Patents Represented by Attorney W. H. May
  • Patent number: 4859301
    Abstract: Capillary zone electrophoresis systems are separated into two zones, one primarily for electroosmotic fow generation and the other dominated by electrophoretic effects, by the use of appropriately selected capillary materials for each region. Detection of the solute zones occurs in the electrophoretic region, minimizing or eliminating entirely the entry of the solutes into the electroosmotic region. The benefit acheived is avoidance or minimization of the adsorption of charged solutes by the capillary wall in electroosmotic flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Brenner, James C. Osborne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4855226
    Abstract: A novel competitive assay for theophylline wherein caffeine-like (7-substituted) labeled conjugates are used to detect the presence and/or amount of theophylline present in a test sample. The use of such conjugates in a competitive assay for theophylline results in improved sensitivity of the assay method. Where the assay method is a nephelometric or turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay procedure, the assay was found to be less temperature dependent than prior art immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Polito, Anthony K. Cheng
  • Patent number: 4750133
    Abstract: A method of validating measurement of a kinetic chemical reaction comprises a first tier of validation to validate the ability of a measurement and detection system to provide accurate data, a second tier of validation to validate the initiation and control of the kinetic chemical reaction and a third tier of validation which verifies first that the expected kinetic chemical reaction has proceeded in a characteristic manner and direction, and second, that parameters of the chemical reaction are within limitations characteristic of the measurement and detection system of a measuring instrument investigating the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Eiskamp, William M. Blough, Robert T. Bell
  • Patent number: 4744657
    Abstract: A record of calibration data containing determined values required for accurate operation of a scientific instrument measuring transmissions or absorbance of light in analysis is provided. A method of maintaining and using the records generated by the instrument permits use of the instrument to determine which records are required for efficient and easy instrument usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Aralis, Barry S. Master
  • Patent number: 4731331
    Abstract: A reagent of the type comprising an acid, a molybdate salt, a non-ionic surfactant, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The reagent is characterized in that it further comprises an enhancing amount of at least one sugar alcohol. Also, a method for assaying inorganic phosphorus of the type which comprises mixing a sample of biological fluid with a reagent and measuring the absorbance of the resulting solution. The method is characterized in that the above reagent is employed therein. The method can further be characterized in that the measurement can be made via a rate technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank R. Shu, James H. Francis
  • Patent number: 4700117
    Abstract: A centrifuge overspeed protection and imbalance detection system is structured to provide a method for detecting rotor imbalance and rotor overspeed. The system has a single transducer to provide real-time data necessary to detect rotor imbalance and control motor speed.Motor speed is controlled by synthesis of a drive frequency signal for driving the inverter motor control. The drive frequency signal may be inhibited to provide slow acceleration or deceleration, or to shut the motor off by providing a zero slip frequency. Motor control is responsive to a Rotor Identification circuit and operator programming, as well as a closed loop response to the real time tach signal.Imbalance detection is provided by counting tach pulses in each of a plurality of intervals, detecting deviations in tach pulse rate and sounding an alarm when the irregularity of tach pulse signals exceeds the limits of a predetermined standard deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Giebeler, Christopher W. Parkes
  • Patent number: 4694861
    Abstract: A random access rotary pinch valve for controlling fluid flow through a plurality of fluid conduits. The valve is adapted to receive and retain the fluid conduits and includes, for each of the conduits, a toggle mechanism comprising a piston and a toggle. The piston and toggle can be latched to pinch the associated fluid conduit to a non-conducting state or may be latched with the conduit in a fluid conducting state. An actuator arm is selectively positioned over the toggle mechanisms and is displaced so as to actuate the toggles from one state to another, thus changing the state of fluid conduction through the associated flexible conduit. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the fluid conduits are arranged about the periphery of an annular valve body and the actuator arm is pivoted by means of the stepper motor over the toggle mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Goodale, Nick Darden
  • Patent number: 4694176
