Plate Design Or Structure Patents (Class 422/503)
  • Patent number: 11857960
    Abstract: This invention provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care, analysis, including multiplexed analysis, of a biological fluid analyte, such as blood. The invention includes a cartridge for collecting the biological fluid analyte. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into an assay reader, in which one or more assay reactions may be performed. The assay reader is designed to read and report the results of the one or more assay reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: FITBIT, INC.
    Inventors: Junyu Mai, Albert Gutes-Regidor, Rifat Emra Ozel, Javier L. Prieto
  • Patent number: 11746769
    Abstract: A miniature blower includes a soft sheet, a nozzle plate, a chamber frame, an actuator body, an insulation frame, and a conductive frame. The nozzle plate has a suspension portion, and the soft sheet is disposed on the suspension portion. The chamber frame is disposed on the nozzle plate. The actuator body includes a piezoelectric carrier plate, an adjusting resonance plate, and a piezoelectric plate. The actuator body is disposed on the chamber frame. The insulation frame is disposed on the actuator. The center point of a central hole of the soft sheet and the center point of a hollow hole of the suspension portion are located at the same axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Jyun-Yi Jhang, Chun-Lung Tseng, Jia-Yu Liao, Shih-Chang Chen, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Chun-Yi Kuo, Yi-Ting Lu
  • Patent number: 11701652
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microfluidic device can include providing a base component to define a first portion of the microfluidic device. A cap component of the microfluidic device can be fabricated with a sealing lip extending a first distance from a first side of the cap component and a support portion extending a second distance, less than the first distance, from the first side of the cap component. The method can include positioning the cap component and the base component within a mold to bring the sealing lip of the cap component in contact with the base component. The base component, the support portion of the cap component, and the sealing lip of the cap component together can define a cavity. The method can include injecting a polymer material into the mold to cause the polymer material to fill the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Hesham Azizgolshani
  • Patent number: 11702267
    Abstract: A packaging for the stocking and transportation of glass bottles including a box closed on five sides and open at the top, configured to house a plurality of bottles therein, arranged side-by-side in a vertical position, and a lid couplable in a removable manner with the box, in a position facing a bottom wall of the box; wherein the lid is provided, on a face thereof configured to be facing, in use, the bottom wall, with a plurality of spacer elements, which protrude in a cantilever fashion from the face of the lid and towards the bottom wall of the box; the spacer elements being configured to be interposed, in use, between each bottle contained in the box and respective other bottles immediately adjacent thereto and/or between some bottles and a side wall of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SOFFIERIA BERTOLINI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Renato Surra
  • Patent number: 11661574
    Abstract: A fluidic device for culturing cells includes a microplate and plate lid. The microplate includes multiple wells and channels, the channels extending between the wells such that the channels interconnect the wells. The plate lid releasably engages the microplate to thereby enclose the wells and the channels. The wells include a culture surface such that a cell culture medium received therein is deposited over the culture surface. At least one channel that extends between adjacent ones of the wells is spaced from the culture surfaces of the adjacent wells defining a gap between the at least one channel and the culture surfaces of the adjacent wells for collection of the cell culture medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 11642672
    Abstract: Microfluidic network device (2) configured to supply reagents to a biological tissue sampling device (1), comprising a plurality of microfluidic inlet channels (12) connected to respective sources of said reagents, at least one common outlet channel (22), and a plurality of valves (36) interconnecting an outlet end (14) of each of said plurality of inlet channels to said at least one common outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Diego Gabriel Dupouy, Ata Tuna Ciftlik, Martin Gijs, Pierre Joris
  • Patent number: 11549089
    Abstract: A transfection device suitable for delivery of various macrostructures (e.g., mitochondria, bacteria, liposomes) is described and uses mechanical force to thereby induce active endocytosis in a target cell. Contemplated devices are able to achieve high throughput of transfected cells that remain viable and are capable of producing colonies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NANOCAV, LLC
    Inventor: Ting Wu
  • Patent number: 11536711
    Abstract: It is provided a measuring cartridge (1) for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular blood, and for performing quality control, the cartridge comprising: a casing (3) insertable into a reception opening (51) of a measuring instrument (50), the casing (3) at least partly surrounding an inner space (5); wherein the inner space contains: a measurement cell (7) comprising a reception space (9) for the sample and at least one sensor area (11) with which the sample is in contact when loaded into the reception space (9); plural quality control containers (13a,13b,13c) for respectively holding different quality control solutions (15a,15b,15c); a solution routing system (17) adapted to selectively route one of the quality control solutions (15a,15b,15c) from the respective quality control container (13a,13b,13c) into the reception space (9) of the measurement cell (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: EXIAS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hofmann, Wolf-Dietrich Steinböck, Josef Hindinger
