Patents Represented by Attorney Jeffrey M. Greenman
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Patent number: 5174872Abstract: A heavy metal-free composition and its method of use in an ion selective electrode-based assay are disclosed. The heavy metal-free composition includes a borate compound and an alkalinity adjusting compound, and is used to dilute a test sample; buffer the test sample; and substantially reduce the effects of interferents present in the test sample on the ion selective electrode-based assay. The heavy metal-free composition and its method of use are especially useful in an ion selective electrode-based assay for carbonate ion concentration in a test sample, like blood serum, blood plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1990Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventor: William J. Scott
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Patent number: 5149658Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immiscible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of the liquids substantially encapsulating another of the liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immiscible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Michael M. Cassaday, Vito F. Christiano, Bachalli Vasudeva
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Patent number: 5133218Abstract: The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids and reagent and/or other sample liquids processing liquids and to dispense the same in turn into sample liquids analysis apparatus for automatic, successive sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply apparatus are operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating the dispensing probe and operate to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the probe to the substantial exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid between successive sample liquids aspirations, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra low levels.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1991Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Assignee: Tritech PartnersInventors: Kenneth F. Uffenhiemer, Nicholas F. Di Domenico
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Patent number: 5122453Abstract: A flow cytometry method for reproducibly detecting and counting a lymphocyte population of interest in a leukocyte suspension or whole blood sample in which the red cells are subsequently lysed. The suspension (or sample) is combined with a reagent comprising a primary antibody, either native, carrying an attached enzyme or biotin or other label, and a fixative reagent, in either order. Where the enzyme is not attached, an enzyme is coupled specifically to the primary antibody. The fixed suspension is reacted with a color-producing enzyme-cytochemical reagent. The suspension, now including stained and unstained fixed cells, is passed through a flow cytometer and the cells are characterized and counted on the basis of their light-scattering and light-absorbing properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1988Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Grace E. Martin, Robert J. Kanter, Young R. Kim, Leonard Ornstein, Hudson R. Ansley
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Patent number: 5106758Abstract: The analytical device includes a base adapted to support a porous member having dispersed throughout at least one analyte responsive substance which undergoes a detectable response to the presence and concentration of the analyte in the test sample. A cover integral with the base is provided with a reaction well adapted for storing a dried reaction component and for receiving the liquid test sample deposited on the analytical device whereby the liquid test sample and the reaction component form a liquid reaction mixture therein. A passage is included in the reaction well for selectively transferring the reaction mixture therethrough. This passage is normally spaced from the porous member and effectively closed to transfer therethrough of the reaction mixture, and is selectively movable toward the porous member to effectively open to passage therethrough of the reaction mixture whereby the analyte responsive substance will undergo a detectable response to the analyte present in the liquid reaction mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1988Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Stanford L. Adler, John Campisi, Koon-Wah Leong
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Patent number: 5101673Abstract: The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids and reagent and/or other sample liquids processing liquids and to dispense the same in turn into sample liquids analysis apparatus for automatic, successive sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply apparatus are operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating and dispensing probe and operate to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the probe to the substantial exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid between successive sample liquids aspirations, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra low levels.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1991Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Tritech PartnersInventors: Kenneth F. Uffenheimer, Nicholas F. Di Domenico, Stephen L. Weitz
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Patent number: 5075556Abstract: Quaternized derivatives of acridine orange and reagents incorporating such derivatives and their use in quantitatively determining reticulocyte levels in whole blood specimen by fluorescence flow cytometry techniques are disclosed. The quaternized derivatives of acridine orange are of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Y is bromide (Br.sup.-) or iodide (I.sup.-), andX may be R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 substituted benzyl group ##STR2## R.sub.1 is hydrogen or fluorine, and R.sub.2 is fluorine, trifluoromethyl or hydrogen, or X may be hydroxyl ethylene.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1989Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Sophie Fan, Gena Fischer
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Patent number: 5075079Abstract: The slide analysis system includes a slide holding module spaced from an incubator module. A slide transfer device or pick and place mechanism withdraws slides from the slide holding module and inserts them into the incubator module. A metering device deposits serum onto a slide that is held in a spotting position by the slide transfer device. The metering device is movable to a sampling position in the slide holding module to aspirate serum from a serum source on the slide cartridge in the slide holding module and is also movable to a spotting position to spot serum on the slide held by the slide transfer device. The slide transfer device has rotational as well as transverse movement and includes jaws for gripping onto the sides of slides to withdraw a single slide from a cartridge, transport it to the incubator, insert the slide in the incubator and thereafter remove it from the incubator.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Kerr, Edwin H. Mernyk, George E. Zabetakis, Uri Escoli
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Patent number: 5068180Abstract: A substrate for .beta.-galactosidase having the general formula ##STR1## wherein X is halogen; Y is halogen, lower alkyl or hydrogen; W is lower alkyl or hydrogen; and Z is nitro.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1989Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Deng R. Hwang, Mary Ellen A. Scott
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Patent number: 5064955Abstract: A process is disclosed for the non-chromatographic purification of chromogenic cryptahemispherands of the following general formula (II) which are capable of selective binding of sodium ion in aqueous solution: ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl or benzyl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl or benzyl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl or benzyl;Z is halogen;Y is electron withdrawing group, e.g. CN, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, COOR;m is 1 to 3;n is 1 to 3;a is 1 to 3;b is 1 to 3;k is 1 to 2;l is 1 to 2;k and l are not both 2; andx is 2 to 4.The compound of formula (II) is isolated from the reaction mixture by consecutive treatment of the crude reaction product with suitable solents in order to separate unreacted organic components, inorganic material, and polymers and provide a sodium-free final product.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventor: Bronislaw P. Czech
