Patents Assigned to Alere Switzerland GmbH
  • Patent number: 8980177
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic assay device for assaying at least one property of a liquid sample, the device comprising: (i) a liquid sample application region; (ii) at least one test flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; (iii) a reference flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; and (iv) a junction region, at which the test flow path and the reference flow path contact one another, the junction region typically comprising an outlet, conduit, chamber or other portion which permits the onward flow of liquid; wherein a liquid flowing along the reference flow path, upon reaching the junction region, has the effect of preventing the flow of liquid along the test flow path. The invention relates to a fluidic device for the passage of a liquid. It also relates to an assay device suitable for measurement of the amount and/or presence of an analyte in, or property of, a fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen John Carlisle, David Tolley
  • Publication number: 20150031053
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a home test or a point of care test device that can both detect blood glucose and insulin levels and methods using said device. The device and methods can be used to aid diabetic patients and medical practitioners to fine tune insulin administration, and to monitor disease progression or treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ALERE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Piet Moerman
  • Patent number: 8871155
    Abstract: A device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a fluid sample and method thereof, comprises a sample collector and a receiving cup for receiving and holding the sample collector within the receiving cup. The sample collector contains a compressible absorbent member for collecting the fluid sample, and has a first position and a second, locked position within the receiving cup. The absorbent member is uncompressed in the first position and is compressed in the second, locked position. The sample collector or the receiving cup has at least one test element having reagents for detecting the presence or amount of the analyte in the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Yuzhang Wu, Yun Ling, Jielin Dai
  • Patent number: 8865458
    Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: James T. Ramsey, Larry Hartselle
  • Patent number: 8865088
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for use in the determination of the presence of at least one analyte of interest in a liquid sample; the device comprising a reaction zone in which a reagent reacts with the analyte of interest and a bibulous member which, when contacted with the liquid sample, draws liquid therefrom towards the reaction zone; the bibulous member comprising means to change color when wetted by the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Barry Sinclair Brewster, Susan Catrin Day, Peter John Skelly, Jill Crawford
  • Patent number: 8828739
    Abstract: Rapid lateral flow immunoassays have an extensive history of use in both the clinical and home settings. These devices are used to test for a variety of analytes, such as drugs of abuse, hormones, proteins, urine or plasma components and the like. The present invention provides an improved procedural control that indicates to the test user that at least a portion of the applied sample has passed through the test result zone of the test strip, and optionally that the test is complete and the test results may be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Huiyan Guo, Min Wang, Tao Shang, Hui-Kang Chen, Fei Gao
  • Patent number: 8721990
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for the determination of the presence and/or extent if an analyte in a liquid sample over an extended concentration range comprising a first assay and a second assay, wherein the first assay for an analyte comprises a first flow-path having a sole detection zone capable of immobilizing a labelled binding reagent and the second assay for said analyte comprises a second flow-path having a sole detection zone capable of immobilizing a labelled binding reagent, wherein the presence of labelled binding reagent at the detection zones provides an indication of the presence and/or extent of analyte in said liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Balbir Raj, Saji Eapen, Ezra Linley
  • Publication number: 20140093427
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device comprising liquid transport means adapted to take up a liquid sample and conduct the liquid to an analyte detection region operable to provide a test signal indicative of the presence and/or amount of an analyte in the liquid sample; the assay device further comprising a sample presence signal generation means, which is not generated by means of immunoreaction. This sample presence signal generation means can comprise a coloured portion, which is overlaid by a material (e.g. nitrocellulose) that is opaque, when dry, and translucent or transparent, when wet, to allow the coloured portion to become visible to the user. In another embodiment the signal generation means comprises a colour changing material which under-goes a change in its visible properties upon wetting (eg. pH indication). A third embodiment uses a mobilisable detectable which, when wetted by the sample, is carried along resulting in a streaked line parallel with the flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Barry Sinclair Brewster, Adrian Leslie Walker, Robert John Davies
  • Patent number: 8617907
