Structure For Contacting The Sample With The Reagent Patents (Class 422/408)
  • Patent number: 11874269
    Abstract: A testing pad comprising a water-resistant base layer, a water-transmissive top layer coupled with said base layer, an hydrophilic intermediate layer contained between said top layer and said base layer, and a color-changing chemical reagent contained between said top layer and said base layer adapted an configured to allow an animal or person to urinate on the testing pad and the chemical reagent to present testing results related to the presence, absence and/or concentration of substances within the urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Bonnie Goodman, Jeff Goodman
  • Patent number: 11709145
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a sensor assembly for an IVD analyzer, the sensor comprising two opposite substrates with at least one fluidic conduit for receiving a sample. The electrodes of different types of electrochemical sensors are arranged on the two opposite substrates facing the at least one fluidic conduit for coming in contact with the sample and determining sample parameters, wherein the counter electrodes and the reference electrodes are formed on one substrate and the working electrodes are formed on the opposite substrate. This achieves optimal sensor-working conditions in terms of a homogeneous and symmetrical electric field density and enables a sensor assembly with simpler geometry and smaller size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sascha Lutz, Gregor Ocvirk, Christoph Boehm, Wolfgang Burkhardt, Miriam Ruf, Heinz Kontschieder
  • Patent number: 11543410
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a sample loading chamber configured to receive a sample, a detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber configured to receive a first portion of the sample, one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers configured to receive a second portion of the sample, and one or more reaction chambers connected to the detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and the one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers. The detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers are placed in parallel between the sample loading chamber and the one or more reaction chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati
    Inventors: Chong H. Ahn, Sthitodhi Ghosh, Atreyee Chakraborty
  • Patent number: 11446654
    Abstract: A substrate structured to define thereon a fluid flow channel and/or a fluid control feature is described. The substrate may additionally comprise a capture zone and/or a test zone, for use as a test strip for determining presence or absence of an analyte of interest, such as an infectious agent or a biomarker. Reagents are deposited in the capture zone and/or test zone as an array of drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Quidel Corporation
    Inventors: Samantha Chang, Jason McClure, Robert Reed, Irene Sinn Blandy, Robert Weiller, Christian Bobritchi
  • Patent number: 11278889
    Abstract: A sample test device is provided that includes a body having an insertion surface spaced apart from a distal end portion and a fluid manipulating assembly disposed in the distal end portion. A mixing receptacle is defined in the fluid manipulating assembly and provides a volume to mix a test mixture. A plunger is disposed in the body and creates a positive air pressure in the mixing receptacle when inserted into the body. A test die is disposed in the fluid manipulation assembly and a fluid path extends from the mixing receptacle to the test die. Activation of the plunger creates a positive pressure in the mixing receptacle to force the test mixture to flow from the mixing receptacle to the test die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeremy Harlan Donaldson, Stephen Lee Frey, Alexander Govyadinov
  • Patent number: 11067574
    Abstract: A membrane strip sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the membrane strip sensor includes: a support; a sample pad; a conjugate pad; a reaction membrane; a absorption pad; and a secondary reagent pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GMD BIOTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Min Gon Kim, Ka Hee Kim, Gyeo Re Han, Hyou Arm Joung
  • Patent number: 10948395
    Abstract: What provided is a biosensor including: a substrate having a surface with first and second regions adjacent each other; a magnetoresistance effect element disposed on the first region; a soft magnetic thin film on the second region; a protective film disposed on both the first region and the second region, covering a surface of the soft magnetic thin film, and disposed on the top part of the second region and contains an affinity substance recognizing the biomolecule on the outer surface of the second region exclusively; and an MR cover film disposed on at least the top part of the first region, disposed on the protective film above the magnetoresistance effect element, and being free of the affinity substance, wherein the soft magnetic thin film transmits an in-plane component of a stray magnetic field of magnetic beads to the magnetoresistance effect element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susumu Haratani, Sachio Tsuboike, Sumiko Kitagawa, Takashi Kikukawa, Haruki Yuga
