Patents Examined by Jonathan Hurst
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Patent number: 9415392Abstract: A device is described having a first surface having a plurality of first areas and a second surface having a plurality of second areas. The first surface and the second surface are opposed to one another and can move relative to each other from at least a first position where none of the plurality of first areas, having a first substance, are exposed to plurality of second areas, having a second substance, to a second position. When in the second position, the plurality of first and second areas, and therefore the first and second substances, are exposed to one another. The device may further include a series of ducts in communication with a plurality of first second areas to allow for a substance to be disposed in, or upon, the plurality of second areas when in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rustem F. Ismagilov, Wenbin Du, Liang Li, Feng Shen, Kevin Paul Flood Nichols, Delai Chen, Jason Eugene Kreutz
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Patent number: 9376657Abstract: A culture device containing a culture vessel for culturing a cell, in which the culture device includes a thermostatic vessel having a stacker containing a plurality of culture vessels for culturing a cell, and an observation portion arranged to be isolated from an atmosphere at inside of the thermostatic vessel and having an object lens, an object lens drive portion, and a camera portion to observe a cell at inside of the culture vessel installed at an observation position at inside of the thermostatic vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Yasujiro Kiyota, Takayuki Uozumi, Hirofumi Shiono, Nobuhiko Maiya
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Patent number: 9372184Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventor: John Lovell
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Patent number: 9346197Abstract: A microfluidic device having a substrate with an array of curvilinear cavities. The substrate of the microfluidic device is preferably fabricated of a polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The microfluidic device is manufactured using a gas expansion molding (GEM) technique.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: University of RochesterInventor: Lisa A. DeLouise
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Patent number: 9340764Abstract: A transfer device for a culture vessel for transferring a culture vessel for culturing a cell, a culture device including the transfer device for a culture vessel, and a holder for a culture vessel for holding a culture vessel, in which the transfer device for a culture vessel includes a transferring unit transferring a culture vessel for culturing a cell, an inputting unit inputting a kind of the culture vessel, a speed setting unit setting a transfer speed of the culture vessel based on a kind of the culture vessel inputted to the inputting unit, and a controlling unit controlling a transfer speed of the transferring unit to be the transfer speed set by the speed setting unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Takayuki Uozumi, Yasujiro Kiyota, Nobuhiko Maiya, Hirofumi Shiono
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Patent number: 9327298Abstract: Femtoliter to milliliter volumes of one or a plurality of different fluids of varied properties, semisolids or solids are energized electrically in an inductive or optionally an inductive-conductive manner, with one or a plurality of either analogue or digital energy sources of uni or multi-polar nature using high or optionally low DC, AC or RF voltage or energy supplies in programmed, coordinated manner with other devices (e.g., pumps or all types, syringes, pipettes, capillaries, scientific instruments, etc.) using special hardware to energize and direct matter from gaussian surfaces or multiple nested gaussian surfaces to produce and optionally fly drops or optionally sprays, to targets of all types, yielding matter directed with high precision and accuracy in volumetric, spatial and temporal terms, as the matter is optionally treated, measured, metered via current, optical, thermal or other measurement technologies with feedback, one or N channels at a time creating a digital record.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventor: Andrew Daniel Sauter, Jr.
