Micro-fluidic Device Patents (Class 422/502)
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Patent number: 8979358Abstract: A mixing device for liquid chromatography for the radial mixing of at least two fluids comprises a tubular mixing line, and a helical flow-guiding element arranged in the mixing line. One or more spacing elements located within an interior region of the mixing line are adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the outer sides of the helical flow-guiding element and an inner wall of the mixing line. A mixing unit according to the present invention may include such a radial mixing device, with a longitudinal mixing device being connected downstream from this radial mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbHInventor: Joachim Wiechers
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Patent number: 8980199Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: InCube Labs, LLCInventor: Mir Imran
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Patent number: 8980106Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a flow channel that utilizes various principles of fluid dynamics to simplify the processes of preparing a sample prior to in vitro diagnostic analysis. A flow channel wherein flow conditions result in a Reynolds number no greater than about 2000, preferably no greater than about 1000, provides enhanced separation of blood cells from a liquid medium, i.e., serum or plasma.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventor: Tahua Yang
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Publication number: 20150073061Abstract: We describe a method of layer-by-layer deposition of a plurality of layers of material onto the wall or walls of a channel of a microfluidic device, the method comprising: loading a tube with a series of segments of solution, a said segment of solution bearing a material to be deposited; coupling said tube to said microfluidic device; and injecting said segments of solution into said microfluidic device such that said segments of solution pass, in turn, through said channel depositing successive layers of material to perform said layer-by-layer deposition onto said wall or walls of said channel. Embodiments of the methods are particularly useful for automated surface modification of plastic, for example PDMS (Poly(dimethylsiloxane)), microchannels. We also describe methods and apparatus for forming double-emulsions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Cambridge Enterprise LimitedInventors: Wolfgang Andreas BAUER, Wilhelm T.S. HUCK, Martin FISCHLECHNER
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Patent number: 8975193Abstract: A microfabricated device is fabricated by depositing a first metal layer on a substrate to provide a first electrode of an electrostatic actuator, depositing a first structural polymer layer over the first metal layer, depositing a second metal layer over said first structural polymer layer to form a second electrode of the electrostatic actuator, depositing an insulating layer over said first structural polymer layer, planarizing the insulating layer, etching the first structural polymer layer through the insulating layer and the second metal layer to undercut the second metal layer, providing additional pre-formed structural polymer layers, at least one of which has been previously patterned, and finally bonding the additional structural layers in the form of a stack over the planarized second insulating layer to one or more microfluidic channels. The technique can also be used to make cross over channels in devices without electrostatic actuators, in which case the metal layers can be omitted.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Teledyne DALSA Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Robert Johnstone, Stephane Martel
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Patent number: 8974749Abstract: There is disclosed an analysis device for the analysis of a liquid sample, said device comprising a substrate, said substrate at least partly having projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate, and having a height (H1), diameter (D1) and center-to-center distance (x1, y1) such, that lateral capillary flow of said liquid sample is achieved, wherein that said substrate comprises at least one substrate zone comprising projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate, and having a height (H2), diameter (D2) and center-to-center distance (x2, y2), such, that lateral capillary flow of said liquid sample is achieved and wherein at least one substance is applied at least partly between the projections in said at least one substrate zone. Moreover there is provided a method for the analysis of a sample. The device and method provide for instance improved control of the dissolution of a substance.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Johnson & Johnson ABInventors: David Bergman, Ib Mendel-Hartvig, Annika Lindström
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Patent number: 8974748Abstract: A dual inlet microchannel device and a method for using the device to perform a flow-through kinetic assay are described. A microplate having an array of the dual inlet microchannel devices and in particular their specially configured flow chambers is also described. Several embodiments of the dual inlet microchannel devices and specially configured flow chambers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Richard Bergman, Mark A. Lewis, Cheng-Chung Li, William J. Miller
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Patent number: 8974751Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Tobias Rodenfels, Gert Blankenstein