  • Patent number: 11478790
    Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes a flow passage plate, a flat plate, and an annular seal. In the flow passage plate, a recess forming a flow passage for liquid and a communication hole communicating with the recess are formed. The flat plate is stacked on or under the flow passage plate to close the recess for defining the flow passage. In the flat plate, a communication through-hole communicating with the recess is formed. The annular seal is located on, or formed on, an outer surface of at least one of the flow passage plate and the flat plate, the annular seal surrounding at least one of the communication hole and the communication through-hole. The annular seal is made of an elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: NOK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Komori, Takahiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11465143
    Abstract: A reaction processing vessel includes a substrate and a groove-like channel formed on the upper surface of the substrate. The channel includes a high temperature serpiginous channel, a medium temperature serpiginous channel, and a high temperature braking channel and a medium temperature braking channel that are adjacent to the high temperature serpiginous channel and the medium temperature serpiginous channel, respectively. The respective cross-sectional areas of the high temperature braking channel and the medium temperature braking channel are larger than the respective cross-sectional areas of the high temperature serpiginous channel and the medium temperature serpiginous channel, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Takeuchi, Osamu Kawaguchi, Takashi Fukuzawa
  • Patent number: 11300573
    Abstract: Biochemical test methods for protein quantification can include application of foam-suppressing and/or foam-destroying substances to avoid readout problems and ensure the accuracy of measurement results. One such method for determining the amount of one or more proteins in a solution includes providing at least a first solution that is known to contain or suspected of containing one or more protein(s), adding at least one foam-suppressing and/or foam-destroying substance to the first solution, resulting in a second solution, and determining the amount of the one or more protein(s) in the second solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Robin Kastilan, Catherine Müschen, Johannes Buyel
  • Patent number: 11273447
    Abstract: Multi-well collapsible basket arrays and methods for their use with high throughput culture and histology analysis of spheroids and organoids. Such a collapsible basket array includes a collapsible cellular array structure having multiple cells and connectors that interconnect adjacent pairs of the cells to cause the collapsible cellular array structure to collapse from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration in which the connectors are partially wrapped around perimeters or circumferences of the cells, whereby the collapsible cellular array structure is expandable to acquire an expanded configuration capable of individually aligning the cells thereof with wells of a well plate. The collapsible basket array further includes inserts individually mountable to the cells of the collapsible cellular array structure, with each insert including a permeable basket with pores sized to retain spheroids or organoids within the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bumsoo Han, George Tsu-Chih Chiu, Thomas Heinrich Siegmund, Michael Linnes, Yumeng Wu, Matthew Tyler Short
  • Patent number: 11262356
    Abstract: A sample analysis substrate includes a substrate; a first holding chamber; a reaction chamber; a first flow path having a first opening and a second opening respectively connected with the first holding chamber and reaction chamber; a main chamber; a second flow path having a third opening and a fourth opening respectively connected with the reaction chamber and the main chamber; and a magnet accommodation chamber capable of accommodating a magnet. The first opening is located closer to a rotation shaft than the second opening. The second opening is located closer to the rotation shaft than the third opening. The magnet accommodation chamber is located at a position at which, in the case where the magnet is accommodated in the magnet accommodation chamber, the magnet captures magnetic particles in the main chamber. The sample analysis substrate is rotatable to transfer a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: PHC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fusatoshi Okamoto, Masahiro Johno
  • Patent number: 11248901
    Abstract: Object interference in biological samples generated by lateral shearing interference microscopes is addressed by a shearing microscope slide comprising a periodic structure having alternating reference and sample regions. In some embodiments, the reference regions are configured to provide references that remove sample overlap in a sheared microscopic measurement. A system for generating sheared microscopic measurements is also provided that comprises an inlet configured to receive a sample material, an outlet configured to release a portion of the sample material, and a periodic structure having a plurality of interleaved reference and sample channels. In some cases, the sample channels are configured to accommodate a flow of sample material from the inlet to the outlet and the reference channels are configured to provide references that remove sample overlap in a sheared microscopic measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Eric Peter Goodwin, Wan Qin
