Patents Assigned to IDEX Health & Science LLC
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Patent number: 10962146Abstract: A biocompatible tube and fitting system that can be used in a liquid chromatography system is described. The tube can have a polymer tip and can be used in conjunction with one or more fitting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: IDEX HEALTH & SCIENCE LLCInventors: Mark Hahn, Scott J. Ellis, Eric Beemer
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Patent number: 10960393Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a single-use, disposable module or manifold for testing and analysis of bioprocesses, as well as a portable and compact device which can be used with the module or manifold. A module comprising a valve, a filter or guard column, an affinity column, and a flow cell is provided with several ports for receiving tubing connections for a sample and one or more solvents, as well as one or more outlet ports for connections to one or more waste reservoirs. The flow cell may use UV light to determine a protein concentration of a sample in one particular example. The module can be connected directly or indirectly to a bioreactor containing the bioprocess and material to be sampled, and can be disposed of once a production run has been completed. In addition, manifolds are provided which can be embodied as a valve assembly, and which can comprise the same components and features as the disposable module. The manifolds and modules are compact and easy to use.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: IDEX HEALTH AND SCIENCE LLCInventors: Victor Simonyi, Darrin Kurt Pickle, James Smyth, Craig Love
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Patent number: 10953348Abstract: A membrane gas-liquid contactor is arranged to define a fluid flow path for contact with a membrane in a manner to improve degassing efficiency. A degassing module housing the membrane is arranged with flow fields for distributing the fluid flow throughout the membrane contact area. The distributed fluid flow may have a uniform membrane contact opportunity.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: IDEX Health & Science, LLCInventors: Quan Liu, Carl Sims, Chris Hankins
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Patent number: 10866405Abstract: An optical shutter apparatus for controllably blocking an aperture, the shutter apparatus having a rotary actuator configured to rotate a shaft about an axis from a closed-shutter angular position toward an open-shutter angular position and a shutter blade coupled to the shaft and extending along a plane that is in parallel with the axis of rotation, wherein a surface of the shutter blade is reflective. There is a ferromagnetic collar coupled to the shaft and having a protruding portion extending orthogonally from the shaft with respect to the axis. A stationary magnet is disposed to attract the protruding portion of the collar and urge the shaft toward the closed-shutter angular position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science, LLCInventor: Stanley W. Stephenson
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Patent number: 10738918Abstract: A manifold assembly has a manifold and can be located between a block and a plate, and serve as a stator for a valve or other component. The manifold, block or plate can have a plurality of ports either integral thereto or removably connected thereto, with the ports adapted to receive and sealingly engage with a tube having an inner tube layer, an outer tube layer, a sleeve, a tip portion, and a nut. Each of the nut, sleeve, inner and outer tubing layers, and tip portion have a passageway therethrough, with at least the passageways in the sleeve, tip portion, outer tube layer, and nut adapted to allow the inner tube layer to pass therethrough or extend over the inner layer. The ends of the tip portion and inner layer together can define a substantially flat surface which can form a seal in a flat-bottomed port of the manifold, block, or plate, which can be used in a component in an analytical instrument system, including for example a liquid chromatography system.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Craig Graham, Eric Beemer, Scott Ellis, Troy Sanders, Carl Sims, Quan Liu, Nathaniel Nienhuis
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Patent number: 10718939Abstract: Presented is a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for selectively switching optical paths. The apparatus includes a directing mirror for redirecting light from an incoming path to one of a plurality of input paths and redirecting the light from one of a plurality of output paths to an outgoing path, and a plurality of input mirrors, each one of the plurality of input mirrors operable for redirecting the light from one of the plurality of input paths to one of a plurality of transition paths. The apparatus includes a plurality of light modifying elements, each one of the light modifying elements in a corresponding transition path and a plurality of output mirrors, each one of the plurality of output mirrors operable for redirecting the light from one of the plurality of transition paths to one of a plurality of output paths.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventor: Jozef Sofka
