Automated System With Sample Fluid Pressure Transport Means Patents (Class 422/81)
  • Patent number: 7678576
    Abstract: The invention provides a chemical analysis apparatus which easily agitates and warms up. A chemical analysis apparatus has a motor, a retaining disc which can be rotated by the motor, a plurality of inspection cartridges which are arranged on the retaining disc, a punching machine for punching the inspection cartridges, a warming apparatus and a detection apparatus. The inspection cartridge includes a container formed by a concave portion and a base plate having a flow path. A cover covering the container and the flow path is installed to the base plate. A liquid solution is moved to the container in an outer peripheral side with respect to a rotation axis from the container in an inner peripheral side with respect to the rotation axis via the flow path, by utilizing a centrifugal force generated on the basis of the rotation of the retaining disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Sasaki, Yoshihiro Nagaoka, Noriyo Nishijima, Naruo Watanabe, Michihiro Saito, Taisaku Seino, Satoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7666687
    Abstract: A method for combining a fluid delivery system with an analysis system for performing immunological or other chemical of biological assays. The method includes a miniature plastic fluidic cartridge containing a reaction chamber with a plurality of immobilized species, a capillary channel, and a pump structure along with an external linear actuator corresponding to the pump structure to provide force for the fluid delivery. The plastic fluidic cartridge can be configured in a variety of ways to affect the performance and complexity of the assay performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: James Russell Webster, Ping Chang, Shaw-Tzuv Wang, Chi-Chen Chen, Rong-I Hong
  • Publication number: 20100035358
    Abstract: A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis A. Lehto, Steven J. Boege
  • Patent number: 7655187
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems for isolating toxins and collecting an eluate from a sampling column for subsequent testing and to methods of extracting and collecting an eluate using the same systems. Preferably, the systems comprise a sample holder such as an immuno-affinity column for holding the sample and a self-contained fluid delivery system that can deliver liquid, e.g., reagents, and gaseous fluids, e.g., compressed air. More preferably, the fluid control system of the fluid delivery system provides some amount of pressurized gas continuously to the headspace of the column even when a fluid is not being forced through the resin gel in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Jackson, Nancy Zabe
  • Patent number: 7648844
    Abstract: Methods for detecting analytes in a sample are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the analyte, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Alok Srivastava, Wayne U. Wang, Michael Miller, Brett P. Masters, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7638025
    Abstract: When a first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 moves therein toward a connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the first flow passage 6 is pushed by the moving first liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a third flow passage 14 and an external environment communication passage 8, so that the first liquid moves to the end of a fifth flow passage 16, which is formed in the connecting portion 10, on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. Then, when a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 moves therein toward the connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the second flow passage 7 is pushed by the moving second liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a fourth flow passage 15 and the external environment communication passage 8, so that a liquid-liquid interface level between the first and second liquids is formed in the connecting portion 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Ono
  • Patent number: 7635452
    Abstract: A system for measuring diffusion of a compound across a membrane generally comprises a membrane held between a first base having a plurality of outwardly extending hollow projections and a second base fastened to the first base and having a plurality of recessed tapered openings therein adapted to engage the plurality of hollow projections. Methods for measuring membrane diffusion using such systems are included. The system components are also provided in kit form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen B. Roscoe, Neal A. Rakow, Michael L. Husberg, Lester H. McIntosh, III
  • Patent number: 7635326
    Abstract: The inventive device comprises a tool holder (1), which can be displaced in an x-direction, in a y-direction that is perpendicular thereto, and in a z-direction that is perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction, and which can rotate about the z-direction. A solid matter dosing head (350), provided as a tool, is automatically attached in a removable manner to the tool holder (1) by means of a permanent magnet (351). The tool can be easily exchanged for another tool due to this automatic removable attachment of said tool to the tool holder (1) involving the use of a permanent magnet (351).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Chemspeed Technologies AG
    Inventors: Rolf Gueller, Josef Schröer, Paul Frank, Franz Metzger, Christoph Bachmann, Gerhard Klokow, Stefan Eichin
  • Patent number: 7632461
    Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Lee Angros
  • Patent number: 7632638
    Abstract: Methods for detecting viruses are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the virus, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexis F. Sauer-Budge, Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7629137
