Sampler, Constituent Separation, Sample Handling, Or Sample Preparation Patents (Class 73/64.56)
  • Patent number: 11781954
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, the present invention is embodied as a method of processing a filtered liquid with a microfluidic device. The method includes positioning a porous filtering medium with respect to the microfluidic device, so as to allow a flow path between the filtering medium and a channel of the microfluidic device. The method further includes introducing a liquid in the porous filtering medium for the liquid to advance along the filtering medium and be filtered by the medium. The method further includes applying compression to the filtering medium to extract a given volume of the filtered liquid from the filtering medium, where the extracted liquid volume reaches said channel via the flow path. The method further includes processing the extracted volume with the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Dean Lovchik, Marie Salva, Yuksel Temiz, Emmanuel Delamarche
  • Patent number: 11330831
    Abstract: A beer-taste beverage containing (A) ?-octanolactone, (B) 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), (C) trans-oaklactone, and (D) 4-ethylguaiacol, wherein the components satisfy the following (1) and (2): (1) a concentration ratio of the component A to the component B, A/B (ppb/ppb), is 0.009 or more; and (2) a concentration ratio of the component C to the component D, C/D (ppb/ppb), is 0.1 or more. In the beer-taste beverage of the present invention, rich sweetness and a smoky feel are given in an excellent balance, and off-flavors distinctively owned by the beer-taste beverages or a degradation odor generated with the change over time is masked (reduced), so that a new taste can be provided as a luxury product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Takako Inui, Anna Shimmura
  • Patent number: 11246573
    Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing urine at the time it is released uses a urine collecting tube joined with a canister. Suction is produced in the collecting tube to join the tube with a penis or to the exterior surface of a female urethra orifice. Once suction is achieved the collecting tube stays in place by suction action. When urine flows into the urine collecting tube a sensor triggers a vacuum pump to produce a higher level of suction to flush the urine into the canister where a level sensor determines the quantity of urine received. Various sensors in the canister determine levels of non-urine partials such as occult blood, drugs, salt, and other substances. When urine is no longer detected within the urine tube, the vacuum pump is turned off and a low-level vacuum remains to assure interconnection with the urine tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: UR24TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Landon Duval
  • Patent number: 11215624
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a flow cell may include a main chamber, base plate, and cover. The main chamber may be formed with an interior portion having a first angled surface, a first ramp, a second ramp, and a second angled surface. A secondary drain may be positioned at a point of relatively low elevation between the bottom portions of the first and second ramps. The main chamber may include first, second, and third inlet passages that may be in fluid communication with an inlet header formed in the base plate. A PLC and/or PAC may be in communication with various components of the flow cell and/or external components for monitoring, sensing, and/or providing other functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventors: Paul Lighton, Joshua Lighton
  • Patent number: 11169135
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensing unit and method for monitoring the condition of a liquid, the sensing unit comprising at least one sensor and an evaluation unit. The sensing unit is adapted to measure two or more physical parameters of the liquid by use of at least one sensor, where the parameters relate to at least liquid degradation or wear debris particle generation. The at least one sensor is adapted to provide at least two signals, each signal providing its values in a fashion suitable for developing a mean value and a non-zero variance or a variance different from zero over a course of at least two measurements. The evaluation unit is adapted to correlate the measured signals, and to evaluate the condition of the liquid by comparing the measured at least two parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: C.C. Jensen A/S
    Inventor: Morten Henneberg
  • Patent number: 10753878
    Abstract: A molten metal inclusion test apparatus includes a spectroscopic appliance for gathering data indicative of the contents of a quantity of molten metal. Laser induced emissions provide spectral data based on the elements present in the melt. Analysis of a series of samplings, or “shots” of laser induced emissions indicates a presence of elements above a background or expected level. These elements appear as spikes in a graphical rendering of the spectral data, defined by a wavelength of the detected element. Correlation of the elements detected in the same shot indicates a composition of the inclusion, typically a particle of an extraneous compound in the melt. Such spectral analysis provides immediate feedback about melt quality, allowing corrective measures to be taken prior to casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Shaymus W. Hudson, Diran Apelian, Robert DeSaro, Joseph C. Craparo
  • Patent number: 10746753
    Abstract: A model-based method of classifying a specimen in a specimen container. The method includes capturing images of the specimen and container at multiple different exposures times, at multiple different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, and at different viewpoints by using multiple cameras. From the captured images, 2D data sets are generated. The 2D data sets are based upon selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the multiple different exposure images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Based upon these 2D data sets, various components are classified using a multi-class classifier, such as serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if present), tube, air, or label. From the classification data and 2D data sets, a 3D model can be generated. Specimen testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Kluckner, Yao-Jen Chang, Terrence Chen, Benjamin S. Pollack
  • Patent number: 10684259
    Abstract: A system and method for substantially coincidental sample takeoff flow rate verification which detects unstable flow conditions in a pipeline, terminates fluid sample analysis during flow instability, and resumes sample takeoff when a steady flow state is re-established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Mustang Sampling, LLC.
