Patents Assigned to Li-Cor, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20190323966
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the imaging of a biological sample with a top-down camera and a side-view camera. A biological sample is held on an imaging stage that is capable of rotation in two orthogonal axes. The top-down and side-view cameras can record a series of images of the sample using multiple imaging modalities at different rotational positions of the imaging stage. The top-down camera can be translated along its optical axis to affect the camera zoom and influence the resolution and field of view of the recorded images. Fluorescence excitation light sources can be positioned proximate to each of the top-down and side-view cameras to provide substantially uniform illumination of the sample for imaging with each camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Han-Wei Wang, Lyle R. Middendorf
  • Patent number: 10395350
    Abstract: Systems and method for processing image data of an image to determine a signal quantification value for a signal of interest in the image data. The method includes identifying a first region of the image including a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a pixel intensity value, said first region including the signal of interest and a background signal component; determining, using the image data, a total number of discrete pixel intensity values for the plurality of pixels in the first region; calculating, for each discrete pixel intensity value, a total number of the pixels in the first region having that discrete pixel intensity value; determining a mean value of the background signal component based on the total number of pixels for each discrete pixel intensity value; and calculating a signal quantification value, for the signal of interest, that represents the signal of interest with the background signal component removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Li-Cor, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick G. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 10386301
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the imaging of a biological sample with a top-down camera and a side-view camera. A biological sample is held on an imaging stage that is capable of rotation in two orthogonal axes. The top-down and side-view cameras can record a series of images of the sample using multiple imaging modalities at different rotational positions of the imaging stage. The top-down camera can be translated along its optical axis to affect the camera zoom and influence the resolution and field of view of the recorded images. Fluorescence excitation light sources can be positioned proximate to each of the top-down and side-view cameras to provide substantially uniform illumination of the sample for imaging with each camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: LI-COR, INC.
    Inventors: Han-Wei Wang, Lyle R. Middendorf
  • Patent number: 10379048
    Abstract: An imaging device is described that uses multiple cameras to image a biological sample on a turntable bathed in white light or fluorescing due to a systemically administered dye. Fluorescence farther away from an excitation light source can be compensated upon determining a 3-D position of portions of the sample. The turntable is turned and tilted in order to take enough images to prepare an animation of the sample. In a graphical user interface, the animation can be stopped, zoomed, and tilted per a user's gesture, touch, tablet-tilting, or other commands. The image manipulation can be with touch gestures entered using a sterilizable or disposable touch pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LI-COR, INC.
    Inventor: Han-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 10365290
    Abstract: Multifunctional molecular weight protein ladders and methods of making thereof are disclosed herein that are useful for determining the molecular weight of a test protein and/or the relative mass or amount of the test protein in a protein separation assay, such as gel electrophoresis or western blotting. Also included are compounds of Formula I (e.g., mono acetylated MP-11 NHS ester) that may be used to label purified proteins of the protein ladder. The MP-11 label protein ladder can be detected on a blotting membrane by exposing the microperoxidase to a suitable substrate, such as a chromogenic substrate or a chemiluminescent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: LI-COR, INC.
    Inventors: Nisha Padhye, Rose Skopp, Ying Wang
  • Publication number: 20190209013
    Abstract: Methods are provided for the highlighting of features in composite images through the alternating of images having complementary colors. An image having a feature of interest is used to generate one or more pseudo color images. A series of a pseudo color images and one or more additional pseudo color or original color images are then alternately displayed so that the differently colored regions among the series of images are easily recognizable to an operator. The differently colored regions differ in having hues that are complementary to one another. The methods are particularly useful for the display of information using two or more imaging modalities and channels, such as is the case for some medical applications in which a natural-light image of pink or light-red tissue with deeper red or blue vasculature is overlaid with another functional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Han-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 10278586
    Abstract: Methods are provided for the highlighting of features in composite images through the alternating of images having complementary colors. An image having a feature of interest is used to generate one or more pseudo color images. A series of a pseudo color images and one or more additional pseudo color or original color images are then alternately displayed so that the differently colored regions among the series of images are easily recognizable to an operator. The differently colored regions differ in having hues that are complementary to one another. The methods are particularly useful for the display of information using two or more imaging modalities and channels, such as is the case for some medical applications in which a natural-light image of pink or light-red tissue with deeper red or blue vasculature is overlaid with another functional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: LI-COR, INC.
    Inventor: Han-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 10254227
    Abstract: Biopsy imaging devices with an imaging stage configured to rotate and tilt a biological sample, as well as a method for using it, are described. The stage can use rotating bearings or extendible, telescoping arms. The device has a white light for taking normal pictures and a near-infrared laser light for causing a fluorescence-biomolecule probed sample to fluoresce for fluorescence images in a light-tight housing. A set of both types of pictures are taken from angles around, above, and below the biopsy sample with one or more cameras to generate a 3-D model in a computer of the biopsy with fluorescence markings. The 3-D model can then be rendered and viewed on a display by a surgeon to determine if sufficient margins were removed from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Han-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20190070296
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for treating diseased cells in a subject using sonodynamic therapy (SDT), comprising: administering to the subject a sonosensitizer composition comprising IRDye® 700DX, wherein the sonosensitizer composition associates with the diseased cell; and thereafter applying an ultrasonic wave to the diseased cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: LI-COR, INC.