    Abstract: Methods for detecting bacteria are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the bacteria, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexis F. Sauer-Budge, Eric Fitch, Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7628956
    Abstract: The sheath flow forming device includes: a container for storing sample fluid and having a supply port for supplying the sample fluid; a second container for storing sheath fluid and having a supply port for supplying the sheath fluid; a flow cell having a sample fluid inlet for receiving sample fluid supplied from the supply port of the first container, a sheath fluid inlet for receiving the sheath fluid from the supply port of the second container, and an outlet for discharging the mixture of the sheath fluid and the sample fluid; a first pump for supplying a sheath fluid to the sheath fluid inlet; a second pump for suctioning fluid within the flow cell through the outlet of the flow cell; and a first drive source for driving the first pump and second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Jindo
  • Patent number: 7622077
    Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Lee Angros
  • Patent number: 7622081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hou-Pu Chou, Stephen R. Quake
  • Patent number: 7615381
    Abstract: Methods for detecting estradiol and metabolites thereof in a sample are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for estradiol, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of estradiol-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample and/or particles to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of estradiol-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Vishal K. Gulati, Mark Lundstrom, Alok Srivastava, Wayne U. Wang
  • Patent number: 7615375
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in a reaction cell. The reaction cell is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Francisco E. Torres, Karl Littau, Eric Shrader
  • Patent number: 7611908
    Abstract: Methods for therapeutic drug monitoring are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent capable of binding a therapeutic drug of choice is combined with the sample to form a plurality of therapeutic drug-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample and/or particles to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of therapeutic drug-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Miller, Brett P. Masters, Mark Lundstrom, Alok Srivastava, Wayne U. Wang
  • Patent number: 7598094
    Abstract: Methods for detecting cardiac injury by detecting one or more cardiac markers are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for a cardiac marker, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7582482
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a liquid sample stream including at least one analyte ion species and matrix ion species of opposite charge to said one analyte ion species. The liquid sample stream flows through a treatment channel. A carrier liquid stream including a matrix ion species capture material flows substantially parallel to the sample stream in the treatment channel forms a liquid interface between them. The matrix ion species diffuses through the interface to contact and become bound by the capture material in said carrier liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Parnendu K. Dasgupta, Petr Kuban, Jordan M. Berg
  • Patent number: 7556776
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microfluidic structures, and more specifically, to microfluidic structures and methods including microreactors for manipulating fluids and reactions. In some embodiments, structures and methods for manipulating many (e.g., 1000) fluid samples, i.e., in the form of droplets, are described. Processes such as diffusion, evaporation, dilution, and precipitation can be controlled in each fluid sample. These methods also enable conditions within the fluid samples (e.g., concentration) to be controlled. Manipulation of fluid samples can be useful for a variety of applications, including testing for reaction conditions, e.g., in crystallization, chemical, and biological assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Brandeis University
    Inventors: Seth Fraden, Darren Roy Link, Galder Cristobal-Azkarate, Jung uk Shim, David A. Weitz
  • Patent number: 7550267
    Abstract: An improved microscale diffusion immunoassay utilizing multivalent reactants is disclosed. In particular, a method for detecting the presence of analyte particles in an analyte fluid is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) providing the analyte fluid comprising the analyte particles; (b) providing a diffusion fluid comprising binding particles capable of binding with the analyte particles; (c) flowing the analyte fluid and the diffusion fluid in adjacent laminar flow through a microfluidic channel; (d) allowing the analyte particles to diffuse into the diffusion fluid and bind with the binding particles to form analyte/binding particle complexes; and (e) detecting the presence of the analyte particles and the analyte/binding particle complexes, wherein each of the binding particles is capable of binding with more than one analyte particle, and wherein each of the analyte particles is capable of binding with more than one binding particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Hawkins, Paul Yager
