Fluorescence Patents (Class 422/82.08)
  • Patent number: 9541561
    Abstract: Provided is a method for diagnosing Alzheimer/s disease using a decomposed biomaterial. The method includes: preparing magnetic particles on which primary capture antibodies specifically bound to beta-amyloid are adsorbed; decomposing a biomaterial including beta-amyloid; binding the beta-amyloid to the primary capture antibodies; binding secondary capture antibodies labeled with a fluorescent material to the magnetic particles bound to the beta-amyloid to form a complex; disposing the complex in a channel region of a photo field effect transistor in which a photocurrent is changed according to the amount of incident light; and measuring the photocurrent changed by light excited from the complex to quantify the concentration of the beta-amyloid existing in the biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chang-Beom Kim, Kibong Song, Kwan Su Kim
  • Patent number: 9458451
    Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert E. Heinz, Haitao Li
  • Patent number: 9423378
    Abstract: Methods for the detection of biologically relevant molecules that comprise concentrating such molecules into microscopic holes in a sheet of chemically inert material, restricting the openings, and measuring the electric current through the holes or the fluorescence near the hole openings. The electric current or fluorescence will change as the molecules diffuse out of the holes, providing a measure of the diffusion rate and thereby detecting the presence and characteristics of the molecules. For molecules that interact, the diffusion rate will be slower than for molecules that do not interact, yielding a determination of the molecular interaction. Capping the population of holes and inserting into a mass spectrometer allows identification of the molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher Gordon Atwood
  • Patent number: 9372188
    Abstract: An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are small particles that give off a detectable electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described. A system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also, label excitation sources are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Tondra
  • Patent number: 9346997
    Abstract: A nanostructured particulates formed from a redox active, luminescent phenyl substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon are provided herein. The nanostructured particulates may be used for determining the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample by detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation generated by exposing a reagent mixture, which includes the nanostructured particulates and the sample, to electrochemical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Allen J. Bard, Fu-Ren F. Fan, Khalid Omer
  • Patent number: 9176132
    Abstract: The following processes are performed to improve the accuracy of the process of estimating the volume of a cell clump from an image including the cell clump. First, the image including the cell clump is acquired, and the optical density of the cell clump in the image is measured. Cross-section information about the cell clump is acquired by observation using a confocal microscope or by physical cutting. Based on the cross-section information, the vertical height of the cell clump is determined. Thereafter, data representing a relationship between the aforementioned optical density and the height is acquired. This improves the accuracy of the process of converting the optical density into the height to thereby achieve the accurate estimation of the volume of the cell clump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujimoto, Sanzo Moriwaki
  • Patent number: 9134296
    Abstract: A method for observing stem cells by an observation device 1 comprises, placing stem cells C in a petri dish 11, mounting the petri dish 11 on a waveguide 21 via water 13, emitting illumination light L1 into the waveguide 21 and emitting the illumination light L1 to the stem cells C in the petri dish 11 via the water 13, and detecting scattered light L2, the scattered light L2 being the illumination light L1 emitted to the stem cells C that is scattered by the stem cells C and has passed through the waveguide 21. Then, in the light image detected by means of the scattered light L2, a region that is markedly darker than other regions is identified as being in the state tending toward differentiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Norikazu Sugiyama, Takuji Kataoka, Ikuo Arata
  • Patent number: 9129366
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to medical systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining a fluorescent light intensity at one or more points on each of multiple recorded images, and producing an image based on the determined fluorescent light intensity at the one or more points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Werner Nahm, Roland Guckler, Thomas Holzhauer
  • Patent number: 9075018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imaging structures and features using plasmonic emissions from metallic surfaces caused by chemiluminescence based chemical and biological reactions wherein imaging of the reactions is enhanced by the use of microwave energy and further enhanced by using metallic geometric structures for spatially and temporally controlling the biological and chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventors: Chris D. Geddes, Michael Previte
  • Publication number: 20150147814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring of particles properties in a stream and the use of such method and system. In particular, the invention concerns sampling of liquids like aqueous suspensions or filtrates that contain solid matter in forest industry, oil and mining industry, as well as in and water treatment, desalination or water reuse processes, and in subsequent measurement of the samples. A sample from a stream of liquid is dyed to stain particles contained in the sample, which is conducted to a first flow chamber having means for causing said sample to be divided into particle populations according to their size or mass. A liquid flow is applied through the first flow chamber to cause at least one particle population to flow into a second flow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Kemira