  • Patent number: 11185857
    Abstract: Techniques for making fluid flow devices are described. The technique is based on radiation-induced conversion of a radiation-sensitive substance from a first state to a second state. With adjustment of the radiation parameters such as power and scan speed we can control the depths of barriers that are formed within a substrate which can produce 3D flow paths. We have used this depth-variable patterning protocol for stacking and sealing of multilayer substrates, for assembly of backing layers for two-dimensional (2D) lateral flow devices and for fabrication of 3D devices. Since the 3D flow paths can be formed via a single laser-writing process by controlling the patterning parameters, this is a distinct improvement over other methods that require multiple complicated and repetitive assembly procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: University of Southampton
    Inventors: Robert Eason, Collin Sones, Ioannis Katis, Peijun He
  • Patent number: 11181522
    Abstract: Analytical cartridges, systems and methods of processing a sample for analysis using capillary flows. Vertical gradient sample filtration provides filtrate to an incubation chamber for a time controlled by a flow modulator at the outlet of the incubation chamber. The flow modulator can include a serpentine capillary flow path without side walls. Incubated filtrate can flow from the incubation chamber to a detection channel after a predetermined time. The detection chamber can include one or more analytical regions in a porous substrate for detection of two or more analytes on the same cartridge from the same sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventors: Zhiliang Wan, Nan Zhang
  • Patent number: 11149309
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acid, and, in particular, amplifying so as to generate products on a surface without the use of emulsions. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of groups of amplified product are generated on the surface, each group positioned in different (typically predetermined) locations on said surface so as to create an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: IsoPlexis Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Gordon, Daniel Stetson
  • Patent number: 11141726
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a plate including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a biochip disposed under the plate, and a first adhesive layer bonding the plate and the biochip. A fluid channel is formed between the plate and the biochip. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: LifeOS Genomics Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Chang Lai, Hung-Wen Chang, Timothy Z. Liu, Ching-Jou Huang
  • Patent number: 11071965
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flow reactor that can ensure safety even if leakage occurs at the connections of the lines. The flow reactor of the present invention is characterized by including one or more line structures, each of the line structures including a raw material feeding line, a reactor unit to react a raw material fed from the raw material feeding line, and a discharge line to discharge a reaction product produced in the reactor unit, wherein the flow reactor includes a vessel in which part or all of the reactor unit and a fluid are accommodated to be capable of being in contact with each other, wherein each of the line structures includes two or more attachable and detachable connections, and wherein at least one of the attachable and detachable connections is accommodated in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shiori Ozasa, Takahiro Ohishi, Hiroaki Yasukouchi
  • Patent number: 11067568
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for detecting target antigens in a biological sample using a sample assembly. Detection may be accomplished by performing a method comprising: sweeping a head module over the sample assembly, wherein said head module includes at least one magneto-resistive read sensor configured to detect target antigens via nanoparticles within the sample assembly; and detecting at least one particular antigen among the target antigens. Preferably, detecting the target antigens via the nanoparticles is based at least in part on detecting unique magnetic properties of particular nanoparticles specifically associated with different types of the target antigens. Detection using a magnetic read/write head in the sample assembly facilitates automation of sample detection with high speed and fidelity. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Stephen L. Schwartz, Anna W. Topol, Sandra L. Waters, Daniel J. Winarski
  • Patent number: 11052389
    Abstract: This invention provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care, analysis, including multiplexed analysis, of a biological fluid analyte, such as blood. The invention includes a cartridge for collecting the biological fluid analyte. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into an assay reader, in which one or more assay reactions may be performed. The assay reader is designed to read and report the results of the one or more assay reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Junyu Mai, Albert Gutes-Regidor, Rifat Emrah Ozel, Javier L. Prieto
  • Patent number: 11033899
    Abstract: This invention provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care, analysis, including multiplexed analysis, of a biological fluid analyte, such as blood. The invention includes a cartridge for collecting the biological fluid analyte. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into an assay reader, in which one or more assay reactions may be performed. The assay reader is designed to read and report the results of the one or more assay reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Junyu Mai, Albert Gutes-Regidor, Rifat Emrah Ozel, Javier L. Prieto
