Fluid Containers (e.g., Cells Or Cuvettes) Patents (Class 356/246)
  • Patent number: 10627387
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the condition of grease includes submitting a sample of grease to light from a spectrophotometer, passing the light through the sample along a light path, and analyzing the color or spectrum of the light after emerging from the light path. The length of the light path can be varied as needed to enable translucent or very light-colored greases and greases that are dark provide useable data from the light passing through the grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: York Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Wurzbach, Evan Bupp, Richard J. Janosky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10630951
    Abstract: An image analysis system includes a video camera that collects YUV color images of a liquid sample disposed between a capital and a pedestal, the color images being collected while a light source shines light through an optical beam path between the capital and the pedestal, and a processor adapted to i) obtain from the YUV color images a grayscale component image and a light scatter component image, and ii) obtain at least one binary image of the grayscale component image and at least one binary image of the light scatter component image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Grenov, Damian W. Ashmead, Kevin K. Kim, Francis J. Deck, Chris Xavier Kauffold
  • Patent number: 10620173
    Abstract: Provided is an analytical measurement device system 10 having a plurality of units (liquid-sending pump 12; detector 15) including: a sensor (flow sensor 121; light amount detector 151) provided in at least one unit among the plurality of units, for detecting the condition of a specific portion of the unit; a determination section (flow rate determiner 122; light amount determiner 152) provided in the unit, for receiving a signal from the sensor and for determining an overall condition of the unit based on a predetermined determination criterion; a storage section (flow-rate determination information storage section 123; light-amount determination information section 153) provided in the unit, for storing the determination criterion and a result of the determination by the determination section; and a display section (flow-rate determination result display section 124; light-amount determination result display section 154) provided in the unit, for displaying the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Nagai, Masato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10601509
    Abstract: In described embodiments, a relatively optimum, ultra-low latency communication path with communication links operating in accordance herein provide for graded service in a near optimal, ultra-low latency communication system between points A and B. Points A and B are separated geographically over a relatively long distance where the curvature of the earth affects a direct path. Unlike typical systems, to provide the graded service in ultra-low latency networks, the service provider adds delay, or other service degradation, to one or more user connections, which is provided at greater implementation expense (e.g., higher cost to the service provider) in order to provide a lower fee service (e.g., lower cost to the service user) for certain users of the ultra-low latency network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: ZAYO GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Strickland, Daniel Spivey
  • Patent number: 10591494
    Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro diagnosis device (10) for the detection of at least one reaction between an erythrocytic phenotype antigen and an antibody specifically directed against said antigen in a sample of blood or one of the components thereof. The device is characterized in that it comprises: a substrate (12); and a hydrophobic porous membrane (14) having a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm and a pore diameter of between 2 and 30 ?m, said membrane comprising at least one hydrophilic reaction zone (16) intended to receive the sample. The invention also relates to the uses of said device in immunohematology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Diagast
    Inventors: Najim Chaibi, Sylvain Malgouries, Megumi Lucas
  • Patent number: 10584150
    Abstract: Modified Protein A, Protein G, Protein L, or Protein A/G that lacks antibody binding activity, and methods of the modified protein's use for purifying antibodies is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Snyder
  • Patent number: 10578544
    Abstract: A flow cell includes a housing, a window member, and a pressing member. The housing includes a cell channel in which a sample flows through, has, on at least one end side of the cell channel, an opening communicating with the cell channel, and has a flat surface at an edge of the opening. The window member has a lens portion at a central portion and a peripheral edge portion whose one surface and the other surface are flat. In the window member, one surface of the peripheral edge portion is provided facing the flat surface of the housing so as to seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Nagai, Masato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10562025
    Abstract: In a cytometer unit (1) with a receptacle (2) into which a rotatable and preferably disk-shaped sample carrier (3) is insertable, it is proposed to define a first fixing means (14) for the definition of a position of a cytometer channel (12) of the inserted sample carrier (3) transversely with respect to the direction of extent thereof and transversely with respect to an optical path (11), by which a cytometric measurement can be carried out, and to use a second fixing means (19) to define a position of the cytometer channel (12) of the inserted sample carrier (3) along the optical path (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Testo SE & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Robert Rieger, Philipp Von Olshausen, Martin Strnad
