Registration Of The Structure Within The Analyzer Patents (Class 422/404)
  • Patent number: 11385144
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an immunoassay method for performing immunoassay by using a patch that contains antibodies. An immunoassay method according to an aspect of the present disclosure performs diagnosis by detecting a target protein from a sample to be diagnosed by using a patch which includes a mesh structural body forming micro-cavities and is configured to contain a liquid substance in the micro-cavities, and includes placing the sample to be diagnosed in a reaction region, and providing an antibodies that react specifically with a target protein to the reaction region by using a patch that contains the antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Noul Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Young Lee, Chan Yang Lim, Kyung Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 11268631
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve provided herein is configured to mix or capable of mixing a sample and/or a reagent in addition to controlling liquid flow. In one embodiment, the microfluidic valve comprises a rotor (3) and one or more micro-structures (2) that move with the rotation of the rotor (3). In one embodiment, the one or more micro-structures (2) stir and/or mix content in a mixing chamber (5) formed by the rotor (3), a base (1), and a sleeve (4) of the microfluidic valve. A microfluidic chip or chip system comprising one or more of the microfluidic valves, and methods of use, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: CAPITALBIO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lei Wang, Yao Zhou, Hu Wang, Mingxian Lin, Tongjun Wang, Liang Bai, Guoliang Huang, Dong Wang, Wanli Xing
  • Patent number: 11219897
    Abstract: Provided are a chip for separating or aligning fine particles, a device for separating or aligning fine particles including two or more chips for separating or aligning fine particles, and a method for separating or aligning fine particles using the chip for separating or aligning fine particles or the device for separating or aligning fine particles. The chip for separating or aligning fine particles includes: (i) a passage part in which a space where a fluid including fine particles which are capable of flowing is integrally formed and which has an inclined groove formed on one surface thereof; (ii) an inlet part which is positioned on one end of the passage part and into which the fluid is introduced; and (iii) a fine particle discharge part which is positioned on one side surface of the passage part, wherein one or more inclined grooves are formed to be inclined at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to a line which is perpendicular to both side surfaces of the passage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: CURIOSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Jeong Song, Ho Young Yun
  • Patent number: 11162965
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to avoid a decrease in dispensing accuracy of a sample, a reagent, or the like as a temperature changes. In an automatic analyzer, a dispensing nozzle sucks the sample from a sample container holding the sample and discharges the sample to a reaction container. A syringe pump controls an amount of change in a volume of water. A first pipe connects the dispensing nozzle and the syringe pump. An electromagnetic valve flows or stops the water. A second pipe connects the electromagnetic valve and the syringe pump. A branch pipe branches the water. A third pipe connects the electromagnetic valve and the branch pipe. A case accommodates at least the syringe pump, the first pipe, the electromagnetic valve, the second pipe, the branch pipe, and the third pipe. Further, the third pipe includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Azuma, Isao Yamazaki, Masashi Fukaya, Takumi Ito
  • Patent number: 11117126
    Abstract: A reaction carrier (14), a measuring device (12) and a measuring method for measuring a concentration of gaseous/aerosol components of a gas mixture uses reaction material (48) which reacts in an optically detectable manner with at least one component to be measured or with a reaction product of the component to be measured. The reaction carrier includes a flow channel (42) with sections (43) and extends between connecting elements (44). A gas treatment element (47), in each of the sections, changes chemical or physical properties of the gas mixture flowing therethrough or reacts, depending on the chemical or physical properties. The sections are separated from each other in a gas-tight manner by a separating element (49). A coupling element (45) opens the separating element and establishes a connection between the sections when the coupling element is activated. The measuring device includes an activation element (25) to activate the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Hans-Ullrich Hansmann, Philipp Rostalski, Andreas Mohrmann, Andreas Seeck, Dirk Rahn-Marx, Rainer Polzius
  • Patent number: 11094403
    Abstract: A method of collecting test data from use of a disposable test kit, the method comprising the steps of: a code reader scanning a unique test identifier provided on the disposable test kit; an identification module identifying from the scanned unique test identifier a type of test performed by the disposable test kit; the code reader scanning a patient identifier; the identification module identifying from the scanned patient identifier a patient who has used the disposable test kit; a display and selection module automatically displaying on a display screen each of all possible distinct outcomes associated with the identified test as a selectable option; a user selecting one of the displayed all possible distinct outcomes for collection as test data; an association module automatically associating the test data with the patient; and the user activating storage of the test data to a data storer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: CELL ID PTE LTD
    Inventor: Lye Hock Sim
  • Patent number: 11090654
    Abstract: Described herein are multi-well separation devices configured to allow a composition comprising a target agent to be separated into multiple wells, subdivided, recombined into a single well, and/or re-separated into the same or a different configuration of wells. Also described herein are reagent loading devices configured to simultaneously deliver one or more test agents to a plurality of volumes without having to individually deliver the test agents. Together, these devices allow high throughput parallel processes without repetitive pipetting or liquid handling robotics, though they may also be used separately. Also described herein are kits and systems for chemical or biological assays, as well as methods for using the multi-well separation devices and reagent loading devices described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: DRUGARRAY, INC.