    Inventors: Kevin Warner, Kenneth O. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10471428
    Abstract: Fluidic devices with a primary transport nanochannel(s) intersected by at least one nanoscale manifold for active control of capture, manipulation and transport of analyte molecules. The at least one manifold can be an array or network of nanochannels, nanoslits or nanoelectrodes joined to a common voltage or pressure source. A respective nanoscale manifold can be configured to allow for precise and active control of driving forces applied to the primary transport nanochannel(s) to drive molecular transport through the various regions along the transport nanochannel(s). The at least one manifold can generate monotonic force gradients with a limited or reduced number of independent input potentials and/or pressures applied to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: John Michael Ramsey, Laurent D. Menard, Michael A. Tycon, Oscar A. McCrate
  • Patent number: 10324077
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and computer-implemented methods are provided for the real-time quantification of crude oil in an effluent from coreflooding apparatus. Disclosed here is a method of determining the amount of crude oil in an effluent from a coreflooding apparatus by blending the effluent stream with a solvent stream in a mixing device to produce a mixed stream, supplying the mixed stream to an in-line phase separator to produce a first stream containing the solvent and the crude oil from the effluent stream and a second stream containing water and water-miscible components from the effluent stream; and passing the first stream to a continuous flow analyzer to determine the amount of crude oil in the effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Dmitry Kosynkin, Mohammed Alaskar
  • Patent number: 10197541
    Abstract: A cooling-assisted needle trap device for sampling and delivering materials to an analytical device is disclosed. The device includes a needle having a first end and a second end and a side aperture located between the first and second ends. The side aperture provides access to the interior space of the needle. A sorbent is packed within an interior space of the needle between the second end and the side aperture to entrap an analyte within a sample. The cooling-assisted needle trap device also includes a cooling device configured to cool the sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Alireza Ghiasvand, Samira Dowlatshah, Nahid Heidari
  • Patent number: 10196869
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid sampling system may comprise a mixing system coupled to a wellbore sample supply and a recycled diluent supply, a fluid analysis system coupled to the mixing system, and a diluent recycle system coupled to the fluid analysis system and the mixing system, wherein the diluent recycle system comprises an evaporator and a condenser. A method for recycling diluent may comprise combining a wellbore fluid sample with a diluent to form a diluted wellbore fluid sample, analyzing the diluted wellbore fluid sample to determine one or more fluid properties, separating at least a portion of the diluent from the wellbore fluid sample in the diluted wellbore fluid sample, and recycling the separated portion of the diluent for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Murphy, Sandeep D. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9885647
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insert device for semi-dynamic leach testing, the insert device including a support and an absorptive polymer disposed on the support, the insert device characterized by a sheet-like form having a first and second major side. The device is useful in testing of both radial and unidirectional leaching of organic compounds into water from solid samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: CH2M HILL, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis G. Grubb, Dusty R. V. Berggren, Anthony Dalton-Atha
  • Patent number: 9638674
    Abstract: An autosampler includes a flow path switching valve to which a sample push unit and an analysis flow path are connected, a sample loop connected to the flow path switching valve, a sampling needle connected to the flow path switching valve, a metering pump connected to the flow path switching valve, and a control unit for controlling operations of the flow path switching valve and the metering pump. The control unit includes an injection volume addition unit for adding up injection volume of a same sample component injected into the sample loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Morikawa, Tsutomu Okoba
  • Patent number: 9463457
    Abstract: The invention describes simple and reliable cartridge constructions for carrying out analytical procedures in a closed system, especially for carrying out bioaffinity analyses. The cartridge exploits a measuring component, or a test strip (1 in FIG. 1) and its cover (2 in FIG. 1) as well as the motion between these two components to achieve liquid flow and events which are necessary for the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Conventa Ltd.