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Patent number: 8974650Abstract: A method for forming a microfluidic channel with improved flow characteristics for one or more analytes is disclosed. A microfluidic channel having modified surfaces is formed in a glass layer or glass substrate. The glass surfaces of the microfluidic channel are modified by the addition of a layer of borophosphosilicate glass. The addition of the borophosphosilicate glass results in an improved flow velocity profile of the analyte. As a result, control over the position and movement of analytes within the solution is improved.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Octrolix BVInventor: Rene Gerrit Heideman
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Patent number: 8974731Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier. The sample carrier includes at least one sample channel carrying at least one sample, at least one agent chamber carrying at least one agent to be moved to the at least one sample channel to facilitate processing of the at least one sample, and the at least one agent chamber includes at least one chamber cover covering at least one opening of the at least one agent chamber, inhibiting flow of the at least one agent from the at least one agent chamber to the at least one sample channel. The sample processing apparatus further includes a chamber opener configured to facilitate opening the at least one chamber cover. The sample processing apparatus further includes a fluid mover that moves the agent out of the at least one agent chamber after the at least one chamber cover is opened and into the at least one sample channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventor: Ari Eiriksson
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Publication number: 20150064702Abstract: The present technology provides for a microfluidic substrate configured to carry out PCR on a number of polynucleotide-containing samples in parallel. The substrate can be a single-layer substrate in a microfluidic cartridge. Also provided are a method of making a microfluidic cartridge comprising such a substrate. Still further disclosed are a microfluidic valve suitable for use in isolating a PCR chamber in a microfluidic substrate, and a method of making such a valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Gene Parunak, Cecelia Haley
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Patent number: 8968677Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Quantum Design International, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. LaBorde, Nicholas J. Neild
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Patent number: 8968673Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for functionalizing fluid lines (1b) in a micromechanical device, the walls of which include an opaque layer. For this purpose, the invention provides a method for functionalizing a micromechanical device provided with a fluid line including a peripheral wall (5) having a surface (2) outside the line and an inner surface (3) defining a space (1b) in which a fluid can circulate, the peripheral wall at least partially including a silicon layer (5a).Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Vincent Agache, Antoine Hoang, Françoise Vinet
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Patent number: 8968678Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Celine Hu
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Patent number: 8969071Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
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Patent number: 8961898Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventors: Takasi Nisisako, Takahiro Baba
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Patent number: 8961899Abstract: The present invention provides integrated sample preparation systems and stabilized enzyme mixtures. In particular, the present invention provides microfluidic cards configured for processing a sample and generating DNA libraries that are suitable for use in sequencing methods (e.g., next generation sequencing methods) or other suitable nucleic acid analysis methods. The present invention also provides stabilized enzyme mixtures containing an enzyme (e.g., an enzyme used in whole genome amplification), BSA, and a sugar. Such enzyme mixtures may be lyophilized and stored at room temperature without significant loss of enzyme activity for months.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: IBIS Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Mark Eshoo, John Picuri
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Patent number: 8961903Abstract: A microfluidic passive device and a method for determining clotting time are described, of a fluid medium such as blood, of low production cost which can therefore be disposable. When optimised to determine blood clotting time, it requires a minimal whole blood sample (<5 ?L) and it is particularly suited to INR or PT determination, which can be used autonomously by patient without venipuncture. Monitoring, and processing means to interpret the results are comprised in an external coagulometer device. A production method for the manufacture of the microfluidic device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Iline Microsystems, S.L.Inventors: Iñaki Sádaba Champetier De Ribes, Juan Antonio Peón Eguiguren
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Patent number: 8961900Abstract: A chemical reaction cartridge includes a vessel having at least one part made of an elastic body, in which a plurality of chambers formed in the vessel so as to be connected or arranged connectably through a flow path, and an external force is applied to the elastic body from an outside of the vessel to move a fluid substance in the flow path or the chambers or in both the flow path and the chambers so as to perform a chemical reaction. At least a chamber into which the fluid substance is flowed has an air-release path which releases air from the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Takeo Tanaami, Hisao Katakura, Yuji Mitsumori, Hitoshi Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 8961883Abstract: A biochip including conductive particle and a device for detecting target antigen comprising the biochip are disclosed. According to the present invention, a target antigen can be effectively detected using a small amount of target antigen alone, whereby nonspecific detection signal can be reduced and an amplified signal can be detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kyuho Song, Sunkil Kang, Dayeon Kang, Taeyoung Kim, Seungmok Han, Gueisam Lim, Jisu Kim
