Patents Assigned to Beckman Instruments
  • Ultracentrifuge tube with multiple chambers
    Patent number: 4511349
    Abstract: A thin-wall centrifuge tube having multiple chambers for use in fluid sample investigation with an ultracentrifuge. More particularly, the multiple chamber ultracentrifuge tube can be used, for example, in lipoprotein separation. The ultracentrifuge tube may have two or more separate chambers which, subsequent to centrifugation, can be sealed from each other to retain the separated constituents of the sample under investigation. The chambers in the tube are joined by a constricted area which permits fluid communication between the chambers. The tube is designed to be used in conjunction with a support spacer adjacent the constriction in the tube so that the tube is properly supported during high speed centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Nielsen, Carleton C. Lee
  • Double antibody immunoassays of enzymes such as prostatic acid phosphatase
    Patent number: 4510239
    Abstract: A method, kit and a solution for assaying enzyme, such as prostate acid phosphatase (PAP), in a sample. The sample is contacted with a first antibody (Ab.sub.1) against the enzyme and incubated. The resulting Ab.sub.1 -enzyme complex is contacted with a second antibody (Ab.sub.2) specific for Ab.sub.1. The resulting Ab.sub.2 -Ab.sub.1 -enzyme complex precipitates out of the medium. The precipitated complex is separated and solubilized with a pH controlled solution of gamma globulin. The resulting solution is then assayed for enzyme activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Miller, Stella S. M. Quan
  • Sample handling apparatus
    Patent number: 4506777
    Abstract: Sample handling apparatus for circulating one or more sample holders along a rectilinear path in a sample holder storage compartment and past an operating station at which the holders may be removed from and then returned to the compartment. First and second parallel conveyors on opposite sides of the operating station drive the holders toward and away from the operating station. Lateral drivers engage the holders in longitudinal stop positions at opposite ends of the conveyors and drive them laterally between conveyors to lateral stop positions, one of the holders during lateral movement being driven into and away from an operative position at the operating station. A movable sample compartment divider between the conveyors is indexed in synchronism with the lateral drivers to engage and stabilize the sample holder at the operating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Kampf
  • Sample handling apparatus
    Patent number: 4503964
    Abstract: Sample handling apparatus for circulating one or more sample holders along a rectilinear path in a sample holder storage compartment and past an operating station at which the holders may be removed from and then returned to the compartment. First and second parallel conveyors on opposite sides of the operating station drive the holders toward and away from the operating station. Lateral drivers engage the holders in longitudinal stop positions at opposite ends of the conveyors and drive them laterally between conveyors to lateral stop positions, one of the holders during lateral movement being driven into and away from an operative position at the operating station. A movable sample compartment divider between the conveyors is indexed in synchronism with the lateral drivers to engage and stabilize the sample holder at the operating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Kampf, Richard W. Winn
  • Centrifuge bucket hanger with loading ramp
    Patent number: 4501565
    Abstract: A hanger for supporting one side of a swinging bucket in a centrifuge rotor. The hanger is adapted for use in pairs, mounted one on each side of a space in a rotor, for containing a swinging bucket. The hanger is provided with an opening for receiving the pivot pins of the bucket and supporting it thereby. Ramp means are disposed on the upper side of the hanger for guiding the pivot pin of the bucket into the opening in the hanger, thereby enabling the pivot pin to be self-seating in the hanger through the effect of gravity when the bucket is deposited in the rotor. The hanger includes spring means for enabling the pivot axis of the bucket to move radially outward in response to centrifugal force and enable the bucket to engage a portion of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Alireza Piramoon
  • Apparatus for minimizing beam collimation sensitivity in optical instruments including liquid crystal cells
    Patent number: 4497542
    Abstract: In an optical instrument including a birefringent liquid crystal cell of the type consisting of a pair of transparent plates and a zero-twist, nematic-phase, liquid crystal material with a positive dielectric anisotropy between the plates, the liquid crystal molecules being oriented in and tilting in a plane perpendicular to the cell plates, a beam of light being conducted through the cell, generally normal to the plates thereof, it has been observed that if all of the rays of the beam are not collimated, each ray will suffer a different retardation in passing through the cell and this is unacceptable in most applications. This problem is minimized, according to the present invention, by using a filament light source positioned with the filament axis normal to the plane of the tilting molecule axes or by using two liquid crystal cells between a pair of polarizers, one of the cells being rotated 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur I. Kaye
  • Multiple object capturing and processing device
