Including Liquid Dispenser Means Patents (Class 435/286.4)
  • Patent number: 11958051
    Abstract: An incubation cassette for reducing liquid evaporation from wells of a microplate that has a frame for receiving a microplate having wells. The frame has a central first opening that is surrounded by an inner wall and the dimensions are designed for the placement of the microplate therein, and an outer wall extends substantially parallel to the inner wall and adjoins the inner wall via an intermediate bottom such that a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid is formed by the two walls and the intermediate bottom, the liquid reservoir surrounding the first central opening. At least a portion of the incubation cassette that forms the liquid reservoir is provided at least in part with at least one transparent portion (TA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventors: Manfred Lansing, Tobias Sawetzki, Nicole Eggenhofer
  • Patent number: 11667947
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for identifying a composition having anti-pathogenic activity; evaluating the anti-pathogenic activity of a composition; measuring the metabolic function of a pathogen; and/or comparing the anti-pathogenic performance of a plurality of compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Ekta Makwana, Carlo Daep
  • Patent number: 11262372
    Abstract: Work, such as status confirmation, in a plurality of automatic analyzers is efficiently performed. In an automated analysis system, a tablet terminal 114 has a terminal information management unit 210 and a terminal display unit 208. A terminal information management unit 210 acquires device information showing the state status of a device from automatic analyzers 101a to 101d, and generates a status confirmation screen showing the device status of the automatic analyzer. A terminal display unit 208 displays the status confirmation screen. The status confirmation screen has a status information screen showing the device status of one automatic analyzer and a device switch button configured to switch the status information screen to a status information screen corresponding to another other automatic analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Shibuya, Toshihide Hanawa, Mikio Kasama
  • Patent number: 11208624
    Abstract: A device for centering of petri dishes, where the petri dishes include a bottom container with a lateral surface and a lid with a lid diameter, including an elevator with an elevator axis and an elevator drive, and the conveyor includes concentrically along the elevator axis a frustoconical through-hole tapering downwards, and the elevator drive is built to move a substantially flat plate from a neutral position downwards into a first position, which is reached as soon as the petri dish rests with its weight on the inner surface of the through-hole, and the elevator drive is built to rotate the plate during a movement of the plate from the neutral position into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: CLEVER CULTURE SYSTEMS, AG
    Inventors: Alexander Bohm, Nedim Bogilovic, Wolfgang Stiegmaier
  • Patent number: 11078035
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing microorganism culture plates, culture plate loader and culture plate reader comprising the same, as well as method dispensing microorganism culture plates, method of loading such culture plates into a culture plate reader, and method of counting microorganism colonies on such culture plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Phillip A. Bolea
  • Patent number: 10995313
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid supply interface for a cell culture system for supplying cell cultures found in different cell culture containers with a nutrient medium, wherein the liquid supply interface comprises: a housing defining a flow area; a first connection formation for the liquid-transferring connection of a first fluid line to the housing; a second connection formation formed separately from the first for the liquid-transferring connection of a second fluid line to the housing; a third connection formation formed separately from the first two for the liquid-transferring connection of the housing to a third fluid line; a coupling formation formed separately from the connection formations, which is formed for the producible and detachable liquid-transferring coupling contact according to the operation, with a corresponding counter-coupling formation of a cell culture container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jäger, Dirk Schlenker, Nabih Othman, Oliver Kühne
  • Patent number: 10736261
    Abstract: The tree planting machine includes a vehicle main unit, a washing water tank, a planting device, a washing water circuit, and a controller. The washing water tank is attached to the vehicle main body and holds water. The planting device is disposed on the vehicle main unit. The washing water circuit connects the washing water tank and the planting devices. The controller controls the washing water circuit so as to supply the water from the washing water tank to the planting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Asaka, Yudai Furudate
  • Patent number: 10677727
