With A Continuously Flowing Sample Or Carrier Stream Patents (Class 436/52)
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Patent number: 7090805Abstract: Taste recognition is performed by letting a solvent flow through a holding section which holds an object to be recognized and measuring the solvent which has flowed through the holding section by a taste sensor. If the flow rate of the solvent is set at about 1 ml/min, the solvent whose quantity is almost equal to that of saliva secreted in a mouth can be supplied to the object to be recognized, and hence the taste recognition can be performed by the taste sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Harada
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Patent number: 7087434Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of formaldehyde in an exhaust stream from turbines, internal combustion engines and the like, which apparatus includes a portable housing having a sample gas inlet through which a sample gas for analysis is introduced into the portable housing and an analysis system disposed in the portable housing suitable for analyzing the sample gas for the presence of formaldehyde in the sample gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: James Pey Chen, Paul Drayton, Jim M. McCarthy, Jeffrey A. Panek, John Charles Wagner
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Patent number: 7087436Abstract: A method and apparatus for the analysis of blood or other liquids by mass spectrometry to determine the partial pressures of gases and other volatile substances dissolved in the blood or other liquid in a manner independent of the solubility of the gases in the blood or other liquid. A countercurrent membrane exchanger (CCME) is provided for equilibrating a carrier fluid with the sample of blood or other liquid, the output of which is coupled to a tubular direct insertion membrane probe (t-DIMP) type of membrane inlet mass spectrometer. The CCME preferably has complementary spiral grooves on opposing metal plates for the water carrier and sample liquids so as to induce secondary flows which greatly reduce the resistance to equilibration between the liquid sample and water carrier phases.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: James Baumgardner, Gordon Neufeld
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Patent number: 7083982Abstract: A method for synthesizing dyes excitable by a helium-neon laser (excitable at 633 nm) from hololepidines, e.g., 7-halolepidine, which dyes are suitable for detection and enumeration of reticulocytes in human blood samples. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for immunotyping phenocytes. The method is based on the phenomenon that when dyes of certain structure intercalate into DNA or RNA, the intensity of the dye increases. Dyes suitable for this invention can be described as having (a) a first heterocyclic moiety, (b) a second heterocyclic moiety, and (c) a linking group that connects the first and second heterocyclic moieties. Both the first and second heterocyclic moieties must contain at least two rings, preferably fused together. The dye is characterized by conjugation, whereby the first moiety is ethylenically conjugated to the second moiety.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Nai-Yi Wang, Alex W. C. Yem
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Patent number: 7081227Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a flow cell for detecting the sample, an oil phase in the flow cell, a water phase in the flow cell, an oil-water interface between the oil phase and the water phase, a detector for detecting the sample at the oil-water interface, and a hydrophobic unit operatively connected to the sample. The hydrophobic unit is attached to the sample. The sample and the hydrophobic unit are placed in an oil and water combination. The sample is detected at the interface between the oil phase and the water phase.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: The Reagents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: David S. Clague, Elizabeth K. Wheeler, Abraham P. Lee
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Patent number: 7047830Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Vista Engineering Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wesley L. Bratton, Joseph W. Maresca, Jr.