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Patent number: 10711237Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a single-use, disposable module or manifold for testing and analysis of bioprocesses. A module comprising a valve, a filter or guard column, an affinity column, and a flow cell is provided with several ports for receiving tubing connections for a sample and one or more solvents, as well as one or more outlet ports for connections to one or more waste reservoirs. The flow cell may use UV light to determine a protein concentration of a sample in one particular example. The module can be connected directly or indirectly to a bioreactor containing the bioprocess and material to be sampled, and can be disposed of once a production run has been completed. In addition, manifolds are provided which can be embodied as a valve assembly, and which can comprise the same components and features as the disposable module. The manifolds and modules are compact and easy to use. A portable device for use with a module is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Victor Simonyi, Darrin Kurt Pickle, James Smyth, Craig Love
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Patent number: 10677766Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a first dimension system and a second dimension system, wherein outflow from the first dimension system is separated at a flow splitter under controlled conditions. The flow splitter separates the first dimension outflow into first and second split outlet flows, with one of the split outlet flows being metered to a designated flow rate with a flow metering device disposed downstream from the flow splitter. The flow metering device selectively closes or opens an outlet flow path to define a volumetric flow rate along that outlet flow path, so that the other split outlet flow is correspondingly controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventor: Carl Sims
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Publication number: 20200164286Abstract: A membrane-based fluid degassing system is arranged for automated control to a degassing efficiency set point, so that fluid is degassed only as necessary. The control variable may be assigned as the degassing environment, to provide the gas transfer driving force suitable to appropriately degas the fluid. By avoiding unnecessary degassing of the fluid, mobile phase pervaporation through the membrane is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Carl Sims, Quan Liu, David Wert
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Patent number: 10655761Abstract: A tubing or fitting assembly has an inner tube layer, an outer tube layer, a sleeve, a tip portion, and can have a nut. Each of the nut, sleeve, inner and outer tubing layers, and tip portion have a passageway therethrough, with at least the passageways in the sleeve, tip portion, outer tube layer, and nut adapted to allow the inner tube layer to pass therethrough or extend over the inner layer. The tip portion can be molded over an end portion of the inner tube layer and also over a portion of the sleeve. The sleeve may include a retention feature in the form of a lip which extends into the tip portion, and also a narrower portion so that the tip portion and sleeve remain coupled together. The inner and outer tubing layers can also be retained by an interference fit.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Craig Graham, Eric Beemer, Scott Ellis, Troy Sanders, Nathaniel Nienhuis
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Patent number: 10612711Abstract: A fluid pulse dampener with automatic pressure-compensation is provided. A system of chambers and channels in the dampener creates an internal feedback mechanism that increases or decreases a compensating pressure on the membrane in response to increases or decreases in the pressure of a fluid moving past the other side of the membrane. Variations of the pulse dampener allow for the input and/or output of gas flow is be restricted or increased as may be desired.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Daniel M. Hartmann, Efthimios Tsirlis
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Patent number: 10569224Abstract: A device which includes a pulse dampener and a degasser or de-bubbler. The device includes a fluid flow path and a fluid chamber located within the device. In addition, the device includes a pulse dampening membrane for dampening pulses in the fluid as it flows through the device. The device also includes a degassing membrane for degassing the fluid as it flows through the device, and/or a de-bubbling membrane for removing gas bubbles from the fluid as it flows through the device. The degassing or de-bubbling membrane can be separate and distinct from the dampening membrane. The de-bubbling membrane can be in addition to or in place of the degassing membrane in some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Daniel M. Hartmann, Carl Sims, David Steckman, Leanne Elson
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Patent number: 10520477Abstract: Valve with multi-piece stator assembly for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems. A separate and removable stator plate is provided with a mounting device to provide a multi-piece stator assembly. The mounting device is adapted on one side to engage and contact the stator plate, and on the other side includes a plurality of ports for fluidic connections which are in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate. By making the stator face a separate component, the overall costs of the valve can be reduced, different materials can be used for the mounting device and the stator, and the valve can be used for ultra-high pressure applications, including in liquid chromatography and other analytical instrument systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Quan Liu, Jon Nichols, Jeremy Hayes, Carl Sims, Mark Tschann