    Abstract: A system for measuring a liquid sample comprising biological material, the system comprising an integrating light collector for collecting light and for at least partially containing the sample; a light source for introducing light in the integrating light collector; a signal generator or modulator configured to cause a known modulation of the light output by the light source; a phase-sensitive detector for detecting scattered light in the integrating light collector; at least one of an exit port to allow un-scattered light to exit the integrating light collector, a beam dump, or a baffle arranged to absorb unscattered light; and a processor configured to analyse the detected modulated light to determine changes in the detected modulated light as a function of time thereby to determine at least one of: drug susceptibility of the biological material; a change in a number of cells in the sample; a change in cell state; a change in the biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: University Court of the University of St Andrews
    Inventors: Robert J H Hammond, Mario E. Giardini, Stephen H. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 10435660
    Abstract: A fluid line element for building a fluid line section comprising a plurality of identical fluid line elements, wherein the fluid line element comprises: —an element body, —a first throughflow opening provided on the element body and a second throughflow opening, different from the first, —and a flow channel provided in the element body, which fluidically connects the first and the second throughflow openings for throughflow along a channel path. In a first region of the fluid line element, located closer to the first than to the second throughflow opening, a throughflow body formed separately from the element body is provided, which —forms a part of the flow channel, —is formed from a material having a lower elasticity modulus than the material of the element body, and —on the longitudinal end thereof facing into the interior of the element body, comprises a valve seat formation surrounding the channel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Tobias Seiler, Oliver Kühne, Carsten Etzold
  • Patent number: 10416177
    Abstract: The invention provides for an analysis system (100, 300, 400) for analyzing a biological sample (108) comprising an analyzer (102) with an analytical unit (106) for analyzing the biological sample to obtain an analysis result (140). The analyzer is configured for receiving a cartridge (110) comprising an identifier (114) and containing at least one reagent for analyzing the biological sample. The analyzer comprises an identification unit (116) for reading the identifier. The analyzer accepts the cartridge if the identifier is valid. The analysis system further comprises a protocol creation system (150, 104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Frank, Christopher Newhouse, Sascha Roehrig
  • Patent number: 10283220
    Abstract: A system and method of coordinated motion among heterogeneous devices includes a medical device with one or more movable elements and one or more processors. Any of the processors uses a shared interface to access services. The medical device requests a movement token from a token service through the shared interface, receive the movement token from the token service, exchange configuration data, kinematic data, or planned motion data through the shared interface, plan a first motion for a first movable element of the movable elements based on the movement token and the configuration data, the kinematic data, or the planned motion data, and execute the first motion. In some embodiments, the movement token is selected from a group consisting of an exclusive-motion token, a master follow-me token, a slave follow-me token, a master collision-avoidance token, a slave collision-avoidance token, and a passive collision-avoidance token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mahdi Azizian, Jonathan M. Sorger, Simon P. Dimaio
  • Patent number: 10274943
    Abstract: A control system for controlling transport devices includes a first server that has a first storage unit and a first instruction unit, and a second server that has a second storage unit and a second instruction unit. In a first state, the first storage unit transmits first transport information to the first instruction unit, the first instruction unit transmits second transport information to a target transport device, and instruction unit information is stored in common in the first instruction unit and the second instruction unit. If the first instruction unit stops operating normally in the first state, the control state is switched to a second state, and in the second state, the first storage unit transmits the first transport information to the second instruction unit, and the second instruction unit transmits the second transport information to the target transport device based on the instruction unit information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Takahara, Tomoaki Nishikawa, Tsuyoshi Uemura
  • Patent number: 10274403
    Abstract: The application discloses a device for drawing a liquid from a process tank to be protected from contamination, including: a first receptacle for receiving the liquid withdrawn from the process tank; a first liquid line connecting the process tank with the first receptacle; and at least one first valve assembly disposed in the first liquid line and designed to block or release liquid transport through the first liquid line. The device includes at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure within the first receptacle. The device is designed such that a pressure difference between the first and the second ends of the first liquid line is greater than a predetermined minimum value when the first liquid line is connected with the process tank and the process tank is to be protected from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Angela Eubisch, Thomas Höhne, Melanie Müller, Thomas Steckenreiter, Michael Hanko