    Inventors: Ning Chen, Robert Keith Shanahan, Dayu Teng, Daniel Joseph Braun
  • Patent number: 11061014
    Abstract: A diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The sample can be processed for data collection and analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disorder, condition, disease or infection of the patient. For example, the data collection and analysis can determine one or more hemozoin characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HEMEX HEALTH, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Galen, James Daren Bledsoe, D'Arbra Blankenship, Robert J. Deissler, Steven M. Goss, Brian T. Grimberg
  • Patent number: 11033052
    Abstract: An apparatus is described herein related to a humidity-controlled container for perishable items, configured to avoid spoilage by alerting a supervisor to hazardous conditions. Relevant changes in the container environment are detected through various sensors-based event detectors. A timer serves to trigger a plurality of distinct alert states, comprising pre-alerts and full alerts, following an event-initiated time threshold expiry. A data repository of generic merchandise data is accessed in order to derive suitable timer pre-sets in relation to time thresholds for alert states. An account configuration engine serves to customize the threshold presets to the specific items stored inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Maximilian Ralph Peter von und zu Liechtenstein, Erich Linus Birchler
  • Patent number: 10939260
    Abstract: An apparatus is described herein related to an environmental monitoring system configured to avoid spoilage of goods by alerting a supervisor to hazardous conditions. The sensors monitor a plurality of parameters, of which relative humidity is of particular importance. The system offers multiple alternative ways of detecting airing events including time series anomaly discovery. The system also offers different ways of processing data related to airing events and of allowing a user to monitor either the presence or the absence of airing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Maximilian Ralph Peter von und zu Liechtenstein, Erich Linus Birchler
  • Patent number: 10869172
    Abstract: A method performed by a machine-to-machine, M2M, server for managing communication with a M2M device is disclosed. The method comprising configuring the M2M device with a finite number of predetermined states and predetermined transitions for moving the M2M device into one of its predetermined states, and sending a message to the M2M device for executing at least one of the predetermined transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Oscar Novo Diaz, Nicklas Beijar, Jaime Jiménez, Tero Kauppinen, Jimmy Kjällman, Miika Komu, Petri Jokela, Jan Melén, Roberto Morabito, Mert Ocak, Maria Ines Robles, Mohit Sethi
  • Patent number: 10866204
    Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Edge 3 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Dimmler, Thomas Moss, III
  • Patent number: 10809251
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for increasing sensitivities of immunoassays. The invention utilizes an acid elution condition that preferentially elute specifically bound immune complexes over non-specifically bound complexes from a solid phase, and designs immunoassay protocols that improve the ratio of specific binding to non-specific binding and thereby improving assay sensitivity. The protocol determines the signal of the labeled immunocomplexes eluted from a solid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: ACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Robert F. Zuk, Hong Tan, Qing Xia, Pu Li, Haode Chen, Heng Wu
  • Patent number: 10712240
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, systems, and software for assessing contaminant quantities in a fluid. Fluid enters a reaction chamber. A controller then signals two different sheets with different reagents to move into the reaction chamber. One sheet contains reagents to form a contaminant byproduct or gas, while the other sheet is saturated with reagent that will have a photometric effect upon reacting with the contaminant byproduct or gas. After the photometric effect has occurred, the controller moves the reacted portion of the other reagent sheet into alignment with a photometric sensor. This photometric effect is calculated to contaminant concentration. The concentration is recorded and the data is transmitted to memory. The fluid sample in the chamber is drained and the remaining solid waste is collected onto the first reagent sheet. Both sheets are individually collected into separate controllable collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: Ariana Schanzer, Michale Goldberger, Aardra Rajendran, Adam Weisel
  • Patent number: 10620200
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to paper/polymer hybrid microfluidic devices integrated with nano-biosensors for pathogen detection and infectious disease diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: XiuJun Li, Maowei Dou
  • Patent number: 10588608
    Abstract: Sampling systems that include an absorbent material a preservative, such as an analyte preservative, as well as related materials and methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Progenity, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Lawrence Jones, Christopher Loren Wahl, Aaron Olafur Laurence Philippsen, Nicholas David Allan, Mark Sasha Drlik, Ryan Paul McGuinness, Sharat Singh, Robert S. Magyar