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Patent number: 8961902Abstract: A system for processing analytes in samples includes an instrument and a cartridge. The cartridge includes fluid inputs, input and output valve assemblies, processing devices, fluid reservoirs, and channels for carrying samples from the fluid inputs to the fluid reservoirs. The valve assemblies include valves adapted to form a sealed fluid chamber in response to force applied by a movable head assembly of the instrument. Each fluid reservoir is adapted to mate and align with an air displacement pump interface member. A valve assembly includes a recess wall surrounding a recess and a valve assembly wall surrounding both the recess and the recess wall. The recess wall and the valve assembly walls are adapted to mate with and seal against a flexible sheet covering the recess, the recess wall, and the valve assembly wall. The cartridge and instrument include complementary features for finely and coarsely aligning instrument assemblies with portions of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: BioScale, Inc.Inventors: Peter W. Falb, David Brancazio, Eric France, Brett P. Masters, Michael F. Miller, Joshua R. Ormsby, Walker Sloan
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Publication number: 20150045234Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade
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Publication number: 20150044110Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a support body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to one another. The first surface is hydrophilic. A surface modification layer extends over the first surface of the support body. At least one opening is formed to extend through the surface modification layer and expose a portion of the first surface. The surface modification layer is hydrophobic. In particular, the surface modification layer is made of a photodefinible material chosen from among: an epoxy resin, a polyamide, and a photocurable siloxane-based polymer. The openings are functionalized using probe molecules designed to bind with specific target molecules to be detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Lorenzo Colombo, Marco Salina, Daria Doria
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Publication number: 20150044696Abstract: An integrated microfluidic device for carrying out a series of fluidic operations includes a housing including a plurality of n microfluidic conduits, wherein n is at least three, and a rotating valve having an internal channel with an entrance port and an exit port that are angularly separated. The rotating valve is positionable in a first position to connect two of the n fluidic conduits via the internal channel, and upon rotating the valve to a second position, two other of the n fluidic conduits are connected by the internal channel. The device further may include one or more fluidic chambers in fluid communication with respective fluidic conduits. Fluid contained in one fluidic chamber is transferrable by application of positive or negative gas pressure through associated fluidic conduits into another fluidic chamber via the internal channel. The device may be utilized to perform a variety of fluidic operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Pamela Ann DOTHIE, Daniel Christopher SPENCER
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Publication number: 20150044688Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic micromechanical system having integrated active elements (7) and a method for microfluidic process control in a microfluidic micromechanical system. According to the invention, the microfluidic system comprises integrated active elements (7), which can be activated without auxiliary energy by means of ambient variables that can be influenced and which are designed to bring about active functions as a result of the change of the swelling state thereof or the mechanical properties thereof. The microfluidic micromechanical system further comprises at least one structural support (2) having at least one first (3) and one second (4) channel, wherein a reaction chamber (6) bounded by active elements (7) is formed in an overlapping region (5) of the first and second channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Andreas Richter, Rinaldo Greiner, Merle Allerdissen
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Patent number: 8951474Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a solution including a unit configured to place a flow cell having a flow path for flowing a sample solution containing the particles; a unit configured to illuminate the sample solution flowing through the flow path of the flow cell; a photodetector that detects a scattered light and/or fluorescence generated from the particles in the sample solution; and a unit configured to analyze the particles based on their signal intensities detected by the photodetector, wherein the flow cell has the flow path formed in a substrate, a reflection plane is formed on the side surface of the flow path, the reflection plane leads the lights generated in the flow path of the flow cell and advancing in the substrate in-plane direction to a specified region of the surface of the flow cell, and the photodetector detects the light exiting from the specified region to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: On-Chip Biotechnologies Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Takeda
