Analyzer, Structured Indicator, Or Manipulative Laboratory Device Patents (Class 422/50)
  • Patent number: 8475744
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solution bag that is used for medical treatment and stores solution used for an apparatus for analyzing blood chemistry that measures and analyzes the concentrations of electrolytes, the partial pressures of gases, and the concentrations of metabolites or the volume ratio of red blood cells contained in blood. The solution bag for an apparatus for analyzing blood chemistry of the present invention includes: a receptacle that contains a solution; a valve body that is attached to the receptacle and has a through-hole longitudinally formed therein; a valve spool that is disposed in the through-hole of the valve body; and a solution leakage preventing unit that is disposed in the valve spool, in which the valve body has a flow channel and a solution discharging pipe spaced at a predetermined distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: I-SENS, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeonghan Ha, Heejun Lee, Tae Young Kang, Jungwon Shin, Hakhyun Nam, Geun Sig Cha
  • Patent number: 8476065
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device comprising (a) a substrate having a surface and (b) an ordered array of posts over the surface, wherein the posts are capable of binding a protein or small molecule ligand, and wherein the pitch between adjacent posts is less than about 100 nm. The invention is also directed to methods for identifying the presence of an analyte in a fluid and to methods for measuring relative binding specificity or affinity between an analyte in a fluid and the posts, using the device of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Michael P. Sheetz, Samuel J. Wind
  • Patent number: 8475742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a serum or plasma separating material including a moisture curing component having a specific gravity of from 1.03 to 1.09, and a blood collection tube including the serum or plasma separating material. The present invention provides a serum or plasma separating material which is allowed to be present in a cured state between serum or plasma and a blood cell-containing component obtained after centrifugal separation when separating the serum or plasma component in a collection tube, exhibits a good storage stability capable of keeping the serum or the like and the cell-containing component in a separated state in the collection tube for a long period of time, is excellent in stability upon freezing or thawing and upon handling of a sample, and can be cured without need of irradiation with ultraviolet ray or the like, as well as a method of separating serum or plasma using the separating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Suto, Yasushi Kojima
  • Patent number: 8475737
    Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Linder, David Steinmiller, Samuel K. Sia
  • Patent number: 8478444
    Abstract: A method includes receiving at least one measurement of a dissolved carbon dioxide concentration of a mixture of fluid containing an autotrophic organism. The method also includes determining an adjustment to one or more manipulated variables using the at least one measurement. The method further includes generating one or more signals to modify the one or more manipulated variables based on the determined adjustment. The one or more manipulated variables could include a carbon dioxide flow rate, an air flow rate, a water temperature, and an agitation level for the mixture. At least one model relates the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration to one or more manipulated variables, and the adjustment could be determined by using the at least one model to drive the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration to at least one target that optimize a goal function. The goal function could be to optimize biomass growth rate, nutrient removal and/or lipid production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian M. Fuxman, Sebastien Tixier, Gregory E. Stewart, Frank M. Haran, Johan U. Backstrom, Kelsey Gerbrandt
  • Patent number: 8475145
    Abstract: The present invention provides micro-fluidic systems, a method for the manufacturing of such a micro-fluidic system and a method for controlling or manipulating a fluid flow through micro-channels of a such a micro-fluidic system. Herefore, an inner side of a wall of a microchannel is provided with actuator elements which can change shape and orientation as a response to an external stimulus. Through this change of shape and orientation the flow of a fluid through a microchannel may be controlled and manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jacob Marinus Jan Den Toonder, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Hendrik Roelof Stapert, Dirk Jan Broer
  • Patent number: 8470241