  • Patent number: 11020742
    Abstract: This invention provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care, analysis, including multiplexed analysis, of a biological fluid analyte, such as blood. The invention includes a cartridge for collecting the biological fluid analyte. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into an assay reader, in which one or more assay reactions may be performed. The assay reader is designed to read and report the results of the one or more assay reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Junyu Mai, Albert Gutes-Regidor, Rifat Emrah Ozel, Javier L. Prieto
  • Patent number: 10928389
    Abstract: Arrays and substrates comprising a material, in particular capture agents and/or detectable targets, attached to the substrates along substantially parallel lines forming a barcoded pattern and related methods and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Rong Fan, Habib Ahmad, James R. Heath
  • Patent number: 10898893
    Abstract: A method for forming a microchannel or microfluidic reservoir is described. Methods provided herein include applying a covering over a recess formed in a substrate and bonding the covering to the substrate along seams. Methods provided herein use a substrate having elevated edge regions bordering the recess that project from the surface of the substrate. Bonding seams nm a distance from the elevated edge regions of the recess such that the covering and the elevated edge regions are pressed against each other. Devices for bonding substrates and coverings to make microchannels and microfluidic reservoirs are also provided herein. Devices provided herein can include pressing elements for holding the substrate and the covering together. Pressing elements provided herein can include recesses and/or elastic layers positioned opposite to one or more recesses in a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: THINXXS MICROTECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Lutz Weber
  • Patent number: 10894941
    Abstract: A microfluidic multi-well-based cell culture testing device is provided. The multi-well-based cell culture testing device has an array structure of a plurality of aligned microfluidic well units. Each of the microfluidic well units comprises an inlet through which a first fluid enters, an accommodation compartment adapted to accommodate a second fluid therein, a microfluidic channel through which the first fluid flows, and an air outlet adapted to facilitate the entering of the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTAMATRIX INC.
    Inventors: Yong Gyun Jung, Eun Geun Kim, Sung hoon Kwon, Jung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 10870113
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing isoelectric focusing reactions are described. The systems or devices disclosed herein may comprise fixtures that have a membrane. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: INTABIO, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Gentalen, Scott Mack, Eric Gwerder, Luc Bousse
  • Patent number: 10746169
    Abstract: A miniature pneumatic device includes a miniature fluid control device and a miniature valve device. The miniature fluid control device includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate, a piezoelectric actuator and a gas collecting plate. The length and width of the gas collecting plate are between 4 mm and 10 mm. A first chamber is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator. After a gas is fed into the gas inlet plate, the gas is transferred to the first chamber through the resonance plate and then transferred downwardly. Consequently, a pressure gradient is generated to continuously push the gas. The miniature valve device includes a valve film and a gas outlet plate. After the gas is transferred from the miniature fluid control device to the miniature valve device, the valve opening of the valve film is correspondingly opened or closed and the gas is transferred in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 10710077
    Abstract: A method for handling, in a microfluidic system, microdrops which include samples, including the steps of forming, in an oil, microdrops of an aqueous solution containing a sample, the oil and/or the aqueous solution containing a sample including a gelling agent; trapping the microdrops by means of surface-tension traps pre-arranged in a trapping area; and at least partially gelling the oil in the trapping area and/or at least partially gelling the trapped microdrops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Charles Baroud, Gabriel Amselem, Sébastien Sart, Raphaël Tomasi
  • Patent number: 10702613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the purification of 227Th from a mixture comprising 227Th and 223Ra, said method comprising: i) preparing a first solution comprising a mixture of 227Th and 223Ra ions dissolved in an aqueous solution of first mineral acid; ii) loading said first solution onto a strong base anion exchange resin; iii) eluting 223Ra from said strong base anion exchange resin using a second mineral acid in an aqueous solution; iv) optionally rinsing said strong base anion exchange resin using a first aqueous medium; v) eluting 227Th from said strong base anion exchange resin using a third mineral acid in an aqueous solution whereby to generate a second solution comprising 227Th. The invention further provides a purified 227Th solution, a corresponding pharmaceutical formulation and methods of treatment of neoplastic disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: BAYER AS
    Inventors: Dimitrios Mantzilas, Jan Roger Karlson, Judit Tjelmeland Østby, Janne Olsen Frenvik
  • Patent number: 10661277
