With Pipette Contacting Second Fluid Supply Patents (Class 73/864.22)
  • Patent number: 11953474
    Abstract: An injection valve switches between a first state in which a sample loop is connected to a separation flow path through which a mobile phase from a liquid sender flows and a second state in which the sample loop is disconnected from the separation flow path. A pump speed determiner, in a case where a sample intake operation by a syringe pump is started immediately after the injection valve is switched from the second state to the first state, and a filling operation of filling the sample loop with the sample by the syringe pump is started after the intake operation is completed, determines an intake operation speed of the syringe pump that is required in order for the filling operation to complete immediately before the injection valve is switched from the second state to the first state next time using a set injection interval time. The syringe pump operates at the intake operation speed determined by the pump speed determiner while performing the intake operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Iriki
  • Patent number: 11911759
    Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 11846632
    Abstract: A sample measurement device including: a dispensing mechanism that includes a nozzle capable of penetrating through a plug body that closes a sample container and of aspirating and discharging a sample housed in the sample container, and that dispenses the sample into a disposable container from the sample container through the nozzle; a cleaning mechanism that cleans the nozzle; and a first measurement section that performs measurement for an immunological test of the sample dispensed by the dispensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Shiba, Hironori Katsumi, Tsuyoshi Fukuzaki
  • Patent number: 11845044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a liquid sample situated in a receptacle, wherein an attachment device is attached to the receptacle such that at least one fluid line protrudes into the liquid sample and a fluid is directly dispensed into the liquid sample through the fluid line and/or a portion of the liquid sample is aspirated into the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: CYTENA BIOPROCESS SOLUTIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jonas Schöndube, Cheng-Han Tsai, Andre Gross, Stefan Zimmermann, Peter Koltay
  • Patent number: 11609227
    Abstract: A field apparatus (also referred to as a “biosampler”) is configured to automatically capture multiple samples of an aqueous medium (for example, water from a lake) and process same to preserve unstable analytes in the field. In this way, a set of samples from the aqueous medium can, for example, be captured at multiple points in time, processed with a biopreservative to preserve unstable analytes (for example, RNA) and then later collected for further analysis. Alternatively, multiple samples of the aqueous medium can be collected and preserved at one moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: EQO, Inc.
    Inventors: John Sanderson Wade Higley, Erika Nicole Schwarz Taylor, Stefan Karl Schuster, Paul David Higley
  • Patent number: 11499902
    Abstract: A force sensing probe (100) for sensing snap-in and/or pull-off force of a liquid droplet (111) brought into and/or separated from contact with a hydrophobic sample surface (151), respectively, comprises: a sensing tip (101); a sensor element (102) connected to the sensing tip, capable of sensing sub-micronewton forces acting on the sensing tip in a measurement direction; and a droplet holding plate (104) having a first main surface (105) and a hydrophilic second main surface (106) connected via a peripheral edge surface (107), and being attached via the first main surface to the sensing tip (101) perpendicularly relative to the measurement direction for receiving and holding a liquid droplet (111) as attached to the second main surface; the droplet holding plate comprising an electrically conductive surface layer (115), the first and the second main surfaces and the peripheral edge surface being defined by the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Aalto University Foundation sr
    Inventors: Quan Zhou, Robin Ras, Ville Liimatainen, Maja Vuckovac
  • Patent number: 11493485
    Abstract: A sample injection device (100) includes a tubular suction and discharge unit (23) configured to suction a liquid sample (S), contain the sample therein, and discharge the suctioned sample, and at least a portion of an inner wall (23a) of the suction and discharge unit, the portion having the sample contained therewithin, is subjected to a surface treatment (V) to increase an interfacial tension (F) that acts between the inner wall and the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Komori
  • Patent number: 11454639
    Abstract: At least one of method information representing an analysis execution method to be used for analysis of a sample and device information for specifying the configuration of an analysis device is acquired as analysis information by an analysis information acquirer. Syringe information for specifying the configuration of a syringe is acquired by a syringe information acquirer. Based on the analysis information and the syringe information, whether the syringe is suitable for analysis of the sample is judged by a judge. The result of judgement by the judge is presented by a presenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory King, Daiki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 11376557