    Abstract: Various medical systems and methods are described, including a medical monitoring system. The medical monitoring system can have a fluid system configured to receive bodily fluid and optically analyze said fluid to determine analyte concentration. The fluid system can have a removable portion. The removable portion can have an opening with a port. The system can also have a container configured to contain anticoagulant. The container can have a portion configured to mate with the port of the removable portion. The container can be further configured to not fit into a conventional luer fitting. An anti-coagulant insertion apparatus is also described. The apparatus can have a syringe, a dock with a port, and an adapter configured to connect the syringe to the port. The dock can also have a tab configured to move with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Optiscan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Gil Rivas, Michael Butler, Jeffrey T. Chiou, Eugene Lim
  • Patent number: 8470261
    Abstract: 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 or other suitable nucleic acid analysis methods. The present invention also provides stabilized enzyme mixtures containing an enzyme, BSA, and a sugar. Such enzyme mixtures may be lyophilized and stored at room temperature without significant loss of enzyme activity for months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ibis Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Eshoo, John Picuri
  • Patent number: 8470244
    Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 8470606
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Duke University, Advanced Liquid Logic Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Srinivasan, Vamsee K. Pamula, Michael G. Pollack, Richard B. Fair
  • Patent number: 8460936
    Abstract: An apparatus of measuring concentration of fuel including a catalyst layer, a diffusion layer, a fuel chamber, a reactive gas chamber, and a sensor is provided. The diffusion layer is connected to the catalyst layer. The fuel chamber is suitable for containing a fuel. The diffusion layer is between the fuel chamber and the catalyst layer. The reactive gas chamber is suitable for containing a reactive gas. The catalyst layer is between the reactive gas chamber and the diffusion layer. The fuel diffuses to the catalyst layer via the diffusion layer such that a combustion reaction of the fuel and the reactive gas is conducted in the catalyst layer to consume the reactive gas and generate a gaseous product. The sensor is disposed on the reactive gas chamber for measuring the concentration of the reactive gas or the concentration of the gaseous product in the reactive gas chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Patent number: 8460922
    Abstract: An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Cary James Miller, John Lewis Emerson Campbell
  • Patent number: 8462339
    Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Singulex, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Livingston
  • Patent number: 8460863
    Abstract: A method of preparing a dry stick test device for determining an analyte in a milk sample by chemical assay. At least one reagent pad is provided by impregnating a first porous material with an aqueous solution including a reagent capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of the analyte or an indicator compound for the analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state. The reagent pad is dried. A development pad is provided by impregnating a second porous material with an aqueous solution including at least one controlling compound which, when in a moistened state, is capable of providing a condition required for the reagent to react with the analyte to provide the detectable signal. The impregnated second porous material is dried. The first porous material is immobilized with the second porous material, on a solid support, to obtain the dry stick test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Lattec I/S
    Inventor: Lars Nygaard
  • Patent number: 8460616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) including a photometry mechanism (6) for photometrically analyzing a reagent pad of an analytical tool to which a sample is applied, and a table (4) including a placing portion (41) at which the analytical tool is to be placed. The light emitting surface (68) or the light incident surface (68) of the light from the light emitting elements (66) of the photometry mechanism (6) is cleaned, with a cleaning tool (22) placed at the table (4). The present invention further provides a cleaning tool (22) for cleaning the photometry mechanism (6) of the analyzer (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinori Fujiwara, Hideki Tanji, Naoyuki Usagawa
  • Patent number: 8460889
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening a mammalian subject to determine if the subject is at risk to develop or is suffering from, cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting a measurable feature of at least two biomarkers in an HDL subfraction, or in a complex containing apoA-I or apoA-III isolated from a biological sample obtained from the subject, wherein the at least two biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of apoA-I, apoA-II, apoB-100, Lp(a), apoC-I, and apoC-III, combinations or portions and/or derivatives thereof, and comparing the measurable features of the at least two biomarkers from the biological sample to a reference standard, wherein a difference in the measurable features of the at least two biomarkers from the biological sample and the reference standard is indicative of the presence or risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: University of Washington, Insilicos, LLC