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Patent number: 7011793Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system, providing a microfluidic breadboard platform for the formation of fluidic network and fluidic sealing upon a system assembly. Modular microfluidic elements or “chips” are arranged on a precisely machined alignment base to form a fluidic network, with fluid connections provided directly from chip-to-chip at overlapping corners. Fluidic access to external devices is possible at every fluid connection and through special ingress/egress chips. By maintaining a largely planar layout, optical access is provided for detecting or visualization for every chip. The assembly may be covered by a perforated cover plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Kionix, Inc.Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln Young
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Patent number: 7011791Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods are provided for enhancing detection of a diffusion pattern formed by particles diffusing between at least two fluid streams in parallel laminar flow such that an interface is formed between them by increasing the dimension of the streams in the diffusion direction. This may be accomplished by flowing the streams through a transforming turn, or by flowing the streams through a channel having diverging walls. Devices and methods are also provided for enhancing diffusion between two streams comprising changing the interface between said streams from a narrow interface to a broad interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Bernhard H. Weigl, Ronald L. Bardell, Andrew Kamholz, Matthew Munson, Eric Schilling, Kenneth Hawkins
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Patent number: 6994781Abstract: A biological suspension processing system is disclosed that may include a suspension treatment device for treating one or more components of a biological suspension, a first fluid flow path for introducing a suspension into the treatment device and a second fluid flow path for withdrawing a constituent of the suspension from the device. At least on microelectromechanical (MEM) sensor communicates with one of the fluid flow paths for sensing a selected characteristic of the fluid therewith. The MEM sensor may be located elsewhere, such as on a container or bag and communicate with the interior for sensing a characteristic of the fluid contained therein. A wide variety of characteristics may be sensed, such as flow rate, pH, cell type, cell antigenicity, DNA, viral or bacterial presence, cholesterol, hematocrit, cell concentration, cell count, partial pressure, pathogen presence, or viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: William H. Cork, James J. Ulmes, Richard L. West, Ying-Cheng Lo, Mark C. Weber, Kyungyoon Min
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Patent number: 6979569Abstract: In an apparatus for fluid analysis, a plurality of reagent-mixture components are each injected by a respective pump through a valve matrix and into a flow-injection unit. The flow-injection unit defines a mixing chamber including a plurality of. As the reagent-mixture components are injected into the mixing chamber, the nubs agitate the fluid flow, thereby dispersing the reagent-mixture components and in turn mixing the components together to create a reagent mixture. The flow rates of the reagent-mixture components are adjusted in order to select the reagent-mixture ratio as the components are combined in the flow-injection unit to thereby create the selected reagent mixture. Upon passage through the flow-injection unit, the reagent-mixture is injected into a sensing unit for analyzing a particle distribution of the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: CDC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward Lawrence Carver, Jr., Steven Skiptunas
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Patent number: 6969489Abstract: Array based fluid is stored in through holes that extend through a substrate. Combined capillary and hydrophyllic forces are used to retain the fluid and also transfer it to other substrates of similar type. In another embodiment vacuum and pressure forces are used to introduce the fluid and remove the fluid from the known through holes and transfer the remaining fluid to other substrates. In yet another embodiment, electrokinetic forces are used to retain and move the fluids across the substrates via the through holes. The substrates are aligned and the fluids are transferred or mixed based on the above techniques.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Cytoplex BiosciencesInventor: Alex Reddy Freeman
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Patent number: 6955923Abstract: To investigate the flowability of a physiological fluid sample, an uptake passage (12) for the fluid sample (16), an actuator device (18) for the cyclic change in orientation of measuring particles (14) in the fluid sample (16), and a detector device (20, 22) for the preferably optical detection of the change in orientation of the measuring particles (14) are provided. In order to make reliable measurements possible with minimal instrument expense, it is proposed that the actuator device is formed by a pump unit (18) to produce a flow of the fluid sample (16) that travels back and forth along the uptake passage (12) and indicates the change in orientation of the measuring particles (14).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventor: Herbert Hartting
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Patent number: 6911183Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Kalyan Handique, Bishnu Gogoi, Mark A. Burns
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Patent number: 6908594Abstract: Improved sealing for microstructures in microfluidic devices having a plurality of units is provided by providing collars surrounding the openings to the microstructures, such as reservoirs. The collars are protrusions extending from the surface of the devices and the internal walls of the collars generally aligned with the internal walls of the microstructure. Conformable and/or adhesive lids are employed for sealing the microstructures.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Benjamin Schaevitz, Travis Boone, Torleif Ove Bjornson