    Abstract: A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11366126
    Abstract: Provided is an analysis apparatus having a control part having a preparatory action setting part for determination of whether the first and second controls are performed or the third and fourth controls are performed. The first control sets a sleep-planned part to a sleep state at a first time point when the state of non-use of the analysis apparatus has lasted for a predetermined time length, and then causes performance of a preparatory action by a first predetermined part; the second control resumes the operation of the analysis apparatus when a command signal to resume the operation is received; the third control places a sleep-planned part in a sleep state at a second time point when the state of non-use has lasted for a time length; and the fourth control causes a preparatory action of a second predetermined part to resume operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Nishimori
  • Patent number: 11156628
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes a cleaning mechanism performing cleaning to drying of a probe in a short time even with a wide cleaning range of the probe. The automatic analyzer includes: a cleaning tank into which a probe is insertable and which has a cleaning port provided with suction openings; a vacuum tank; a vacuum pump that causes the vacuum tank to enter a negative pressure state, compared to atmospheric pressure; a vacuum bin; a suction nozzle that connects the suction opening of the cleaning port and the vacuum bin; a vacuum nozzle that connects the vacuum tank and the vacuum bin; and a controller. The controller causes the vacuum tank which is in the negative pressure state and the cleaning port to be conducted via the vacuum bin in a period during which a cleaning solution, with which the probe is cleaned, is discharged through the cleaning port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takamichi Mori, Tetsuji Kawahara, Yuichi Iwase
  • Patent number: 11125662
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline matrix matching of calibration standards to samples. In implementations, this accomplished with three independent syringes connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce carrier, diluent, and ultrapure stock matrix flows for each blank, standard, or sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Saetveit
  • Patent number: 11054344
    Abstract: A system includes an analysis system at a first location and one or more remote sampling systems at a second location remote from the first location. A sampling system can be configured to receive a remote liquid sample. The system also includes a sample transfer line configured to transport gas from the second location to the first location. The sample transfer line is configured to selectively couple with a remote sampling system for supplying a continuous liquid sample segment to the sample transfer line. The system can further include a sample receiving line at the first location. The sample receiving line is configured to selectively couple with the sample transfer line and the analysis system to receive the continuous liquid sample segment and supply the sample to an analysis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: David Diaz, Jonathan Hein, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Daniel R. Wiederin, Tyler Yost, Kevin Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10802034
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus configured and adapted to provide less carryover in an automated clinical analyzer are disclosed. The methods include aspirating a scavenger segment (e.g., a buffer- and surfactant-containing segment) into the interior of a pipette along with the specimen or reagent. The scavenger film aids in preventing adherence of the specimen or reagent to the interior of the pipette. Apparatus configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Gebauer, Moses Peter
  • Patent number: 10662599
    Abstract: In general, one aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus comprising: a vertical support member pivotally mounted to any one of a wheel axle, chassis, or landing gear at a first terminal end and coupled perpendicularly to a horizontal member to an opposing terminal end; said horizontal member dimensioned with a first plurality of linear dispensing nozzles oriented towards a bottom portion of at least one wheel, and a second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles oriented towards a top portion of a driving surface, wherein the first and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles are each fed by an air or fluid line that diverges from a single air or fluid line in operable communication with an on-board air-pressure unit; said vertical support member and horizontal member configured to extend into a down-right position electro-mechanically at the first terminal end, wherein the first plurality and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles is positioned less than 24 inches from the bottom portion of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Paul Batushanskiy
  • Patent number: 9844761
    Abstract: A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 9630181