  • Patent number: 9618733
    Abstract: An imaging assembly for the viewing, imaging, and analysis of chemiluminescent or bioluminescent samples in gels or other substrates, in which an adjustable camera and lens module having a prime or fixed lens or a focusing lens is moved to change the field of view by shifting the focal plane of the camera and lens module. The imaging assembly can also include a mirror to bend or fold the optical path between the camera and lens module and the target area having a sample, in which the mirror can move in the same vertical direction as the camera and lens module. Further, the camera and lens module can be configured to more move in a diagonal direction relative to the location of the imaging target area. The imaging assembly can further have a duct system adaptable to adjust with the movement of the camera and lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Swihart, Evan Thrush, Evelio Perez, Kevin McDonald
  • Patent number: 9530053
    Abstract: A method of detecting an original arrangement of laboratory articles of a laboratory work station records reference digital images with a digital camera. An image is displayed and visible regions with characteristic features are selected by a user within an input device. Reference image sections and corresponding reference image parameter files are produced and stored. A current arrangement of laboratory articles is compared with a previously recorded original arrangement. Detection of the current arrangement occurred by recording current digital images with a digital camera and creating current image sections defined by X/Y parameters of the reference image parameter files from the current digital images. A computer-based comparison of the processed current image sections with the processed reference image sections occurred and an analysis of this comparison and the display of agreements, deviations and errors is found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Simon M. Eckard, Nikolaus Ingenhoven
  • Patent number: 9399244
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a laboratory fermenter for growing microorganisms is provided. The laboratory fermenter to be cleaned has a gas supply connection connected to a line reaching into the fermenter's nutrient solution, an exhaust connection to the gas space over the nutrient solution, and a withdrawal connection leading to the fermenter's deepest point. The cleaning device includes three cleaning connections, an immersion pipe connection and two gas connections. Flow in each gas connection is controlled via intermediate switch valves having a cleaning start position and a cleaning end position. The cleaning connections are connected via hose lines to hose pinch control valves, a hose pinch pump, at least one filter. A cleaning control manages the cleaning process by controlling flow from and/or to an air connection, a water connection and a waste water connection. The cleaning controller may also control introduction of acids and/or bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Infors AG
    Inventors: Dieter Cueni, Daniel Egger
  • Patent number: 9212344
    Abstract: Provided is a small-scale cell culture apparatus having a culture medium replacement function for culturing cells in a small number of Petri dishes, the cell culture apparatus being capable of performing automatic replacement of the culture medium and cell culture within the same cavity and significantly reducing the apparatus cost. At least one set of upper and lower discs is arranged inside an incubator chamber 1. Petri dishes 4, 6 in each of which cells and a culture medium are put are held on lower discs 18, 19, and top lids 5, 7 are held on upper discs 19, 30. The lower side of each of the top lids is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: JTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Tsumura, Takahiro Ono
  • Patent number: 9131666
    Abstract: A hatching egg inspection apparatus includes a loader unit, an inspection unit for determining the viability or the like as to whether a hatching egg is an unfertilized egg or a growth-stopping egg, a rejection unit for rejecting a hatching egg determined to be an unfertilized egg or the like, and an unloader unit for sending a hatching egg toward the next step. The inspection unit is provided with a light emitting unit for emitting prescribed light toward the hatching egg, a cap attachment unit through which the light having been emitted to the hatching egg and having transmitted through the hatching egg passes, and a light receiving unit for receiving the light that has passed through the cap attachment unit. The cap attachment unit includes a cylindrical cap coming into contact with the hatching egg, and a plate to which the cap is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: Yamamoto Corp., Nabel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Shinichi Fujitani, Takatsugu Tahara, Toyoaki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9045723
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a prescribed material into a Petri dish, each Petri dish including a removable lid capable of being arranged on a bottom that is not as broad as the latter, bringing the Petri dish to a material-dispensing station. According to the disclosure, the device includes a piston comprising a plate for supporting the bottom at the material-dispensing station and a device for rotating the plate on itself relative to the dispensing head, arranged so as to rotate the bottom relative to dispensing head in the position for dispensing the material into the bottom, in which the material outlet tip is arranged relative to plate in order to dispense the material into the rotated bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: AES CHEMUNEX