    Inventor: Timo Kalevi Korpela
  • Patent number: 9428787
    Abstract: An apparatus and an assembly for processing a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of outlets, each outlet comprising an effluent discharge opening. The apparatus forms a plurality of flow paths, each flow path comprising a reservoir, a channel, and an outlet. An analyte capture element can be slideably engaged in a channel in a position where it is in fluid communication with the flow path. The apparatus with the analyte capture element disposed in the flow path can be used to process a liquid sample. A method of detecting an analyte in the liquid sample is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jon A. Kirschhoffer, Andrew H. Tilstra, Wensheng Xia
  • Patent number: 9182329
    Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis cell for the analysis, at very high pressure and high temperature, of fluid samples comprising a cylinder (1) in which an axially translatable piston is housed that defines, with the end walls of the cylinder, a closed compression chamber (10) in which the sample is confined, characterized in that the walls of said chamber (10) are provided with at least one bore (11) designed for sealably receiving an optical measuring element (2) movable inside said chamber between a retracted position retracted in the bore to allow the piston to pass, and a measuring position in which it protrudes in said chamber. The invention also relates to a method for detecting and/or measuring the quantity of solid matter using said cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vinci Technologies
    Inventors: Stephane Legrand, Yannick Manissol, Jeremy Delahais, Philippe Decrossas
  • Publication number: 20150135808
    Abstract: Provided is a droplet cutting method capable of cutting a droplet easily to expose its cross-section. Also provided is a droplet cross-section analysis method, including analyzing a cross-section exposed through cutting by such cutting method. A droplet cutting method of the present invention is a method of cutting a droplet to expose a cross-section, the method including: placing a droplet on a surface of a carbon nanotube aggregate including a plurality of carbon nanotubes; cooling the droplet to a cooling temperature equal to or less than a temperature at which the droplet is solidified; and cutting the droplet. A droplet cross-section analysis method of the present invention includes analyzing a cross-section exposed through cutting by the droplet cutting method of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Youhei Maeno
  • Patent number: 9032781
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Leo W. Fleury, Normand James Roy, James Ola Williams, Kenneth A. Clark
  • Patent number: 9021867
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body with a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Leo W. Fleury, Normand James Roy, James Ola Williams, Kenneth A. Clark
  • Patent number: 9016146
    Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Instrumentation Scientifique de Laboratoire
    Inventors: Cleris Hervé, Marie Patrick
  • Publication number: 20150101392
    Abstract: Sampling systems for use on production lines with the capability to measure chemical components of a gas, vapor, or liquid sample taken from a product on the line and at a faster rate than the individual sensors alone are capable of. In one embodiment, the system detects the presence of insoluble hydrocarbons in the gas vapor present inside refillable water bottles that have been returned by the consumer. Each sampling system—apparatus—comprises two or more sub-systems each comprising: one or more sensors for performing a measurement of interest on a gas, vapor, or liquid sample, valves and a pump for directing the flow of samples, optionally an enclosed volume to hold the sample, and all under the direction of a control system. The sampling system also automatically acts on the measurement to detect when defective goods have reached a point where they can be ejected from the production line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Steven R. Foote
  • Publication number: 20150096358
    Abstract: The application relates to a device and method for preparing and testing a fluid sample using a filtration procedure for analysis of a filterable constituent of the fluid. In particular the process employs an enclosed pathway whereby the fluid sample may be put into a sealable flexible containment-vessel, and can then be passed through a fluid passageway to a removable enclosable filter cartridge, wherein the filterable constituent may be removed and the resultant filtrate fluid discharged from the cartridge. Once introduced to the flexible vessel, the enclosed pathway system thereby enables the fluid to be filtered and the filterable constituent examined with minimal complications of contamination of the sample through exposure to environmental pollutant external to the fluid sample. A useful objective of the device and method is to enable analyses of microbiological content of a fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: David Putnam, Jason Putnam, Raymond Putnam
  • Patent number: 8999012
    Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacture and certification of an oxygenated gasoline product is carried out by manufacturing a gasoline Basestock for Oxygenate Blending (BOB) at a refinery site in accordance with an empirical relationship, valid for at that site under typical manufacturing conditions, between (i) a property value of the BOB stream such as octane as determined by an on-site online process analyzer and (ii) the corresponding instantaneous value or FPAPV property value as determined by the test method mandated by the product specification for the final gasoline stream when blended with the required proportion of oxygenate. The quality of fit of this empirical relationship is calculated according to the standard deviation of the residuals of the relationship and a confidence level is fixed so that the final oxygenated gasoline formulated with the BOB will meet the required property specification when measured by the test method mandated by the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Francis X. Kelly, Tian Chong Lau