    Abstract: The present invention is such a plug application and removal device that mist which is generated upon plug removal of a sample container or a reagent container is not peripherally scattered, or is such a sample processing device that mist which is generated upon dispensing of a sample or a reagent into a container is not mixed to another container. A plug application and removal device has a container holding mechanism that holds a container housing liquid inside and applied with a plug, and has a plug application and removal mechanism that removes or applies the plug from/to the container. The plug application and removal device has: a control mechanism for controlling movement of liquid or mist spilled out of the container upon a process of removal or application of the plug by the plug application and removal mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nagaoka, Kenichi Takahashi, Toshiki Yamagata, Shigeki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9393560
    Abstract: Method of transporting droplets for detection. An emulsion disposed in a container and including droplets may be provided. Contact may be created between a tip and the emulsion. The tip may be connected to an examination region and may include an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube may form a first open end and surround an enclosed portion of the inner tube. The inner tube may extend out of the first open end to create a projecting portion forming a second open end below the first open end. Droplets of the emulsion may be loaded into the inner tube via the second open end. Loaded droplets may be moved from the inner tube to the examination region. Fluid may be dispensed onto the projecting portion of the inner tube from the first open end formed by the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Ness, Benjamin J. Hindson, Anthony J. Makarewicz, Jr., Amy L. Hiddessen
  • Patent number: 9151709
    Abstract: A multiple flow system and method for detecting substances in a fluid is provided. More specifically, a first fluid tube containing a first fluid and a second fluid tube containing a second fluid are coupled to a common fluid tube via a connector, such that alternating discrete compartments of the first fluid and the second fluid flow through the common fluid tube. The first and second fluids are immiscible. A substance detector, having a flow chamber with an internal wall, is coupled to the common fluid tube. The alternating discrete compartments of the first and second fluids flow through the flow chamber and are analyzed by the substance detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Christine Mary O'Brien, Sagar K. Gupta, John Andrew Viator, Shramik Sengupta, Jeff Mosley, Kyle Rood
  • Patent number: 9140630
    Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Willy Wiyatno, Linda Lee, David Cox, Jim Nurse, Douglas Greiner, Dennis Lehto, Janusz Wojtowicz, Sam Woo, Richard Reel
  • Patent number: 8925375
    Abstract: A multiple loop sample introduction system comprises a valve assembly including a sample collection valve and a sample introduction valve. First and second sample loops are in fluid communication with the sample collection valve and the sample introduction valve to receive aliquots of liquid samples to be introduced into a nebulizer. The valve assembly is operable to port a first aliquot into the first sample loop, while porting a second aliquot received in the second sample loop for introduction into the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 8806966
    Abstract: A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 8683879
    Abstract: A sample injecting device is provided for reducing carryover. The sample injecting device includes the following mode: a needle is set at a low descending speed when sample is injected into an injection port in a total-volume injection manner by the sample injecting device. When the needle is in contact with the injection port, the needle is set at a low speed, thereby increasing the accuracy of the position of the needle relative to an injection hole and decreasing friction between the needle and the injection hole. Contaminants present in the injection hole are prevented from easily flowing from the injection hole into an analyzing flow path, so as to achieve an excellent low carryover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Tomita
  • Patent number: 8623297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, to a system, and to a method for the preparation and fractioned dispensing of samples of a fluid. The device of the invention comprises a body having formed therein guide means suitable for receiving a sample-taker member and for guiding it in translation through the device, and at least one preparation chamber enabling an aliquot of a fluid sample dispensed into the chamber by a said sample-taker member to be prepared in a stream of a suitable reagent. The guide means pass through the preparation chamber and communicate therewith to enable an aliquot of fluid to be dispensed into the chamber in a determined position of the sample-taker member in the guide means. The preparation chamber has an introduction orifice for introducing at least one reagent into the chamber for mixing the reagent with an aliquot, and at least one dispensing orifice for dispensing the mixture formed by said aliquot and said reagent to recovery and/or analysis means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Horiba ABX SAS
    Inventors: Roger Le Comte, Guilhem Couderc, Paul Moreno
  • Patent number: 8438939
    Abstract: A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 8413490
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for obtaining a sample underwater. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a syringe pump comprising a plurality of syringes, a sampling probe coupled to the syringe pump for collecting the sample underwater and an analyzer module coupled to the syringe pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ryan J. Bell, R. Timothy Short, Strawn K. Toler, Bill Huzar