  • Patent number: 10557788
    Abstract: In the field of substance detection an apparatus can be provided for detecting the concentration of a substance in a fluid that allows detection of a substance to be made in situ, in real time. In some examples the apparatus includes a transparent housing arranged to contain the fluid, a source operable to generate and direct light through the housing containing the fluid, wherein the housing is operable to focus light passing therethrough; and a detector operable to detect the intensity of light transmitted through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Aqua21 Limited
    Inventors: Simon Bland, Trevor Costello
  • Patent number: 10538726
    Abstract: A system for microdialysis imaging and regional fluidic delivery and control includes a microdialysis imager including a imaging head having N pixels aligned in a pixel array for monitoring a living bio-object associated with the pixel array; and a fluidic module coupled to the microdialysis imager for delivering a fluidic substance to and collecting effluent from the living bio-object, including a fluidic network having a plurality of valves, a plurality of fluidic channels in fluidic communication with the plurality of valves and one or more pumps coupled to corresponding fluidic channels, and a microcontroller coupled to the fluidic network for individually controlling the plurality of valves and the one or more pumps of the fluidic network as so to operably and selectively deliver the fluidic substance to and continuously collect the effluent from the living bio-object responsive to the delivered fluidic substance via each pixel in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John P. Wikswo, Ronald S. Reiserer, Kyle Hawkins
  • Patent number: 10473557
    Abstract: A system and method for automated transfer of a tape segment onto the face of a tissue block to be thin sectioned by microtomy includes applying, to a carrier strip, a plurality of serially-spaced patches of sample tape having an adhesive outer surface, transporting the carrier strip along a path adjacent to and spaced from the exposed sample surface to position one of the patches of sample tape adjacent to and covering the exposed sample surface, adhering the one of the patches of sample tape to the exposed sample surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Clarapath, Inc.
    Inventors: Partha P. Mitra, Alexander S. Tolpygo, Robert L. Kleinberg
  • Patent number: 10473650
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent mixing device, which comprises a driving device, a transport device and a rotating part, wherein the transport device comprises a conveying mechanism for conveying a reagent kit and a mixing mechanism for mixing a reagent; the conveying mechanism is driven by the driving device to move relative to the mixing mechanism; the rotating part and mixing mechanism are in transmission matching; the conveying mechanism and the mixing mechanism are sleeved with each other to form a bearing structure. The present invention further provides a reagent mixing method. The reagent mixing device is small in size, smart in structure, easy to assemble and low in manufacturing cost. The reagent mixing method provided by the present invention is simple and reliable, high in overall operation reliability, and has very high application values in such analysis and test fields as full-automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers and biochemical analyzers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: LEADWAY (HK) LIMITED
    Inventors: Hao Zhang, Yigang Yang, Jianfei Zheng, Gang Wu
  • Patent number: 10473575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for flow cytometry, the housing of which is tapering towards an outlet and in which a feed tube is arranged for a core flow liquid, the outlet opening of which is arranged at a distance from the outlet of the housing. The outlet of the housing forms the outlet of the nozzle. The housing of the nozzle extends from its outlet, which is arranged at its first end to its opposite second end, and has an inlet for a sheath flow liquid connected with the internal volume. The nozzle is characterized in that in the housing a leading element that promotes the alignment of particles extends from both sides of the feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MASTERRIND GMBH
    Inventor: Detlef Rath
  • Patent number: 10464284
    Abstract: [Problems] Objects include providing a cover film for testing that can be well fixed to a substrate having a groove and does not adversely affect the groove, providing a testing member comprising the cover film for testing, and providing a method of manufacturing the testing member. [Solution] The cover film for testing (1) comprises a base material (10) and a thermoplastic resin layer (20) laminated on one surface side of the base material (10). The thermoplastic resin layer (20) constitutes an outermost layer at one side of the cover film for testing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: LINTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Hoshino, Masaya Todaka, Tomoo Orui
  • Patent number: 10458901