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Patent number: 6902704Abstract: An injection pump assembly 10 in a chemical delivery system for simultaneously delivering reagents into a combinatorial reactor system having multiple injectors. The assembly 10 has a plurality of injectors 12, each injector 12 being in fluid communication with one of the multiple reactors. Each injector 12 has (1) a pump 14 in which a plunger 18 sealingly moves to ingest, store and discharge a flushing solvent 20; (2) a pipette assembly 22 for loading, storing, and discharging one or more reagents into one of the reactors in the combinatorial reactor system, first and second reservoirs for retaining some of the reagents; (3) one or more hollow needles 32, each for selectively delivering a reagent 24 to the first 28 or the second 24 reservoir; (4) a first valve 34 positioned downstream of the first 28 reservoir; and (5) a second valve 36 positioned downstream of the second 30 reservoir. When each valve 34, 36 is in a closed position, the reagents 24, 48 can be stored in isolation from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, L.PInventor: Ronnie E. Wilson
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Patent number: 6900021Abstract: This invention relates to a novel microfluidic device and methods of using this device to conduct in vitro studies on the reaction and effects of various compounds on cells. More particularly, it relates to a method for using stop flow in a microfluidic system to study the effect of compounds on individual cells. It also provides a method for observing the effects of candidate compounds on leukocyte rolling.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: The University of AlbertaInventors: Daniel Jed Harrison, Per Andersson, Paul C. H. Li, Roderick Szarka, Richard Smith, Hossein Salimi-Moosavi
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Patent number: 6890487Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Science & Technology Corporation ©UNMInventors: Larry A. Sklar, Bruce S. Edwards, Frederick W. Kuckuck
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Patent number: 6890493Abstract: A chemical processing microsystem useful for identifying and optimizing materials (e.g., catalysts) that enhance chemical processes or for characterizing and/or optimizing chemical processes is disclosed. The chemical processing microsystem comprises a plurality of microreactors 600 and, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of microseparators 900 integral with the chemical processing microsystem 10. The microreactors 600 are preferably diffusion-mixed microreactors formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable candidate-material array 100. The material array 100 comprises a plurality of different candidate materials (e.g., catalysts), preferably arranged at separate, individually addressable portions of a substrate (e.g., wafer). The microseparators 900 are similarly formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable adsorbent array 700.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: H. Sam Bergh, Shenheng Guan
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Patent number: 6878556Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Science & Technology Corporation @ UNMInventors: Larry A Sklar, Bruce S Edwards, Frederick W Kuckuck
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Patent number: 6872571Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a stream of liquid and air segments wherein the liquid and air segments are selectively aspirated into a first fluid conduit in a plurality of cycles, each cycle beginning with the aspiration of a first air segment and ending with the aspiration of a final air segment. The liquid and air segments are then transferred from the first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The volume of the final air segment of each cycle is then adjusted after the final air segment has moved into the second fluid conduit. Next, the liquid segments and the air segments of each cycle are transferred from the second fluid conduit to a third fluid conduit. The volume of the first air segment of each cycle is then adjusted after the first air segment has moved into the third fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Bayer CorporationInventors: Robert Adolfsen, Paul Gherson, David Lightbody
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Patent number: 6868309Abstract: A method and control system computing platform for a dialysis machine that uses Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) architecture. The SMP architecture tightly couples multiple (e.g., 2) independent processors by sharing memory between the processors. A single shared memory is used by both processors in order to facilitate communication between the processors and reduce cost by eliminating the expense of redundant memory. In this way, the two, or in general “N” processors, increase processor throughput by allowing the execution of N processes in parallel while without requiring extra memory and without having a single point of failure in the computer. In the event of a bus failure on the circuit card, the computer is reset using distributed hardware watchdogs. The watchdog reset signal is also sent to the hardware components of the dialysis machine in order to place the system in a safe.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Aksys, Ltd.Inventor: Jamie Begelman
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Patent number: 6858185Abstract: Flow rates in a microfluidic device are modulated after performing serial dilutions by flow reduction channels that draw fluid from the main channel, thus reducing the flow rate. The reduction in flow rate and/or use of smaller dimension channels allow reduced reagent consumption. In addition, multiple flow reduction channels are used for multiple concentration measurements and for performing multiple assays simultaneously on a single sample. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing assays using serial dilutions, single pressure sources, multiple concentration measurements, and reduced reagent consumption. Devices comprising flow reduction channels are also used to suppress pressure perturbations from spontaneous injection.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Steven A. Sundberg, Andrea W. Chow, Claudia L. Poglitsch