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Patent number: 9328337Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for obtaining from samples of rock of different natures, specifically chondrites, organic, metallorganic material or material of biological origin, and the materials themselves so obtained. In addition, the invention concerns their use in instrumentations exploiting their physical and physico-chemical properties, and fluorimetric methods to reveal such materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventors: Giuseppe Geraci, Bruno D'Argenio, Rosanna Del Gaudio
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Patent number: 9327255Abstract: By situating a mixing pot in a junction of a first solution and a second solution or after the junction in a channel to temporarily retain these solutions, and situating an analysis sensor downstream from the mixing pot to detect the result of reaction of the first solution and second solution, heterogeneous solutions are mixed so as to react within the channel, and chemical analysis of one of the solutions is performed. According to this system, before the solutions have fully flowed through the remainder of the channel following the junction, the solutions are mixed uniformly at once by the turbulent and vortex flow generated within the mixing pot.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Naoko Ito, Shoichi Kanayama
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Patent number: 9302949Abstract: The present invention is a system for processing organic waste using insect larvae, which has the advantage of being able to process large quantities of organic fecal waste material. The system includes a plurality of substantially flat reaction vessels stacked one on top of the other in parallel arrangement to form a processing blocks 11. Each of the reaction vessels in the processing block 11 are dimensioned and configured to contain a quantity of organic waste, each reaction vessel having front and back ends and side edges, the reaction vessels each being separated from the reaction vessel above by an air space 23, the processing block being contained in a plant enclosure having side walls. At least one of the side walls of the plant enclosure (plenum wall 38) is positioned adjacent the processing block such that the plenum wall is adjacent one of the side edges of the reaction vessels.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Ivan Milin
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Patent number: 9289769Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the temperature of at least one sample. The device comprises at least the following means: (a) means for accommodating at least one sample; (b) means for heating and/or cooling at least one sample; (c) means for covering at least one sample. These means for covering at least one sample comprise at least one movable contact area and first and second means for fixating said at least one movable contact area in at least one defined direction relative to the sample. Therein said first means for fixating matingly engages with a corresponding second means for fixating.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventors: Holger Link, Jens Peter Kroog, Lutz Timmann
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Patent number: 9290417Abstract: In a composter having a horizontally elongated rotating drum, material is fed into the drum through an opening in a stationary end plate having an annular marginal area which overlaps, in sealing relationship, an annular intake end wall of the drum. Material passes through a central opening in an annular exit end wall of the drum, and falls by gravity onto a cylindrical screen which is fixed to, and rotates with, the exit end wall. The annular end walls are in axial register with, and surrounded by, external trunnions on the drum which ride on pairs of supporting rollers. Frusto-conical rings are welded to the end walls, and to the inside of the drum at locations opposite the edges of the trunnion rings to reduce metal fatigue. The exit end rollers allow for axial expansion of the drum. The interior wall the drum is lined with a rubber.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Rotary Composters, LLCInventors: Kenton Good, Kurtis Good, Daniel Gonzalez
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Patent number: 9274054Abstract: A method for counting blood cells in a sample of whole blood. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a sample of whole blood; (b) depositing the sample of whole blood onto a slide, e.g., a microscope slide; (c) employing a spreader to create a blood smear; (d) allowing the blood smear to dry on the slide; (e) measuring absorption or reflectance of light attributable to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells in the blood smear on the slide; (f) recording a magnified two-dimensional digital image of the area of analysis identified by the measurement in step (e) as being of suitable thickness for analysis; and (g) collecting, analyzing, and storing data from the magnified two-dimensional digital image. Optionally, steps of fixing and staining of blood cells on the slide can be employed in the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Richard G. Kendall, John W. Roche
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Patent number: 9273367Abstract: The present invention provides an optically induced cell lysis biochip, which comprises: an upper substrate made of a transparent, electrically conductive material; a lower substrate made of a transparent, electrically conductive material; a photoconductive layer formed under the lower surface of the upper substrate or on the upper surface of the lower substrate; and a chamber formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. When there is an electric potential difference between the upper and lower substrates, a light spot illuminated on the photoconductive layer can cause the impedance of the illuminated area to decrease, thereby causing the electric current to center on the illuminated area of the photoconductive layer. Further, the electric current flowing through the illuminated area can induce the cell lysis process of a target cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: National Cheng Kung UniversityInventors: Gwo-Bin Lee, Yen-Heng Lin