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously measuring, in an immersion microchannel environment, the characteristics of molecular junctions such as a low-molecular-weight biomaterial and the like and the refractive index of a buffer solution by using ellipsometry. Specifically, disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneously measuring, with high sensitivity, the change in refractive index of a buffer solution and the junction dynamic characteristics of a biomaterial by allowing polarized incident light to be received at a biomaterial adsorption layer, which is formed on a substrate such as a semiconductor and the like, so as to meet an anti-reflection condition of a P-wave by using a prism structure and a microchannel; and a measurement method using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Hyun Mo Cho, Yong Jai Cho, Won Chegal
  • Patent number: 10441929
    Abstract: An automated system for automatically mixing and verifying paint is described. The system may include a kiosk configured to automatically add a paint of a second color to a paint container holding a first color of paint so as to produce a requested third color of paint. The system may further verify that the mixed paint color is the requested paint color using a laser to perform verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Matthew Charles, Michael Lawerance Payne, Jimmie Russell Clark
  • Patent number: 10443031
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for control of cell growth rates where cell growth is measured in situ. The methods are applicable to bacterial cells, mammalian cells, non-mammalian eukaryotic cells, plant cells, yeast cells, fungi, and archea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Inscripta, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Masquelier, Phillip Belgrader
  • Patent number: 10435662
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for automated control of cell growth rates where cell growth is measured in situ and the devices can be used as a stand-alone device or as a module in an automated environment, e.g., as one module in a multi-station or multi-module cell processing environment. The cell growth device comprises a temperature-controlled vial, a motor assembly to spin the vial, a spectrophotometer for measuring, e.g., OD of the cells in the vial, and a processor to accept input from a user and control the growth rate of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Inscripta, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Masquelier, Phillip Belgrader
  • Patent number: 10436639
    Abstract: A spectrometer (100) and an optical input portion (32) thereof are disclosed. The optical input portion (32) comprises an assembly structure (322), and the assembly structure (322) is formed at a hole wall (321) of a through hole (3211) of the optical input portion (32). A light (L1) is incident into a dispersing element (2) of the spectrometer (100) along an optical path (13) after passing through the through hole (3211), and is dispersed by the dispersing element (2). The assembly structure (322) is used to be detachably assembled with an optical element (200). When the optical element (200) is assembled with the assembly structure (322), an optical axis of the optical element (200) is linked to the optical path (13). As a result, the light (L1) passing through the optical element (200) is incident to the dispersing element (2) along the optical axis and the optical path (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: OTO PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventors: Meng-Hua Wang, Kuei Wu Chang, Chang Cheng Chou, Chien-Hsiang Hung, Jan Liang Yeh
  • Patent number: 10429303
    Abstract: A portable optical measurement system is provided for performing metal trace analysis on a liquid sample. The system includes a sample holder for holding an analysis substrate that includes the liquid sample during the metal trace analysis. The system further includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source for emitting ultraviolet light illuminating the liquid sample. The system also includes an optical sensor for detecting radiation emanating from the liquid sample and converting the detected radiation into an electrical signal. The system additionally includes a microcontroller for processing the electrical signal. The system further includes an external interface for transmitting the processed electrical signal to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Engel, Jeannette M. Garcia, Ricardo L. Ohta, Ademir F. Silva, Mathias B. Steiner, Jaione Tirapu Azpiroz, Thomas G. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10426445
    Abstract: A collection device includes a base housing member having at least one chamber. A cover housing member has at least one aperture therein, and the cover housing member is configured to cover the base housing member such that the at least one aperture is positioned in fluid communication with the at least one chamber. The cover housing member includes a cartridge holding interface configured to releasably engage with a cartridge that is configured to cover and receive a fluid from the at least one chamber via the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Calderwood, Joy Parr Drach, Chris Paul, Rodolfo R. Rodriguez, Mitch Hockett, Randall Marcuson, Stephen G. Miggels, Demetris Young
  • Patent number: 10422753
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a system that utilizes such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that includes a port disposed in a top surface, a receptacle disposed within the housing and adapted to receive a sample, a detector disposed within the housing along an optical axis and including an input surface having an active area, and a reflector disposed within the housing along the optical axis between the receptacle and the input surface of the detector. The reflector can include an input aperture disposed adjacent the receptacle, an output aperture disposed adjacent the input surface of the detector, and a reflective surface that extends between the input aperture and the output aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Phillip A. Bolea, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Michele A. Waldner, Thomas J. Brace, Stephen R. Alexander, Thomas E. Dewey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10422738
    Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a plurality of blood fluid samples or other types of samples include processing at least a portion of a sample to enhance imageability of certain particles in that portion and subsequently imaging the sample portion. In some instances, processing and imaging of various samples may be staged in a manner to optimize throughput of the system or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Iris International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart J Wanders
  • Patent number: 10413905
    Abstract: A temperature cycling system (10, 110) is provided for repeatedly heating and cooling a reaction mixture (16). The system (10, 110) includes a first heater (27) and a second heater (28) each movable between a first orientation in which the first or second heater (27, 28) affects the temperature of the reaction mixture (16) and a second orientation in which the first or second heater (27, 28) does not substantially affect the temperature of the reaction mixture (16). During temperature cycling, the second heater (28) is in the second orientation when the first heater (27) is in the first orientation, and the second heater (28) is in the first orientation when the first heater (27) is in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: BioFire Defense, LLC
    Inventor: Kirk M. Ririe
  • Patent number: 10401617
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-laser system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the multi-laser system includes a plurality of lasers, a plurality of laser beams, a beam positioning system, a thermally stable enclosure, and a temperature controller. The thermally stable enclosure is substantially made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as at least 5 W/(m K). The thermally stable enclosure can help maintain alignment of the laser beams to a target object over a range of ambient temperatures. Various embodiments of an optical system for directing light for optical measurements such laser-induced fluorescence and spectroscopic analysis are disclosed. In some embodiments, the optical system includes a thermally conductive housing and a thermoelectric controller, a plurality of optical fibers, and one or more optical elements to direct light emitted by the optical fibers to illuminate a flow cell. The housing is configured to attach to a flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CVI LASER, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Hargis, John O'Shaughnessy
  • Patent number: 10380696
    Abstract: An image processing system automatically processes a plurality of images of a damaged vehicle and determines replacements parts that are needed to repair the vehicle therefrom. The system includes a network interface via which the images are received, an image extraction component that generates a set of image attributes from the received images, a parts identifier component that generates indications of the needed replacement parts based on the image attributes and an information identification model, and an output interface via which the generated indications are provided. Additionally, the system includes a data storage entity storing data from multiple historical vehicle insurance claims, and a model generation component that generates the information identification model based on the historical claim data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: John Laurence Haller, Jr., Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10379084
    Abstract: A turbidity measurement device for measuring turbidity of a fluid flowing in a flow tube. A first transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the fluid in the turbidity measurement section so as to provide a first ultrasonic standing wave between the first and second section ends. A receiver transducer receives the ultrasonic scattered response from particles in the fluid flowing through the turbidity measurement section. A control circuit operates the transducers and generates a signal indicative of the turbidity of the fluid in response to signals received from the receiver transducer. Preferably, the device may comprise a second transducer for generating a second ultrasonic standing wave with the same frequency, and further the two transducers may be used to generate a measure of flow rate by means of known ultrasonic techniques. This flow rate may be used in the calculation of a measure of turbidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Kamstrup A/S
    Inventors: Søren Tønnes Nielsen, Peter Schmidt Laursen, Jens Lykke Sørensen, Sune Hoveroust Dupont
  • Patent number: 10373260
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a first image processor that creates a composite 3-D image or model of a damaged vehicle from a plurality of 2-D images of the damaged vehicle. The first image processor or another image processor of the system generates deformation data that is indicative or descriptive of points/areas of damage on the vehicle based on a comparison of the composite 3-D image/model with a 3-D image/model of a pristine vehicle. Based on the deformation data, a deformation model component generates indications of replacement parts and/or other items corresponding to repairing the vehicle by utilizing a model generated from historical claim data. Aside from receiving the initial set of images of the damaged vehicle, the system does not require any user input, and may generate the indications of replacement parts and/or other items corresponding to repairing the vehicle in real-time, such as at FNOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: John Laurence Haller, Jr., Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10373262