    Inventors: Han-Wei WANG, Lyle R. MIDDENDORF
  • Publication number: 20180339048
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Dilley, Joy Kovar
  • Patent number: 10126264
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that analyze a biological or other fluid sample using an electrophoresis or other separation method and then emit the fluid sample with separated constituents using an electrohydrodynamic spray to form a Taylor cone and jet, without dispersion into droplets, onto a substrate that moves with respect to the emitter. Electrodes can be shared between the electrophoresis and electrospray elements, and an adjunct fluid can help draw the separated sample into the Taylor cone. A micro-machined capillary channel on a chip can supply multiple lines to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Furtaw
  • Publication number: 20180306720
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the imaging of a biological sample with a top-down camera and a side-view camera. A biological sample is held on an imaging stage that is capable of rotation in two orthogonal axes. The top-down and side-view cameras can record a series of images of the sample using multiple imaging modalities at different rotational positions of the imaging stage. The top-down camera can be translated along its optical axis to affect the camera zoom and influence the resolution and field of view of the recorded images. Fluorescence excitation light sources can be positioned proximate to each of the top-down and side-view cameras to provide substantially uniform illumination of the sample for imaging with each camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Han-Wei Wang, Lyle R. Middendorf
  • Publication number: 20180296704
    Abstract: Polymorphs of Formula I, which is 2-((E)-2-((E)-3-(2-((E)-3,3-dimethyl-5-sulfonato-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)indolin-2-ylidene)ethylidene)-2-phenoxycyclohex-1-en-1-yl)vinyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)-3H-indol-1-ium-5-sulfonate and methods of making are provided. A method for organ imaging, comprising administering to a subject, a diagnostic effective amount of a composition comprising a polymorph of Formula I are also provided. In one embodiment, the organ includes one or more of kidney, bladder, ureter, urethra, bile ducts, liver, and gall bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Vassil Elitzin, William M. Volcheck, Katie Schaepe, Rahul Patil
  • Patent number: 10100198
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds and methods for hydrocyanines derived from near-infrared cyanine dyes, as reactive oxygen species probes in imaging. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides reduced dyes as substrates for ELISA and Western blots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LI-COR, INC.
    Inventors: Kousik Kundu, Nisha Padhye, William Volcheck
  • Patent number: 10064943
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Dilley, Joy Kovar
  • Patent number: 10060942
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring turbulent gas flux using high-speed vertical wind speed measurements (e.g., on the order of 5-10 Hz or more frequently) and low-speed gas content measurements (e.g., on the order of 5 Hz or less frequently), without the need for the sophisticated and expensive high-speed hardware to separate gas samples (e.g., into accumulation bags) according to updrafts and downdrafts. A time series of high-speed vertical wind speed data is used as a guide to distinguish between updrafts and downdrafts. When vertical wind speed is upward (updraft), the low-speed gas content is recorded into a data structure in one location, or marked with one flag. When vertical wind speed is downward (downdraft), the low-speed gas content is recorded into a different location, or marked with a different flag. Eddy Accumulation or Relaxed Eddy Accumulation computations can be performed using the stored gas content data to determine gas flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Li-Cor, Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Burba, Dayle McDermitt, Xiaomao Lin, Liukang Xu, Dave Johnson
  • Patent number: 9989729
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting trace gases utilize a resonance optical cavity and a coherent light source coupled to the cavity through a cavity coupling mirror. The cavity is constructed of a material having the same or a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the mirror elements defining the cavity. The main (bulk) cavity material may be the same as the main (bulk) material that forms the mirror elements, or it may be different. Such resonant cavity configurations provide improved accuracy and stability as compared to existing cavity configurations based upon similar principles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Serguei Koulikov
  • Publication number: 20180140197
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the detecting and presenting of faint signals from a real-time interactive imager. A real-time view of a subject is controlled by a user by entering commands that move the subject or a camera used to record the real-time view. The rate of this movement is monitored, and when the rate descends below a preset value, a trigger is sent to the camera. In response to the trigger, the camera switches to a lower frame frequency for capturing the real-time view of the subject, thereby increasing the amount of light collected in each frame, and increasing the sensitivity of the camera to faint signals. The methods and systems are particularly relevant for surgical or biopsy imaging, in which both a higher frame rate preview image of a subject for 3D visualization, and a higher sensitivity fluorescence image of the subject for tumor margin assessment, are desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Han-Wei Wang, Lyle R. Middendorf
  • Patent number: 9971936
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting, decoupling and quantifying unresolved signals in trace signal data in the presence of noise with no prior knowledge of the signal characteristics (e.g., signal peak location, intensity and width) of the unresolved signals. The systems and methods are useful for analyzing any trace data signals having one or multiple overlapping constituent signals and particularly useful for analyzing data signals which often contain an unknown number of constituent signals with varying signal characteristics, such as peak location, peak intensity and peak width, and varying resolutions. A general signal model function is assumed for each unknown, constituent signal in the trace signal data. In a first phase, the number of constituent signals and signal characteristics are determined automatically in a parallel fashion by executing multiple simultaneous evaluations iteratively starting with an initial set of trial signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick G. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 9953404
    Abstract: A method for applying a filter to data to improve data quality and/or reduce file size. In one example, a region of interest of an image is identified. A histogram is generated of pixel intensity values in the region of interest. The histogram is iteratively updated to focus (zoom) in on the highest peak in the histogram. A Gaussian curve is fitted to the updated histogram. A bilateral filter is applied to the images, where parameters of the bilateral filter are based on the parameters of the Gaussian curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick G. Humphrey