  • Patent number: 8371181
    Abstract: A continuous flow syringe pump includes a first syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing at least one fluid, a second syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing the at least one fluid, and a first valve connected to the first syringe and the second syringe. The continuous flow syringe pump also includes a second valve connected to the first valve. The continuous flow syringe pump further includes at least one outlet connected to the first valve. The at least one outlet is configured to alternate output of the at least one fluid between the first syringe and the second syringe in a substantially continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 8361807
    Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Willy Wiyatno, Linda Lee, David Cox, Richard Reel, Mark Oldham, Jim Nurse, Douglas Greiner, Dennis Lehto, Janusz Wojtowicz, Sam Woo
  • Patent number: 8245586
    Abstract: For aspiration and dispensation of a metering fluid, a pipetting apparatus comprises a work fluid which differs from the former, the work fluid being accommodated in a work space with a variable volume which extends along a channel axis and, with reference to the latter, is formed by a piston-cylinder system at least along an axial section of the channel axis, having a cylinder which delimits the work space along a cylinder section in the radial direction and a piston which delimits the work space in a first axial direction, the cylinder and the piston being arranged so that they can move with respect to each other such that the piston-cylinder system has an axial longitudinal end region for metering, which is open for aspiration and dispensation, and an axial longitudinal end region for work which is closed by the piston, the piston being designed as an outer piston and surrounding the cylinder on the outside in the longitudinal end region for work of the piston-cylinder system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Armin Panzer, Patrick Schelling
  • Patent number: 8192982
    Abstract: A tissue culture microscope apparatus includes a culture unit that includes a chamber in which a specimen is put, and maintains the chamber at a predetermined temperature to culture the specimen; an observation unit that forms an observation image of the specimen put in the chamber; and a liquid supply unit that stores a liquid in a protrusion portion penetrating into a wall of the chamber and protruding to an inside of the chamber, matches a temperature of the liquid with the temperature of the chamber, and injects the liquid from the protrusion portion to the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Hasegawa, Akitsugu Kagayama, Atsuhiro Tsuchiya, Ryuichi Hirano, Kenichi Koyama, Hideaki Endo
  • Patent number: 8117927
    Abstract: A pipette is provided. The pipette includes a body, a piston, and a valve. The body includes a nozzle, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a channel formed in the nozzle. The first chamber is isolated from the second chamber, and the channel is isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is mounted to slide within the first chamber and the second chamber so that movement of the piston simultaneously increases a first volume of the first chamber and decreases a second volume of the second chamber. The valve is in communication with the first chamber, the second chamber, the channel, and an exterior of the body to selectively provide a communication between the first chamber and the channel, between the second chamber and the channel, between the first chamber and the exterior of the body, and between the second chamber and the exterior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Gilson SAS
    Inventors: Frédéric Millet, Hervé Malvoisin
  • Patent number: 7987736
    Abstract: A device for drawing off a liquid from a container comprising a drawing-off needle having a free lower end and an upper end, a suction deliverer connected to the upper end of the needle, and a blower carried by the needle allowing drops of the liquid present on the inside wall(s) of the container in the bottom section of the container to be concentrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Biomerieux
    Inventor: Michel Rapaud
  • Patent number: 7955864
    Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Cox, Willy Wiyatno, Mark F. Oldham, James C. Nurse, Douglas P. Greiner, Sam L. Woo, Richard T. Reel, Dennis A. Lehto, Linda G. Lee, Janusz B. Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 7955865
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Andrea Marziali, Diponkar Banerjee, Jason Donald Thompson, Kurtis Dan Guggenheimer, Jared Raymond Slobodan, Roy Alexander Belak, David Keddie Brown
  • Patent number: 7862774
    Abstract: An analyzer system has an instrument holder that can hold at least two instruments and is movable along a vertical guide. At least one washing device is provided for the instruments, with one or more jet orifices fed by a supply conduit to spray wash fluid at the instruments. The washing device comprises one or more wash rings surrounding the instruments. The washing device is separate from and movable in relation to the instrument holder, and the one or more jet orifices are aimed at the instruments positioned inside the one or more wash rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Karl Lang
  • Patent number: 7819029