    Abstract: An image processing system automatically processes a plurality of images of a damaged vehicle and determines replacements parts that are needed to repair the vehicle therefrom. The system includes a network interface via which the images are received, an image extraction component that generates a set of image attributes from the received images, a parts identifier component that generates indications of the needed replacement parts based on the image attributes and an information identification model, and an output interface via which the generated indications are provided. Additionally, the system includes a data storage entity storing data from multiple historical vehicle insurance claims, and a model generation component that generates the information identification model based on the historical claim data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: John Laurence Haller, Jr., Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10365226
    Abstract: Provided in one example is an apparatus, including a substrate supporting a microfluidic channel, a bubble jet inertial pump supported by the substrate adjacent the microfluidic channel to pump fluid through the microfluidic channel and an optical sensor on a first side of the microfluidic channel. A light emitter on a second side of the microfluidic channel is to pass light across the microfluidic channel to the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Charles M. Santori, Anita Rogacs, Diane R. Hammerstad, Manish Giri
  • Patent number: 10337980
    Abstract: A replaceable cuvette assembly for use in an optical absorbance measurement system for measuring whole-blood hemoglobin parameters or whole-blood bilirubin parameters. The replaceable cuvette assembly includes a cuvette substrate and a cuvette module fixedly connected to the cuvette substrate wherein the cuvette substrate is a support for securing the cuvette assembly within the optical absorbance measurement system. The cuvette module has a sample inlet port, a sample outlet port, an electronic chip assembly, a sample receiving chamber that fluidly communicates with the sample inlet port and the sample outlet port, a first cuvette window, and a second cuvette window forming a portion of the sample receiving chamber. The first cuvette window and the second cuvette window are aligned with each other defining a cuvette optical path length between the first cuvette window and the second cuvette window and disposed within an optical path of the optical absorbance measurement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventors: Michael S. Cafferty, Scott P. Cionek
  • Patent number: 10335794
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, system and method for cooling a reagent compartment. The invention also relates to a use of the device. The device comprises a housing with a first side for attachment to the reagent compartment, a cooling unit with at least one cooling element with a warm upper side and a cold lower side, that is equipped with a cold side heat exchanger comprising at least one first fan, a at least one cold air channel and at least one cold air opening at the first side of the housing for circulating cold air between the at least one cooling element and the reagent compartment in a closed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: STRATEC SE
    Inventors: Stephan Habrich, Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 10317662
    Abstract: In some instances, an apparatus can include a light sensitive imaging sensor having a surface to receive a fluid sample, a body to be moved relative to the light sensitive imaging sensor and having a surface to touch a portion of the fluid sample, and a carrier to move the body toward the surface of the light sensitive imaging sensor to cause the surface of the body to touch the portion of the fluid sample, so that as the surface of the body touches the portion of the fluid, the surface of the body (i) is parallel to the surface of the light sensitive imaging sensor, and (ii) settles on top of the fluid sample independently of motion of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Alentic Microscience Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Marc Fine
  • Patent number: 10302584
    Abstract: In embodiments, there is provided a cartridge comprising a container comprising an opening and a holding portion to hold a sample and/or a reagent, an electrode disposed on a container wall of the container, and a removable separator to separate at least some of the holding portion of the container from the electrode when the removable separator is inserted into the holding portion. The cartridge may be combined in a kit with a member to insert the sample, or in an electrical measuring apparatus comprising a circuit to measure electrical characteristic(s) of a second signal, resulting from application of a first signal to the electrode, and indicative of electrical characteristic(s) of the sample and/or the reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Katsumoto
  • Patent number: 10288632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a cooling, heating and fan arrangement for maintaining a predetermined optimum temperature of the samples during testing; a visual, circumferential and axial alignment system for aligning the samples within the carousel; a transfer system for transferring the samples from the carousel to the centrifuge; a balancing system of minimizing the rotational vibrations of the centrifuge; a safety system and anti-tipping design for the sample containing system; liquid dispensing arms for dispensing the buffered saline solution; and discharge ports for discharging and disposing of the liquid removed from the samples to a location external of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: POCARED DIAGNOSTICS LTD.