  • Patent number: 8991239
    Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Publication number: 20150059453
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting property of fuel in a construction machine, with use of a sub-tank, the apparatus being capable of minimizing an influence on the detection given by water contained in fuel. The apparatus includes a sub-tank between an engine and a fuel tank of the construction machine, a fuel introducing pipe through which fuel is introduced to the sub-tank from the fuel tank, a fuel discharger through which fuel in the sub-tank is discharged to the engine, and a sensor. The sub-tank has a bottom section having a bottom fuel outlet for discharging fuel from the bottom section. The fuel discharger includes a bottom fuel discharging pipe connected to the bottom fuel outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bocheng LI, Tomotaka KITA
  • Patent number: 8969093
    Abstract: Constant calibration methods and apparatuses for analytical devices that are located in remote positions in order to allow for reliable and automated measurements of various contaminants within water or other liquid samples. The proposed calibration systems allow for certain methods to measure total amounts of certain trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants, at least, in drinking water samples from such remote locations, through the utilization of a standard addition introduction of known concentrations of such contaminant compounds within target samples, followed by separation through a capillary membrane sampling device and measurement of such different contaminants via flow injection analysis (FIA). In such a manner, the on-line, remote system provides the necessary reliability for a water utility or like entity on which to base any further needed water treatment activities without having to perform such measurements in a distinct lab setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Memphis Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Emmert, Paul S. Simone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8961905
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, Emmanuel Delamarche, Eric A. Eckberg, James N. Humenik, Kathleen A. McGroddy-Goetz, Scott Partington, Christopher F. Perrera, Marco G. Trivella, Timothy M. Wiwel
  • Patent number: 8955375
    Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Paul Allan Bergren
  • Patent number: 8950246
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for nucleating bubbles in an oil-gas mixture, including introducing a sample comprising an oil-gas mixture into a chamber; and heating the sample with a heater until at least one bubble is thermally nucleated in the chamber. The bubble point (BP) pressure of the sample can be determined by detecting pressure at two points in a system, which includes the chamber and the heater, and by determining the behavior of the nucleated bubble as the pressure on the bubble is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Angelescu, Matthew Sullivan, Edward Harrigan
  • Publication number: 20150033834
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the quality of a fluid sample includes a chamber having an opening for receiving at least some of the fluid sample and a sealing element arranged to be movable to a sealing position. An insertion portion of the sealing element is received within an insertion space of the chamber to seal the opening One of the sealing element and container is arranged to define a displacement passage for enabling a portion of the fluid sample that is located within the insertion space to be displaced therefrom as the sealing element assumes the sealing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Bristol
    Inventors: Stephen Gundry, Robert Edward Shenton Bain, Philip Walsh, Craig Ian Wightman, Robert Matthews, Thomas Martin Hilder
  • Publication number: 20150013439
    Abstract: A micro-analyzer is described. This micro-analyzer includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that receives liquid droplets, and aggregates and moves the droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient. After the droplets are aggregated, an analysis mechanism in an area within the inner surface region performs analysis on the aggregated droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Cristina Davis, Hamzeh Bardaweel, Konstantin Zamuruyev, Jean-Pierre Delplanque, Nicholas J. Kenyon
  • Patent number: 8931331
    Abstract: A system and method for volumetric metering on a sample processing device. The system can include a metering reservoir, and a waste reservoir positioned in fluid communication with a first end of the metering reservoir to catch excess liquid from the metering reservoir that exceeds a selected volume. The system can further include a capillary valve in fluid communication with the second end of the metering reservoir to inhibit liquid from exiting the metering reservoir until desired. The method can include metering the liquid by rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the capillary valve, and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force to move the metered volume of the liquid to the process chamber via the capillary valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150000385
    Abstract: A pressure management system for sensors is provided. The system includes a sampling assembly. The sampling assembly is configured to hold a first portion of a test fluid. Further, the system includes at least one sensor disposed proximate to the sampling assembly. The sensor is configured to determine at least one property of the test fluid. The system also includes a housing that is disposed around the sampling assembly. The housing defines a fluid chamber that houses a balancing fluid. Furthermore, the system includes a flexible device disposed in the fluid chamber that draws a second portion of the test fluid. The flexible device is configured to balance pressure exerted by the test fluid on the sampling assembly by exerting pressure on the balancing fluid with the second portion of the test fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jon Albert Dieringer, Roger Neal Johnson, Cheryl Margaret Surman