    Patent number: 4495150
    Abstract: A device for handling and washing beads. The device is attachable to a test tube rack and includes a frame, a containing slide, and a capture slide. By manipulating the slides in various combinations of positions the beads may be added to, removed from, or separately washed apart from test tubes in the rack. Complete and easy washing of the beads may thus be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Cook, Morton A. Vodian, Otto Haunold
  • Method for driving a stepper motor
    Patent number: 4490665
    Abstract: A method for driving a stepper motor. The method includes varying the width of the high level drive impulses of a bi-level drive system based on the desired speed to be achieved by the stepper motor. A microprocessor is used to vary the pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Meyer, Peter Kan
  • Method for measuring ionic concentration utilizing an ion-sensing electrode
    Patent number: 4490234
    Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a gas. The method includes circulating an electrolyte solution between an electrode and a gas-permeable, ion-impermeable membrane spaced from said electrode. The ionic concentration is measured after the circulating electrolyte has been stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund E. Buzza
  • Apparatus for transporting sample holders
    Patent number: 4488633
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting elongated sample holders in a sample holder storage compartment past an operating station at which sample tubes contained in the sample holders may be removed and then returned to the sample holders. First and second parallel conveyors on opposite sides of the operating station drive the holders toward and away from the operating station. A lateral drive system engages the holders in longitudinal stop positions at opposite ends of the conveyors and drives them laterally between the conveyors to lateral stop positions, one of the holders during lateral movement being driven into and away from an operative position at the operating station. Encoded labels are displayed on each sample holder for indicating the incremental spacing between the sample tubes carried in the sample holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Kampf
  • Apparatus for sensing linear and rotational position between a screw element and a threaded member
    Patent number: 4488051
    Abstract: Apparatus for establishing a "home" position for a load element driven axially along the lead screw. A position sensor includes a first sensor element attached for axial travel with the load element and a second sensor element attached for rotation with the lead screw. The pair of sensor elements is operatively aligned at a predetermined relative axial and rotational position establishing the "home" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Brown, Roy W. Aday, Jr.
  • Shell type centrifuge rotor retaining ruptured tube sample
    Patent number: 4484906
    Abstract: A rotor adapted for containing a plurality of sample tubes and for retaining the contents of such tubes if any should rupture while in the rotor. The rotor includes an upper shell and a lower shell connected by a central hub interposed therebetween. Provision is made for coupling the hub to a drive shaft. The upper shell has a substantially frustoconical shape and a recessed top surface. The top surface has a form generally corresponding to the interior of an inverted frustum. A plurality of sample tubes are disposed in a circular locus in the top of the rotor. The lower shell of the rotor has a bottom formed with upturned inwardly sloping conical sides. The sides are disposed such that their uppermost portion is proximate the upper shell. In the event that one or more tubes ruptures while in the rotor, the contents will be retained in the lower shell rather than spilling into the rotor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Strain
  • Sterilizable pH electrode and method for producing the same
    Patent number: 4485001
    Abstract: A pH electrode which is capable of withstanding repeated exposures to sterilizing temperatures. An electrode body having a pH sensing member is at least partially filled with a bed of electrochemically inert particles. After an internal reference is inserted into the particle bed, the bed is injected with a quantity of electrolyte which is sufficient to establish continuity between the sensing member and the internal reference, but which is not sufficient to produce destructive internal pressures when the electrode is subjected to sterilizing temperatures. The electrode is completed by forming a seal between the electrode body and the internal reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Harman, III, Radhakrishna M. Neti
  • Fetal lung maturation tester
    Patent number: D276265
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Boris
  • Fetal lung maturation tester
    Patent number: D276266
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Boris
  • Fetal lung maturation tester
    Patent number: D276267
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Boris
  • Fetal lung maturation tester
    Patent number: D276268
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Boris
  • Fetal lung maturation tester
    Patent number: D276269
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Boris
  • Fetal lung maturation tested
    Patent number: D276270
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Boris
  • Amino acid analyzer
    Patent number: D277979
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh O. Brown, James R. Lindsay