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Patent number: 5064542Abstract: A method for filtering a whole blood sample using a filter element constructed and arranged to block the passage of fibrous and particulate matter which may be present in a liquid sample, such as a whole blood sample, while allowing the blood cells to pass is disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter element is part of an in-line filter assembly which assembly may include two complementary mating components. One component may take the form of a coupling provided with a male threaded portion adapted to be received into and engage the female threaded portion of the complementary mating component. This complementary mating component may be another coupling or an analysis system component, such as a valve. Each complementary mating component is adapted to receive a liquid sample carrying conduit therethrough. The coupling is also adapted to receive a filter mount which holds a filter element constructed and arranged as discussed hereinabove.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Kent M. Negersmith, Gregory A. Farrell
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Patent number: 5061450Abstract: An isolation fluid control device and water cup for use in an automated, random-access, isolation fluid-based, analytical instrument. The cup, in operation, contains two immiscible liquids. The cup is provided with inlets and outlets, and additionally comprises a liquid level control structure and structure operable to permit passage of one liquid therethrough to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1987Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventor: Keichi Aoyagi
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Patent number: 5045473Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immisicible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of said liquids substantially encapsulating another of said liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immisicible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1987Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Michael M. Cassaday, Vito F. Christiano, Bachalli Vasudeva
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Patent number: 5011924Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic cryptahemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;a, b, m and n, same or different, are 1 to about 3; and x, y, same or different, are 1 to about 4.A test device utilizing one or more of the compounds for performing such measurements is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1989Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignees: Technicon Instruments Corporation, The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Donald J. Cram, Eddy Chapoteau, Bronislaw P. Czech, Carl R. Gebauer, Roger C. Helgeson, Anand Kumar, Koon-Wah Leong
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Patent number: 4997768Abstract: Liquid dispensing method is provided, and comprises the steps of periodically rotating a liquid dispenser package to supply a liquid from a liquid supply chamber to a liquid reservoir by flowing the liquid under the influence of centrifugal force through a connecting liquid supply channel, and inhibiting foaming of the liquid while it flows through the liquid supply channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1988Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth F. Uffenheimer, Keith R. Parker
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Patent number: 4992381Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic hemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, methods of using the chromogenic hemispherands and test devices containing the chromogenic hemispherands. The chromogenic hemispherands of the invention have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;m is 1 to about 3;n is 0 to about 3;P is an aliphatic or aromatic subunit, e.g., --CR.sub.2 CR.sub.2 OCR.sub.2 CR.sub.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1987Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignees: Technicon Instruments Corporation, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Donald J. Cram, Eddy Chapoteau, Bronislaw P. Czech, Carl R. Gebauer, Roger C. Helgeson, Anand Kumar, Koon-Wah Leong
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Patent number: 4984475Abstract: The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids and reagent and/or other sample liquids processing liquids and to dispense the same in turn into sample liquids analysis apparatus for automatic, successive sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply apparatus are operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating and dispensing probe and operate to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the probe to the substantial exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid between successive sample liquids aspirations, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra low levels.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: Tritech PartnersInventors: Kenneth F. Uffenheimer, Nicholas F. Di Domenico, Stephen L. Weitz
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Patent number: 4978624Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the rapid determination of a differential white blood cell count in a sample, which method comprises:(a) preparing a reagent solution comprisingformaldehyde or paraformaldehyde;a surfactant;a sugar or sugar alcohol; anda buffer; and(b) rapidly mixing the reagent solution with the sample to be analyzed to form a reaction mixture, wherein both the reagent solution and the sample are initially at room temperature; and(c) rapidly heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from about 62.degree. C. to about 72.degree. C. in order to lyse the red blood cells in the sample and fix the white blood cells in said sample. The invention also relates to the reagent solution of part (a) of the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1988Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: John F. Cremins, Young R. Kim, Michael J. Malin, Louis D. Sclafani
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Patent number: 4971912Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of immiscible liquids are provided, and comprise the use of separator means having a surface which is preferentially "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids. In use, the liquids are flowed from a common liquid source onto said surface with the one liquid being sorbed thereby to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid to thus substantially separate the liquids. The separator means surface may be maintained essentially level to retain the substantially separated liquid thereon, or may be inclined to result in the flow of the same therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity. Alternatively, the separator means may be made of a liquid-permeable material to permit the flow of the substantially separated liquid therethrough and therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1987Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Technicon Instruments CorporationInventors: Steven N. Buhl, Syed I. Ahmad, Arden Grassick
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Patent number: 4946796Abstract: A biological fluid from a first animal species (e.g. human serum) is assayed for an immunogen therein by mixing with the fluid (Ig-minus-Fc) fragments of an immunoglobulin from a second animal species (e.g. rabbit), the immunoglobulin being immunospecific to the immunogen or another component of the mixture whereby the immunogen can be determined. Interference can occur from reaction between first animal species antibodies and the said fragments, and in the method of the invention this interference is avoided or overcome, preferably by also including in the mixture different (Ig-minus-Fc) immunoglobulin fragments from the second animal species which react with said antibodies but not with said immunogen. These different fragments are preferably aggregated. The method of the invention is particularly applicable to particle agglutination assays.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1987Date of Patent: August 7, 1990Assignee: International Institute of Cellular & Molecular PathologyInventors: Daniel Collet-Cassart, Carl-Gustav M. Magnusson, Pierre L. Masson