Patents Assigned to Beckman Coulter
  • Multi-gain adaptive linear processing and gated digital system for use in flow cytometry
    Patent number: 9243995
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic processing system for a flow cytometer that uses a processing chip that processes data in a parallel architecture on a sample by sample basis and provides for high throughput of data. In addition, multi-gain linear amplifiers are used which are matched using feedback circuits to provide accurate data and high resolution data having high dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Fox, Thomas L. Thrasher
  • Regenerative braking safety system and method of use
    Patent number: 9246432
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a regenerative braking safety system including an electrical system reversibly coupled to a power source. A motor is coupled to the electrical system. The motor is capable of driving a rotor using power delivered through the electrical system, and is further capable of supplying the electrical system with recovered energy. The recovered energy is electrical energy converted from kinetic energy of the rotor during regenerative braking of the motor. The safety system includes a power cut-off configured to disable the effect of regenerative braking of the motor when the electrical system is decoupled from the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Keen, Jason L. Hessler
  • Low carryover liquid handling probe for an automated analyzer
    Patent number: 9234906
    Abstract: Provided herein is a carryover-reducing liquid handling probe for an analytical system, incorporating a rigid sheath and a polymer core that extends from the sheath to act as the fluid contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Elizabeth Schilling Holmes, Steve M. Alseth, John G. Carver
  • System and method for laser-based auto-alignment
    Patent number: 9221137
    Abstract: In a laser-based alignment system, a laser sensor tool, comprising a laser emitter and detector element can be gripped by a gripper unit of a robotic arm and used to automatically align the robotic arm with a work surface. A landmark on the work surface can be identified by scanning the work surface with the laser sensor in an X-Y plane. A center point of the landmark in the X-Y plane can be determined to align the gripper unit with the work surface in the X-Y plane. The robotic arm can be calibrated on a Z-axis by moving the gripper downward in a z-direction until the gripper unit contacts the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Otts
  • FLOW CYTOMETRY DATA SEGMENTATION RESULT EVALUATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150330888
    Abstract: Systems and methods evaluate the results produced by histogram segmenting techniques. Exemplary techniques assess boundary region decision or placement techniques according to histogram based metrics, population based metrics, or combinations or transformations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: BECKMAN COULTER, INC.
    Inventor: Carlos Ramirez
  • Systems and methods for platelet count with clump adjustment
    Patent number: 9176112
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing platelet parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of platelet conditions in the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuliang Zhang, Mark Rossman, Jiuliu Lu, John Riley
  • System and method for controlling thermal cycler modules
    Patent number: 9140715
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Wilson, Matthew S. Davis, Alan N. Johnson, Garrick A. Maurer
  • Enhancing flow cytometry discrimination with geometric transformation
    Patent number: 9134220
    Abstract: In flow cytometry, particles (2) can be distinguished between populations (8) by combining n-dimensional parameter data, which may be derived from signal data from a particle, to mathematically achieve numerical results representative of an alteration (48). An alteration may include a rotational alteration, a scaled alteration, or perhaps even a translational alteration. Alterations may enhance separation of data points which may provide real-time classification (49) of signal data corresponding to individual particles into one of at least two populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Malachowski, Paul Barclay Purcell, Edward Allan Stanton
  • Method and apparatus for determining white blood cell counts
    Patent number: 9096885
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing white blood cell parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of white blood cell conditions in the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricio Vidal, Christophe Godefroy, Phaisit Chewputtanagul, Jiuliu Lu
  • Isotonic buffered composition and method that enables counting of cells
    Patent number: 9091677
    Abstract: The present invention discloses multi-purpose metering fluid/rinse reagents for use in automated cellular analyzers that use liquid volumetric metering. The compositions contain a chelating agent, an ionizing salt, optionally a stabilizing ion, a buffer, a non-hemolytic surfactant, and optionally an antimicrobial agent. Advantageously, the compositions produce less than one part-per-million of formaldehyde over the course of one year. Methods for using the compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Goldson, Sandra Socarras
  • Specimen container detection
    Patent number: 9046506
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes at least one image acquisition device configured to obtain one or more images of sample containers in a sample container holder. It also includes an image analysis device coupled to the at least one image acquisition device. The image analysis device is configured to analyze, by a processor, the one or more images of the sample containers in the sample container holder, to determine (a) a presence or absence of sample containers at sample container holder locations in the sample container holder, and (b) sample container characteristics of the sample containers in the sample container holder, wherein the sample container characteristics include one or more of cap color, cap shape, labels and markers associated with the sample containers, or one or more sample container holder characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Müller, Andreas Weihs, Gerhard Gunzer, Michael Eberhardt