  • Publication number: 20150000386
    Abstract: An automatic sample pouring device comprising a rack, a sampling needle, a reference portion arranged at a predetermined position of the rack, a detection unit for electrically detecting contact between the reference portion and the needle, and a control unit for controlling an operation of relatively moving the needle on a horizontal plane and in a vertical direction with respect to the rack, and suctioning and pouring operations of a sample. The control unit is configured to control an operation of obtaining reference position information of the rack on the basis of detection information of the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Minato
  • Patent number: 8919185
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing swirling flow in a pipeline is provided. The apparatus comprises in flow series: an inlet pipe, a flow deflection section, and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is configured such that fluid arrives in the flow deflection section from the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe has one or more apertures formed in a radially outward side wall thereof for the entrance of fluid to the outlet pipe from the flow deflection section. The apertures are configured such that the entering fluid adopts a swirling flow in the outlet pipe. The flow deflection section is configured such that, in the flow deflection section, fluid arriving from the inlet pipe is deflected to a location radially adjacent the apertures while maintaining a substantial component of flow in said principal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, Miriam Archer
  • Publication number: 20140370530
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject for diagnosing and/or grading transitional cell carcinoma. The invention furthermore relates to a method for diagnosing transitional cell carcinoma comprising detecting the presence or absence of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject, wherein the presence of LASP-1 above 1 ng/500 ?l urine is indicative for transitional cell carcinoma and a method for grading transitional cell carcinoma comprising determining the level of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject, wherein the level of LASP-1 correlates with the grade of the transitional cell carcinoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITÄT WÜRZBURG
    Inventor: Elke Butt
  • Patent number: 8911686
    Abstract: A separation device for preparing biological samples for cytological, cytohistological and histological analysis includes a series of communicating chambers, means for moving a fluid through the chambers and one or more separating units for separating material contained in the fluid, wherein the separator units are arranged along the path of the fluid between the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Diana Elisa Macchi
  • Publication number: 20140352412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement and control of parameters are described. The method comprises the steps of: taking a sample from each of a plurality of samplings points in a controlled sequence, the sample having a sample volume; transferring the sample volume to an instrument measurement cell according to the controlled sequence the instrument measurement cell comprising at least one instrument, and a casing having a cell volume, wherein the at least one instrument measures a value of at least one process parameter of the sample volume, and logging and/or transmitting the value of the at least one process parameter of the sample volume. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of fluid transporters, an instrument measurement cell comprising a casing having a cell volume; and at least one instrument within the casing; a manifold fluidly connected between the plurality of fluid transporters and the instrument measurement cell, and an apparatus controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: John RIVIERE, Denis BRUNELLE
  • Patent number: 8874381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant by establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gases and measuring the amount of refrigerant remaining in exhaust gas discharged after destruction of waste refrigerant. For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant, the method including: establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gas samples whose concentrations are known; sampling exhaust gas finally discharged after decomposition of waste refrigerant; measuring the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the sampled exhaust gas; and calculating the amount of undestroyed refrigerant using the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the exhaust gas, the amount of exhaust gas discharged, and the known density of refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dae Sung Jung, Jun Young Lee, Jong Rae Cho, Han Seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20140305197
    Abstract: A blood separation device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the blood separation device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the blood separation device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The blood separation device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The blood separation device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the blood separation device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Gary D. Fletcher, Daniel J. Marchiarullo, Jamieson W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20140305196
    Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collection of the blood sample, the plasma portion is separated from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a biological fluid testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the biological fluid testing device. The biological fluid testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Robert G. Ellis, Bradley M. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8847602