    Inventor: Nicolas Brelivet
  • Patent number: 9040284
    Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DAKO DENMARK A/S
    Inventors: Kristopher Buchanan, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher, Benno Guggenheimer, Robert Clark, Michael Barber, Bob Lathrop
  • Patent number: 9017993
    Abstract: An automated on-touch template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, an emulsion PCR (ePCR) thermocycling plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermocycling subsystem, in automated fashion. The ePCR subsystem can continuously thermocycle an inverse emulsion passed therethrough and includes static temperature zones and a consumable thermocycling plate. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Schultz, John Nobile, Brian Reed, Prasanna Thwar, Todd Roswech
  • Patent number: 8956580
    Abstract: An analysis cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a first cover, a liquid storage box and a sealing film is disclosed. The cartridge body has an accommodation portion and a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first cover covers the first side or the second side of the cartridge body and has a first through hole. The liquid storage box is disposed in the accommodation portion and has a liquid through hole. The sealing film seals the liquid through hole of the said liquid storage box and passes through the first through hole of the first cover, wherein the liquid through hole is exposed by removing the sealing film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Chang Lai, Fu-Chun Huang, Yuh-Jiuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8927258
    Abstract: An integrated device for diagnostic analyzes used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Alifax Holding SpA
    Inventors: Paolo Galiano, Gian Piero Spezzotti
  • Patent number: 8926903
    Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nogami, Katsuhiro Kanda, Izumi Waki
  • Patent number: 8895291
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Dilorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton, IV, Glen Delbert Antwiler, Michael E. Kinzie, Brian J. Nankervis, Monique Givens, Casey V. Medina, Jon A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 8892254
    Abstract: A robot controller includes queues, a storage unit, and an execution control unit. The queues are provided for respective controlled groups serving as controlled units. The storage unit stores therein instructions directed to the respective controlled groups, one at a time, from a bottom end of each of the queues. When having accepted a predetermined operation request, the execution control unit simultaneously fetches the instructions directed to the controlled groups, one for each of the controlled groups at a time, from tops of the queues, and makes all of the controlled groups simultaneously start the operations based on such instructions. If there is any controlled group to which no corresponding instruction exists, the storage unit stores therein a no-operation instruction. If the fetched instruction is the no-operation instruction, the execution control unit keeps the controlled group from operating until an instruction is fetched next time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Takahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8859263
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for determining the state of the cells. The determining mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for holding cells. The method comprises the steps of incubating the cells in a dynamically controlled environment which is maintained in a desired condition and in which the cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. Additionally, there is the step of determining the state of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Joel S. Greenberger, Paul A. DiMilla, Michael M. Domach, Raymond K. Houck
  • Patent number: 8759079
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a nucleic acid includes: a sample preprocessing device including a plurality of chambers in which reagents mixed with a sample are accommodated according to sample preprocessing process order for extracting a nucleic acid from the sample; and a nucleic amplifying and detecting device connected with the sample preprocessing device to receive the nucleic acid extracted from the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventor: Oh Won Kwon
  • Patent number: 8758678
    Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 8709825
    Abstract: A nozzle for use in a flow cytometer and a method of orienting particles with a baffle disposed within a nozzle. The baffle may be a baffle plate positioned in a fluid flow path to deflect a fluid stream and to orient particles in a desired orientation as they exit the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Inguran, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Durack, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Gary P. Vandre, Lon A. Westfall, Jeremy T. Hatcher, Niraj V. Nayak
  • Patent number: 8679838
