Measurement Of Electrical Or Magnetic Property Or Thermal Conductivity Patents (Class 436/149)
  • Patent number: 8501093
    Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Rutkowski, Robert G. Davies, Mark Mears
  • Patent number: 8501491
    Abstract: A method of measuring concentration of a fuel is provided. First, a fuel cell unit having at least an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided. Next, a fuel is supplied to the anode, while a reactive gas is supplied to the cathode. Then, the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode is adjusted and the concentration of the fuel is estimated in accordance with the consumption rate of the reactive gas in the fuel cell unit, wherein a method of estimating the concentration of the fuel in accordance with a consumption rate of the reactive gas in the cathode includes measuring a concentration of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode and estimating the concentration of the fuel in accordance with a relationship between the concentration of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode and time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Pei-Fang Huang, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Patent number: 8501492
    Abstract: In utilizing photocurrent generated in the photoexcitation of a dye in specific detection of an analyte, highly accurate detection can be realized by discharging charged current generated in the formation of a sensor unit and, in the detection of photocurrent of a plurality of detection spots provided on a working electrode, discharging photocurrent which is derived from a detection spot subjected to the latest photocurrent measurement and becomes noise current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Bekki, Shuji Sonezaki
  • Patent number: 8497106
    Abstract: A method of immobilising a biological molecule on a substrate comprises: (i) covalently attaching a substantially three-dimensional polysilane polymer to a substrate; and (ii) attaching a biological molecule onto and/or within the polymer. The method may additionally comprise the steps of coating the substrate (or the chemically protective layer) with a layer of radiation sensitive material, exposing the substrate to a source of radiation, and incubating the substrate in the presence of a first species of biological molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Newcastle
    Inventor: Guillaume Suarez
  • Patent number: 8497130
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chemiresistor-based sensor for measuring the presence or amount of analyte in an electrolyte solution; said chemiresistor comprising (i) a chemiresistor film wherein the impedance of said nanoparticle film changes in the presence of an analyte; and (ii) two electrically conducting electrodes in electrical contact with said nanoparticle film; wherein said electrically conducting electrodes are adapted to be connected to a device for measuring the impedance of said chemiresistor film under a voltage signal and wherein the impedance of the double layer capacitor formed by the two electrically conducting electrodes in the presence of the electrolyte solution, is larger than the impedance of the chemiresistor film either before or after exposure of the chemiresistor film to the analyte. A method of using said chemiresistor-based sensor to measure the presence or amount of analyte is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Burkhard Raguse, Edith Chow
  • Patent number: 8487790
    Abstract: The described embodiments may provide a chemical detection circuit. The chemical detection circuit may comprise a pixel array, a pair of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit blocks, a pair of input/output (I/O) circuit blocks coupled to the pair of ADC circuit blocks respectively, and a plurality of serial link terminals coupled to the pair of IO circuit blocks. The pixel array may comprise a plurality of chemically-sensitive pixels formed in columns and rows. Each chemically-sensitive pixel may comprise: a chemically-sensitive transistor, and a row selection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • 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: 8481324
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system containing an array of chemically sensitive sensors based on coated single walled carbon nanotubes, for measuring volatile organic compounds indicative of renal failure. Methods of breath analysis for diagnosing chronic, acute and end-stage renal failure are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Hossam Haick, Zaid Abassi, Farid Nakhoul
  • Publication number: 20130164771
    Abstract: The measuring device of the invention includes: a first container and a second container for holding a sample; and an optical measurement part for carrying out an optical measurement. The first container has a first sample supply inlet for supplying a sample containing an analyte to the first container and at least one electrode. The second container has a second sample supply inlet for supplying the sample to the second container and a reagent holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Panasonic Corporation
  • Patent number: 8470604