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Patent number: 10422452Abstract: Fluidic connection assemblies, ports, unions and other components are provided that are well-suited for use in HPLC and UHPLC, as well as in other analytical instrument systems. Such assemblies, ports, unions and components can be biocompatible.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: IDEX Health & Sciences LLCInventors: Craig Graham, Don Pein
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Patent number: 10393553Abstract: A modular sensor for a fluidic analysis or biological assay system, such as an analytical instrument system, and other systems involving fluid flow, includes a cap and base which include one or more sensors therein, which may be a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and so forth. The base of the modular sensor includes input and output ports for fluid passageways therethrough to provide a fluid pathway which is at least partially adjacent to or near the sensor. The modular sensor may also include an adapter having ports adapted to sealingly engage with fitting assemblies. The sensor may be partially or wholly encapsulated as part of the base of the modular sensor. The modular sensor's base and cap are adapted so that a first modular sensor can be disconnected and removed from a fluidic system and a second modular sensor can be added and connected to the system in place of the first modular sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Kostandin Kareco, Lisa Shinn, Andrew Shaw, Mark Joiner, Troy Sanders
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Patent number: 10384151Abstract: Valve with two-piece stator assembly for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems. A separate and removable stator plate is provided with a mounting device to provide a two-piece stator assembly. The mounting device is adapted on one side to engage and contact the stator plate, and on the other side includes a plurality of ports for fluidic connections which are in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate. By making the stator face a separate component, the overall costs of the valve can be reduced, different materials can be used for the mounting device and the stator, and the valve can be used for ultra-high pressure applications, including in liquid chromatography and other analytical instrument systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Quan Liu, Jeremy Hayes
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Publication number: 20190091609Abstract: A membrane gas-liquid contactor is arranged to define a fluid flow path for contact with a membrane in a manner to improve degassing efficiency. A degassing module housing the membrane is arranged with flow fields for distributing the fluid flow throughout the membrane contact area. The distributed fluid flow may have a uniform membrane contact opportunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: IDEX Health & Science, LLCInventors: Quan Lui, Carl Sims, Chris Hankins
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Patent number: 10143942Abstract: A membrane gas-liquid contactor is arranged to define a fluid flow path for contact with a membrane in a manner to improve degassing efficiency. A degassing module housing the membrane is arranged with flow fields for distributing the fluid flow throughout the membrane contact area. The distributed fluid flow may have a uniform membrane contact opportunity.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Quan Liu, Carl Sims, Chris Hankins
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Patent number: 10113995Abstract: A rotary shear valve having a rotor device and a stator device both with planar faces. The stator face includes a central port located at a common rotational axis, a second port radially spaced a radius R1 from the central port, and a third port spaced at radius R2. The second and third ports are in general linear alignment with the central port. The rotor face includes a first rotor groove extending radially outward from the common rotational axis to a position at radius R2 from the central port. The rotor device is rotatably mounted to the stator device for rotation thereof about the axis, providing fluid-tight, selective relative rotation therebetween between two or more discrete rotor positions. When in a discrete first rotor position, the first rotor groove is oriented in radial alignment with, and fluidly connects, the central port and the second port with the third port.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Daniel M. Hartmann, Darren Lewis, Jon Nichols, Jim Smyth
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Patent number: 10036736Abstract: A liquid sampling system includes a liquid sampling valve for transferring a liquid sample from a primary stream to a secondary stream. The liquid sampling valve includes a rotor having a movable shuttle that is in selective fluid communication with the primary stream or the secondary stream. The rotor shuttle passes through a discharge station prior to completion of the valve cycle to discharge contaminants prior to re-exposure to the primary stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLCInventors: Jon Nichols, Michael Keller, Audrey Schrock, Carl Sims, Carl Servin