    Abstract: There is also provided an apparatus for use on an automated pipette machine for transmitting pressure changes produced by a pump on the machine to a pipette nozzle. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit extends into the chamber and has a first opening positioned in the chamber. The first conduit is fluidically connectible to the nozzle. The second conduit extends into the chamber and has a first opening positioned in the chamber. The second conduit is fluidically connectible to the pump. The first opening of the first conduit is positioned above the first opening of the second conduit. The chamber defines at least a selected volume between the height of the first opening of the first conduit and the height of the first opening of the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Stemcell Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Angus, Fred Davis, Adam Donath, Richard Grant, Dirk Kurpershoek
  • Patent number: 7814805
    Abstract: A pipette nozzle is provided for use on a movable arm on an automated pipette machine. The pipette nozzle includes a body defining a passage therethrough and having at least two seating surfaces provided on the body. The first seating surface is configured to receive and sealingly mate with a first size of pipette tip in a manner such that the first end of the passage is in fluid communication with the first size of pipette tip. The second seating surface is configured to correspondingly receive, sealingly mate and provide passage first end fluid communication with a second size of pipette tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Stemcell Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Angus, Fred Davis, Adam Donath, Richard Grant, Dirk Kurpershoek
  • Patent number: 7803626
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer is for analyzing a reaction liquid in which a specimen and a reagent have been reacted. The automatic analyzer includes a dispensing system, a detector, and a determiner. The dispensing system includes a dispensing nozzle by which the specimen and the reagent are dispensed; and a dispensing pipe connected to the dispensing nozzle and filled with a cleaning liquid. The dispensing nozzle is cleaned with the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The detector detects a discharge amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The determiner determines whether the detected discharge amount of the cleaning liquid is over a predetermined value which is less than a pre-set discharge amount of the cleaning liquid. The determiner determines that the dispensing is abnormal if the detected discharge amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihisa Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7682568
    Abstract: A pipette including a cylinder part having a cylinder and a tip part, which includes a tip channel connected to the cylinder and a movable piston tightly fit within the cylinder for aspirating liquid into and removing liquid from the tip container attached to the cylinder. In the pipette at least the tip part is made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The tip container can thus be easily and reliably fixed to and removed from the tip container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Oy
    Inventors: Kari Jarvimaki, Mauno Heinonen, Juha Miettinen
  • Patent number: 7658121
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction means comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bingqiang Zhao, Quan Gan, Chengwei Sun
  • Patent number: 7617743
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for distributing measurement sample and cleaning tubes. The device comprises a diluent container for accommodating a diluent therein; an aspirating tube for sucking a measurement sample; a first syringe for quantifying the measurement sample; a second syringe for quantifying the diluent; a first switching unit for switching between a first passage and a second passage; a bath; a sample buffer tube communicated with the first syringe; a dispensing tube for dispensing the measurement sample or the diluent into the bath; a second switching unit for switching between a third passage and a fourth passage. A reagent buffer tube, a reagent container and a third switching unit may be further provided between the sample buffer tube and the first syringe, or between the second switching unit and the input port of the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaohui Zhang, Cheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 7550716
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mass spectrometer capable of breaking even a sample molecule having a large molecular weight by a CID process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mass spectrometer includes an ionizing source 10 for turning a sample into ions, mass-separating sections 40 and 60 for mass-separating the sample ions, a detecting section 20 for detecting the mass-separated ions, and a collision section (collision cell) 51 located on an ion path extending from the ionizing source 10 through the mass-separating sections 40 and 60 to the detecting section 20. It also includes a cluster generator 30 for producing clusters of atoms or molecules. The clusters produced by the cluster generator 30 are introduced into the collision cell 51. The use of the clusters having a huge mass as the target gas in the CID process enables the collision energy of the sample ions to be efficiently assigned to the breaking of the ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Furuhashi, Kiyoshi Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20090126516