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Patent number: 6855557Abstract: A detection system for detecting contaminant gases includes a converter, a detector, a primary channel for delivering a target gas sample through the converter to the detector, and at least two scrubbing channels for delivering a reference gas sample through the converter to the detector. Each of the scrubbing channels includes a scrubber for removing basic nitrogen compounds from the reference gas sample, while the primary channel preferably transmits the target gas sample without scrubbing. The converter converts gaseous nitrogen compounds in the target gas sample to an indicator gas, such as nitric oxide (NO), and a control system directs the flow of a gas sample among the primary channel and the scrubbing channels. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the basic-nitrogen-compound concentration can be measured by comparing the concentration of the indicator gas detected in the reference sample with the detected indicator-gas concentration in the target sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Extraction Systems, Inc.Inventors: Oleg P. Kishkovich, William M. Goodwin
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Patent number: 6843963Abstract: The adsorption rate of proteins from solutions on surfaces in the region of interface layers is often so large that a depletion of the protein in the interface layer results. Due to this, the total reaction becomes transport-dependent, sensitively disrupting the determination of the rate constants. In known TIRF-analysis chambers or bio-sensor systems with a liquid interface layer of ˜10 ?m thickness and mass transport coefficients of 10?6-10?5 m/s it has up limitation. With the help of a TIRF-flow-through shear analyzer in which a certain volume unit of an immiscible fluid, for example an air bubble, is fed into the buffer flow, an ultra-thin liquid layer arises on the surface with a thickness of 100-200 nm, wherein interface surfaces below 10 nm thickness are technically possible.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Herbert Peter Jennissen, Thomas Zumbrink
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Patent number: 6841390Abstract: A real-time system and method for measuring stickies by separating high molecular weight non-fibrous species from low molecular weight non-fibrous species and sensing the concentration of the high molecular weight species. Specifically, a fiber slurry containing stickies is filtered to remove fibers, fiber debris, and other large contaminant particles from the fiber slurry, after which the carbon content of the filtered sample is measured. Next, the filtrate is ultrafiltered to separate stickies having a high molecular weight from the filtrate, and subsequently, the carbon content of the ultrafiltered sample is measured. Finally, the carbon contents are used to determine the microstickies concentration in the fiber slurry.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corp.Inventor: Sujit Banerjee
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Patent number: 6838055Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microchip provided with a specimen flow pass, a reagent flow pass, a confluence flow pass all of which are fine flow passes. The specimen flow pass allows specimen to flow toward one end thereof. The reagent flow pass is connected to that end of the specimen flow pass and allows at least one reagent to flow for reaction with the specimen. The confluence flow pass extends from that end of the specimen flow pass and allows the confluent specimen and reagent to flow. A sensing portion is assigned near or at the confluence flow pass, and the reaction of the specimen and the reagent is capable of being detected or observed there. Further to this, the microchip comprises a force applying means for reciprocally moving the specimen and the reagent at the sensing portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Sando, Yasuhisa Fujii
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Patent number: 6821485Abstract: A flow of liquids is carried out on a microscale utilizing surface effects to guide the liquid on flow paths to maintain laminar flow. No sidewall confining structure is required, minimizing resistance to flow and allowing laminar flow to be maintained at high flow rates. The guiding structure has flow guiding stripes formed on one or both of facing base and cover surfaces which are wettable by a selected liquid to direct the liquid from a source location to a destination location. The regions adjacent to the guiding stripes on the base and cover surfaces are non-wettable. The smooth interface between the gas and liquid along the flowing stream allows gas-liquid reactions to take place as a function of diffusion across the interface without mixing of the gas and liquid. Liquid-liquid flows may also be guided with such structures.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: David J. Beebe, Jeffrey S. Moore, Bin Zhao
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Patent number: 6822180Abstract: A microchip comprises a flow pass in which a solution containing particles can flow, and a deflection mechanism for deflecting a portion of the particles as the particles flow through the flow pass.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Fujii, Yusuhiro Sando
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Patent number: 6818450Abstract: The present invention is directed to an analytical method for measuring the concentration of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“NPMIDA”) substrate, an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, formaldehyde, formic acid, N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“NMG”), N-methyl-aminomethylphosphonic acid (MAMPA) or aminomethylphosphonic acid (“AMPA”)) in an aqueous mixture thereof, using infrared spectroscopy. The present invention is also directed to a process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form a N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, and as part of the process, measuring the concentration of at least one reactant, product or byproduct of the oxidation reaction using the analytical method of the present invention and controlling the oxidation process in response to the measurement taken.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: David R. Eaton, Walter Gavlick, Gary Klopf, Arnold Hershman, Denis Forster