    Inventors: Jay W. Heinecke, Tomas Vaisar, Bryan Prazen, Erik Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8460619
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a specimen from a fluid sample includes a first set of one or more microfluidic channels configured to deliver the sample fluid to a filter disposed on an inflatable bladder configured to transfer the specimen from the filter to a slide. The apparatus is configured to collect an approximate monolayer of particles and includes a second set of one or more microfluidic channels configured to remove fluid flowing through the filter disposed on the inflatable bladder. The apparatus also includes a pressure source, a sample container connected to the pressure source and the first set of one or more microfluidic channels, a fluid flow gauge configured to measure a fluid flow rate through the filter, and a stain source connected to the first set of one or more microfluidic channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: CYTYC Corporation
    Inventors: Howard B. Kaufman, Tuan Ha
  • Patent number: 8454910
    Abstract: There is described a sample holder for decomposition or extraction of a sample material, the sample holder comprising: a frame adapted to receive at least two open-ended sample recipients having sealing caps thereon for holding the sample material; and a rack cover releasably securable to the frame and comprising at least two compression caps to be positioned on the sealing caps in order to exert a pressure thereon, thereby forming a pressure-relief valve for each one of the at least two open-ended sample recipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: SCP Science
    Inventors: George Feilders, Arthur Ross, Ghiocel Popa
  • Patent number: 8454905
    Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising a substrate comprising an electrode coupled to a voltage source, wherein the droplet actuator is configured such that when voltage is applied to the electrode, an electrostatic energy gradient is established at a surface of the substrate which causes a droplet to be transported in a direction established by the energy gradient. Related methods and other embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic Inc.
    Inventors: Lavern Pope, Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula
  • Patent number: 8455262
    Abstract: A method to avert an unlawfully intoxicated driver from operating a vehicle is provided. The method utilizes a passive ethanol vapor sensor to measure ethanol vapor concentration in air from a vehicle cabin and imposes a safety response when the passive ethanol vapor sensor detects that a sample of vehicle cabin air indicates that a vehicle occupant exceeds the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a motor vehicle driver. The ethanol vapor sensor may have a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode. Ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin may be passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. An active breathalyzer may be used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel F. Sultan, David K. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8455257
    Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system utilizes an assaying device having a collection cup and a cap that carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device operates in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device includes a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: eScreen, Inc.
    Inventors: Murray I. Lappe, David A. Birkner, John W. Goodin, Keith Patten, Bill Whitford
  • Patent number: 8454825
    Abstract: A rod assembly for the extraction of magnetizable particles from solutions is described. The rod assembly includes at least one guide element. A rod element is insertable into the at least one guide element and moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one guide element. A magnet element is moveable to a distal magnet element position; wherein the distal magnet element position is located on a distal end section of the at least one guide element; wherein the at least one guide element includes an opening at a distal end. A method for the extraction of magnetizable particles from solutions is also described, as well as a magnet element for the extraction of magnetizable particles from solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Stratec Biomedical AG
    Inventor: Ralf Griebel
  • Patent number: 8454891
    Abstract: A method of processing a liquid sample containing an initial quantity of nucleic acids that involves providing a plastic, disposable laboratory implement having at least one transparent wall segment made of a polypropylene mixed with an amount of a clarifier additive that is at least twice as high as is necessary to obtain transparency in the polypropylene, wherein the transparent wall segment exhibits a surface gloss greater than 160 as measured per DIN 67530 at an angle of 60°, bringing the liquid sample into contact with the at least one transparent wall segment and removing the liquid sample from the at least transparent wall segment, wherein the nucleic acid adsorption ratio for the transparent wall segment is less than 3 (wt/wt) relative to relative to the initial quantity of nucleic acids in the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventor: Christian Taesler