    Abstract: A microfluidic device provided with a micro-channel structure capable of easily and positively providing therein micro-droplet having various dilution ratios. A micro-channel structure provided in a substrate (2) has a first mixing unit (11) and a second mixing unit (21) connected to the downstream side of the first mixing unit (11), with each mixing unit (11, 21) having first through third micro-channels. One end of a first weighing unit (11d) consisting of a micro-channel having a capacity equivalent to the volume of a specified-amount first micro-droplet is opened to a first micro-channel (11a), and the other end is opened to a merging unit (12a) provided on a second micro-channel (12). One end of a second weighing unit (13d) consisting of a micro-channel having a capacity equivalent to the volume of a specified-amount second micro-droplet is connected to a third micro-channel (13), and the other end is opened to the merging unit (12a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuki Yamamoto, Hiroji Fukui, Minoru Seki
  • Publication number: 20090093065
    Abstract: A metering device for aspirating and dispensing a liquid includes a housing; a pumping medium, preferably a gas containing chamber contained within the housing; a channel having a proximate end in fluid communication with the chamber and a distal end in fluid communication with an external environment; a heat or cold source providing a source of heat or cold to the gas containing chamber; and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor for measuring gas pressure inside the chamber, or multiple chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Zhong Ding, Dave Heavner, Raymond Jakubowicz, Robert Seth Jones
  • Publication number: 20090000402
    Abstract: A hybrid manual-electronic pipette combines a manually driven piston with real-time electronic measurement of liquid volume and piston displacement while compensating for both pipette-specific and pipette model-specific variations. The hybrid nature of the pipette facilitates increased accuracy and improved ease of use, and enables additional functionalities not practicable with traditional manual pipettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Rainin Instrument, LLC
    Inventors: Haakon T. Magnussen, James S. Petrek, William D. Homberg, Christian K. Apple
  • Patent number: 7467751
    Abstract: Devices and methods for depositing fluids on substrates in patterns of spots, lines, or other features use a nozzle, which is preferably configured similarly to a micropipette, having a piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic actuator coupled to one of its sides. The nozzle may be charged via capillary action by dipping it into a well containing the fluid to be deposited, and may then be positioned over a desired area of a substrate, at which point activation of the ultrasonic actuator at ultrasonic frequencies will eject the fluid onto the substrate. The needle may subsequently be dipped into a well of rinsing fluid for cleaning. Spots or lines on the order of 5 micrometers width may be generated, making the invention particularly suitable for use in biological applications such as microarray production and in microelectronics applications such as the printing of organic circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bradley James Larson, Chung Hoon Lee, Amit Lal, Max G. Lagally
  • Publication number: 20080250876
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction means comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Bingqiang Zhao, Quan Gan, Chengwei Sun
  • Publication number: 20080121051
    Abstract: A device and a method for distributing measurement sample and cleaning tubes, wherein the device comprises: a diluent container for accommodating a diluent therein; an aspirating tube for sucking a measurement sample; a first syringe driven by a power unit and used to quantify the measurement sample; a second syringe driven by the power unit and used to quantify the diluent; a first switching unit connected to the first syringe, the second syringe and the diluent container, for switching between a communication of the second syringe with the diluent container and a communication of the second syringe with the first syringe; a bath; a sample buffer tube communicated with the first syringe at a port thereof; a dispensing tube for dispensing the measurement sample and/or the diluent into the bath; a second switching unit connected to an output port of the aspirating tube, the other port of the sample buffer tube and an input port of the dispensing tube, for switching between a communication of the other port of
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yaohui ZHANG, Cheng ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7318359
    Abstract: A sampling device and a system for testing of sample liquid are proposed. Very simple and prompt testing of the sample liquid is enabled in that the sampling device has a reservoir for the dilution liquid and that the taken-up sample liquid can be delivered by the dilution liquid directly to the testing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim microParts GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Blankenstein, Thomas Willms
  • Publication number: 20070175284
    Abstract: A specimen is sequentially sampled by a probe, and at least one of the number of times of cleaning and a cleaning time when cleaning the probe is changed based on at least one of the number of times of sampling of the specimen by the probe and a sampling amount of the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Takehiko Oonuma, Hiroko Takayama