  • System and method including multiple processing lanes executing processing protocols
    Patent number: 9046455
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Wilson, David L. Anderson, Matthew S. Davis, Matthew D. Erickson, Alan N. Johnson, Garrick A. Maurer, Michael J. Rosen, Mark F. Sauerburger, Daniel R. Schmidt, Joshua D. Wiltsie
  • Pan-kinase activation and evaluation of signaling pathways
    Patent number: 9040249
    Abstract: Methods and reagents are provided for determining the activation state of a signal transduction pathway signaling protein. There exists a need in the art for methods that can monitor the efficacy of a signal transduction inhibitor in a patient. Other needs exist for detecting and monitoring certain disease or disorders that are associated with aberrant activation of a signal transduction pathway signaling protein. The present assay provides a highly sensitive assay that is also useful in patient populations in which obtaining a large cellular sample is difficult, for example, neonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: Beckman Coulter, Inc., University Health Network
    Inventors: David Hedley, Sue Chow, T. Vincent Shankey
  • Solution phase homogeneous assays
    Patent number: 9029092
    Abstract: Methods, reagents, kits and systems are disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte where all reagents are soluble in aqueous solution. One assay method includes treating a sample suspected of containing the analyte under conditions such that if the analyte is present, an activator is brought into reactive configuration with a chemiluminescent compound to activates it. The sample is also treated with an agent to reduce signal not related to analyte. Finally, the sample is treated with a trigger solution thereby producing light from the activated chemiluminescent compound. No reagents are associated with a surface or other solid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Hashem Akhavan-Tafti, Dean G. Binger, Ying Chen, Renuka De Silva, Terri McLernon, James Mendoza, Bruce H. Odegaard, Michael Salvati, Nir Shapir, Wenhua Xie
  • Acoustic concentration method and device and a reaction method
    Patent number: 9023658
    Abstract: A method for concentrating materials in a liquid involves pouring the liquid into a material-containing receptacle and irradiating the liquid by acoustic waves so that a stationary flow pattern with different flow rate areas is formed in the receptacle. A concentration device and reaction method using such concentration are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc
    Inventors: Christoph Gauer, Wolfgang Mann
  • Flow cytometry system and method for applying gain to flow cytometry data
    Patent number: 9025145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cytometer system and method to apply a gain to data measurements to improve the display of the data measurements. The method for applying a gain to data detected in a flow cytometer, involves obtaining measurements from a detector in a flow cytometer, applying a gain to the measurements to produce shifted measurements to allow for improved display of the shifted measurements while maintaining the relationship between data points of the shifted measurements and displaying the shifted measurements on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter Biomedical, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Adeeb Thomas
  • Removable specimen gripper fingers
    Patent number: 9010819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for gripper finger release assemblies for specimen gripper units are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include release elements to enable replacement of gripper fingers without the need of tools or without the need to demount and mount the entire gripper unit for exchange of gripper fingers. A release element may comprise a first sliding element and a second sliding element coupled to a plate such that pressing the second sliding element enables the first sliding element to release a gripper finger coupled to the first sliding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Mueller, Sophia Lauterbach
  • Analytical system with capillary transport
    Patent number: 9007574
    Abstract: An analytical system is disclosed. The analytical system includes a storage container configured to store a plurality of capillaries. It also includes a gripper configured to receive at least one of the plurality of capillaries, and move the at least one capillary so that an end of the capillary contacts a sample in a sample container and draws the sample in the capillary. The system also includes a reader configured to detect a signal from the sample in the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Retter, Yagang Liu, Patty Pang, Brian Peterson
  • Reference control for cell by cell analysis
    Patent number: RE45617
    Abstract: A reference control for cell by cell analysis on flow cytometric analyzers contains cellular analogs made of permeated blood cells containing therein aggregated intracellular proteins and preserved antigenic sites thereof, having cellular membrane permeable to antibodies and a suspension medium. The reference control is frozen after being prepared and thawed prior to use. The cellular analogs further contain a fluorescence marker therein. Further disclosed are a method of making the reference control and a method using the reference control, as an internal or stand-alone control, for measurements of cellular hemoglobin and cellular hemoglobin variant of a blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Van Agthoven, Fabrice Malergue
  • Bottle
    Patent number: D747813
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: Beckman Coulter, Inc., DHR Technologies Ireland Limited (DTIL)
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Onishi, Masato Kayahara, Hiroshi Suzuki, Ryusuke Furuya, Naoki Mukaiyama, Michael Cooney, Marcus O'Neill, Sean O'Mahony