    Abstract: A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration of a biological sample using an electrochemical process without Cottrell decay. The biosensor system generates an output signal having a transient decay, where the output signal is not inversely proportional to the square root of the time. The transient decay is greater or less than the ?0.5 decay constant of a Cottrell decay. The transient decay may result from a relatively short incubation period, relatively small sample reservoir volumes, relatively small distances between electrode surfaces and the lid of the sensor strip, and/or relatively short excitations in relation to the average initial thickness of the reagent layer. The biosensor system determines the analyte concentration from the output signal having a transient decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Huan-Ping Wu, Steven C. Charlton, Amy H. Chu, Andrew J. Edelbrock, Sung-Kwon Jung, Dijia Huang
  • Patent number: 8470606
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Duke University, Advanced Liquid Logic Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Srinivasan, Vamsee K. Pamula, Michael G. Pollack, Richard B. Fair
  • Patent number: 8468680
    Abstract: A biological test member, and method of making the same, is disclosed with the member including a substrate. The test member has usefulness, for example, in testing a person's blood glucose level. A first layer and a second layer of conductive metal are printed or otherwise applied on the substrate in an electrode pattern. The metal or metals are cured or sintered at a low, non-damaging temperature, such as by applying one or more pulses of a high-energy broad spectrum light. A layer of reagent may be provided on said second metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Abner David Joseph
  • Patent number: 8465978
    Abstract: Methods and devices for conducting platelet aggregation analysis. A method for conducting platelet aggregation analysis by a cartridge device, including providing a blood sample in the cartridge device, stirring the blood sample within the cartridge device, measuring the electrical impedance between electrodes to obtain measured electrical impedance values, comparing measured electrical impedance values, discarding and repeating the measurements of the electrical impedance in case a variation of the measurements is outside a predetermined threshold range, or reporting the measured electrical impedance values in case the variation of the measurements is within the predetermined threshold range. Reported measured electrical impedance values indicate platelet aggregation in a blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-la Roche AG
    Inventors: Andreas Calatzis, Ben Krüger, Marc Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8449824
    Abstract: A sensor instrument system for detecting and identifying analytes in fluids of a region contains a local sensor instrument and remote central station. The instrument includes a core technology employing a single sensor having two electrodes operated by an electrical frequency sweeping to generate two sets of patterned electrical information from a single measurement, a data transmission module and a GPS receiver module. The central station connects to a network means connected to a plurality of local receiving sites equipped with including the respective transceivers, so that the local analyte electrical information and geographic position information transmitted by the instrument can be wirelessly and remotely received and processed by the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Yizhong Sun
  • Patent number: 8449833
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor cartridge (11) comprising a bottom portion (1) with a well (2) adapted to accommodate a liquid sample and a cover portion (3) for closing said well (2). The well (2) has a sensor surface (4). The bottom portion (1) is adapted for allowing light to enter along a first optical path (5), to be reflected at the sensor surface (4) and to exit along a second optical path (6). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a cartridge (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jeroen Hans Nieuwenhuis
  • Publication number: 20130130261
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a memory device having a first electrode and a first chemical-sensing layer coupled to the first electrode. The chemical-sensing layer, in the presence of an analyte, is arranged to change a property of the Memristive device. The sensor can detect an analyte by providing a sample to be detected proximate the chemical sensing layer, observing the state of the memory element; and determining a property of the sample by comparing the observed state of the memory element with a previous state. The sensor is manufactured by depositing a second electrode on a surface, depositing an active layer or layers onto said second electrode, depositing a first electrode onto said active layer(s), and coupling a chemically sensitive layer to the first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: VAGONYX LIMITED
    Inventors: Themistoklis Prodromakis, Christofer Toumazou
  • Patent number: 8444937