  • Patent number: 10407141
    Abstract: A vessel has a compartment (34) for containing water, which compartment (34) has at least one opening (31) in a wall (30) thereof for allowing water to pass therethrough. The compartment (34) comprises an assembly (1) of a grating (10) and at least one anti-biofouling source (20), the grating (10) being positioned in the opening (31) for blocking items from passing through the opening (31) along with the water, and comprising a number of elements and spaces between the elements, and the anti-biofouling source (20) being configured to emit ultraviolet light during operation thereof for realizing anti-biofouling of at least a portion of the grating (10). At least one of the elements of the grating (10) is at least partially transparent to the ultraviolet light, enabling a design of the assembly (1) in which anti-biofouling of the entire grating (10) may be guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Roelant Boudewijn Hietbrink, Bart Andre Salters, Esther Anna Wilhelmina Gerarda Janssen, Cornelis Gerardus Visser
  • Patent number: 10309977
    Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a biochip detecting device that comprises a first shell (2) connect to a second shell (1), and a rotatable support frame (5) of biochip possessing a detecting zone that holds one or more biochips, and a detector (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: CapitalBio Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan Xue, Guanbin Zhang, Cheng Chen, Kaijun Zhao, Yu Dong, Jing Cheng
  • Patent number: 10302572
    Abstract: A reagent card analyzer comprises an optical signal source configured to transmit an optical signal and an optical signal detector spaced a distance from the optical signal source to define an optical signal path into which the optical signal is transmitted, the optical signal detector configured to detect the optical signal and to output an electrical signal indicative of the optical signal. A reader is configured to read a reagent pad of a reagent card. A reagent card moving mechanism is configured to move the reagent card having the reagent pad including a leading and trailing end through the optical signal path. An optical detector interface is electrically coupled with the optical signal detector and configured to receive electrical signals and to output a pad detect signal indicative of at least one of the leading and the trailing end as the reagent card is moved through the optical signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Milesky, George N. Zantos
  • Patent number: 10288537
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and materials pertaining to assays, for example immunoassays, for biomarkers in body fluids e.g. blood. The invention also relates to diagnostic or screening methods for infections, and methods of differentiating between infectious and non-infectious conditions in mammals, particularly equines, for monitoring response to anti-infective/antibiotic therapy. The invention further relates to a test fluid collection system adapted to permit dilution and analysis of the collected test fluid. The invention further relates to monitoring exertional rhabdomyolysis in equines, and assay devices for all these things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Epona Biotech Ltd
    Inventors: Ruth Candon, Heinrich Anhold, Di-Sien Chan
  • Patent number: 10168322
    Abstract: An electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a display. The display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The system includes lights which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the display otherwise, No? is displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Albert R. Nazareth, Francis T. Delahanty, Gregory M. Bandru, Henry J. Wieck, Stephen R. Synakowski
  • Patent number: 10160589
    Abstract: Disclosed are a biosensor strip dispensing apparatus and a strip cartridge used by being coupled thereto. The present invention enables opening of a dispensing hole and dispensing of a strip to be performed simultaneously by an open plate and a dispensing plate which move by being interlocked with each other, and thus the present invention can form a biosensor strip dispensing apparatus which enables a strip to be easily dispensed when using the strip, has a great strip protection effect due to sealing of the inner part of a body, and has a compact size. In addition, the present invention enables a strip to be upwardly pressed by an up-and-down elastic unit, while adjusting the elastic force upwardly applied by a friction elastic unit so that the amount of change in a frictional force applied between the uppermost strip and a protrusion is reduced, and thus, the present invention can form a strip cartridge by which a strip is easily dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: In Sang Choi
  • Patent number: 10143413