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a substrate, a microchannel, a plurality of spaced-apart pillars, and a porous nanofiber structure. The substrate has a substrate top surface. The microchannel is indented downwardly from the substrate top surface. The pillars are disposed in the microchannel. Each of the pillars has a pillar top surface that is lower in level than the substrate top surface. The porous nanofiber web structure is formed in the microchannel, and includes a first web portion residing in a space formed among the pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tien-Li Chang, Chi-Huang Huang, Cheng-Ying Chou
  • Patent number: 10646873
    Abstract: A multi-well plate lid includes a well-side surface to cover a plurality of wells of a multi-well plate. The well-side surface includes two or more regions with different adhesive strengths to the multi-well plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Somada, Satoshi Izumi, Takahiko Matsumoto, Daisuke Takagi
  • Patent number: 10632467
    Abstract: A cartridge has a container with at least one well, protrusions distributed on the container base side, and a flat polymer film having a lower surface and a hydrophobic upper surface kept at a distance (d) to the container base side by the protrusions. The container and the film are reversibly attachable to a liquid droplet manipulation instrument so that the lower surface of the film abuts at least one electrode array of the instrument. The container enables displacement of at least one liquid droplet from a well onto the hydrophobic upper surface of the flat polymer film and above the electrode array. The liquid droplet manipulation instrument has a control unit with a voltage control and an electrode selector for individually selecting each electrode of the electrode array and for providing the selected electrode with a voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventor: Marc N. Feiglin
  • Patent number: 10598593
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic chip comprises a chip base, a lens, and a securing portion. The chip base has a flow cell and a micro-fluidic channel defined therein. The micro-fluidic channel is fluidly connected to the flow cell to deliver fluid to and from the flow cell, respectively via a fluid input port and a fluid output port. The lens has an apex and a base. The apex is positioned within the flow cell. The securing portion is affixed to the chip base such that the lens is sandwiched between the chip base and the securing portion. The securing portion has a circular cavity defined therein in a surface adjacent the chip base, for receiving the base of the lens. The securing portion further has separate light input and output channels to allow light in and out, respectively, of the circular cavity and the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: HITECH ANALYTICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Reyaz Kango
  • Patent number: 10584695
    Abstract: A miniature fluid control device includes a piezoelectric actuator and a housing. The piezoelectric actuator comprises a suspension plate, an outer frame, at least one bracket and a piezoelectric ceramic plate. The piezoelectric ceramic plate is attached on a first surface of the suspension plate and has a length not larger than that of the suspension plate. The housing includes a gas collecting plate and a base. The gas collecting plate is a frame body with a sidewall and comprises a plurality of perforations. The base seals a bottom of the piezoelectric actuator and has a central aperture corresponding to the middle portion of the suspension plate. When the voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator, the suspension plate is permitted to undergo the curvy vibration, the fluid is transferred from the central aperture of the base to the gas-collecting chamber, and exited from the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Jia-Yu Liao, Shou-Hung Chen, Che-Wei Huang, Hung-Hsin Liao, Chao-Chih Chen, Jheng-Wei Chen, Ying-Lun Chang, Chia-Hao Chang, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 10583435
    Abstract: A specimen processing cartridge includes a reservoir having a fluid inlet, an elastic diaphragm, and a fluid outlet. The reservoir is operable to receive a volume of liquid from the fluid inlet, and the fluid outlet is positioned along a fluid flow path between the reservoir and a downstream reservoir. The cartridge includes a dissolvable membrane that occludes flow through the fluid outlet when the dissolvable membrane is in a first, undissolved state, and that permits flow from the reservoir to the downstream reservoir when in a second, dissolved state. The elastic diaphragm is operable to pressurize the reservoir upon receiving the volume of liquid when the dissolvable membrane is in the first, undissolved state, and is operable to contract and propel at least a portion of the volume of liquid from the reservoir to the downstream reservoir when the dissolvable membrane is in the second, dissolved state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: PARATUS DIAGONOSTICS, LLC
    Inventors: John Jacob Carrano, John Carrano
  • Patent number: 10525464
    Abstract: Microscale fluidic devices and components thereof having a fluid retention groove, as well as systems and methods related thereto. The fluid retention groove facilitates uniform bonding of microfluidic device components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Alwin Wan, Amir Sadri, Tal Rosenzweig, Nenad Kircanski, Edmond Young
  • Patent number: 10513773
    Abstract: A process for depositing an inorganic material on a substrate, the process comprising, providing a substrate having a surface, providing a precursor mixture comprising a metal sulfonate, and delivering the precursor mixture to the surface of the substrate, wherein the surface of the substrate is at a substrate temperature of above 450° C. and is sufficient to effect decomposition of the metal sulfonate. The inorganic material may include a metal or a metal oxide. The preferred metal sulfonate is metal triflate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignees: Pilkington Group Limited, University College London