  • Patent number: 8449842
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed include: a support apparatus configured to detachably receive a chip; movable pins extendible from a first position to a second position, where, in the first position, the movable pins do not contact a chip positioned on the support apparatus, and in the second position, the movable pins contact electrical terminals of a heating element within a chip positioned on the support apparatus; a radiation source configured to direct radiation to be incident on a chip positioned on the support apparatus; a detector; and an electronic processor, the electronic processor being configured to detect molecules in a sample positioned within the chip, and to determine a temperature of the chip by measuring an electrical resistance between two of the multiple pins connected to the electrical terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Knopp, Daryoosh Vakhshoori, Peidong Wang, Masud Azimi, Scott E. Miller, Jason Goldstein, Stephen McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8450469
    Abstract: This invention relates to a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer which is conjugated with one or more linear-type amino acid containing a plurality of alkyleneglycols and to a synthesis method thereof. In addition, this invention related to a linear amino acid spacer in a device for detection for detecting a target gene using the PNA oligomers which is fixed on a surface of a functionalized solid support. The linear amino acid spacer contains a plurality of alkyleneglycols and maintains enough space between the solid support and PNA oligomer in the device in order to prevent the interference of the interaction between the PNA oligomer and a target gene. Furthermore, this invention relates to a PNA array, a PNA chip and a gene diagnosis kit whereof sensitivity and specificity are improved by being manufactured with the PNA conjugated with the amino acid spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Panagene Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunil Lee, Jung Hyun Min
  • Patent number: 8449826
    Abstract: Since known detection devices include detectors of the same number as that of samples, the system configuration is complicated. According to the present invention, therefore, a plurality of electromagnetic-wave-transmission lines with different propagation-delay times and a coupled-transmission line coupling the electromagnetic-wave-transmission lines with each other are provided, and an electromagnetic wave is detected by the same electromagnetic-wave-detection unit. Subsequently, a detection device including at least one electromagnetic-wave detector of a number smaller than that of samples can be provided, which decreases the system complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryoji Kurosaka
  • Patent number: 8444934
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventor: Regis Peytavi
  • Patent number: 8444920
    Abstract: Kits and methods of using O-rings having apertures are provided herein. O-rings are useful for incubating with a sample fluid potentially having one or more biomarkers, in order to detect the presence of the biomarkers. O-rings can be readily organized in a trackable manner prior to and during incubation with the sample fluid. O-rings can also be readily transferred and organized into one or more trackable arrays for detecting the presence of bound biomarkers and measuring the signaling product generated by bound detect molecule-linked enzymes present in a homogeneous solution with a spectrophotometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Weiqun Liu
  • Patent number: 8440140
    Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Noriyuki Narisada, Daigo Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8440147
    Abstract: Devices for generating discrete flow of liquids in response to a driving force, for example centrifugal microfluidic devices for generating discrete flow in response to a constant driving force. The device includes a supply structure for supplying liquid at an inflow rate to a discretization structure in response to a driving force. The discretization structure is shaped to define an outlet and a level to which the discretization structure fills with liquid flowing from the supply structure before dispensing the liquid at an outflow rate through the outlet in response to the driving force. The device is arranged such that the outflow rate from the discretization structure is greater than the inflow rate into the discretization structure, thereby periodically emptying the discretization structure to create a discretized flow from the outlet. The devices find applications in liquid mixing, for example for diluting samples, such as blood plasma samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Biosurfit, S.A.