    Inventors: Gal Ingber, William G. Atterbury, Dave Holley, Thomas A. Klausing, John S. Laudo, Jason A. Schaefer, Sherwood Talbert, John Tallarico
  • Patent number: 10288551
    Abstract: A flow-through measuring cell having one inlet opening for entry of the fluid, and one outlet opening for exit of the fluid. A single measurement space is located between the inlet opening and outlet opening. A radiation measurement region is provided for measuring the interaction of the fluid in the measuring cell with electromagnetic radiation from outside the measuring cell. The radiation measurement region is bordered by two opposite windows of which one is intended for inlet and the other for exit of the electromagnetic radiation. The measuring cell has a positioning range with several operating positions with a different distance A, A? between the windows into which the measuring cell can be set without rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: OPTEK-DANULAT GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Platte, Peter Schroeren, Jurgen Danulat, Andreas Reese
  • Patent number: 10288550
    Abstract: A flow cell includes holding members for holding two ends of a capillary. A refractive index of holding members is 1.31 or less or 1.40 or greater at least in portions through which the holding members make contact with an outer surface of the capillary. A numerical aperture of light for measurement that enters from a light source into the capillary is 0.22 or less so that reflectance of portions through which the holding members make contact with the capillary is constant even when sample liquid that flows through the capillary is converted to water and acetonitrile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahide Hatahori
  • Patent number: 10281403
    Abstract: A sensor chip includes: a transparent support; a metal thin film formed on one surface of the transparent support; and a reaction section in which a ligand is immobilized on an other surface of the metal thin film that is not in contact with the transparent support, wherein the sensor chip also includes a closed space-forming member which forms a closed space such that at least the reaction section is housed in the closed space, and water content in the closed space is adjusted to satisfy: X/Y<10 (?g/mm2) (wherein, X represents the water content in the closed space; and Y represents the surface area of the metal thin film in the closed space).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Takeshi Wada, Masataka Matsuo, Naoki Hikage, Masanori Tsukagoshi
  • Patent number: 10283275
    Abstract: In various examples, a feedthrough seal apparatus is configured to seal an opening in a device. The device includes a case surrounding an interior space, the case including the opening therein to allow access to the interior space from an exterior of the case. The feedthrough seal apparatus includes a plug disposed within the opening of the case. The plug is formed from at least one of a polymeric material and an adhesive material. The lead wire extends through the plug, such that a first end of the lead wire is disposed within the interior space of the case and a second end extends from the plug to the exterior of the case. The plug is configured to electrically insulate the lead wire from the case. Some examples include a method of making the feedthrough seal apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Biswa P. Das, Rommy U. Huleis, Afsar Ali, Ashish Shah
  • Patent number: 10267740
    Abstract: A method of detecting a tracer compound dissolved in a liquid composition via surface-enhanced spectroscopy includes the steps of: a. optionally, diluting the liquid composition or the separated liquid by mixing with a diluent liquid; b. bringing a sample of the separated liquid into contact with, a spectroscopy-enhancing surface including gold, silver or copper; c. obtaining a Raman spectrum from the sample; and d. calculating, from the spectrum, the concentration of the tracer in the sample relative to the concentration of a second component of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Vincent Brian Croud, Elizabeth Ruth Egginton, Clive Anthony Marchant, Duncan William John McCallien, Alistair McInroy, David Eustace, Graeme McNay
  • Patent number: 10260944
    Abstract: A spectrometer includes a support having a bottom wall part in which a depression including a concave curved inner surface and a peripheral part adjacent to the depression are provided, and a side wall part disposed on a side on which the depression is open with respect to the bottom wall part, a light detection element supported by the side wall part while opposing the depression, and a dispersive part disposed on the inner surface of the depression. A length of the depression in a second direction in which a plurality of grating grooves included in the dispersive part is aligned is larger than a length of the depression in a third direction orthogonal to the second direction when viewed in a first direction in which the depression and the light detection element oppose each other. An area of the peripheral part adjacent to the depression in the second direction is larger than an area of the peripheral part adjacent to the depression in the third direction when viewed in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Takafumi Yokino, Katsumi Shibayama, Katsuhiko Kato
  • Patent number: 10254223
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus to detect fluorescence from a sample is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample plane onto which the sample is arranged, an excitation light unit including at least a light source to illuminate the sample, and a detection unit comprising at least a detector having at least 100,000 active detection elements to detect a fluorescence signal from the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ChemoMetec A/S
    Inventors: Søren Kjaerulff, Mette Elena Skinderso, Helle Frobose Sorensen, Frans Ejner Ravn, Martin Glensbjerg
  • Patent number: 10233481