  • Patent number: 10842470
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: INNOVAPREP, LLC
    Inventors: Alec D. Adolphson, Ann K. Packingham, Andrew E. Page, David S. Alburty, Zachary A. Packingham, John D. Birkenholz, Michael F. Fischer
  • Patent number: 10823726
    Abstract: System and method embodiments for analyzing a test fluid to detect prior or present infestations of bed bugs are described. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving the test fluid on a test strip within the detection device. The test strip may include a reaction portion and a reagent portion containing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is conjugated to a colored particle. The test fluid may include bed bug antigen that reacts with the conjugated antibody. The detection device may include a first and a second optical sensor for monitoring a reaction and a background color intensity, respectively. Upon a predetermined time delay elapsing, the detection device determines whether bed bug antigen is present in the test fluid using the monitored color intensities and minimum and maximum color intensity thresholds associated with bed bugs. Then, the detection device outputs a result using a visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Redcoat Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William John Hall, Benedict Louis Zin, Andy Sturman, Min Wang
  • Patent number: 10758866
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for separating, concentrating, and isolating target particles from a bioliquid sample includes a sample reservoir, a first filtration membrane, a second filtration membrane, a first chamber, and a second chamber. The first chamber with first outlet is connected to the sample reservoir through the first filtration membrane. The second chamber with second outlet is connected to the sample reservoir through the second filtration membrane. Negative pressures are applied alternately to the two filtration membranes to isolate target particles, clogging of the membranes being prevented by the same alternating but opposite-phase positive pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: WELLSIM BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC
    Inventor: Yu-Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 10712340
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device which comprises a liquid sample addition zone, a reagent zone, a detection zone, and a wicking zone, all defining a fluid flow path. The device further comprises a reagent addition zone along and in fluid communication with the fluid flow path downstream of the sample addition zone and upstream of the detection zone. An interrupting wash is added at this reagent addition zone in accordance with the method of the subject invention to control sample volume. The interrupting wash fluid is added at a predetermined fill volume on the chip device and also serves to wash the detection channel and fill the remaining chip volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ORTHO-CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward R. Scalice, Philip C. Hosimer, Zhong Ding, James D. Kanaley, David A. Tomasso, Daniel P. Salotto, Timothy C. Warren
  • Patent number: 10610862
    Abstract: A fluid sample collection card in one embodiment includes an absorbent strip including a sample application portion, a first absorbent strip portion extending directly from the sample application portion, and a second absorbent strip portion extending directly from the sample application portion and spaced apart from the first absorbent strip portion by the sample application portion, a non-absorbent layer positioned beneath the absorbent strip, and a sample application portion indicium configured to identify the sample application portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Advance Dx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned Bedrio
  • Patent number: 10591470
    Abstract: An object is to provide an immunochromatographic analysis method capable of shortening the developing time without decreasing the detection sensitivity, and also capable of reducing the return of the liquid of a developed component, and a method for detecting a detection target contained in an analyte using an immunochromatographic analysis device including an absorption part composed of glass fiber, wherein the analyte and a labeling substance are developed in a chromatography medium part as a mobile phase in the presence of a nonionic surfactant, and the detection target is detected in a detection part is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: TANAKA KIKINZOKU KOGYO K.K.