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating quench associated with a liquid scintillation solution wherein the solution includes a sample, a solvent and a solute. The method includes exposing the solution to flashes of light, detecting a pulse height spectrum for scintillations produced in the solution in response to the light flashes, determining a unique point on such pulse height spectrum, and relating the unique point to a corresponding pulse height value, such pulse height value providing an indication of quench associated with the solution. The wavelength of light preferably excites essentially only the solvent and the light flash intensity and duration is such that the pulse height spectrum produced in response to the light flashes does not overlap a pulse height spectrum for the sample in the solution. An attribute of the shape of the light pulse height spectrum may be examined to provide an indication of the homogeneous or non-homogeneous nature of the quench present in the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Horrocks
  • Patent number: 4692137
    Abstract: A centrifuge adapter is formed in two sections divided by a plane that preferably extends through the longitudinal axis of the adapter. The two sections may be substantially identical in a first embodiment, each including a generally semicylindrical portion having a trough therein and further including an end portion. In a second embodiment, the adapter may comprise a first section including the entire bottom end portion for supporting the bottom of a centrifuge tube. The second section is formed generally as a semicylinder. When the first and second portions are assembled in facing relationship the troughs form a cavity for receiving a centrifuge tube therein. The sections of the adapter may be separate pieces, or they may hingedly connected along a pair of adajcent edges. The sections may be connected by projections extending from one section into corresponding cavities in the other section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda J. Anthony
  • Patent number: 4670004
    Abstract: A swinging bucket centrifuge rotor including seating surfaces having shapes which cause buckets seating thereon to be relieved of side loading forces. Each bucket is symmetrical and is pivotally supported by bucket pins that rest in respective spring-loaded carrier assemblies. The spring constants of the springs of the carrier assemblies are selected so that the leading edge of each bucket bottom rests upon a curved surface and clears the respective seating surface before the trailing edge thereof contacts the same. The resulting bucket orientation assures that, upon seating, each bucket rotates until its bucket pins lift slightly off of the surfaces of the respective carrier assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Sharples, Alireza Piramoon
  • Patent number: 4668630
    Abstract: An improved composition of the type comprising a known concentration of at least one enzyme. The composition is characterized in that substantially all of at least one of the enzymes is combined with a stabilizing amount of a reversible inhibitor thereof to form an inhibitor-enzyme complex, thereby stabilizing the enzyme moiety of the complex.A method of stabilizing a composition comprising a known concentration of at least one enzyme. The method comprising combining substantially all of at least one of the enzymes with a stabilizing amount of a reversible inhibitor thereof to form an inhibitor-enzyme complex, thereby stabilizing the enzyme moiety of the complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan L. Louderback
  • Patent number: 4668363
    Abstract: A method comprising (a) applying a sample to at least two application areas on an electrophoretic gel; (b) electrophoresing the gel; (c) aligning a template onto the electrophoresed gel, the template having a template slot corresponding to each electrophoresed area; (d) applying a composition capable of fixing proteins in situ to at least one template slot and applying an antisera capable of reacting with one protein to at least one of the remaining template slots; (e) incubating the resultant product of step (d); (f) removing the template from the incubated, electrophoresed gel; (g) washing the incubated electrophoresed gel of step (f); (h) drying the washed gel of step (g); (i) staining the dryed gel of step (h); (j) destaining the stained gel of step (i); (k) drying the destained gel of step (j); and (l) analyzing the dryed gel of step (k).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gebott, William A. Gurske, Joan A. Macy
  • Patent number: 4661705
    Abstract: A method for use with liquid scintillation flow systems including flowing a mixture comprising a sample and a liquid scintillation medium through a flow detector, the liquid scintillation medium including a radionuclide marker having an energy distribution different from the sample. A pulse height distribution spectrum is determined and a unique point on the portion of the pulse height distribution spectrum representing the energy spectrum of the medium is found, a pulse height value related to such unique point providing a value related to the degree of quench present in the mixture. By comparing such pulse height value to a pulse height value obtained in a like manner for a calibration standard, a degree of quench present in the mixture is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Horrocks
  • Patent number: 4636316