    Inventors: Iiris Joensuu, Marjatta Piironen
  • Publication number: 20150140556
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in addition to other things, methods, systems, and apparatuses that involve the use of an optical fiber with grating and particulate coating that enables simultaneous heating; optical detection; and optionally temperature measurement. Methods, systems, and apparatuses of the present invention may be used in many applications including isothermal and/or thermal cycling reactions. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatuses for use in detecting, quantifying and/or identifying one or more known or unknown analytes in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jacques Albert, Anatoli Ianoul, Aliaksandr Bialiayeu, Adam Bottomley
  • Publication number: 20150141264
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for in-field detection of a distinctive marker. The method includes providing a sample from an article of interest and analyzing the sample to detect the presence of the distinctive marker. The analysis is performed using an in-field detection instrument. The in-field detection instrument includes a microsystem configured to perform sample in-answer out analysis and detect the presence of the distinctive marker in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Lawrence Jung, MingHwa Benjamin Liang
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9029163
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a plurality of denaturation curves is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, one variable, such as salt content, pH or another parameter, is varied to create a plurality of different buffer solutions. Each is then used to create a denaturation graph. The plurality of denaturation graphs allows analysis of the effect of that variable on protein stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Avia Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Brown, Burleigh Hutchins, Ernesto Freire
  • Patent number: 9028757
    Abstract: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Super Resolution Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Alexeevich Klimov, Dmitry Andreevich Klimov, Evgeniy Andreevich Klimov, Tatiana Vitalyevna Klimova
  • Patent number: 9028772
    Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Huanfen Yao, Jeffrey George Linhardt, Babak Parviz
  • Publication number: 20150125897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a fast thermo-optical characterisation of particles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a device to measure the stability of (bio)molecules, the interaction of molecules, in particular biomolecules, with, e.g. further (bio)molecules, particularly modified (bio)molecules, particles, beads, and/or the determination of the length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) ofindividual (bio)molecules, particles, beads and/or the determination of length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Ludwig Maximilians Universität München
    Inventors: Stefan DUHR, Philipp Baaske
  • Patent number: 9023654
    Abstract: A method for measuring bromate ions includes: an adding step of adding a fluorescent substance whose fluorescence intensity changes by the coexistence of bromate ions to sample water; a measuring step of measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance; a difference calculating step of calculating a difference between the fluorescence intensity measured and a reference fluorescence intensity of reference sample water that contains no bromate ion; and a concentration calculating step of calculating bromate ion concentration from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference. The measuring step includes a step of measuring the fluorescence intensity at any one of a case where an excitation wavelength is 264 nm and an emission wavelength is 400 nm, a case where the excitation wavelength is 264 nm and the emission wavelength is 480 nm, and a case where the excitation wavelength is 300 nm and the emission wavelength is 400 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsumi Konishi, Eri Hasegawa, Yoshiharu Tanaka, Shukuro Igarashi, Takao Ohtomo
  • Patent number: 9023281
    Abstract: Chemical indicator apparatuses containing one or more chemical indicators for use in monitoring the quality of water in an aquatic environment. The apparatuses are designed and configured to be submersible in the water that is being monitored. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo a physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Such indicators can be read by one or more suitable optical readers. These and other embodiments are designed and configured to be movable by a corresponding monitoring/measuring apparatus, for example, via a magnetically coupled drive. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide a chemical indicator apparatus with additional functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Step Ahead Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150118758
    Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems for detecting gamma radiation is disclosed and described. A compound for detecting gamma radiation can comprise a conjugated imidazole having the following structure: [Formula I] where at least one of R1, R2, and R3 are conjugated organic groups. Additionally, the conjugated imidazole can be capable of reacting with a radical or ion formed by the reaction of gamma radiation with a radical generating component such as a halogen solvent to decrease a molar extinction coefficient of the conjugated imidazole in the visible light region or to quench fluorescence of the conjugated imidazole. As a sensor (100), a radiation detection indicator (108) can indicate the change in molar extinction coefficient or fluorescence of the conjugated imidazole material (120) upon exposure to gamma radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ling Zang, Jimin Han, Xu Miao
  • Publication number: 20150118760