    Inventors: Hisahiko Iwamoto, Kazuyoshi Mochiduki, Daisuke Ito, Yuya Kato
  • Patent number: 10485476
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing a liquid comprising a plurality of different substances. The apparatus includes an absorber that comprises one or more layers of absorbent material for absorbing the liquid and one or more sensors embedded within the one or more layers of absorbent material. The sensors are configured to provide information associated with the different substances included in the absorbed liquid, and a location of a respective sensor is determined based on a corresponding substance detected by the sensor and a diffusion property of the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Kuniavsky, Siqi Wang
  • Patent number: 10406518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for storing and transporting a bodily fluid sample, comprising a support element (2), which forms a main body. At least one sorption element (3), which has a defined filling volume and is suitable for receiving a drop of the bodily fluid, and an overflow reservoir (4), which is adjacent to the sorption element (3) and which receives the bodily fluid from the sorption element (3) as soon as the filling volume of the sorption element (3) is filled, are fastened to the support element. The technical solution according to the invention is characterized in that at least one predetermined breaking point (5) is provided, which is designed in such a way that the sorption element (3) can be manually detached from the support element (1) and/or from the overflow reservoir (4) without an auxiliary tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: EUROIMMUN MEDIZINISCHE LABORDIAGNOSTIKA AG
    Inventors: Victor Herbst, Birgit Nagel
  • Patent number: 10379119
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to lateral flow immunoassay systems, devices and methods, for detecting analytes in biological samples. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to synthetic thread based lateral flow immunofluorescent assay systems, devices and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Lumos Diagnostics IP PTY LTD
    Inventors: William Samuel Hunter, Sacha Marie Dopheide, Samantha Irene Couper, Mary Louise Garcia, Joy Ji Liu, Christopher James Hurren
  • Patent number: 10377538
    Abstract: A liquid storage and delivery mechanism and method of use are provided. The mechanism comprises shells that include corresponding reservoirs to hold individual quantities of liquid. The shells include filling ends and discharge ends. The filling ends include fill ports that open to the reservoirs in order to receive the corresponding quantity of liquid. The discharge ends are covered with closure lids to seal bottoms of the corresponding reservoirs. A shell management module is provided comprising a cover and a platform. The platform includes shell retention chambers to receive corresponding shells. The shell retention chambers are arranged in a predetermined pattern on the platform. The shell retention chambers are to orient shells with the fill ports exposed from the platform. The cover is mounted onto the platform to close the fill ports. The shells are to move individually, along the shell retention chambers, between non-actuated and actuated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Crivelli, Gary Watts
  • Patent number: 10349834
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing substances within a liquid. The apparatus includes an absorber that comprises one or more layers of absorbent material for absorbing the liquid and one or more sensors embedded within the one or more layers of absorbent material. The sensors are configured to provide information associated with the substances included in the absorbed liquid. The apparatus further includes electrical conductive traces coupled to the one or more sensors, thereby facilitating transmission of outputs of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Kuniavsky, Siqi Wang
  • Patent number: 10295532
    Abstract: A sensor is provided with a sensor element which outputs a signal in accordance with a detected object contained in a specimen positioned on a detection part in an element surface and with a package which accommodates the sensor element inside it and has a passage including a space positioned on the element surface. A lower surface of the passage has the element surface and a lower surface of an inflow passage extending toward the space, and a gap is positioned between the lower surface of the inflow passage and the element surface. The element surface is positioned above the lower surface of the inflow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: KYOCERA CORPORATION, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Tanaka, Hideharu Kurioka, Eiichi Tamiya, Masato Saito
  • Patent number: 10285669
    Abstract: An apparatus for individually storing multiple tissue samples separately from each other includes a base, a lid, a lock, and one or more vents. The base defines a plurality of reservoirs and a plurality of identification areas. A portion of the base defines an opening corresponding to each reservoir. The lid is configured to secure the multiple tissue samples within a corresponding reservoir by enclosing each corresponding opening in the closed configuration. The lock is configured to selectively lock the lid against the base in the closed configuration. The one or more vents are configured to enable entry of fluid into the reservoirs when the lid is in the closed configuration. The one or more vents are further configured to prevent exit of tissue samples from the reservoirs when the lid is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan R. Keller
  • Patent number: 10273463
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluff pulp compositions, absorbent articles comprising the fluff pulp compositions, and related methods. The fluff pulp compositions comprise a chemiluminescent system configured to produce visible light upon contact with an aqueous system. Representative absorbent articles include disposable diapers and adult incontinence products. Representative chemiluminescent systems include bioluminescent systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent A. Petersen, Venketa R. Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 10240212