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for near real-time in-situ soil solution measurements is presented. An outer sleeve is placed in soil where ionic concentrations of organic or inorganic species are to be measured. A porous section connects with the outer sleeve (the porous section initially loaded with distilled water) equilibrates with the solution present in soil pores to form a solution to be measured. The initial distilled water is displaced within the porous section by a removable plunger. After substantial equilibration of the solution to be measured within the apparatus, the plunger is removed and a removable probe replaced. The probe may be an Ion Selective Electrode, or a transflection dip probe. The probe then may be used under computer control for measurement of solution properties. The Ion Selective Electrode may measure nitrate (NO3?) concentrations. The transflection dip probe may be read with spectrometer with an input deuterium light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Atac Tuli, Jan W. Hopmans, Tamir Kamai, Benjamin D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8445290
    Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Huan-Ping Wu, Christine D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8440467
    Abstract: Electronic devices comprising a dielectric material, at least one carbon sheet, and two electrode terminals are described herein. The devices exhibit non-linear current-versus-voltage response over a voltage sweep range in various embodiments. Uses of the electronic devices as two-terminal memory devices, logic units, and sensors are disclosed. Processes for making the electronic devices are disclosed. Methods for using the electronic devices in analytical methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Yubao Li, Alexander Sinitskiy
  • Publication number: 20130115708
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a particle/fluid mixture are provided. The method can include flowing a mixture comprising charged particles and a fluid past a particle accumulation probe. The method can also include measuring electrical signals detected by the probe as some charged particles pass the probe without contacting the probe while other charged particles contact the probe. The measured electrical signals can be manipulated to provide an output. The method can also include determining from the output if the charged particles contacting the probe have, on average, a different charge than the charged particles that pass the probe without contacting the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric J. Markel
  • Patent number: 8435798
    Abstract: Carbon nanofiber resonator devices, methods for use, and applications of said devices are disclosed. Carbon nanofiber resonator devices can be utilized in or as high Q resonators. Resonant frequency of these devices is a function of configuration of various conducting components within these devices. Such devices can find use, for example, in filtering and chemical detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anupama B. Kaul, Larry W. Epp, Leif Bagge
  • Patent number: 8431403
    Abstract: Provided is method for detecting an analyte, wherein the analyte is labelled with one or more labels relatable to the analyte which are suitable for optical detection, which method comprises: a) applying an oscillating voltage having a first frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; b) applying an oscillating voltage having a second frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; c) determining the identity and/or quantity of the analyte from the data obtained in step (a) and step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited
    Inventor: Andy Mount
  • Patent number: 8432171
    Abstract: An analyte concentration, in a sample fluid, is determined by differential measurement. Two or more capacitive field effect sensors have an identical basic structure and are arranged in a shared measuring cell. One of the sensors forms a measuring sensor with an active transductor layer. Another sensor forms a reference sensor without an active transductor layer. The sensors are contacted with the sample fluid and the sensors, have an associated reference electrode, or have a shared reference electrode. A bias voltage composed of an electric DC voltage and a superimposed AC voltage is applied between each sensor and associated reference electrode(s) Capacitance changes due to the analyte are eliminated by controlling the bias voltage applied to the measuring sensor in a closed control loop. A measuring signal is obtained by calculating a difference between voltage values representative of DC voltage potentials applied to the measuring sensor and reference sensor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Coppe, Jean-Luc Henry, Michael Schoening
  • Publication number: 20130102085
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip, apparatus, and associated method wherein the semiconductor chip, having at least one electrode and configured as a sensor such as a biosensor, is removably attachable to a tip of a dipstick. The dipstick tip, with the attached semiconductor chip, is arranged to be dipped into a well containing an analyte. The well may be part of a micro-titre plate. The chip electrically senses the presence of a target molecule in the analyte. The sensing may be by detecting a change in capacitance associated with the electrode which occurs in the presence of the target molecule. The apparatus may include plural dipsticks and associated semiconductor chips which are sensitive for different target molecules. Alternatively or in addition, a single semiconductor chip may have a plurality of electrodes, which may be sensitive to different target molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: NXP B.V.