    Abstract: A fluorescence-based sensor can comprise a nanofiber mass of nanofibers having tubular morphology and a fluorescence detector, where fluorescence of the nanofibers decreases upon contact with a nitro-containing compound. The nanofibers can comprise carbazole-cornered, arylene-ethynylene tetracyclic macromolecules of formula I: where R1-R4 are alkyl-containing groups. The tubular morphology allows for highly selective detection of trinitrotoluene over other nitro-based compounds and oxidizing organic compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ling Zang, Yanke Che, Helin Huang
  • Publication number: 20150118690
    Abstract: A sample analyzer has an illuminator for illuminating an assay sample to cause luminescence, and a support for a sample vessel containing the assay sample. The support is adapted to position the assay sample proximate the illuminator. A detector is positioned along an optical axis extending from the illuminator, through the positioned assay sample, to the detector, so as to detect the luminescence from the assay sample. A reflector is removably disposed between the illuminator and the assay sample so as to reflect a portion of the luminescence back through the positioned assay sample toward the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostic Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Jasperse, Normand P. Desmarais
  • Publication number: 20150111199
    Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Hart, Bernardo Cordovez
  • Publication number: 20150111200
    Abstract: The present teachings provide for systems, and components thereof, for detecting and/or analyzing light. These systems can include, among others, optical reference standards utilizing luminophores, such as nanocrystals, for calibrating, validating, and/or monitoring light-detection systems, before, during, and/or after sample analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: J. Michael PHILLIPS, Kevin S. Bodner, Aldrich N. K. Lau, Mark F. Oldham, Donald R. Sandell, David H. Tracy, Steven J. Boege
  • Publication number: 20150111287
    Abstract: An optical assembly 140 for a portable device for detecting molecule(s) within reaction vessels 110 comprises a collimator 403, a beam splitter arrangement and a plurality of guide arrangements 143. The collimator 403 collimates an excitation beam from an excitation source 400. The beam splitter arrangement splits the excitation beam from the collimator into a plurality of split excitation beams. Each beam splitter splits an incoming beam into two beams. In the case where the beam splitter arrangement comprises more than one beam splitter, the beam splitters are arranged in tiers such that a first tier comprises one beam splitter for receiving the excitation beam from the collimator, and each of the other tiers comprises one or more beam splitters. Each beam splitter in at least one of the other tiers receives a split excitation beam from a previous tier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Bruce Rawle
  • Publication number: 20150110676
    Abstract: Beginning with a sheet of optically transparent material, one may fabricate a great many shaped optical wafers, each in the form of a thin and essentially flat piece of optical material having a narrow cross-sectional width relative to length, and a sharply narrowed tip at one end. The fabrication process involves passing a sheet of optically transparent material through one or more operational steps wherein cutting, shearing, embossing, microperforating, or a combination thereof is performed. The fabrication process may further include a cladding operation, a tip texturing operation, and an analyte-reactive reagent deposition operation. The completed optical wafers are separated and each may be mounted into a user-operated device along with systems for educing a fluid sample to be expressed from a living organism, for bringing the tip of the optical wafer into contact with the fluid sample, and for illuminating and assaying the fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nomura
  • Publication number: 20150104792
    Abstract: A fluorimetric system, apparatus and method are disclosed to measure an analyte concentration in a sample. A sensor reagent housing is also disclosed which comprises a channel and a porous medium having an analysis chemistry reagent, such as a nucleic acid analysis chemistry reagent. The apparatus and system are portable for field use, with an apparatus housing having a size adapted to fit into a user's hand. An apparatus also includes a sensing chamber and cover, a user interface, a light source; a photomultiplier tube, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a memory, and a processor. In various embodiments, the processor performs a data fitting, determines a sample reaction rate parameter, and determines the analyte concentration from a comparison of the sample reaction rate parameter with stored calibration data. The processor may also generate the calibration data and site-specific offset factors, and modify the calibration data using an offset factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Debapriya Mazumdar, David G. Kellner
  • Patent number: 8999264
    Abstract: A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pugia
  • Publication number: 20150093817
    Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Owl biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Foster, Nicholas C. Martinez, Stefan Miltenyi, Kamala R. Qalandar, Kevin E. Shields, Kimberly L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8992832
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a luminescence method of detecting an analyte in a liquid sample comprising marking the analyte with a marker capable of effecting luminescence upon application of excitation energy, wherein reference data descriptive of the luminescence decay is stored in an electronic memory; applying the excitation energy for causing the luminescence; time-resolved measuring of the luminescence over a period of time for acquisition of a measurement signal; reading the reference data from the electronic memory; comparing the measurement signal with the luminescence decay described by the reference data; generating an output signal indicative of the presence of the analyte in the liquid sample using the measurement signal; in case of a mismatch of the measurement signal and the luminescence decay described by the reference data, generating an error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Erna Donnerbauer, Ursula Giesen