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a serum which contains a large amount of growth factors capable of efficiently promoting the growth of stem cells. A human serum for cell culture which shows a residual ratio of platelets remaining within 20 minutes after blood collection in relation to the whole amount of the platelets is 0% to 20%, and a release ratio of cell growth factors is 20% to 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Suzuki, Seishin Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8663978
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for staining tissue samples, said apparatus including a reagent section or reagent containers; at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head or robotic element that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element. By providing the robotic element with a 2-D optical sensor, a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Doug Sweet, Marc Key, Gordon Feingold, Kristopher Buchanan, Bob Lathrop, John Favuzzi
  • Patent number: 8664006
    Abstract: A nozzle system for use in a flow cytometer for analyzing particles in a fluid stream and a method of orienting particles in a flow cytometer. The nozzle system may include a nozzle having a longitudinal axis, an interior surface defining a fluid flow path for orienting particles in the nozzle, and a downstream orifice through which a fluid stream exits. The nozzle system may also include a conduit positioned to introduce a core stream containing particles at a location offset from the longitudinal axis and a baffle downstream of the conduit to deflect the fluid stream. The method may include the steps of causing a sheath fluid to flow through the nozzle, introducing a core fluid stream into the sheath fluid at a location offset to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, and deflecting the core fluid stream with a baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Inguran, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Durack, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Gary P. Vandre, Lon A. Westfall, Jeremy T. Hatcher, Niraj V. Nayak
  • Publication number: 20140051083
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic response/light measurement device and a method therefor, and the purpose is to effectively and quickly perform an optical measurement relating to a reaction with high reliability without increasing a device size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Publication number: 20130316336
    Abstract: Provided is an analyzer capable of reducing the amount of wasted reagents and shortening time required for solution sending, thus increasing throughput for analysis. A microsyringe sucks a minimum required amount of reagent that is substantially the same amount of capacity of a flow cell to a sampling nozzle. Then, the sampling nozzle is inserted into an injection port of the flow cell, and the reagent is injected into the flow cell by driving the microsyringe. The inside of the sampling nozzle is cleaned by moving the sampling nozzle to the cleaning tank and ejecting cleaning water from the sampling nozzle, and the outside of the sampling nozzle is cleaned by spraying cleaning water from an inner wall of the cleaning tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Matsui, Ryoji Inaba, Kazumichi Imai, Ryusuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 8554372
    Abstract: A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond
  • Patent number: 8489337
    Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of germ cells or gametes. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying germ cells or gametes, or methods of administering modified germ cells or gametes to at least one biological tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8486349
    Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: Keith Benjamin Neeves, Ryan R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8481302
    Abstract: A system for measuring total microbiological content in an aqueous medium by adding a fluorescent dye to the aqueous medium, measuring the fluorescent signal in the aqueous medium to obtain a baseline fluorescent signal, releasing intracellular content of the microbiological matter into the aqueous medium by lysing the microbiological matter. The system then measures the fluorescent signal in the aqueous medium with the released intracellular content of the microbiological matter to obtain a second fluorescent signal. Next, the system subtracts the baseline signal from the second fluorescent signal to obtain a net fluorescent signal and equates the net fluorescent signal with a microbiological content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott M. Boyette, Hong Cai, Yan Jin, Jie Li, Kechao Yang, Rong Xu, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 8445261
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises an imaging mechanism for automatically determining the state of an individual cell of the cells over time. The imaging mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Joel S. Greenberger, Paul A. DiMilla, Michael M. Domach, Raymond K. Houck
  • Publication number: 20130095566
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for: calculating cell growth rates in various environments and genetic backgrounds; calculating the order of substrate utilization from a defined growth medium; calculating metabolic flux reorganization in various environments and at various growth rates; and calculating the maximum metabolic rate and optimal metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities by applying a computational optimization method to a kinetic model of a metabolic pathway. The optimization methods use intracellular molecular crowding parameters and/or well as kinetic rates to assist in modeling metabolic activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth
  • Publication number: 20130095469
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing one or more cells or particles confined in a free flying droplet has a droplet generating device configured to eject out of an orifice a free flying droplet of a suspension of cells or particles. The droplet generating device has a branch-less one-way channel having the orifice at one end thereof. A device for detecting information on cells or particles located in an observation volume of the suspension within the branch-less one-way channel is provided. An ejected droplet is directed to a first position or a second position depending on the detected information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ALBERT-LUDWIGS-UNIVERSITAET FREIBURG
    Inventor: ALBERT-LUDWIGS-UNIVERSITAET FREIBURG
  • Patent number: 8420025
    Abstract: Total analysis systems and methods for simultaneously monitoring a suite of biological and/or chemical species in water and/or other process systems are disclosed. The system provides a sample-volume controlled sensor array comprising a fluid delivery device and a plurality of optical sensor elements for determining the presence and total concentrations of multiple analytes in the process system simultaneously. Delivery means are provided to deliver a metered quantity of sample fluid to the sensor array. Image identification algorithms are provided for identifying the analytes based on image intensity, color pattern, positional arrangement, and the like. The methods incorporate multivariate optimization algorithms to analyze multiple sensor responses. This produces analytical results that are typically difficult to obtain without full system or variable compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radislav A. Potyrailo, Prashant V. Shrikhande, Scott M. Boyette, Caibin Xiao, Andrew M. Leach
  • Patent number: 8389272
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering one or more fluids. Fluids may be delivered sequentially from a common vessel to a chemical, biological or biochemical process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Vincent Linder, Samuel K. Sia, George M. Whitesides
  • Patent number: 8367398
    Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic apparatus including: a microfluidic structure for providing spaces for receiving a fluid and for forming channels, through which the fluid flows; and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the channels in the microfluidic apparatus. The microfluidic structure includes: a sample chamber; a sample separation unit receiving the sample from the sample chamber and separating a supernatant from the sample by using a centrifugal force; a testing unit receiving the supernatant from the sample separation unit for detecting a specimen from the supernatant using an antigen-antibody reaction, and a quality control chamber for identifying reliability of the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Beom Seok Lee, Ji Won Kim, Jeong Gun Lee, Kui Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8343778
    Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Hua Zhong Yu, Meenakshinathan Parameswaren, Paul Chi Hang Li, Xing Yue Peng, Hong Chen, Wa Lok Chou
  • Patent number: 8293521
    Abstract: It is intended to easily dispense a minute amount of nonvolatile liquid. In a preferred embodiment, in dispensing of mineral oil (nonvolatile liquid), dispensing is conducted in the condition that the amount of air contained in a tip (70) is small by aspirating a larger amount of mineral oil (40) than a single dispensing amount in the tip (70) of a nozzle (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Shimadzu Corporation, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., Riken
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Hanafusa, Koretsugu Ogata, Ryuh Konoshita, Yusuke Nakamura, Yozo Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 8282896
    Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Richard Facer, Hany Ramaz Nassef
  • Patent number: 8257968
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus (1) for staining tissue samples, said apparatus (1) including a reagent section (2) or reagent containers (3); at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head (22) or robotic element (20) that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element (20) being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element (85) that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor (86) to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element (86). By providing the robotic element (20) with a 2-D optical sensor (86), a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Doug Sweet, Marc Key, Gordon Feingold, Kristopher S. Buchanan, Bob Lathrop, John Favuzzi
  • Patent number: 8251907
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method of maintaining health of a patient uses an analyte detection system. The analyte detection system is coupled to the patient such that a bodily fluid of the patient is accessible to the analyte detection system. The method includes automatically initiating and conducting a measurement of an analyte in the bodily fluid using the analyte detection system. The method further includes determining a treatment dose for the patient based on the measurement using the analyte detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: OptiScan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Bernhard B. Sterling, James R. Braig, Peter Rule, Richard A. King