    Inventors: Deborah Raisbeck, Simon James Hurst, Ivan P. Parkin, Claire J. Carmalt, Joe A. Manzi
  • Patent number: 10451051
    Abstract: A miniature pneumatic device includes a miniature fluid control device and a miniature valve device. The miniature fluid control device includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate, a piezoelectric actuator and a gas collecting plate. A first chamber is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator. After a gas is fed into the gas inlet plate, the gas is transferred to the first chamber through the resonance plate and then transferred downwardly. Consequently, a pressure gradient is generated to continuously push the gas. The miniature valve device includes a valve plate and a gas outlet plate. After the gas is transferred from the miniature fluid control device to the miniature valve device, the valve opening of the valve plate is correspondingly opened or closed and the gas is transferred in one direction. Consequently, a pressure-collecting operation or a pressure-releasing operation is selectively performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Jia-Yu Liao, Shou-Hung Chen, Che-Wei Huang, Hung-Hsin Liao, Chao-Chih Chen, Jheng-Wei Chen, Ying-Lun Chang, Chia-Hao Chang, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 10429629
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to facilitate simultaneous high-resolution microscopic imaging of cells and detection of side-scattered light from such cells using an immersion objective. A container maintains a volume of an immersion oil or other immersion fluid in contact with the immersion objective and with a stage that contains a sample of the cells. The container also includes a window through which the cells can be illuminated off-axis to generate side-scattered light. The side-scattered light can then be detected through the immersion objective. The container maintains the immersion fluid in contact with an internal surface of the window to control the geometry of the optical interface between the off-axis illumination source and the immersion fluid. These systems permit high-throughput identification and imaging of cells for biological research, improvement of side-scatter cell classifiers, improved high-throughput cell sorting, and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Veily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Michael Brundage, Supriyo Sinha, Andrew Homyk, Saurabh Vyawahare
  • Patent number: 10416091
    Abstract: A substrate surface defect detection device includes an optical waveguide for receiving first light and directing the received first light to a surface of a to be tested substrate, the optical waveguide having a first surface facing toward the substrate and a second surface facing away from the substrate, a microlens array disposed on the second surface of the optical waveguide, the microlens array including a plurality of microlenses arranged in an array for receiving second light from the surface of the to be tested substrate and converging the received second light to converged light, and an imaging component for receiving the converged light from the at least one microlens array for optical imaging. The substrate surface defect detection device requires significantly less time than conventional substrate surface defect detection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Qiang Wu, Wei Xiong, Xuan Li
  • Patent number: 10414697
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a nitrocellulose-based propellant composition comprising: (a) a nitrate ester based propellant comprising nitrocellulose; and (b) a stabilizer consisting of a tocopherol compound with a general formula (I), wherein: X is oxygen; R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, ester, saccharide, alkoxy-linked saccharide, alcohol, and ethers; R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen methyl, benzyl carboxylic acid, benzyl carboxylate, benzylester and saccharide; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, benzyl carboxylic acid, benzyl carboxylate, benzylester and saccharide; R4 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, benzyl carboxylic acid, benzyl carboxylate, benzylester and saccharide; and R5 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkenyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PB CLERMONT
    Inventors: Alain Dejeaifve, Rowan Dobson
  • Patent number: 10385838
    Abstract: A miniature fluid control device includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate and a piezoelectric actuator. The gas inlet plate includes at least one inlet, at least one convergence channel and a central cavity. A convergence chamber is defined by the central cavity. The resonance plate has a central aperture. The piezoelectric actuator includes a suspension plate, an outer frame and a piezoelectric ceramic plate. A gap is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator to define a first chamber. When the piezoelectric actuator is driven and after the gas is fed into the miniature fluid control device through the inlet of the gas inlet plate, the gas is sequentially converged to the central cavity through the convergence channel, transferred through the central aperture of the resonance plate, introduced into the first chamber, transferred downwardly through the piezoelectric actuator, and exited from the miniature fluid control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Jia-Yu Liao, Shou-Hung Chen, Che-Wei Huang, Hung-Hsin Liao, Chao-Chih Chen, Jheng-Wei Chen, Ying-Lun Chang, Chia-Hao Chang, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 10379132