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Patent number: 6814938Abstract: Non-planar microfluidic devices and methods for transferring fluids between vessels and microfluidic devices are provided. The devices may be contoured to physically contact non-planar vessels, such as pipes, tubes, vials, or syringes to establish fluid communication between a vessel and a microfluidic device. Devices according to the invention may be constructed from flexible, rigid, or combinations of flexible and rigid materials. In certain embodiments, microfluidic devices are composed of sandwiched stencils, and self-adhesive tapes may be used for one or more layers. A microfluidic device may be removably attached to a vessel with a non-permanent adhesive or adhesive layer. Continuously wrapped microfluidic devices fashioned from a single layer, in addition to rewindable microfluidic devices constructed from multiple layers, are provided. A multi-plunger syringe permits a microfluidic device or other reservoir coupled to the vessel to be filled on the draw stroke of the syringe plunger.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Vincent K. Gustafson
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Patent number: 6812031Abstract: The invention comprises a method of regenerating a biosensor. It involves passing a background flow of fluid without reactive components through the flow passage. At a selected point in time a sample aliquot is injected into said background flow. At a point in time when a signal from said sensor is obtained the flow rate of the background fluid is increased. The invention also comprises a system for continuous monitoring of analytes in a biological fluid, the system having increased life by virtue of inherent regeneration of sensors employed. It comprises a biosensor (26, 30, 32), a sampling device (4) for providing a sample of said biological fluid, and means (10, 15, 18, 24) for passing a flow of a background fluid through said flow passage at selectable flow rates, means (20, 50, 55) for injecting said sample into said flow of background fluid, and means (50, 55) for increasing the flow rate of said combined flow. Means for achieving a washing action at the signal generating portion are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Senzime Point of Care ABInventor: Thomas Carlsson
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Patent number: 6812032Abstract: An apparatus is provided for hematology testing, which has a sensing unit defining a counting orifice for the flow of a blood sample through the counting orifice to analyze the blood sample, and a pump unit having three syringes. A first syringe is coupled in fluid communication with the sensing unit on the inlet side of the counting orifice for injecting a stream of blood sample through the counting orifice. A second syringe is coupled in fluid communication with the sensing chamber on the inlet side of the counting orifice for simultaneously injecting a sheath of fluid surrounding the sample stream on the inlet side of the counting orifice. And a third syringe is coupled to the sensing chamber on the outlet side of the counting orifice for aspirating a sheath of fluid from the sensing chamber surrounding the sample stream on the outlet side of the counting orifice.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: CDC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward Lawrence Carver, Jr., David Charles DeCava
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Patent number: 6808929Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for use in measuring the physical properties of compounds, where the properties measured using such devices are those which involve partitioning of the compound between two phases, measuring partition coefficients, distribution coefficients, acid-base dissociation constants, solubility and vapour pressure. The device comprises a microfabricated conduit, in which two fluids flow creating at least two phases between which the compound may partition, and a detector for measuring the amount of compound in each or both fluids.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: AstraZeneca ABInventors: Brian Law, Bryan J A Miller, Christopher M Turner, John E A Shaw
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Publication number: 20040197922Abstract: A system for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a conduit. The conduit is part of a fluid distribution system. A chemical or biological sensor array is connected to the conduit. The sensor array produces an acoustic signal burst in the fluid upon detection of contaminates in the fluid. A supervisory control system connected to the fluid and operatively connected to the fluid distribution system signals the fluid distribution system upon detection of contaminates in the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: John F. Cooper
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Patent number: 6762060Abstract: Air is sampled at a rate in excess of 100 L/min, preferably at 200-300 L/min, so as to collect therefrom a substantial fraction, i.e., at least 20%, preferably 60-100%, of airborne particulates. A substance of interest (analyte), such as lead, is rapidly solubilized from the the collected particulates into a sample of liquid extractant, and the concentration of the analyte in the extractant sample is determined. The high-rate air sampling and particulate collection may be effected with a high-throughput filter cartridge or with a recently developed portable high-throughput liquid-absorption air sampler. Rapid solubilization of lead is achieved by a liquid extractant comprising 0.1-1 M of acetic acid or acetate, preferably at a pH of 5 or less and preferably with inclusion of 1-10% of hydrogen peroxide. Rapid determination of the lead content in the liquid extractant may be effected with a colorimetric or an electroanalytical analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 6749810Abstract: The method for presenting grain for NIR spectography examination includes causing the grain to move downward across a sloping presentation surface; associating the optics of an NIR spectography apparatus with the presentation surface to permit light from the optics to be projected into the curtain of grain at a substantial right angle with respect to the direction of flow of the curtain of grain over the presentation surface. An apparatus for presenting grain for NIR spectography examination includes the structure for practicing the aforementioned method.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Gary W. Clem, Inc.Inventors: Brian W. Carr, Peter B. Moore, Donald F. Handorf, Timothy A. Schroeder, Nick Merfeld, Chester S. Creswick, Arlan W. Sandvik, Gary W. Clem