  • Publication number: 20090130766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid sample transport device (1) with reduced dead volume for processing, controlling and/or detecting a fluid sample (3), comprising: a substrate (2), wherein the upper surface of said substrate (2) comprises at least one processing, controlling and/or detecting element (19); at least one flexible membrane (4), wherein the flexible membrane (5) is arranged on the upper surface of said substrate (2); at least one plunger (5) and/or actuating element (9) for actuating an up and/or down movement of the flexible membrane (4) to cause a fluid flow and/or to stop a fluid flow; at least one cover plate (6) arranged on the upper outer surface or lower outer surface of the flexible membrane (4), wherein the cover plate (6) comprises at least one through going hole (10) and/or cut-out (10) for receiving a plunger (5) and/or actuating element (9), so that movement of said plunger (5) and/or actuating element (9) causes a pump and/or valve action of the adjacent arranged flexible memb
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Wilhelmus Weekamp
  • Patent number: 7534394
    Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 7531134
    Abstract: A method of directed automated analysis of a plurality of analytes of a process solution includes providing a sample of the process solution containing a plurality of the analytes, admixing an enriched isotope spike for each of the plurality of analytes to be analyzed with the process solution sample thereby effecting admixture of the enriched ratio of isotopes with the naturally occurring ratio of each analyte to be analyzed, creating ions from the spikes, introducing the ions into a mass spectrometer for determination of the identity and quantity of each analyte and delivering the information to a microprocessor. If desired, the process solution sample may be diluted and/or subjected to the addition of reagents or standards prior to initiation of the analysis. The ions may be created by an atmospheric pressure ionization interface. The information obtained is processed in a computer which serves to control other portions of the practice of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Metara, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Anderson, Michael J. West, Howard M. Kingston, Larry N. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7521248
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring apolipoprotein B100 (apo B) during the cholesterol subclass measurement process is provided which obviates the need for a separate apo B test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Atherotech, Inc.
    Inventor: Krishnaji Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 7513857
    Abstract: The inventive device comprises a tool holder, which can be displaced in an x-direction, in a y-direction that is perpendicular thereto, and in a z-direction that is perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction, and which can rotate about the z-direction A solid matter dosing head, provided as a tool, is automatically attached in a removable manner to the tool holder by means of a permanent magnet. The tool can be easily exchanged for another tool due to this automatic removable attachment of said tool to the tool holder involving the use of a permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Chemspeed Technologies, AG
    Inventors: Rolf Gueller, Josef Schröer, Paul Frank, Franz Metzger, Christoph Bachmann, Gerhard Klokow, Stefan Eichin
  • Patent number: 7491552
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Patent number: 7485888
    Abstract: A multicolor particle analyzer and method is described. The particles each of which either naturally fluoresce or are tagged to fluoresce at distinctive wavelengths are caused to flow through an analyzing volume where fluorescence is excited by an impinging light beam. A tunable optical filter repetitively and sequentially passes emitted light at each of the characteristic wavelengths as each particle travels through the analyzing volume and the light transmitted through the optical filter is received by single detector which provides output signals representative of each distinct wavelength of light emitted by the particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Guava Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Goix, Paul J. Lingane
  • Patent number: 7476362
    Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Lee Angros
  • Patent number: 7459127
    Abstract: A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pugia, Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Bartos
  • Patent number: 7459129
    Abstract: A microfluidic device that comprises several microchannel structures in which there are an inlet port, an outlet port and there between a structural unit comprising a fluidic function. The structural unit can be selected amongst units enabling a) retaining of nl-aliquots comprising constituents which has been defined by mixing of aliquots within the microfluidic device (unit A), b) mixing of aliquots of liquids (unit B), c) partition of larger aliquots of liquids into smaller aliquots of liquids and distributing the latter individually and in parallel to different microchannel structure of the same microfluidic device (unit C), d) quick penetration into a microchannel structure of an aliquot of a liquid dispensed to an inlet port of a microchannel structure (unit D), and e) volume definition integrated within a microchannel structure (unit E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: GYROS Patent AB
    Inventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Ekstrand, Derand Helene
  • Patent number: 7452729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a waste high-pressure fluid, which is yielded by bringing a high-pressure fluid into contact with a processing object in a high-pressure processing vessel to make unnecessary materials on the processing object accompany it. In accordance with the present invention, a novel processing method is provided which includes the steps of draining liquid ingredients, which is obtained from a preliminarily refined waste medium-pressure fluid, having been decompressed from the waste high-pressure fluid and provided to a separating means filled with packing materials, out of a system with unnecessary materials, and refining gas ingredients, which is also obtained from the preliminarily refined waste medium-pressure fluid, in an adsorbing means including adsorbents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamagata
  • Patent number: 7452726
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Hou-Pu Chou, Antoine Daridon, Kevin Farrell, Brian Fowler, Yish-Hann Liau, Ian D. Manger, Hany Ramez Nassef, William Throndset
  • Patent number: 7442339
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatuses, and systems for performing nucleic acid sequencing reactions and molecular binding reactions in a microfluidic channel. The methods, apparatuses, and systems can include a restriction barrier to restrict movement of a particle to which a nucleic acid is attached. Furthermore, the methods, apparatuses, and systems can include hydrodynamic focusing of a delivery flow. In addition, the methods, apparatuses, and systems can reduce non-specific interaction with a surface of the microfluidic channel by providing a protective flow between the surface and a delivery flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Narayanan Sundararajan, Lei Sun, Yuegang Zhang, Xing Su, Selena Chan, Tae-Woong Koo, Andrew A. Berlin
  • Patent number: 7442556
    Abstract: This invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. Microfluidic devices of the present invention comprises a first elastic layer, a fluid flow channel within the elastic layer; and a means for providing a fluid sample from the fluid flow channel to an analytical device. The present invention also provides an analytical apparatus comprising such a microfluidic device and an analytical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Ian David Manger, Cunsheng Casey Hao, Marc Alexander Unger
  • Publication number: 20080261295
    Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: William Frank Butler, Haichuan Zhang, Philippe Marchand, Keunho Ahn, Yi Zhang, John Francis, Benjamin Lai, Eugene Tu
  • Patent number: 7438856
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Jedrzejewski, Steffen Nock, Peter Wagner, Pierre Indermuhle, Frank G. Zaugg
  • Patent number: 7439075
    Abstract: A method of discharging a fluid flow with suspended microparticles from a fluidic microsystem (10) is described, whereby the fluid flow converges with at least one output flow to form a discharge flow at the end of a discharge channel (14) of the microsystem, and the discharge flow is delivered through a conduction element (19). A microsystem with a flow output device for implementation of this method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Perkinelmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Fuhr, Stephen Graham Shirley, Torsten Muller, Thomas Schnelle, Rolf Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 7435384
    Abstract: An instrument (A) detects in a sample the presence of an analyte. The sample includes electrically readable particles (126) with an agent attached thereto that binds with the analyte or is an analog of the analyte. The instrument includes a port for the sample and a pair of electrodes (25, 30), one of which has a surface portion (30a) with an agent thereat that binds with the analyte or is an analog of the analyte. The electrodes have a first position where they are separated a sufficient distance apart to enable the sample to move between the electrodes and a second position where the electrodes are in close proximity. A detection circuit, including the electrodes, has a first state when the analyte is absent and a second state when the analyte is present. A signaling device provides an indication of the state of the detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Leonard Fish
  • Patent number: 7431889
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising one, two, three or more enclosed microchannel structures, each of which comprises a) an inlet arrangement with an inlet opening for liquid, b) a reaction microcavity (RM1) downstream to the inlet opening, and c) an upstream section that is located between the inlet opening and the reaction microcavity (RM1) and is defined between two planar substrates made of plastic material which substrates are common for said microchannel structures. The characteristic feature is that the inner wall in said upstream section exposes a hydrophilic surface area with an underlying base layer comprising metal oxide. In one aspect the microfluidic device as such is covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Gyros Patent AB
    Inventors: Johan Engstrom, Cecillia Hellermark
  • Publication number: 20080240994
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a liquid dispensing apparatus which is capable of preventing contamination by previously aspirated liquid, even when residual liquid in a pipette tip separated from the dispensing apparatus is scattered. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes: sample dispensing arm 5 which comprises a dispensing nozzle 54b for aspirating and discharging sample on which a pipette tip 200 is attached; tip separating section 140 for separating the pipette tip 200 from the dispensing nozzle 54b; and nozzle wiping section 16 for cleaning a tip of the dispensing nozzle 54b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Keiichiro Shohmi, Tomoyuki Nishida, Yoshinori Ooi
  • Patent number: 7427376
    Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a liquid aspirator to be stuck into the closed container for aspirating a sample from a closed container; a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample using the aspirated sample; and an analyzing section for analyzing the prepared analysis sample; the liquid aspirator including an elongated pipe, the pipe having a liquid flow path extending therein and a plurality of communicating sections provided in an outer surface thereof, at least one of the communicating sections communicating between an inside and an outside of the container when the pipe is stuck into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Hidenari Takaoka, Noriyoshi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080219890