    Abstract: A device and method yielding a blood analysis employable in combination with an introducer for a catheter for a concurrent testing of blood from the introducer flash chamber during placement of a venous catheter. The device employs a colorimetric blood analysis to provide the user a visually discernable alert to the results of tested blood concurrent with the placement of the catheter with the introducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: KURIN, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Garrett, John W. Simpson
  • Patent number: 10139391
    Abstract: An ejection structure includes a connector and an ejection element. The connector includes an opening and an ejection guiding groove for ejecting. The opening is received a biosensor test strip. The ejection guiding groove is disposed on a side of the connector and a front end of the guiding groove is communicating with the opening for receiving the biosensor test strip. The ejection element is assembled in the ejection guiding groove and comprises an actuating part used for contacting the biosensor test strip then ejecting the biosensor test strip along the ejection guiding groove from a rear end to the front end. Therefore, it omits extra assembled elements and simplifies the ejection structure so as to enhance the smoothness of the ejection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TAIDOC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hui-Sheng Hou, Yi-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 10132786
    Abstract: A method for testing a gas sensor (30) and a gas-measuring device with a testing device for testing the gas sensor (30) make possible an improved analysis and evaluation of states of gas sensors (30). Due to the testing of a gas admission element (8) by monitoring measured signals (35, 38) in a time course (400) and a comparison with threshold values (350, 351) at predefined times (403, 404), (403?, 404?) in conjunction with the dispensing (91) of a quantity of test substance (5, 6), it is possible to test whether a gas supply (7) to the gas sensor (30, 309) is possible and given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Wilfried Diekmann
  • Patent number: 10107828
    Abstract: A clamp device includes a frame; a carriage slidably engaged with the frame and including a receptacle to receive a cartridge including fluidics ports and electronic contacts, the carriage slidable between an open position and a closed position; a fluidics interface to engage the fluidics ports of the cartridge when the carriage is in a closed position; an electronic interface to engage the electronic contacts of the cartridge when the carriage is in the closed position; a driver to draw the fluidics interface and the electronic interface together, the cartridge secured between the electronic interface and the fluidics interface; and a sensor system to detect the presence of the cartridge in the receptacle and configured to prevent the driver from drawing the fluidics interface and electronic interface together when the cartridge is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jon Hoshizaki
  • Patent number: 10001486
    Abstract: A method to calibrate measurements of a test analyte in a test sample including measuring at least one test-light level responsive to reactions of at least one reagent group and at least one reactive test analyte in the test sample and measuring at least one control-light level responsive to reactions of at least one reagent group and at least one control analyte in a control sample. Each control analyte is a known amount of at least one reactive test analyte. The method further includes determining a presence of the reactive test analyte in the test sample based on the measured test-light levels and control-light levels. The reagent group and the reactive test analyte react by attaching to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo U. Curry, Rene P. Helbing
  • Patent number: 9979612
    Abstract: Provided is a server device capable of increasing the availability of a device by urging a user who uses the device to perform actions related to maintenance service. In this server device, an information transceiver receives operation information about a device. A remaining life determination unit determines the remaining life of the device or a component of the device based on the operation information. When the determined remaining life reaches a predetermined remaining life or becomes shorter than the predetermined remaining life, a transmission destination setting unit sets a device that is possessed by a person having a predetermined relationship with the user of the device as a transmission destination for the transmission of maintenance service information based on relationship information indicating the relationship between the user of the device and another person who is not the user. The information transceiver transmits the maintenance service information to the transmission destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Kenji Kondo, Tomoaki Maruyama, Kotaro Sakata, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Masayoshi Tojima
  • Patent number: 9915616
    Abstract: A method to identify a compound of interest includes the step of subjecting a sample to a plurality of colorimetric spot tests to yield a plurality of resultant test colors. The resultant test colors are compared with reference colors to define a set of sample reference colors. Indexed reference color sets indexed for the compound of interest are provided. The indexed reference color sets are searched with one or more of the sample reference colors for a match with the set of sample reference colors. The identity of the sample as the compound of interest is then determined. A device and a system to identify compounds of interest are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: FGROUPIP1, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene T. Smith