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline preparation of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated phosphoric acid for analytic analyzes. In implementations, the auto-sampling system includes independent syringe pumps connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce carrier, diluent, buffer, and eluent flows according to one or more modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Nathan Saetveit
  • Patent number: 10371136
    Abstract: A miniature pneumatic device includes a miniature fluid control device and a miniature valve device. The miniature fluid control device includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate, a piezoelectric actuator and a gas collecting plate. A first chamber is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator. After a gas is fed into the gas inlet plate, the gas is transferred to the first chamber through the resonance plate and then transferred downwardly. Consequently, a pressure gradient is generated to continuously push the gas. The miniature valve device includes a valve plate and a gas outlet plate. After the gas is transferred from the miniature fluid control device to the miniature valve device, the valve opening of the valve plate is correspondingly opened or closed and the gas is transferred in one direction. Consequently, a pressure-collecting operation or a pressure-releasing operation is selectively performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Jia-Yu Liao, Shou-Hung Chen, Che-Wei Huang, Hung-Hsin Liao, Chao-Chih Chen, Jheng-Wei Chen, Ying-Lun Chang, Chia-Hao Chang, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 10335787
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a device for storing a liquid sample, in which the device has a sample acceptance well, one or more storage chambers, and one or more fluidic channels fluidly coupling the sample acceptance well to the one or more storage chambers. The apparatus also includes a well plate having a plate and multiple wells formed in the plate, in which the device and the well plate are configured to be attached to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Robert Granier, Kenneth T. Kotz, Anne C. Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 10293340
    Abstract: This invention provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care, analysis, including multiplexed analysis, of a biological fluid analyte, such as blood. The invention includes a cartridge for collecting the biological fluid analyte. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into an assay reader, in which one or more assay reactions may be performed. The assay reader is designed to read and report the results of the one or more assay reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: FITBIT, INC.
    Inventors: Junyu Mai, Albert Gutes-Regidor, Rifat Emrah Ozel, Javier L. Prieto
  • Patent number: 10232105
    Abstract: A liquid handling device having an upstream liquid handling structure connected to a downstream liquid handling structure by a conduit. The upstream and downstream liquid handling structures are sealed or sealable such that the conduit provides the only fluidic communication paths between the upstream and downstream liquid handling structure. The device is arranged such that a driving force causes liquid in the upstream liquid handling structure to at least partially fill the conduit to separate gas in the upstream liquid handling structure from gas in the downstream liquid handling structure. With the device set up such that the two gas volumes are separated by a liquid volume, gas pressures and liquid flow in the device can be controlled by control of the driving force. The device may be arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation to provide the driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Biosurfit, S.A.
    Inventors: Tânia Tenreiro, Nuno Reis, João Garcia Da Fonseca
  • Patent number: 10166541
    Abstract: A microfluidic device and method comprises a rotatable substrate configured to be rotated at various angular velocities in order to accomplish a series of media exchanges with a sample chamber for containing a sample. A plurality of media reservoirs and waste reservoirs are connected to the sample chamber via channels forming capillary valves in which the capillary valves have varying burst frequencies of rotation of the substrate. The substrate can then be rotated through a series of angular velocities to automate media exchanges between the sample chamber and the respective media reservoirs and waste reservoirs. A pair of media reservoirs are located radially inward of the sample chamber and a pair of waste reservoirs are located radially outward of the sample chamber in an “X” configuration such that centrifugal forces cause fluid media to open the capillary valves and flow among the sample chamber, media reservoirs and waste reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Lawrence Kulinsky, Ling Kong
  • Patent number: 10124332
    Abstract: A reversible bonded microfluidic structure comprises an overhanging cap or gasket structure atop a continuous microfluidic channel wall. An overhanging gasket structure may reduce stress concentrations at the edge of the channel wall and can permit improved reversible adhesion of the channel wall and adjacent dry adhesive fibers. In one example, reversible adhesion of the overhanging channel wall gasket and adjacent dry adhesive fibers may approach 1 MPa in axial loading. An overhanging gasket structure of the microfluidic channel wall may comprise a single “fiber” that is continuous around the perimeter of the desired microfluidic channel shape, and may define a self-sealing gasket which will contain fluid. The overhanging gasket structure may be surrounded by further overhanging or undercut dry adhesive fibers to enhance the adhesion and help make the rest of the surface more tolerant to defects and surface roughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Elliot Sameoto