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: GeneWeave Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Ariel Rey, Shaunak Roy, Leonardo Maestri Teixeira, Ryan C. Griswold, Kenneth G. Olson, Bruce J. Richardson, Victor H. Yee, Werner Frei
  • Patent number: 10241022
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with characterizing a fluid sample based on response of a non-planar structure are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a non-planar structure having an exterior (e.g., a curved exterior) and a core having a content to change (e.g., by osmosis) responsive to application of the fluid sample to the non-planar structure. The apparatus may include one or more processors, devices, and/or circuitry to identify a value indicative of a characteristic of the fluid based on the measurement. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Vishal Mannapur, Handeep Kaur, Yuri I. Krimon, David I. Poisner, Anand K. Enamandram
  • Patent number: 10219732
    Abstract: A biological property testing device includes a base comprising a primary surface extending in a base plane, and a first lancet station supported by the base. A first test strip channel provided in the base can have a main channel portion extending generally parallel with the base plane, and an angled channel portion that forms an angle with the main channel portion between 5 degrees and 90 degrees. The first test strip channel can house a biological test strip oriented so that a meter connecting end of the biological test strip is adjacent to the main channel portion and a sample end of the biological test strip is adjacent to the angled channel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: POPS! Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Davis, Chandler Stormo, Curtis J. Christensen, Erik D. Davis, Lonny Stormo
  • Patent number: 10145765
    Abstract: A method is provided for suppressing, in a color reagent solution which is used to measure a component within a sample and which contains an oxidative color reagent dissolved therein, a background rise that occurs when the color reagent solution is stored. The method includes adjusting a hydrogen ion exponent (pH) of the color reagent solution so as to be strongly acidic. The hydrogen ion exponent is preferably adjusted to 2.9 or below or to 2.1 or below. The color reagent solution is preferably used to measure the degree of oxidative stress. The oxidative color reagent is preferably a phenylenediamine derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Omiya, Toshihiro Imai
  • Patent number: 10113942
    Abstract: A method is provided for suppressing, in a color reagent solution which is used to measure a component within a sample and which contains an oxidative color reagent dissolved therein, a background rise that occurs when the color reagent solution is stored. The method includes adjusting a hydrogen ion exponent (pH) of the color reagent solution so as to be strongly acidic. The hydrogen ion exponent is preferably adjusted to 2.9 or below or to 2.1 or below. The color reagent solution is preferably used to measure the degree of oxidative stress. The oxidative color reagent is preferably a phenylenediamine derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Omiya, Toshihiro Imai
  • Patent number: 10041941
    Abstract: In one aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label. In another aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and at least one non-specific-binding label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte. Systems and methods of reading assay test strips also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Petruno, John F. Petrilla, Michael J. Brosnan, Rong Zhou, Daniel B. Roitman
  • Patent number: 9964550
    Abstract: Disclosed is an at-home blood pregnancy test kit that can identify the presence of hCG in a blood sample to detect pregnancy in female mammals. The present kit includes a housing having a sample strip that is in fluid communication with a sample pad for holding a blood sample, a test pad, and a conjugate pad. The housing further includes a test window and a push button for releasing a reagent that can react with hCG. The reagent and the test pad include antibodies that can bind with hCG antigens to detect presence of the same. The test window is adapted to display a symbol that indicates a negative pregnancy test result in the absence of hCG, or display a symbol that indicates a positive pregnancy test result in the presence of hCG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Melinda Sanders
  • Patent number: 9873910
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a two-stage nucleic acid reaction and detection tube. First, a reaction and detection tube is provided. Then a reaction is performed by using a liquid in the storing space of the second tube, following by putting the dipstick into the dipstick fixing space of the connector. The first tube, the second tube and the connector is assembled together, wherein the dipstick is placed both in the dipstick fixing space of the connector and the detection space of the first tube. The reaction and detection tube is rotated from bottom to top, thus making the liquid in the storing space of the second tube flow into the liquid collection space through the diversion unit and then contact the dipstick in the dipstick fixing space. A detection result is then observed from the dipstick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Credo Biomedical Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Jr Winston Wong, Stephen Chang-Chi Kao, Ying-Ta Lai, Ming-Fa Chen
  • Patent number: 9833783