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Patent number: 9249382Abstract: Devices and methods for isolating and/or culturing microorganisms are provided. The devices comprise one or more semi-permeable membranes and may additionally include a growth medium for the microorganism. The devices and methods described herein can be used to isolate and culture both known and novel microorganisms from any environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITYInventors: Ekaterina Gavrish, Kim Lewis, Slava S. Epstein
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Patent number: 9249383Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and a plurality of culture plates (6) removably stacked within the housing (2). The housing (2) has a circumferential wall (7), a base (8) and a top wall (9). The base (8) comprises the inlet (4) and the top wall (9) comprises the outlet (5). The circumferential wall (7) of the housing (2) defines a longitudinal axis thereof, as well as an inner cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Shape and dimensions of the inner cross section are essentially uniform along the longitudinal axis. The culture plates (6) are arranged at least essentially parallel to each other. Each plate (6) is mounted and sealed to the circumferential wall (7) of the housing (2). Plates (6) are arranged at a distance from each other. Each culture plate (6) has a through hole (14), so that inlet (4) and outlet (5) are in fluid communication.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCHInventors: Hanry Yu, Lei Xia, Hwa Liang Leo
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Patent number: 9238792Abstract: Methods and apparatus' are disclosed for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of biomass providing for the compartmentalization of the saccharification process and the fermentation process resulting in decreased enzymatic end-product inhibition.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventor: Bruce A. Diner
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Patent number: 9222067Abstract: A method and apparatus for cell harvest of production scale quantities of cell cultures using single use components comprising a flexible membrane mounted on a rigid frame and is supported within a multiple use rigid centrifuge bowl, such single use components including a core with an increased diameter and an internal truncated cone shape in order to permit the system to maintain a sufficiently high angular velocity to create a settling velocity suited to efficiently processing highly concentrated cell culture streams. Features which minimize feed turbidity, and others which permit the continuous or semi-continuous discharge of cell concentrate, increase the overall production rate over the rate which can be achieved using current intermittent processing methods for large cell culture volumes. Injection of a diluent during the cell concentrate removal process permits more complete removal of viscous cell concentrates.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: PNEUMATIC SCALE CORPORATIONInventors: Stephen B Kessler, T. David Marro
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Patent number: 9217162Abstract: This disclosure discloses a process and an anaerobic digestion system for crop stalk/straw. The process in one example comprises (A) Feeding, (B) Heating and Digestion at the set temperature, (C) Discharging of Biogas, Sludge and Effluent. The system in one example comprises (I) High Solid Content Digester (II) Hydro-Circulation Digester and (III) Stalk/Straw Feeder. Steps (A), (B) and (C) are accomplished in the devices (I) and (II).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Shengli Oilfield Shengli Power Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yiliang Chen, Jianzhong Zhao, Rongjun Li, Shaopeng Zhang, Taitao Wang, Tong Wang, Zhiguo Chen
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Patent number: 9216230Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for assisting hygienization of organic waste. The apparatus comprises at least one reception means for receiving organic solid matter and organic waste, mixing means for mixing the organic waste and the organic solid matter together into an organic mixture, selecting means for selecting whether to expose the organic mixture in the mixing means to either: aeration in order to create a homogenized and internally oxygenous organic mixture, thereby accelerating the hygienization of the organic mixture, or a heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment performs the hygienization of the organic mixture, or to neither the aeration nor the heat treatment. The mixing means may then expose the organic mixture to the aeration, or to the heat treatment, or to neither of the aeration nor the heat treatment on the basis of the selection. The apparatus may further comprise delivery means for passing the organic mixture to either aerobic biodegradation or an end user.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: SAVATERRA OYInventors: Seppo Aho, Jorma Oinas
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Patent number: 9182292Abstract: The present invention relates, for example, to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention includes an apparatus for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a designated or predetermined stimulus for a certain period of time, and the invention further may include a method for manufacturing aspects of that apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Prasidiux, LLCInventors: Rel S. Ambrozy, Jade Litcher, Raymond C. Jones, Chao Zhu, Bani H. Cipriano, Srinivasa R. Raghavan, Jae-Ho Lee