    Abstract: A liquid chromatographic analytical column includes an end cap that is abutted with an end edge of a holder body when the analytical column is fully inserted into a bore in the holder body. An end cap mounted to a precolumn is compressed between the end cap of the analytical column and an end nut connected to a holder union. The holder union has a central passage that admits the precolumn therethrough and a stop that engages a ferrule placed around the precolumn to compress the ferrule against the analytical column end cap to form a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John Harris, Nelson Cooke, Kristine Olsen
  • Patent number: 4607551
    Abstract: A tube-cutting apparatus and method for separating centrifuged materials are shown in which a resilient axial compressive force is exerted on the tube during cutting by spaced tube-holding members; and the cutting knife has flat upper and lower sides against which the severed portions of the tube are held in sealing engagement by the axial force. Independent adjustment is provided for (a) the relative positions of the tube and the cutting knife, and (b) the relative positions of the spaced tube-holding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Herschel E. Wright, Robert C. Wedemeyer, Robert H. Giebeler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4605920
    Abstract: A prescaling device and method including a timer for generating a timing signal at the end of each of a plurality of timing periods and an integrator for integrating an input signal to generate an integrator output signal proportional thereto. The integrator can hold the integrator output signal in response to hold signal. A comparator is responsive to the integrator output signal for generating a signal when the integrator output exceeds a predetermined level. Control logic generates the hold signal in response to the comparator signal and the timing signal whereby integration is halted at the end of one of the timing periods. A counter counts the timing signals to thereby determine the number of timing periods elapsing prior to the halt of integration. The number of timing periods is indicative of an integration timing range which in turn is indicative of a scaling factor which may be applied to the held output of the integrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Naisuler
  • Patent number: 4596462
    Abstract: Spectrophotometer purge apparatus comprising a sample compartment including a plurality of walls defining a first sample purge volume. The apparatus may further include a volume reducing wall and fastening means for removably fixing the volume reducing wall within the sample compartment to thereby define a second sample purge volume smaller than the first sample purge volume. A purge gas inlet introduces purge gas into the sample purge volumes. Further the apparatus may comprise a movable partition forming one of the plurality of walls and the volume reducing wall. In such an embodiment, the fastening means may further include means for removably fixing the movable partition to thereby define the first sample purge volume. The apparatus advantageously enables the sample purge volume to be adjusted as required to thereby optimize purge efficiency in a spectrophotometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Helphrey
  • Patent number: 4595661
    Abstract: An immunoassay for assaying an antigenic substance (Ag) in a fluid. The immunoassay is the type which comprises contacting the fluid with at least one first entity selected from a group consisting of an antibody (Ab) to the Ag, a soluble, labeled antibody (L-Ab.sub.a) to the Ag, and an antibody (Ab.sub.b) to the Ag bound to a solid support (SC). The immunoassay is characterized in that the fluid is contacted with at least one additional entity selected from a group consisting of at least one different type of soluble, labeled antibody (L-Ab.sub.c) to the Ag, at least one different type of antibody (Ab.sub.d) bound to a solid carrier (SC.sub.1), and at least one different type of antibody (Ab.sub.e) to the Ag. The SC.sub.1 is selected from a group consisting of SC, at least one different solid carrier (SC.sub.2), and mixtures thereof (SC and SC.sub.2). Each type of L-Ab.sub.c, Ab.sub.d -SC.sub.1, and Ab.sub.e has a lower average affinity constant (K) for Ag than each respective K of L-Ab.sub.a, Ab.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda K. Cragle, Paul C. Harris, Shih-Yun Lee, Ker-Kong Tung, Morton A. Vodian
  • Patent number: 4589298
    Abstract: A zero backlash device. The device includes a spring loaded bracket for providing a lateral force to the driving nut on a threaded rod. This lateral force is directed perpendicularly to the axis of the threaded shaft thus insuring continued intimate contact between the threads on the driving nut and the threads on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Meyer, Wing S. Pang
  • Patent number: 4589540
    Abstract: A transfer mechanism for movement of sample containing vials from a first position to a second position in an analyzer instrument such as a liquid scintillation or a gamma counting device. The apparatus is particularly adaptable where available space is limited. A flexible transport member permits the transformation of movement in one direction into movement in another direction. Sensors and adjusting screws are incorporated into the apparatus for precisely controlling the travel distance of the transport member as well as precisely orienting the direction of the transport member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Kampf