  • Patent number: 8992860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Murphy, Scott Corey, Alex Flamm, Ben Lane, Conrad Laskowski, Chad Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150086992
    Abstract: There is provided a microchip including a reaction region and a detection region connected to the reaction region by a flow passage, the detection region including copper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Nao Nitta
  • Patent number: 8986611
    Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Koo Lee, Tae Soo Kim, In Duk Hwang, Seock Woo Jang, Chul Ho Yun
  • Publication number: 20150079669
    Abstract: A hydrogel is dried by a critical point drying technique. The hydrogel may include indicator molecules embedded therein and may be part of a hydrogel-based device, such as, for example, an analyte sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Huffstetler, Aneta Modzelewska
  • Patent number: 8980572
    Abstract: A method for generating and localizing a signal in a solid phase substrate detection system comprises applying a solution of target material to a substrate; binding the target with a specific affinity molecule having an attached label, the label comprising multiple signal precursor molecules; applying a carrier to the substrate, and treating the label to convert the signal precursor molecules to signal generating molecules. The carrier comprises solvent for the label and thickener for localizing the signal. The carrier may include developer that converts signal precursor molecules to signal generating molecules. Developer is not necessary if the signal precursor molecules are converted to signal generating molecules by e.g. temperature change, pH change, sonication, light irradiation, microwave heating. A test device for detecting target in a fluid sample, and a kit of parts for determining the presence of target in a fluid sample are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Supernova Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Wai Wong, Pui Yee Cangel Chan, Wing Cheung Mak, King Keung Sin, Reinhard Renneberg
  • Patent number: 8974751
    Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Rodenfels, Gert Blankenstein
  • Patent number: 8975066
    Abstract: Accurate and sensitive sequencing in pyrosequencing is achieved by allowing complementary strand synthesis reaction to proceed homogeneously and completely in a short time while performing luminescence reaction for a sufficiently long time. DNA as a sequencing target is immobilized on the surface of a solid support. Nucleic acid substrates are injected from a dispenser to the support site where complementary strand synthesis is in turn performed rapidly and completely in a short time under a small reaction volume. Next, the support together with the product thereon is moved into a luminescence reaction solution where luminescence reaction is in turn performed. Thus, a DNA complementary strand synthesis reaction site and a luminescence reaction site are completely separated. The support surface is also washed by dipping the support in the luminescence reaction solution that contains a luminescence reagent and an enzyme that degrades redundant nucleic acid substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kambara, Akihiko Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20150065377
    Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence measuring method includes measuring fluorescence from the nucleic acid sequence measuring device supplied with a sample solution. The device includes a fluorescent probe added with a fluorescent molecule, and a quenching probe added with a quenching substance. The fluorescent probe and/or the quenching probe has a detection part detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence. Fluorescence from the fluorescent molecule is quenched by the quenching substance coupled with the fluorescent molecule when the hybridization between the detection target nucleic acid and the detection part has not occurred, and fluorescence is emitted from the fluorescent molecule separated from the quenching substance when the hybridization has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takashi TADENUMA, Tomoyuki TAGUCHI, Takeo TANAAMI
  • Publication number: 20150065390
    Abstract: Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a substrate and a sensing member formed on a surface of the substrate. The sensing member includes collapsible signal amplifying structures and an area surrounding the collapsible signal amplifying structures that enables self-positioning of droplets exposed thereto toward the collapsible signal amplifying structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Zhiyong Li, Wei Wu, Min Hu, R. Stanley Williams, Ansoon Kim
  • Patent number: 8969097
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, arrangements and methods for quantifying the concentration of an analyte present in bodily fluid, including: an assay pad having at least one chemical reagent capable of producing a detectable signal in the form of a reaction spot upon reaction with the analyte; a light source; a detector array; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising: (a) at least one value indicative of one or more of: (i) the level of hematocrit contained in the sample; (ii) the volume of the sample applied to the assay pad; or (iii) imperfections present in the reaction spot; and (b) at least one algorithm for calculating the concentration of the analyte contained in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Intuity Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Emery, Carole R. Stivers
  • Patent number: 8968677
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Design International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. LaBorde, Nicholas J. Neild
