and past the apparatus for opening and closing.