    Abstract: A fluid retainer cartridge assembly is disclosed. The fluid retainer cartridge assembly includes a base portion and a cap portion. The base portion defines a plurality of implement-receiving channels. The cap portion is removably-connected to the base portion. The cap portion defines a fluid-receiving void that is fluidly-divided into an upstream fluid-receiving void and a downstream fluid-receiving void by a flange of the base portion that is disposed within the fluid-receiving void of the cap portion. The upstream fluid-receiving void is in fluid communication with the downstream fluid-receiving void by a fluid-flow passage formed by the flange of the base portion. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: NEOGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Eric Klein, Andrew John Wheeler, Andrew John DenHartigh, William Hoerner, Damon Borich, Zwckxally Obregon, Andrea Grbavac, Karen Borich, Alejandro Silveyra
  • Patent number: 9816136
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a two-stage reaction and detection tube comprises a first tube, a second tube and a connector. The first tube comprises a detection space for placing a dipstick and a detection space for the test result. The second tube comprises a storing space for the PCR or RT-PCR reagents and the target gene segments. The connector comprises a first portion and a second portion which connect to the first tube and the second tube respectively. The connector further comprises a diversion unit, a liquid collection space, and a dipstick fixing space, where the liquid collection space is connected to the dipstick fixing space. The target gene amplification and detection could be directly processed in the same tube without any liquid transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Credo Biomedical Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Jr Winston Wong, Stephen Chang-Chi Kao, Ying-Ta Lai, Ming-Fa Chen
  • Patent number: 9757722
    Abstract: An analyzing device has a main body and is configured to draw a sample liquid from a spot application section of the main body and transfer the sample liquid to a measurement chamber via a microchannel structure formed inside the main body by a centrifugal force. The spot application section has an inlet. The analyzing device includes a supplying capillary channel formed within the spot application section. The supplying capillary channel has an end connected to the inlet of the spot application section. The analyzing device also includes a holding chamber connected to another end of the supplying capillary channel and having a thickness sized to generate a capillary force to move the sample liquid. The holding chamber is formed between a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall define the holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kijima
  • Patent number: 9689802
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure water content and water pH of multiphase fluid mixtures of water and oil. The apparatus employs a water content sensor containing an infrared light source and a photodetector. The pH sensor includes a pH indicator that exhibits a color change in an oleophobic coating including an image recording device. The apparatus and method may be applied to measure water fraction and pH within oil/water pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Leonardo J. Caseres, James F. Dante
  • Patent number: 9638704
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an assay device with improved tolerance to mishandling and/or use by the user. More particularly, the invention relates to an assay device with reduced susceptibility to flooding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SPD SWISS PRECISION DIAGNOSTICS GMBH
    Inventors: Balbir Raj, Saji Eapen, Ian Scrimgeour
  • Patent number: 9625586
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a scintillator plate capable of improving the accuracy of radiation detection, and expanding the surface area for practical use while suppressing manufacturing costs, and also provide a radiation measuring apparatus, a radiation imaging apparatus, and a scintillator plate manufacturing method. [Solution] A scintillator plate (1) includes a scintillator (2) that generates scintillation light when excited by incident radiation. The scintillator plate (1) includes a scintillator layer (22) covered with scintillator powder (21) having an average particle diameter equal to or greater than the range of the radiation within the scintillator (2) when the radiation to be measured is either alpha rays, electron beams, or ion beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Junichi Kaneko, Mikio Higuchi, Takehiro Shimaoka, Youichi Tsubota, Kenji Izaki
  • Patent number: 9568404
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices or apparatus and methods for membrane-, bead- or cell-based biomolecule analysis, where a detectable signal can be measured after affinity binding and/or enzymatic reaction occurs on the membranes, beads or cells. The apparatus or device can rapidly separate the beads or cells from the liquid solution without using centrifugation, vacuum, or magnetic force. The apparatus or device includes a sample well for receiving a sample containing cells or beads, as well as other aqueous solutions, a porous filter membrane at the bottom of the well which is capable of retaining the cells or beads on its upper surface by size exclusion, and an absorbing plug in touch with the filter membrane for removing the liquid solution. Multiple devices can be arranged in a multi-well array in a plate so that signals from multiple assays can be directly analyzed in a plate reader or an imaging instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Junyu Mai
  • Patent number: 9528973
    Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DrinkSavvy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Abramson, John C. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 9445758
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical articles which exhibit a color change upon exposure to an analyte of interest and to methods of detecting analytes in bodily fluid using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Zamarripa, Jeff Gray
  • Patent number: 9440231
    Abstract: Provided are microfluidic devices and methods for fabricating and bonding such devices. Also provided are kits for analyzing analyte-containing samples and for lysing cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: FLUIDIGM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason A.A. West, Jesse Thompson