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for loading a sample into a microfluidic flow cell allows for more precise loading, reduced cross-contamination, and more efficient use of samples to be analyzed. The system for loading a sample into a flow cell includes a flow cell defining a plurality of individually isolated channels through which fluid can flow. The flow cell also defines an inlet port and an outlet port for each of the channels. The system also includes a base that defines a chamber for receiving the flow cell, a cover pivotally attached to the base, and a passive vacuum source for pulling a volume through the flow cell. The method of loading a sample includes inserting the flow cell into the sample loading apparatus, placing a sample in at least one of the wells of the loading block, activating a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the outlet ports to pull the sample into the channel, and optionally aspirating the unused sample from the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Helicos Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: John Lawson, Parris Wellman, Sepehr Kiani
  • Patent number: 7419821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a variety of assays for the determination of analytes in liquid samples, and relates to the methods for such assays. In particular, the invention relates to a single-use cartridge designed to be adaptable to a variety of real-time assay protocols, preferably assays for the determination of analytes in biological samples using immunosensors or other ligand/ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments. The cartridge provides novel features for processing a metered portion of a sample, for precise and flexible control of the movement of a sample or second fluid within the cartridge, for the amending of solutions with additional compounds during an assay, and for the construction of immunosensors capable of adaptation to diverse analyte measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: I-Stat Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Davis, Imants R. Lauks, Chao Lin, Cary James Miller
  • Publication number: 20080205739
    Abstract: A method for loading a sample for imaging by an optical tomography system. A sample volume including at least one microscopic sample and a viscous fluid is coaxially loaded into a sample delivery tube. The sample volume is impelled through a focus cell into a capillary tube, where the capillary tube has a smaller crossectional area than the sample delivery tube, so that a reduced volume of the at least one microscopic sample and viscous fluid is constrained to a central region within the capillary tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: VISIONGATE, INC.
    Inventors: Jon W. Hayenga, Paul R. Smargiassi
  • Patent number: 7416896
    Abstract: A method for determining total and bound plasma bilirubin. The method utilizes zone fluidics to enable accurate determination of the bilirubin using small volumes of sample and reagents, and significantly reduces dilution errors caused by inherent changes in bilirubin-binding with sample dilution, as well as the effects of weak bilirubin-binding competitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignees: Global FIA, Inc., LW Ligang LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfors, Graham D. Marshall, Duane K. Wolcott
  • Patent number: 7416903
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Larry A. Sklar, Andrea A. Mammoli, Richard A. Truesdell, Peter V. Vorobieff
  • Patent number: 7413707
    Abstract: Provided is a microchip assembly including a base holder, a microchip installed on the base holder and having at least one input hole into which a reaction sample is input and at least one microchamber accommodating the input reaction sample, a flipper rotatably installed at the outside of the microchip on the base holder and opening and closing the input hole of the microchip while flipping up in a vertically erected state or flipping down in a horizontal state, and slider installed at the outside of the flipper on the base holder to be capable of sliding and supporting the flipper in the erected state and flipping down the flipper while moving inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-wook Oh, Yu-jin Seo
  • Patent number: 7410809
    Abstract: A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Guava Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe J. Goix, Paul J. Lingane, Janette T. Phi-Wilson, Kenneth F. Uffenheimer
  • Patent number: 7393502
    Abstract: A test device 1 for analyzing a specific component in a test solution with a reagent by allowing the solution introduced via a feed opening 4 to react with the reagent maintained in a predetermined position in a capillary tube 3 having the opening 4 and an air outlet 5. The tube is provided with two hydrophilic regions 31, 33 and a hydrophobic region 32. The region 31 transfers the solution from the opening 4 to the reagent. The region 33 is delimited to a predetermined area maintaining the reagent. The region 32 separates the region 31 from the region 33. The reagent and the solution are applied in predetermined amounts to the region 33. A measuring device need not previously measure the solution. The device is useful as an analytical device for rapid and easy analysis, and can be produced in a less number of steps because the reagent can be fixed by merely applying it onto a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Okubo, Atsuko Katayama, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Yoshihiko Higuchi, Masufumi Koike