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Publication number: 20150037226Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of producing the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes an upper substrate and a lower substrate fixed to each other to form a microfluidic structure, and a hydrophobic porous layer disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and configured to fix the upper and lower substrates and absorb air within the microfluidic structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung Ki MIN, Seung Hoon KIM, Seung Jun LEE
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Publication number: 20150033872Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device which includes at least 3 chambers, a chamber inlet, at least 2 dichotomously branching generations of channels, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the channels and the chambers are separated by deformable walls, wherein each wall is lined with at least one cavity, and wherein the cavity is fluidly connected to the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Rami Fishler, Josue Sznitman
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Publication number: 20150038364Abstract: A microarray substrate including a piece of fluoropolymer whose surface is modified with polydopamine, in which the polydopamine forms an array of microspots on the surface of the fluoropolymer piece, and allows immobilization of molecules or cells. A microarray including the substrate, a microfluidic system designed for dispensing reagents onto selected locations on the surface of substrates, and a method for preparing the substrate and the microarray, in which a dopamine solution is dispensed onto the fluoropolymer piece using the microfluidic system, and forms an array of polydopamine microspots serving as the reaction sites for microarray analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Bo Zheng, Hui Feng
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Patent number: 8945478Abstract: A microfabricated device or component thereof, such as microfluidics or nanofluidics device having a uniform non-wetting or non-absorbing polymeric coating or surface modification formed on a surface thereof by ionization or activation technology such as plasma processing, to produce a surface energy of less than 15 mNm?1. The treatment enhances the free-flowing properties of a liquid through the device during use.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: P2i Ltd.Inventor: Stephen Coulson
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Patent number: 8945479Abstract: Disclosed is a microchannel chip having an opening on the side of a plate with a lowered production cost. In the microchannel chip, a first plate (11), to which a third concavity (17) opening at one side surface (13) and a joining surface (14) is formed on the joining surface (14), is joined to a second plate (21), to which a sixth concavity (26) opening at one side surface (23) is formed on the joining surface and a groove (27?) interconnecting with the sixth concavity (26) is formed. The third concavity (17) and the sixth concavity (26) are aligned facing each other, and by the third concavity (17) and the sixth concavity (26), a glass tube introducing opening (33) is formed having a wider width than that of a duct (27). An adhesive agent is injected into the glass tube introducing opening (33) and a glass tube is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Enplas CorporationInventor: Koichi Ono
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Patent number: 8940250Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of continuously conveying a liquid which is used as starting material in a chemical reaction by means of a displacement pump having physically separate forward-transport valves and a liquid-filled bidirectional flow line between displacement pump and forward-transport valves, wherein an auxiliary liquid which is a product or a starting material of the chemical reaction and has a melting point which is below the melting point or below the saturation temperature of the liquid to be conveyed is present in the bidirectional flow line. The present invention additionally provides for the use of a product formed by hydrogenation of an aromatic compound as auxiliary liquid for conveying an aromatic compound and also the use of an alcohol or an ester derived from alcohol and carboxylic acid as auxiliary liquid for conveying carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid derivatives.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Joachim Pfeffinger, Willi Gilcher, Juergen Morell
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Patent number: 8940538Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for quantifying the binding and dissociation kinetics of molecular interactions of small molecular bio materials with high sensitivity almost without the influence of a change in the reflective index resulting from a buffer solution by making polarized incident light incident on the binding layer of a bio material, formed in a thin dielectric film, so that the polarized incident light satisfies a p-wave non-reflecting condition and a quantifying method using the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventors: Hyun Mo Cho, Gal Won Che, Yong Jai Cho