    Inventors: João Garcia Da Fonseca, Nuno Alexandre Esteves Reis, Robert Burger
  • Patent number: 8439834
    Abstract: A portable medical system is provided for the purposes of analysis and/or medication, the system having at least one of a medical monitoring device, an analysis device and a medication device. The portable medical system comprises at least one display element comprising at least one organic light-emitting diode display. An optimization device can be provided that comprises a brightness sensor and is configured to optimize the brightness, contrast and/or power consumption of the at least one display element. Furthermore, a monitoring device can be provided which monitors the functionality of the display element. Faults in the display element can be detected in this way, and a corresponding warning can be output to a person using the portable medical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Guenther Schmelzeisen-Redeker, Wolfgang Heck, Stefan Kalveram, Andreas Menke, Wilfried Schmid, Friedrich Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8440470
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fabrication process of a biosensor on a semiconductor wafer, comprising steps of: making a central photosensitive zone comprising at least one pixel-type biological analysis device comprising a photosensitive layer, and a first peripheral zone surrounding the central photosensitive zone, comprising electronic circuits. The first peripheral zone is covered by a hydrophilic coating, and the central photosensitive zone is covered with a hydrophobic coating. A barrier of a bio-compatible resin is formed on the second peripheral zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (R&D) Limited, Universite Paul Cezanne Aix Marseille III
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Raynor, Michaël Maurin, Mitchel O'Neal Perley, Pierre-Francois Lenne, Herve Rigneault, Renaud Vincentelli
  • Patent number: 8440150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Remco Christiaan Den Dulk, Menno Willem Jose Prins
  • Patent number: 8435447
    Abstract: Analyte monitoring devices and methods therefore are provided. The devices integrate various functions of analyte monitoring, e.g., sample acquisition and testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Bryer, Irving Lee, Stephen J. Schoenberg, Lloyd M. Berken, Jean-Pierre Giraud
  • Patent number: 8435465
    Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for isolating biological molecules having a capture chamber containing functionalized solid supports maintained in a fluidized state provides reduced pressure drops and bubble formation during microfluidic extraction. The cartridge may include an electric field lysis chamber and/or a chemical lysis chamber. The electric-field lysis chamber may comprise an electrically insulating structure arranged between two opposing planar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: CFD Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shivshankar Sundaram, Balabhaskar Prabhakarpandian, Kapil Pant, Yi Wang
  • Patent number: 8431086
    Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Kent L. Lurvey, Shmuel Sternberg, Vadim V. Krongauz, Rosa H. Yeh, Robin G. Pauley, Dustin C. Cawthon, Ton That Hai, Lecon L. Woo, Ashok K. Khanna, Birendra K. Lal, Michael Tung-Kiung Ling, William S. Hoerle, Craig L. Sandford, Mark A. Nordhaus, Alexander Savitski, Nicklaus J. Kirichkow, Kenneth Glen Suh, Sivaramakrishnan Krishnamoorthy, Hsinjin E. Yang, Robert A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8431078
    Abstract: A sample container (20) for receptacle devices for receiving biological objects that may be used for example as collecting devices (30) in laser microdissection systems is described, in which the sample container (20) has a coding (23) with the aid of which the sample holder in the laser microdissection system can be unambiguously identified in order subsequently to be able to allocate correctly biological objects (43) to be dissected to individual receptacle containers (31) of the identified receptacle device (30) or of the identified sample holder (20), so as to carry out a fully automated microdissection procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Karin Schütze, Raimund Schütze, Hendrik Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8431089
    Abstract: Sampling valve with which samples containing mechanically sensitive material are removed in a sterile manner from a bioreactor, and process analysis system with analysis stations, in particular chromatography systems, biosensors and cell determination devices, permitting automated, sterile removal of a sample from a bioreactor and gentle transport of the sample, containing mechanically sensitive material, in particular cells, to the analysis station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Steigmiller, Hans Tups, Karsten Sommer, Sonja Danstedt, Martin Schiffhauer, Sebastian Schmidt, Jörg Kauling, Arndt Braun
  • Patent number: 8431076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilization and disinfection apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a sterilization and disinfection apparatus for surgical equipment. Thus preferred embodiments may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: reduced risk of spillage of the sterilization fluid outside the sterilization apparatus; reduced risk of contamination of the equipment after sterilization through inadvertent contact with the equipment by the user; economy of use of the sterilization fluid; improved convenience of transport and storage of sterilized equipment in the sterilization apparatus; automatic override procedure to reduce the risk of overexposure of the equipment to the sterilization fluid if the correct sterilization cycle is not followed; automatic control of contact time of the equipment with the sterilization fluid to avoid over processing and resultant damage; and data logging to provide traceability of the previous sterilization cycles used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tristel PLC