  • Patent number: 9910010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a droplet actuator device and methods for integrated sample preparation and analysis of a biological sample. A droplet actuator device is provided for conducting droplet operations. The droplet actuator device may include a bottom substrate and a top substrate separated from each other to form a gap therebetween; an arrangement of droplet operations electrodes arranged on one or both of the bottom and/or top substrates for conducting droplet operations thereon; a reagent storage layer comprising one or more compartments bound to the top substrate; and one or more openings arranged to provide a fluidic path from the one or more compartments into the gap, upon breach of a breachable seal separating the one or more compartments and openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.
    Inventor: William Craig Bauer
  • Patent number: 9841336
    Abstract: A pressure sensor (100) for a measuring system (10) measuring concentrations of gaseous and/or aerosol components of a gas mixture with a reaction carrier (14), with a flow channel (42). The flow channel (42) forms a reaction chamber (46) with a reactant (48), that enters into an optically detectable reaction, and with a measuring device (12) with a gas port unit (5) connecting an inlet channel (16) and an outlet channel (18) to the flow channel (42) and a gas delivery unit (28). The pressure sensor (100) measures a pressure difference of a gas mixture flowing through the gas delivery assembly unit (2) and/or the flow channel (42) of the reaction carrier (14) and has an elastic element (102), which is configured to undergo deformation as a function of the pressure difference. A measuring method, a measuring device and a reaction carrier for such a measuring system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: DRÄGER SAFETY AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Hans-Ullrich Hansmann, Philipp Rostalski
  • Patent number: 9839909
    Abstract: A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: Diagnostics for the Real World, Ltd., Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Helen Hwai-an Lee, Magda Anastassova Dineva, Craig Alan Wisniewski, Phillip John Stankus
  • Patent number: 9752987
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for hydride generation. In some embodiments, the system includes an assembly for introducing hydride generation reagents into a mixing path or mixing container, where the assembly includes first chamber configured to contain a first hydride generation reagent and a second chamber configured to contain a second hydride generation reagent. A first plunger is configured to translate within the first chamber and cause a displacement of the first hydride generation reagent, and a second plunger is configured to translate within the second chamber and cause a displacement of the second hydride generation reagent. The assembly further includes base coupling the first plunger and the second plunger together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 9638558
    Abstract: In situ spacing-correcting heat pulse sensor for measuring sap flow or water flux includes: a holder; a temperature probe or two (sometimes there will be more than two) mounted on the holder; and a heating probe mounted on the holder; wherein two or three thermometric elements are provided axially in the same temperature probe, all the thermometric elements are connected to a data collector, a heating wire is mounted in the heating probe, and the heating wire is connected to a power supply. A measuring method thereof is also provided. In practice, by arranging at least two thermometric elements in each temperature probe, measurement errors of sap flow in plant or soil water flux caused by factors such as deflection of the temperature probe or the heating probe are reduced. Furthermore, the sensor is simple in structure, low in cost, convenient in utilization, and accurate in measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: China Agricultural University
    Inventors: Gang Liu, Minmin Wen, Robert Horton, Ruiqi Ren, BingCheng Si, Jianping Wang, Baoguo Li
  • Patent number: 9600878
    Abstract: A method is provided for a computing device with an imaging device to read a specimen test strip. The method includes capturing an image of the specimen test strip, wherein the image includes a reaction area, a color calibration area, and a temperature calibration area on the specimen test strip, determining a color of the reaction area based on one or more colors of the color calibration area, and determining a value of a characteristic of an analyte by correlating the color of the reaction area to the value and then adjusting the value based on the color of the temperature calibration area, or adjusting the color of the reaction area based on the color of the temperature calibration area and then correlating the color of the reaction area to the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IXENSOR INC.