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Patent number: 8940249Abstract: A system for the automated analysis of liquid samples having one or more processing units for reaction between the samples and one or more reagents to thereby obtain reaction products is disclosed. Disclosed also are a sample unit for supplying the samples to the one or more processing units; a reagent unit equipped with plural reagent vessels containing one or more reagents for mixing with the samples; a distribution unit for distributing fluids including the one or more reagents provided with plural distribution lines, at least some of which are connected to the reagent vessels and the one or more processing units; and at least one analytical unit for analyzing the samples based on the reaction products, in which the analytical unit may include at least one detector for detecting the reaction products.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Rainer D. Jaeggi, Oliver Gutmann, Michael Glauser, Heinz-Michael Hein, Edwin Oosterbroek, Michael Andreas Heinrich
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Patent number: 8940234Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Yuegang Zhang, Andrew A. Berlin, Qing Ma, Li-Peng Wang, Valluri Rao, Mineo Yamakawa
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Patent number: 8940147Abstract: Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael S. Bartsch, Mark R. Claudnic, Hanyoup Kim, Kamlesh D. Patel, Ronald F. Renzi, James L. Van De Vreugde
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Publication number: 20150024426Abstract: A device for use in imaging a liquid sample comprises an inlet for accepting the sample, a connection conduit and a detection chamber for detection of the sample, preferably optical detection of the sample. The connection conduit connects the inlet to the detection chamber and contains one or more dry reagents for reaction with the sample as the sample passes through the connection conduit. Specific embodiments include devices arranged for treating a blood sample, in particular lysing and staining the sample. The liquid flow may be driven by capillary effect. The device may further include liquid handling structures arranged for centrifugally driven liquid flow, for example to meter a volume of sample and separate the sample into phases by centrifugation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: João Manuel De Oliveira Garcia Da Fonseca, Ricardo Cabeça
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Patent number: 8936753Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer includes a detector and a controller. The detector includes a light source for emitting light to a prepared measurement sample and a light-receiving section for receiving light transmitted through the measurement sample. The controller is configured to performs operations comprising acquiring, based on the light detected by the detector, ratio information reflecting a ratio between a first value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reaction starting stage and a second value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reacting ending stage, and acquiring, based on the ratio information, a fibrinogen concentration in the blood sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Fujino, Takamichi Naito, Naohiko Matsuo, Susumu Hoshiko
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Patent number: 8936762Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of high content screening of particles, e.g., cells in a flow cytometric system. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems to obtain line-scan images of particles, e.g., cells, of a plurality of different samples simultaneously, where the line-scan images can be used to identify cells based on at least one of a variety of phenotypic characteristics such as shape, asymmetry, and intracellular information for cell sorting and selection. In some embodiments, the line-scan images are obtained as the particles, e.g., cells, in a plurality of different samples flow through a plurality of microchannels, reducing the need and time for focusing of the image detection system. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a small spatial resolution for rapid capturing of images of cells. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a larger spatial resolution for imaging of larger particles or cells, e.g., rare cells in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Trustees of Boston UniversityInventors: Daniel J. Ehrlich, Brian McKenna
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Patent number: 8932539Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Pathway Genomics CorporationInventors: James Plante, David Becker, Edgar MacBean, Kathryn J. Elliott
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Patent number: 8932538Abstract: A apparatus for analyzing sample to prevent a sample from being stuck to a surface of the apparatus for analyzing sample in the course of being injected into the apparatus for analyzing sample. The apparatus for analyzing sample includes a platform having a disk shape. The platform includes chambers and channels, a sample inlet hole which is formed in an outer surface the platform and through which a sample is injected into the platform; an opening which is formed in the outer surface of the platform and through which a residual of the sample, present on the outer surface of the platform around the sample inlet hole, is introduced into a receiving space isolated from the chambers and channels; and a barrier which is formed on the outer surface of the platform around a portion of the opening to prevent the residual of the sample from moving past the opening in a radial outward direction of the platform.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun Min Kim, Do Gyoon Kim, Jong Myeon Park
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Publication number: 20150011438Abstract: A detection chip is provided. The detection chip includes a substrate, an active reagent, a hydrophilic droplet and a lipophilic substance. The substrate includes a first containing slot, wherein the first containing slot includes a first space and a second space adjacent to each other. The active reagent is disposed in the first space of the first containing slot. The hydrophilic droplet is disposed in the second space of the first containing slot. The lipophilic substance is disposed in the first containing slot, wherein the lipophilic substance is immiscible to the active reagent and the hydrophilic droplet, and separates the active reagent from the hydrophilic droplet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Liang-Ju Chien, Yu-Ying Lin, Chi-Han Chiou