    Abstract: A method for determining the presence or amount of a metal-labelled species in a sample may include causing the metal of the metal-labelled species in the sample to form a soluble electrochemically-active complex which is stable relative to moieties present or potentially present in the sample which will form an insoluble and/or electrochemically-inactive complex with the metal, and electrochemically measuring the formed complex to provide an indication of the presence or amount of the metal-labelled species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Brian Jeffrey Birch, Camilla Sofia Forssten, Alena Kabil, Robert Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20130287650
    Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ALERE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Alere Switzerland GmbH
  • Patent number: 8492136
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic assay device for assaying at least one property of a liquid sample comprising: a liquid sample application region; at least one test flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; a reference flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; and a junction region, at which the test flow path and the reference flow path contact one another, the junction region typically comprising an outlet, conduit, chamber or other portion which permits the onward flow of liquid; wherein a liquid flowing along the reference flow path, upon reaching the junction region, has the effect of preventing the flow of liquid along the test flow path. The invention relates to a fluidic device for the passage of a liquid and an assay device suitable for measurement of the amount and/or presence of an analyte in, or property of, a fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen John Carlisle, David Tolley
  • Publication number: 20130183681
    Abstract: A device for remote management of patients suffering or likely to suffer from heart failure that can measure the amplitude and frequency changes of one or more biomarkers. The device aids in predicting the need for medical intervention in such patients. The device may further aid in monitoring the efficacy and safety of treatment in such patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: ALERE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventor: ALERE SWITZERLAND GMBH
  • Patent number: 8486353
    Abstract: Medical and environmental diagnostic devices are described and claimed. Preferred embodiments feature cup (1) within cup configurations wherein one cup is dedicated, for the most part, to sample collection and another cup (2) is dedicated, for the most part, to assay performance. Communication between the cups is afforded by what is believed to be a unique valve assembly (3) and lid (7) tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Yuzhang Wu, Lijiang Guo, Jeilin Dai, Hsiaoho Tung
  • Publication number: 20130149776
    Abstract: A device for determining an assay result may include a test strip, a light source system, a light detection system, and a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen P. Sharrock, Andrew P. Phelan
  • Patent number: 8454903
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device comprising liquid transport means adapted to take up a liquid sample and conduct the liquid to an analyte detection region operable to provide a test signal indicative of the presence and/or amount of an analyte in the liquid sample; the assay device further comprising a sample presence signal generation means, which is not generated by means of an immunoreaction. This sample presence signal generation means can comprise a colored portion, which is overlaid by a material (e.g. nitrocellulose) that is opaque, when dry, and translucent or transparent, when wet, to allow the colored portion to become visible to the user. In another embodiment the signal generation means comprises a color changing material which under-goes a change in its visible properties upon wetting (eg. pH indication). A third embodiment uses a mobilisable detectable which, when wetted by the sample, is carried along resulting in a streaked line parallel with the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Barry Sinclair Brewster, Adrian Leslie Walker, Robert John Davies
  • Publication number: 20130065245
    Abstract: Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Rutter, Chris Jones, Andrew Ledgeway, James Gani, Bryan Tissington
  • Patent number: 8394626
    Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: James T. Ramsey, Larry Hartselle
  • Patent number: 8377635
    Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of an aqueous fluid in a microfluidic device, which makes use of a fluid gate comprising a UCST (upper critical solubility temperature) polymer and which allows fluid to flow by raising the temperature of the fluid gate above the USCT. Also provided is a device incorporating such a fluid gate and the use of such a device to detect an analyte in an aqueous fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew Antony Brown, Omar Azzaroni, Wilhelm T. S. Huck
  • Publication number: 20130029350
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bi-stable oscillator circuit for detecting a load imparted to a surface. The bi-stable oscillator comprises an electrical amplifier, at least one resonator comprising an electrical transducer having a resonant frequency, a surface of the resonator forming the surface on which the load is to be detected and an impedance network having a resonant frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Matthew Cooper, Alexander Sleptsov, Richard John Hammond
  • Patent number: 8353848
    Abstract: A disposable test device consists of a first portion 2 having a fluid application port 5 to which a sample of fluid can be applied, and a handle portion 3 hingedly attached to the first portion 2 at a hinge portion 4 and which normally lies in the plane of the first portion. In use the device is held by the handle portion 3 and the first portion inserted into a measuring instrument. The handle is then deflected downwardly e.g. by the finger of a person to supply a drop of fluid to the port 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Nicholas Long, Jon Johnson