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Patent number: 6737022Abstract: A system for separating an aqueous stream of mixed polynucleotides into a series of length-based polynucleotide fractions and collecting one or more of the length-based polynucleotide fractions into separate containers. The system comprises a separation column containing separation media for separating an aqueous stream of mixed polynucleotides into a series of length-based polynucleotide fractions; a container including one or more single-sample containers; an ejection chamber having a separated sample inlet for receiving the length-based polynucleotide fractions, a waste outlet for discharging uncollected sample, and a capillary-sized fraction outlet positioned to discharge a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into a single-sample container. The system also includes means for effecting discharge of a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into the separate container.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Transgenomic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Sutton, Donn H. Vanden Bosch
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Patent number: 6730516Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.Inventors: Paul Jedrzejewski, Steffen Nock, Peter Wagner, Pierre Indermuhle, Frank G. Zaugg
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Patent number: 6727494Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting contaminating species such as metal particles on a wafer edge from a semiconductor fabrication process are disclosed. In the method, a wafer is suspended and rotated in a container with a volume of solvent at a bottom portion of the container such that only an edge portion of the wafer is exposed to the solvent. After the wafer is turned in the solvent such that the entire edge portion of the wafer has been exposed to the solvent, the solvent may be removed for analyzing in an electronic instrument for detecting the species of contaminating particles. The apparatus further includes a wafer mounting device for supporting the wafer which can be adjusted in height to suit wafers of different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ying-Chuan Lin
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Publication number: 20040077102Abstract: This invention is to a microreactor type of reaction and analysis system. The system includes a chemical reaction chamber having internal conduits through which a chemical reactant, such as a reaction gas, can be fed. The conduits for transporting fluids such as reactant, carrier gas and balance gas are in appropriate communication such that the amount of reactant going directly to a catalyst located in the reaction chamber can be optimally controlled. The system is highly useful for studying the kinetics of a chemical reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Nicolas P. Coute, John K. Pierce
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Patent number: 6716633Abstract: A blood cell detector includes an orifice section having a single orifice, a first supplying section for supplying a first blood specimen into the orifice section, a second supplying section for supplying a second blood specimen into the orifice section, and first and second electrodes provided on opposite sides of the orifice for detecting a change in impedance of each of the first and second blood specimens when the first and second blood specimens are selectively caused to pass through the orifice.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Mitsuru Abo
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Publication number: 20040062685Abstract: A flow cell and flow cytometer in which a nozzle at the end of a flow channel is disposed on a removable substrate held at a registered location on a flow cell. Other elements including illumination optics, light collection optics, and the flow cell may then be positioned at fixed locations and would not require subsequent periodic adjustment. The registered location for positioning the nozzle allows removal and replacement of the nozzle key with the nozzle subsequently positioned in the identical location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, David R. Vrane, Shervin Javadi
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Publication number: 20040058450Abstract: In a method for sampling a continuous liquid flow, the liquid flow is supplied to a surface along an input flow path. The liquid flow is sampled by forming a sample droplet from a portion of the liquid flow. The sample droplet is moved along an analysis flow path to a processing area of the surface, where the sample droplet is processed. Discrete sample droplets are formed and moved using an electrowetting technique. A binary mixing apparatus and method are also provided. The apparatus comprises an array of electrodes, an electronic controller communicating with the electrodes, a sample droplet supply area communicating with the array, and an additive droplet supply area communicating with the array. The electronic controller alternately energizes and de-energizes selected electrodes to carry out droplet-to-droplet binary mixing operations to obtain one or more droplets having a target mixing ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Michael G. Pollack, Philip Y. Paik, Hong Ren, Richard B. Fair