    Inventors: Tungmeng Tsai, Chieh Hsiao Chen, Yenyu Chen
  • Patent number: 9404911
    Abstract: A laminated, integrated, analyte assay device and methods of using the device are described. The assay device is useful as an inexpensive, disposable assay device for detecting the presence and/or amount of a particular analyte in a body fluid or other sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Quidel Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Jacono, John C. Barry
  • Patent number: 9346053
    Abstract: A mixing vial is provided for an automated biological reaction apparatus typically used for staining tissue samples in Immuno-histological and in-situ hybridisation reactions. The mixing vial allows reagents placed on the apparatus to be mixed together to form additional or blended reagents. A reagent dispenser mounted on a robotic arm withdraws reagent from the reagent containers and deposits it into one of the mixing vials. Several reagents can be deposited into each vial. Mixing is undertaken by withdrawing the reagents in a vial and re-dispensing the reagent back into the vial. Mixing may take place between the operation of other tasks performed by the apparatus, and a scheduler is used to ensure blended reagent is provided before it is required in one of the processes undertaken on the apparatus. The apparatus is able to automatically identify which blended reagents are required and when they must be applied to provide an appropriate schedule that minimises time taken to stain samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Frank Samuhel, Adam Donath, Krzysztof Zawadzki, Anthony Cecil White
  • Patent number: 9329128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test element for detecting at least one analyte in a sample, in particular for detecting at least one metabolite in a bodily fluid. The test element comprises at least one test field with a test field surface. The test field comprises at least one detection reagent that is adapted to undergo a detectable reaction in the presence of the analyte. The test element further comprises at least one distribution element that has at least one distribution surface facing the test field surface. Between the distribution surface and the test field surface is at least one capillary gap, wherein the capillary gap is adapted to allow a layer of the sample with a layer thickness of no more than 50 ?m to form within the capillary gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Petrich, Luis David Bedon-Gomez
  • Patent number: 9267910
    Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Harding, Sridhar G. Iyengar, Baoguo Wei, Steven Diamond, Martin Forest
  • Patent number: 9248450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a droplet actuator device and methods for integrated sample preparation and analysis of a biological sample. A droplet actuator device is provided for conducting droplet operations. The droplet actuator device may include a bottom substrate and a top substrate separated from each other to form a gap therebetween; an arrangement of droplet operations electrodes arranged on one or both of the bottom and/or top substrates for conducting droplet operations thereon; a reagent storage layer comprising one or more compartments bound to the top substrate; and one or more openings arranged to provide a fluidic path from the one or more compartments into the gap, upon breach of a breachable seal separating the one or more compartments and openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.
    Inventor: William Craig Bauer
  • Patent number: 9221734
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a fermentation stream to remove dissolved gases, comprising obtaining a fermentation stream including water, one or more fermentation products, and dissolved gases; continuously sonicating the fermentation stream to generate acoustically cavitated gases from the dissolved gases; and applying vacuum to release the acoustically cavitated gases from the fermentation stream. The dissolved gases may include air, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, argon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, or other non-condensables. The release of acoustically cavitated gases may optionally be done simultaneously with sonication. At least 75%, such as up to 95% or more, of the dissolved gases may be released from the fermentation stream. The disclosed method positively impacts downstream operations and product quality by removing dissolved gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: API Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Monclin
  • Patent number: 9086410
    Abstract: A downward or vertical flow-through rapid diagnostic device and assay are provided. The device comprises a test area and reagent storage area, which are linked via a channel. The test area further comprises a reaction zone and an absorbent zone. A capture reagent is immobilized on the reaction zone to detect a target analyte in the fluid test sample. The fluid test sample flows downward or vertically through the reaction zone and into the absorbent zone, with the capture reagent and target analyte forming a two-membered complex that is concentrated in the reaction zone. The reagent storage area comprises a breakable cartridge positioned directly and vertically above the test area and a channel. A reagent used in the assay is housed in the breakable cartridge. Once liberated, the reagent passes through the channel and flows to test area for depositing on the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: MEDMIRA INC.