    Abstract: A plug-in module for a liquid- or gas-sensor comprised of a sensor module (SM) and a sensor module head (SMH), which can be releasably connected together, and which, when connected, enable data and energy transfer via a galvanically decoupled transfer section, wherein the sensor module head (SMH) includes an energy supply unit for operating the sensor module head (SMH) and the sensor module (SM), as well as a data memory (MEM), in order to store sensor data received from the sensor module (SM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlev Wittmer, Wolfgang Babel
  • Publication number: 20140250987
    Abstract: A direct line sampling system includes a flow line for a process flow, a diluent flush line for a diluent, and a sampling valve structure disposed in the flow line. The sampling valve structure includes a sampling chamber and has a first position in which the sampling chamber is in communication with the flow line so as to provide a path for the process flow through the sampling chamber. The sampling chamber captures a sample from the process flow when the sampling valve structure switches to a second position in which the sampling chamber is in communication with the diluent flush line. The diluent flushes the sample to a mixing chamber disposed downstream of the diluent flush line where the sample is diluted. An outlet line extends from an outlet of the mixing chamber to an analysis instrument configured to analyze particles in the diluted sample of the process flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: J.M. CANTY INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Canty, Paul J. O'Brien, Justin R. Hallbach
  • Publication number: 20140238118
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable diagnostic measurement devices for determining at least one analysis parameter of a bodily fluid, in particular for determining an analyte concentration in a bodily fluid as can occur in blood glucose determinations. Also disclosed are analysis systems including the measurement device and at least one disposable test element. The test element can be designed as a carrier strip and can contact a receiving surface of the measurement device at least partially in a flat manner, where the receiving surface is arranged on a narrow side of the housing of the measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Heino Eikmeier, Hans-Peter Haar, Joachim Hoenes, Carina Horn, Ewald Rieger
  • Patent number: 8808625
    Abstract: In a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid, such as a sample solution, on a substrate, such as a glass slide, the dispensing apparatus includes a capillary provided with a distal end and a proximal end, a pump unit configured to pump an operating liquid into the capillary and to pump the operating liquid out of the capillary, and a controller configured to control the pump unit so as to change a position of a liquid surface of the operating liquid in the capillary so that a predetermined volume of liquid is suctioned from the distal end into the capillary and the liquid suctioned in the capillary is discharged from the distal end. As a result, it is possible to precisely dispense extremely small volume amounts of liquids such as a nanoliter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Hiroaki Tao, Masaki Torimura, Takashi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20140227791
    Abstract: A method and system for testing the functional capability of an analytical instrument uses first and second blind samples. Each blind sample is a test substance with an amount of a parameter to be tested that is unknown to the user. Each blind sample is provided with an identification means with a unique identification. When the blind samples are tested by the user in the instrument being tested, the measurement values obtained and the unique identifications read are compared against predetermined values that are accessible to a test program configured as software on the analytical instrument. By comparison of the measurement values and the predetermined values, the functional capability of the analytical instrument is determined and the result is transmitted to an output unit of the analytical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Walter, Félix Bécheiraz, Manuela Gerber, Rolf Rohner
  • Patent number: 8800301
    Abstract: A device is disclosed which is designed to separate water, hydrocarbons and gases, based on the electric characteristics of the materials; the device utilizes the different capacitance of water and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
    Inventors: Consuelo Goberna Selma, José Prieto Barranco, David Yañez Villareal
  • Publication number: 20140190245
    Abstract: Processing a liquid sample (204) having an analyte (206) by reducing a pressure in a container (200) including the liquid sample to less than atmospheric pressure and maintaining a reduced pressure in the container. Reducing the pressure in the container (200) and optionally agitating the liquid sample increases an amount of vapor-phase analyte (206) above the liquid sample. In some cases, a concentration of the vapor-phase analyte is further increased, for example, with a chemical trap (502). The vapor-phase analyte can be provided to a chemical analyzer (302).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: David Rafferty, Abrar Riaz, Michael Spencer, William R. Stott, James Wylde
  • Patent number: 8770049
    Abstract: A device, system and method for sampling sample material for an analyte including a receiving swab, wherein at least a portion of the receiving swab is compressible; a sensor for sensing the analyte; and a casing, wherein the casing at least partially encloses the receiving swab and the sensor and allows for a transfer of sample material received by the receiving swab to the sensor along a transfer path inside of the casing. The compressible portion of the receiving swab is located inside the casing, wherein by compressing the compressible portion, the transfer path is closable towards the outside of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Eduard Gerard Marie Pelssers, Jeroen Hans Nieuwenhuis