  • Patent number: 8426207
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of an ion exchange resin-treated biological fluid sample are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cantimer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray F. Stewart, Aaron Dickerman-Stewart
  • Patent number: 8426214
    Abstract: System and method for capturing, concentrating, and detecting a diagnostic target in a liquid, comprising applying a magnetic field to a mixture comprising a co-aggregate in the liquid to provide a collected co-aggregate in the liquid, wherein the co-aggregate comprises a magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer attached thereto and a non-magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer and a diagnostic target attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Patrick S. Stayton, Michael Nash, Jriuan Lai
  • Publication number: 20130095508
    Abstract: A pipette component for use in performing an experimental procedure with a fluid sample and a pipette, the pipette component including: a pipette interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a body of the pipette; a tip interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a replaceable tip; and an experiment region configured to receive at least part of the fluid sample by operation of the pipette, and configured to perform at least part of the experimental procedure in the experiment region using the at least part of the fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: MINIFAB (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Campitelli, Erol Craig Harvey, John Edward McCormack, Matthew Daniel Solomon, Edward Francis Wilkinson, Michael William Wilkinson, Grit Diessner
  • Patent number: 8420404
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Diebold, Terry A. Beaty, Harvey B. Buck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8420399
    Abstract: A method for analyzing hemoglobin in a sample by separation analysis while suppressing the denaturation of the hemoglobin includes separating hemoglobin in the presence of at least one of a sulfurous acid compound and a dithionous acid compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Yusuke Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8415166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for the detection of a peroxide-based explosive, in particular, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is based on a molecular controlled semiconductor resistor (MOCSER) and composed of at least one insulating or semi-insulating layer, at least one conducting semiconductor layer, two conducting pads and a layer of multifunctional organic molecules capable of adsorbing molecules of the peroxide-based explosive. The invention further provides an array of semiconductor devices for the selective detection of a peroxide-based explosive, as well as a method for the selective detection of vapors of a peroxide-based explosive in a gaseous mixture using this array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron Naaman, Eyal Capua, Roberto Cao
  • Patent number: 8409866
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a processor and memory including computer program code. The memory and computer program code can be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to illuminate one or more sensor elements with electromagnetic radiation emitted from corresponding regions of an electronic display. The one or more sensor elements can be configured to exhibit a specific electrical response to the illumination when a specific set of analytes are bound to the one or more sensor elements, determine the electrical response of the one or more sensor elements, and compare the determined electrical response with one or more predetermined electrical responses to determine a match. Each predetermined electrical response can be associated with the binding of a different set of analytes, wherein determination of a match allows the specific set of analytes bound to the one or more sensor elements to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Niskanen, Jani Kivioja
  • Patent number: 8409505
    Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Flora, John P. Creaven, Russell J. Micinski
  • Patent number: 8409867
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to identify a material having an electric charge, the apparatus having: an inverting gain amplifier including a first field-effect transistor (FET) coupled to a second FET; wherein a gate of the first FET is configured to sense the electric charge and an output of the amplifier provides a measurement of the electric charge to identify the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aditya Bansal, Sufi Zafar
  • Publication number: 20130078622
    Abstract: A single molecule sensing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) connected to the first and second electrodes. At least one linker molecule having first and second functional groups is functionalized with a sidewall of the SWNT, the at least one linker molecule having the first functional group non-covalently functionalized with a sidewall of the single-walled carbon nanotube. A single sensitizing molecule having at least one functional group is functionalized with the second functional group of the at least one linker molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
  • Patent number: 8404491
    Abstract: A luminescent chemical sensor integrated with at least one molecular trap. The luminescent chemical sensor includes at least one molecular trap and at least one metallic-nanofinger device integrated with at least one molecular trap. The molecular trap includes a plurality of electrodes that trap at least one analyte molecule. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the luminescent chemical sensor are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Zhiyong Li, Michael Josef Stuke, Shih-Yuan Wang, Huei Pei Kuo
  • Patent number: 8398940
    Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8398921
    Abstract: A chemical sensor using metal nano-particles and a method for manufacturing a chemical sensor using metal nano-particles are provided. The chemical sensor includes: metal nano-particles; single-ligand organic molecules (or a single molecule) that binds to the metal nano-particles by using a metal bonding functional group; a substrate bonding functional group formed at the metal nano-particles and the single-ligand organic molecules as bound to each other; a substrate; electrodes formed on the substrate and having an interdigitate (IDT) structure; and a substrate functional group formed on the substrate and positioned between the electrodes, wherein the substrate bonding functional group and the substrate functional group are covalently bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Myung Lae Lee, Young Jun Kim, Sung Hae Jung, Ho Jun Ryu, Jong Moo Lee
  • Patent number: 8398939
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8399259
    Abstract: The measuring device of the invention includes: a first container and a second container for holding a sample; and an optical measurement part for carrying out an optical measurement. The first container has a first sample supply inlet for supplying a sample containing an analyte to the first container and at least one electrode. The second container has a second sample supply inlet for supplying the sample to the second container and a reagent holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Fukunaga, Takahiro Nakaminami, Akihito Kamei
  • Patent number: 8394340
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8394648
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the fabrication of photonic biosensor arrays and applications of arrays produced by the method in the biomedical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Attomarker Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Shaw, Rouslan Vladimir Olkhov
  • Publication number: 20130059396
    Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Valencell, Inc.