    Inventors: Hermes K. W. Chan, King Sing Chan, Neeraj Vats
  • Patent number: 9039991
    Abstract: A biosensor is provided. The biosensor is used to sense a biological sample and has a code representing features of the biosensor. The biosensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is disposed on a first side of the substrate and includes a first conductive loop and a second conductive loop. The first conductive loop is formed between a first node and a second node and has a first impedance. The second conductive loop is formed between the second node and a third node and has a second impedance. The code is determined according to a comparison result between the second impedance and the first impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DELBio, INC.
    Inventors: Kai-Tsung Teng, Chi-Jui Chiu
  • Patent number: 9031701
    Abstract: An integrated system for determining a hemostasis and oxygen transport parameter of a blood sample, such as blood, is disclosed. The system includes a measurement system, such as an ultrasonic sensor, configured to determine data characterizing the blood sample. For example, the data could be displacement of the blood sample in response to ultrasonic pulses. An integrated aspect of the system may be a common sensor, sample portion or data for fast and efficient determination of both parameters. The parameters can also be used to correct or improve measured parameters. For example, physiological adjustments may be applied to the hemostatic parameters using a HCT measurement. Also, physical adjustments may be applied, such as through calibration using a speed or attenuation of the sound pulse through or by the blood sample. These parameters may be displayed on a GUI to guide treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: HemoSonics LLC
    Inventors: Francesco Viola, William F. Walker
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9011793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood glucose monitoring system, a strip accommodation device, a strip storage device, and an automated blood collection device, wherein the blood glucose monitoring system has the strip accommodation device formed integrally therewith, the strip accommodation device being configured to convert a rotary motion of a cover of an operating member into an upward linear motion and to eject one of a plurality of strips through an ejection hole, thereby easily storing the strips therein, preventing the contamination of the strips from the foreign matters like outside moisture, and accurately and easily measuring the concentration of the glucose in the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: In Sang Choi
  • Patent number: 8986611
    Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Koo Lee, Tae Soo Kim, In Duk Hwang, Seock Woo Jang, Chul Ho Yun
  • Patent number: 8974747
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate, the substrate having supported thereon: plural collectors each for collecting a bodily fluid from the surface of a body part placed adjacent thereto; an analyser for analysing each collected bodily fluid; and a display for displaying an indication of a result of each analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schabbach
  • Patent number: 8974746
    Abstract: A biological sample measuring device has the display screen of a display section divided into a first display area that displays measurement values, and a second displays area that displays the operating status. When the scheduled maintenance is needed for the biological sample measuring device, a controller displays an scheduled maintenance warning in the first and second display areas upon the first start-up that day, and displays an scheduled maintenance warning only in the second display area upon the second and subsequent start-ups that day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8968676
    Abstract: A hand-held device for measuring an analyte concentration in a sample of a body liquid includes a display means for displaying measured values; a measured-value storage for storing measured values; a measuring unit for generating measured values through measurements of the analyte concentration; a clock; a control unit for generating measured value datasets, each containing a measured value supplied by the measuring unit as well as the date and hour of the measurement by which the measured value was obtained, and for writing them into the measured-value storage; and operating elements that can be actuated by the user to set the clock, in which case the control unit will generate a time-correction dataset indicating the amount and direction of the setting effected. The control unit writes time-correction datasets into the measured-value storage so that a chronologically ordered sequence is generated containing time-correction datasets and measured value datasets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Porsch, Bernd Steiger, Gertrud Albrecht, Uwe Wittmann