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Publication number: 20040053415Abstract: Apparatus for determining the ozone decay rate constant for an ozone-in-water solution. The apparatus includes a single ozone residual sensor, to which a sample flow is directed to measure the initial ozone residual concentration, and to which a delayed flow stream of the same solution is directed to measure the ozone residual concentration after passage of a particular time interval. The time delay of the flow stream is achieved by passing the flow stream through a chamber that includes a tubing coil through which the sample stream flows, after which the ozone residual concentration of the delayed sample stream is measured by the same ozone residual sensor. A portion of the incoming flow stream is diverted to flow through the chamber to maintain the delayed sample stream at substantially the same temperature as the incoming flow stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Christopher R. Schulz
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Patent number: 6706527Abstract: An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: James E. Szecsody
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Patent number: 6706533Abstract: A concentration detection method and a concentration detection apparatus, and an agent diluting preparation apparatus capable of accurately estimating the concentration of a solution without the need of strict temperature control, and of estimating the concentration of the solution in real time, and further of cost reduction of diluting and preparing an agent and of simplification of diluting and preparing work are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Kanto Kagaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akio Nomura, Tomoaki Iwao
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Publication number: 20040043506Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a body structure having a plurality of microfluidic channels fabricated therein, the plurality of microfluidic channels comprising a center channel and focusing channels in fluid communication with the center channel via a plurality of cascaded junctions. Also disclosed herein is a method that includes the step of providing a body structure having a plurality of microfluidic channels fabricated therein, the plurality of microfluidic channels comprising a center channel and focusing channels in fluid communication with the center channel via a plurality of cascaded junctions. The method also includes the steps of providing a flow of the sample fluid within the center channel, providing flows of sheath fluid in the focusing channels, and controlling or focusing the flow of the sample fluid by adjusting the rate at which the sheath fluid flows through the focusing channels and cascaded junctions, and into the center channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Horst Haussecker, Narayan Sundararajan
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Publication number: 20040033609Abstract: A method for testing a plurality of catalyst formulations and determining, from the plurality, a preferred catalyst formulation to be used in a catalyst device for treating a particular reactant stream is provided. The method comprises defining the cell characteristics of a catalyst device, providing a test monolith comprising a plurality of cell channels having cell characteristics equivalent to the cell characteristics of the catalyst device for which the preferred catalyst formulation is being determined, applying a plurality of different catalyst formulations on the cell channels of the test monolith, contacting a test reactant stream to all channels of the test monolith under flow conditions equivalent to the flow conditions under which the catalyst device is intended to be used, detecting comparative catalytic activity occurring at each formulation during said contacting step, and determining, from the detected activity, the preferred catalyst formulation for the catalyst device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: Hai-Ying Chen, Paul J. Andersen, Todd H. Ballinger
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Patent number: 6680202Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus to provide a dynamic matrix system for synthesizing a plurality of chemical compounds simultaneously, i.e. in parallel, and to synthesize a series of plurality of simultaneously synthesized chemical compounds sequentially, i.e. in series. The apparatus includes a base support structure, a physical chemistry teabag support structure, a plurality of physical chemistry teabags and a fixed-reactant/liquid reactant mixture shifting (changing) mechanism. The base support structure has a plurality of reaction vessels arranged in at least a two dimensional predetermined array. The physical chemistry teabag support structure is adapted to hold and support a plurality of physical chemistry teabags arranged in at least a two dimensional predetermined teabag array, at least partially coinciding with the base support structure reaction vessel array. The teabags have at least one predetermined fixed reactant thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Advanced Automations, L.L.C.Inventor: Li Young
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Patent number: 6676903Abstract: An apparatus provides for the detection, the determination of the location or the spatial distribution, and/or the quantification of an amount of a chemical species by allowing the chemical species to come into contact with a fluid medium contained in a permeable capillary, transferring the content of the capillary after the contact to a detector, and detecting the chemical species as the content of the capillary is transferred to a detector. The fluid medium can contain a selected reagent that selectively interacts with the chemical species to produce an optically detectable interaction product. The location and amount of the chemical species are determined from a characteristic of the chemical species or its interaction product measured on the content of the capillary and the time at which the characteristic is detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, Timothy Mark Sivavec