    Abstract: An optical measurement instrument is an integrated instrument that includes an optical cavity with a light source, a sample cuvette, and an optical sensor. The light source and sensor are on a bench that is on a translational or rotational mechanical platform such that optical beam can be moved to multiple sample containers. The instrument can be used for taking measurements of organism concentration in multiple samples as a production tool for microbiology. Preferably, the instrument holds multiple, individually-loaded, independent fluid samples and determines bacteria concentration via a forward-scattering signal. The instrument can incorporate onboard incubation to promote bacterial growth in the samples during the test. In another aspect, the instrument can be a part of a network for medical diagnostic testing data where data is stored in a manner that is inherently untainted by patient identifiable information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: BacterioScan LTD
    Inventors: Dana A. Marshall, Theodore S. McMinn, Dan Vadim Regelman
  • Patent number: 10227113
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Richard L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 10215750
    Abstract: The present disclosure provided a blood cell analyzer, a control device and a blood analysis method thereof. In the method, a first reagent is mixed with a sample to obtain a first testing sample, and then a second reagent is mixed with the first testing sample for a further reaction to get a second testing sample for basophil classification and/or HGB measurement. A blood sample may be tested in one reaction cell through time-division multiplexing technology to obtain four groups leukocytes classification result and HGB result by single detection channel. Thus, the structure of the analyzer may be greatly simplified on the premise of guaranteeing the performance of the analyzer, the size and cost of the analyzer may reduce and a performance-price ratio of the analyzer may increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: CHENGDU SHEN MINDRAY MEDICAL ELECTRONICS, SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenjun Tong, Yijie Yang, Huaming Xu, Xing Shi
  • Patent number: 10191037
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improved detection sensitivity of assays. The systems include an upper plate that is inserted into a well of testing well, such as a base microtiter plate. For bottom detection, a coating, including polymer coatings or membrane coatings, is applied to an insert portion of the upper plate, and the base plate includes transparent windows. In bottom detection, a detector will image from below the base plate. Alternatively, for top detection, the coating is applied to the well of the base plate, and the upper plate includes transparent windows. In top detection, a detector will image from above the upper plate. Analysis features, including capture antibody features or antigen features, can be printed on the coating surface for forward-phase assays or reverse-phase assays, respectively. Methods for making and using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Aushon Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Honkanen, Scott Douglas
  • Patent number: 10180394
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy system includes a cavity-enhanced absorbance cell in which a liquid sample can be provided for purposes of evaluation, the absorbance cell having diffusely reflective inner surfaces, a light source configured to emit light into the liquid sample within the absorbance cell, and a light detector configured to capture the light after it has passed through the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Purnendu Dasgupta
  • Patent number: 10180389
    Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and detector defining a beam path of an optical beam, and a fluid flow cell on the beam path defining an interrogation region in a fluid channel in which the optical beam interacts with fluids. One or more flow-control devices conduct a particle in a fluid through the fluid channel. A motion system moves the interrogation region relative to the fluid channel in response to a motion signal, and a controller (1) generates the motion signal having a time-varying characteristic, (2) samples an output signal from the optical detector at respective intervals of the motion signal during which the interrogation region contains and does not contain the particle, and (3) determines from output signal samples a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Redshift Bioanalytics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Wagner, Charles McAllister Marshall, Donald Kuehl, Jeffrey Guasto
  • Patent number: 10180398
    Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging flow cytometer can acquire high-resolution hyperspectral images of particles, such as biological cells, flowing through a microfluidic system. A trajectory-based triggering system can be used that will only trigger the acquisition of a hyperspectral image when an appropriate particle or cell is crossing an imaging line, thereby saving valuable resources and time. The hyperspectral imaging flow cytometer can provide detailed spatial maps of multiple emitting species, cell morphology information, and state of health. An optimized system can image about 20 cells per second. The hyperspectral imaging flow cytometer enables many thousands of cells to be characterized in a single session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventor: Michael B. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 10173186
    Abstract: A pulsed gas mixing apparatus is provided. The pulsed gas mixing apparatus may include a mixing plate having a top side that is substantially smooth, and a bottom side that includes a plurality of ribs. The pulsed gas mixing apparatus may also include a supply tube configured to be coupled to the mixing plate and supply a mixing gas that is used to mix the contents a container in which the pulsed gas mixing apparatus is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Micro Matic USA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Tomlinson, David Dixon