    Inventor: Mark Robert Fraundorfer
  • Patent number: 8431091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
  • Patent number: 8434160
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 8434161
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 8425844
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising surface site comprising substantially inorganic surface having chemical composition selected from group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within polypeptide bonding region and having selective bonding affinity for polypeptide; plurality of interlayers between which surface site is interposed; distal site end on surface site and distanced from interlayers, the surface being provided on distal site end; surface site and interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within polypeptide bonding region; conductors being capable of applying external voltage potential across polypeptide bonding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8425839
    Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a first reagent container to hold a first reagent container with a first record section which contains a first reagent management information; a second reagent container holder to hold a second reagent container with a second record section which contains a second reagent management information; a first information reader; a second information reader; a registration section for registering the combination of the first reagent and the second reagent based on the first reagent management information; a measurement section for conducting a measurement of a predetermined analysis item by using the first reagent and the second reagent corresponding to the combination registered by the registration section; and a processing section for processing a measurement result obtained by the measurement section, and for obtaining an analysis result of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Wakamiya, Tomohiro Okuzaki, Hisato Takehara
  • Patent number: 8425860
    Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 8425841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing instrument (X1) provided with a capillary (5) for moving a sample liquid. The analyzing instrument (X1) includes a dehumidification region for maintaining a constant moisture content in the capillary (5). Preferably, the dehumidification region has a hygroscopicity of no less than 2%. Preferably, at least part of an inner surface of the capillary (5) extends in the moving direction of the sample liquid and is a water-insoluble high-wettability region having a wettability of no less than 57 mN/m. The dehumidification region and the high-wettability region may be made of Vinylon, for example. Preferably, the analyzing instrument (X1) includes a liquid pooling portion (4) communicating with the capillary (5) and having a portion wider than the capillary (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Katsuki, Tetsuya Sakata, Yasunori Shiraki
  • Patent number: 8418929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature controlling apparatus and the temperature controlling method which can arrest foaming and inflation of the air contained in a liquid, and can perform temperature controlling of a liquid of high reliance, and the present invention is constructed to have one or a plurality of sets of nozzles which can suck and discharge a liquid through a tip, and can retain the sucked liquid, a suction and discharge mechanism which can suck and discharge a gas via the each nozzle, a temperature regulator which can maintain one or two or more set predetermined temperatures for a predetermined time regarding one or two or more predetermined temperature controlling regions set in the each nozzle, a movement mechanism which allows relative movement between one or two or more containers which can accommodate a liquid and a nozzle, and a controlling part which instructs the movement mechanism, the suction and discharge mechanism or the temperature regulator to adjust a liquid to be suck
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 8420181
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a polymer-based microfluidic device, including: forming a microstructure on a lower polymer matrix; coating the lower polymer matrix with TiO2 to perform patterning of TiO2; bonding the lower polymer matrix with an upper polymer matrix; and radiating UV lights thereto to convert TiO2-coated regions into hydrophilic regions. Disclosed also is a polymer-based microfluidic device obtained by the method. The method enables development of a microfluidic device having high stability and long-term durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Sang Kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8420024
    Abstract: A device for sampling, transporting and/or disposal of fluid media in the nl and ?l-range comprises a substrate with an open or closed capillary-like groove or channel respectively, the substrate with the open or closed groove or capillary respectively is bent or arcuated at least at one location. The substrate comprises at least one end into which the open or closed capillary-like groove or channel respectively is extended, which end is shaped according to its application or use as e.g. needle-like, straight-lined cut, tip-like, at least most half circle-shape, rounded, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Korner, Patrick Griss, Emad Sarofim, Carlo Effenhauser
  • Patent number: 8420026
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park