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Patent number: 8926782Abstract: A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time. The contacted polymeric substrates may also be aligned prior to thermal activation and compressed during thermal activation.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln C. Young
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Publication number: 20150004077Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: John P. Wikswo, Philip C. Samson, Frank Emmanuel Block, III, Ronald S. Reiserer, Kevin Kit Parker, John A. McLean, Lisa Joy McCawley, Dmitry Markov, Daniel Levner, Donald E. Ingber, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Josue A. Goss, Robert Cunningham, David E. Cliffel, Jennifer Robin McKenzie, Anthony Bahinski, Christopher David Hinojosa
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Patent number: 8920749Abstract: A microchip capable of sending liquid in a micro flow channel to a predetermined place irrespective of the pressure difference and sending a mixture of two or more liquid masses to a predetermined place even if the channel structure is simple. The microchip comprises an intermediate reservoir portion provided in a micro flow channel and adapted for temporarily holding liquid sent through the micro flow channel. The microchip is characterized in that the intermediate reservoir portion has a side channel, the volume of the intermediate reservoir portion is smaller than the total volume of the liquid sent into the intermediate reservoir portion, the side channel is provided for communication of a micro flow channel on the upstream side of the intermediate reservoir portion with a micro flow channel on the downstream side thereof, and the cross-section area of the side channel is smaller than that of the micro flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventors: Youichi Aoki, Akihisa Nakajima, Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhiro Sando, Yoshikazu Kurihara
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Patent number: 8921122Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for assessing migration behavior of biological particles, such as neutrophils, under the effect of a gradient. The systems can include one or more migration chambers, one or more gradient sources configured to generate particular gradients, e.g., of chemokines or the like across the width of the migration chamber, and a detection arrangement that is configured to determine spatial profiles across the migration chamber that indicate the extent of migration.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventor: Daniel Irimia
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Patent number: 8921121Abstract: A chemiluminescence-based detection system and method for counting blood cells by capturing and isolating target blood cells flowing through a microfluidic chip and detecting light emitted by the captured target blood cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Zuankai Wang, Sau Yin Chin, Samuel K. Sia
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Patent number: 8920748Abstract: The present invention relates to a biochip with a piezoelectric element for ultrasonic standing wave generation. The biochip comprises an upper module, a lower module, and a chemical sensor. The piezoelectric element is integrated within the upper module of the biochip. The piezoelectric element can generate ultrasonic standing waves (USW) in the reaction chamber of the biochip by manipulating the operation frequency so the particles being detected can effectively move toward the QCM sensing surface. Hence, the biochip significantly increases the sensitivity and reduces the time required to reach equilibrium when undergoing USW excitation. The biochip of the present invention can be broadly applied to the bio-detection in medical and pharmaceutical fields.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: National Chung Cheng UniversityInventors: Guo-Hua Feng, Lai-Kwan Chau, Shu-Xiang Yang
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Patent number: 8920726Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a first measurement sample containing a blood sample and a hemolytic agent and a second measurement sample containing the blood sample, the same hemolytic agent as the hemolytic agent and a staining agent and a control portion classifying white blood cells in the first measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of fluorescent information and two types of scattered light information generated by a light information generation portion and classifying blood cells in the second measurement sample into at least malaria-infected red blood cells and others on the basis of fluorescent information and scattered light information generated by the light information generation portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Hideaki Matsumoto, Kinya Uchihashi, Yuji Itose, Aya Konishi, Ayumu Yoshida
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Patent number: 8916111Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized fluid container with microchannels (11, 12) which are bordered by ridges (13, 14), wherein the crests of the ridges (13, 14) are glued to a cover plate (20). Additional stability may be achieved by distributing glue (33) in cavities between the microchannels (11, 12), the spreading of said glue being driven by capillary forces.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Reinhold Wimberger-Friedl, Christiane Witz, Esther A. W. Janssen, Bernardus Jacobus Johannes Van Iersel, Bart Van Nunen, Marinus Bernardus Olde Riekerink