  • Patent number: 8970688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high resolution microscope for three-dimensionally determining the position of objects, in particular individual fluorophores, and preferably for the high spatial resolution luminescence microscopy of a sample, which is marked with marker molecules that can be activated or switched using a signal such that they can be induced to emit certain luminescent radiation only in the activated state. The object is represented by means of an imaging system, preferably the microscope lens, on a surface detector consisting of individual detector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kalkbrenner, Ralf Wolleschensky
  • Publication number: 20150056711
    Abstract: Explosives detection polymers are provided that include a polyamine polymer, such as polyethylenimine, functionalized with a small molecule fluorophore. Methods for detecting an explosive material using polyamine polymers functionalized with a small molecule fluorophore are also provided. Sensors for explosive detection are provided that include a polyamine polymer functionalized with a small molecule fluorophore and a complementary analytical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: University Of Connecticut
    Inventors: Yu Lei, Ying Wang
  • Patent number: 8965574
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated work cell which includes at least one robot arm having at least three degrees of freedom controlled according to a plurality of control axes; a control center; a device for controlling the robot arm which includes a plurality of motor controllers each controlling operation of one motor and suitable for operating at least one portion of the robot arm; and a communication bus between the control center and the device for controlling the robot arm; wherein the method includes steps of: a) sending instructions emitted by the control center to control the control axes to a single arithmetic unit belonging to the device for controlling the robot; b) determining, within the arithmetic unit and according to instructions received from the orders for each of the motors controlled by a motor controller; and c) sending each motor controller an order, determined in step b), for the motor controlled by each motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Luc Joly, Jean Michel Bonnet Des Tuves, François Pertin, Gérald Vogt
  • Patent number: 8961898
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Takasi Nisisako, Takahiro Baba
  • Patent number: 8962340
    Abstract: A real-time portable and rapid detection assay to identify the presence of biologically active toxins such as botulinum toxins. The proteolytic activity of BoNT/A is measured using a peptide cleavage assay, where a fluorescent substrate is cleaved by BoNT/A, resulting in increased fluorescence. This fluorescence can be monitored in real-time using a fluorescence detection instrument, such as a real-time PCR system that has been modified to implement a detection algorithm specific to the identification of the target toxin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SRC, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenton Arthur Doctor, Stacey Ann Massulik, Frances Louise Stites, Timothy Francis Moshier, Jeffrey Harold Mills, Lisa Helen Chamberlin, Deborah L. Plochocki, Olivia Jennifer Barrett, Huda Sirageldin Suliman
  • Publication number: 20150050187
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a chemical sensor capable of detecting light emitted from a detection target object efficiently, a method of producing the chemical sensor, and a chemical detection apparatus. [Solving Means] A chemical sensor according to the present technology includes a substrate and a lens layer. On the substrate, at least one light detection unit is formed. The lens layer is laminated on the substrate and has optical transparency, and a lens structure is formed on a surface of the lens layer opposite to the substrate in a concave shape toward a lamination direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Mogi, Nobuyuki Matsuzawa, Kensaku Maeda, Yusuke Moriya
  • Patent number: 8956875
    Abstract: Provided are automated methods for measuring soluble magnesium concentration in water using fluorescence. The methods employ the use of a pH-buffered liquid and a magnesium coordinating fluorescing reagent. In certain embodiments, the methods may further employ measuring total hardness concentration of the water by displacing any soluble calcium with soluble magnesium and then re-measuring the soluble magnesium concentration. Optionally, the soluble calcium concentration can be determined by subtracting the measured soluble magnesium concentration from the measured total hardness concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Kahaian, Alexandra Knoth, Hui Li, Rodney H. Banks, Joe L. Schwartz, Sascha J. Welz
  • Patent number: 8956876
    Abstract: There is provided a method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution with high sensitivity. A method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution, including the steps of 1) immobilizing a fluorescent probe molecule showing a fluorescence response specific to 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine on surfaces of fine particles via a spacer unit and bringing the sample solution into contact with the fine particles, and 2) measuring a physical property of the fine particles before and after the contact with the sample solution to determine a change in the physical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: TAS Project Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeki Sasaki, Osamu Nakagawa, Zhichun Li, Atsushi Takaki, Sachiyo Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20150044099
    Abstract: A measuring device (10) includes an analysis unit (101) that holds a fluid pool (B) of blood or serum therein, an irradiation unit (105) that irradiates fluorescent substances contained in the fluid pool (B) with excitation light, and a light receiving unit (106) that receives fluorescence generated from the fluorescent substances. An amount of the fluorescent substances contained in the blood or the serum after artificial dialysis is estimated from the intensity of the fluorescence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mikihiro Yamanaka, Keita Hara, Ryoji Nagai