  • Patent number: 9295613
    Abstract: Containers with pH indicators are disclosed. The pH indicator is in contact with the contents of a container and detects changes in the pH of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Sandford
  • Patent number: 9256910
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides medical monitoring devices, and corresponding systems, that includes at least one sensor for detecting usage of at least one consumable, an electronic controller electrically connected to the sensor to receive a signal therefrom produced when consumable usage is detected, and an electronic memory electrically connected to the controller for storing consumable usage data thereon. The medical monitoring device may further include at least one sensor for determining one or more physiological parameter of a subject and a display device for displaying the physiological parameter. The medical monitoring device may also include a communications unit for communicating stored data, such as usage and physiological parameter data, over a communication network to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ideal Life, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9234883
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for analyzing sample fluids, in particular for analyzing blood samples, for example for the purpose of determining the glucose content, with the same apparatus. A cavity delimited by a carrier tape is hereby positioned above a sensor surface, sample fluid is received in the cavity, at least one value of the sample fluid is measured, the cavity containing the sample fluid is removed from the sensor surface, and a regeneration agent is supplied to the sensor surface by way of the carrier tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: BST Bio Sensor Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Dorothea Zahn, Frank Bier
  • Patent number: 9228986
    Abstract: A method using a multi-purpose reagent composition to simultaneously determine concentrations of at least two analytes in a water sample. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose reagent composition used is for simultaneously determining free chlorine concentration and pH and comprises a free chlorine sensitive dye and a pH indicator. In another embodiment, the reagent composition used is for simultaneously determining of free chlorine and anionic polymer and includes a free chlorine sensitive dye, a pH buffer, a cationic dye, and an organic co-solvent. Thus, the pairs of free chlorine and pH or free chlorine and anionic polymer are determined using a single reagent composition. The reagent composition can also be the main reagent for one analyte analysis when it is used alone and also function as an ancillary reagent when it is combined with a second reagent composition for the determination of another analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Caibin Xiao, Bingzhi Chen, Chunbo Yu, Hong Xu
  • 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: 9023278
    Abstract: A device (600) for performing at least part of an analytical process comprises a communicator (605) to facilitate communication with the device, and a data handler (610) to handle data of the analytical process and/or the device. In an embodiment, the device (600) is a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device. A method for performing at least part of an analytical process using a device comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a sample into the device; (b) handling data associated with the test using a data handler of the device; and (c) facilitating communications about the test using a communicator of the device. In another embodiment, the method is performed using a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Micah James Atkin
  • Publication number: 20150111234
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Steven C. Charlton, Allen Brenneman
  • Patent number: 9005991
    Abstract: Devices and methods for testing a biological sample for an analyte of interest are provided that make use of a reaction chamber for receiving a reaction mixture, a housing positioned below the reaction chamber for receiving a test cassette, and a door that is positioned in the top portion of the housing. The door includes a ramp that extends downwardly into the housing such that biasing the ramp upwards opens the door into the cavity of the reaction chamber and places the reaction chamber in fluid communication with the insertion area to thereby allow the reaction mixture to flow onto a test cassette and allow for the determination of an amount of an analyte of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: American Bio Medica Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Casterlin, Larry Ferringo
  • Patent number: 8999726
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on, a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan, Josh Eckman, Bruce K. Gale, David Myszka
  • 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: 8980572
    Abstract: A method for generating and localizing a signal in a solid phase substrate detection system comprises applying a solution of target material to a substrate; binding the target with a specific affinity molecule having an attached label, the label comprising multiple signal precursor molecules; applying a carrier to the substrate, and treating the label to convert the signal precursor molecules to signal generating molecules. The carrier comprises solvent for the label and thickener for localizing the signal. The carrier may include developer that converts signal precursor molecules to signal generating molecules. Developer is not necessary if the signal precursor molecules are converted to signal generating molecules by e.g. temperature change, pH change, sonication, light irradiation, microwave heating. A test device for detecting target in a fluid sample, and a kit of parts for determining the presence of target in a fluid sample are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Supernova Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Wai Wong, Pui Yee Cangel Chan, Wing Cheung Mak, King Keung Sin, Reinhard Renneberg