    Inventor: Valencell, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8388910
    Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini
  • Patent number: 8388893
    Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Kazuaki Sawada, Junichi Matsuo, Hirokazu Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8389299
    Abstract: This invention relates to photonic biosensor arrays in particular employing plasmon resonance based sensing, and to methods and apparatus for reading such arrays. A biosensor array for plasmon resonance-based sensing of a plurality of different biological targets simultaneously, the array comprising a transparent substrate having a surface bearing a plurality of assay spots for plasmon resonance sensing, each of said assay spots comprising a discrete metallic island, a said metallic island comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles to which are attached functionalizing molecules for binding to a said biological target, different said islands bearing different said functionalizing molecules for binding to different ones of said biological targets, and wherein total internal reflection of light at said surface at a wavelength at or near a said plasmon resonance results in scattering of said light away from said surface, said scattering being modulated by said binding of said biological targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Attomarker Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Shaw, Rouslan Vladamir Olkhov, William Leslie Barnes
  • Patent number: 8383065
    Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8383060
    Abstract: An integrated electronic-micro fluidic device an integrated electronic-micro fluidic device, comprising a semiconductor substrate on a first support, an electronic circuit on a first semiconductor-substrate side of the semiconductor substrate, and a signal interface structure to an external device. A micro fluidic structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate, and is configured to confine a fluid and to allow a flow of the fluid to and from the microfluidic structure only on a second semiconductor-substrate side that is opposite to the first semiconductor-substrate side and faces away from the first support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Dekker, Remco Henricus Wilhelmus Pijnenburg, Nicolaas Johannes Anthonius Van Veen
  • Patent number: 8383412
    Abstract: Sensors and switches for detecting hydrogen include an electrically-insulating support; a first and second electrode; and a palladium structure alone or in combination with an organic insulating film. The palladium structures of the sensors are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structure extends to and contacts the second electrode to create a conductive path. The palladium structures of the switches are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structures extend to and contact an organic insulating film deposited on the second electrode. Upon exposure of the switch to hydrogen, portions of the palladium structure extend through the film and contact the second electrode to create a conductive path. Methods of detecting hydrogen and methods of fabricating a sensor for detecting an analyte of interest are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis P. Zamborini, Radhika Dasari
  • Patent number: 8377702
    Abstract: Method that includes providing plurality of test sites each having first and second layers respectively including inorganic first and second surface sites forming parts of interior of a well, the surface sites having positions and thicknesses being configured for locating thereon portions of unidentified amino acid-containing molecules; exposing each of a first plurality of the test sites to a fluid containing a different one of plurality of pre-identified amino acid-containing molecules and determining bonding signatures onto each of first plurality of test sites; exposing each of second plurality of test sites to another fluid containing unidentified amino acid-containing molecule and determining bonding signatures onto second plurality of test sites; and comparing bonding signatures to determine or exclude identity of unidentified amino acid-containing molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8377706
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transistor including: a substrate; a source electrode and a drain electrode formed being spaced apart from each other on the substrate; a nanostructure electrically contacted with and formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode; and a lipid membrane having an olfactory receptor protein which is formed to cover surfaces of the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the nanostructure. The olfactory receptor-functionalized transistor in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is useful for a bioelectronic nose which can detect odorants highly specifically with femtomolar sensitivity, and may be applied in various fields requiring the rapid detection of specific odorants, for example, anti-bioterrorism, disease diagnostics, and food safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Seoul National University Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Seung-Hun Hong, Tai Hyun Park, Tae-Hyun Kim, Sang Hun Lee