Patents Assigned to Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostic
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Patent number: 5571682Abstract: A method for reducing interferent bias such as hemoglobin bias in immunoassays using dried slide test elements featuring peroxidase and leuco dye as the labeling mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Merrit N. Jacobs, Paul A. Kildal-Brandt, Thomas C. Arter
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Patent number: 5567387Abstract: A conveyor and a method of providing a reaction cuvette using a conveyor, wherein a sensor is included to sense whether more than one cuvette is being conveyed. Because the cuvettes are received from a stack, one at a time, the sensor determines if two stacked cuvettes are present on the conveyor instead of one, by sensing the presence or absence of a cuvette projecting above the top of the desired cuvette.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Versluys, J. Daniel Riall
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Patent number: 5567617Abstract: A heating assembly useful in apparatus for processing reaction cuvettes for replicating specified DNA sequences, such as those using PCR, having a heating element with a heat delivering surface for compressively contacting a pliable fluid-carrying compartment of a supported cuvette. The heat delivering surface has a defined passage sized to allow the detection compartment to be situated therein so that the compartment can be efficiently heated. Fluid flow through the compartment, however, is not interfered with during the heating process due to the presence of the defined passage. In addition, the heat delivering surface can be made from optically transparent materials so that visual detection within the processor can take place.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Craig A. Caprio, Michael R. Van der Gaag, Charles C. Hinckley, John B. Chemelli
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Patent number: 5565326Abstract: Specific binding ligands can be detected with an assay which utilizes an immobilized receptor for the ligand, a reporter enzyme, an inhibitor antibody and an anti-inhibitor antibody. Both antibodies are specific for the reporter enzyme. The inhibitor antibody effectively shuts down the activity of the reporter enzyme when it is complexed thereto. The anti-inhibitor antibody binds to the reporter enzyme, does not affect the enzymatic activity, but prevents the binding of the inhibitor enzyme. This assay provides a direct correlation of the target specific binding ligand to the signal generated without the use of separation or wash steps.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: John L. Daiss, Kevin M. Gorman, Carolyn R. Hinchman
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Patent number: 5563037Abstract: A highly sensitive homogeneous assay allows for quantitative detection of amplified nucleic acids. This detection is achieved during or after amplification with a high affinity fluorescent dye which is from the class of unsymmetrical cyanine dyes having at least two positive charges and a binding constant (K.sub.b) within the range of from about 1.times.10.sup.4 to about 5.times.10.sup.5 (molar.sup.-1). The reagents used for the assay can be contained in a kit designed for amplification such as by polymerase chain reaction.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: John W. H. Sutherland, David R. Patterson
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Patent number: 5559013Abstract: A method for amplification and detection of a low copy target nucleic acid includes coamplification of a high copy target nucleic acid. After a number of conventional amplification cycles which include a denaturation step, several cycles are carried out during which the denatured products are renatured for a brief period of time. This intermediate step in later cycles of the amplification process reduces the effective concentration of the high copy target nucleic acid available for amplification in later cycles, thereby making more DNA polymerase available for amplification of the low copy target nucleic acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: John W. Backus, John W. H. Sutherland
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Patent number: 5554539Abstract: A method and kit are disclosed for recalibrating a factory-prepared relationship between concentration and expected signal R.sub.exp produced by an analyzer. The method and kit use two or three calibrators at the field to obtain an actual signal R.sub.act for the two calibrators C.sub.low and C.sub.high, for example, and these two actual signals are used to create a ratio of R.sub.actlow /R.sub.explow and R.sub.acthigh /R.sub.exphigh. The first of these is used to correct the expected signals for concentrations below the lower calibrator concentration, and the second is used to correct expected signals for concentrations above the higher calibrator concentration, producing pseudosignals PS.sub.low and PS.sub.high. A straight-line relationship is applied between the corrected PS.sub.low and PS.sub.high, and that relationship is used for concentrations between C.sub.low and C.sub.high.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1994Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Donovan C. Chadney, Kevin P. J. Doyle
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Patent number: 5548109Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circuits coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Randal S. Butturini, Ernest W. Cooley
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Patent number: 5543305Abstract: This invention provides a rapid and highly effective method for extracting nucleic acids from cells or virions without the use of proteolytic enzymes. Extraction is accomplished within a few minutes using a lysing composition comprising a buffer, a source of a DNA polymerase cofactor, a stabilizer and at least one nonionic surfactant which will release nucleic acids from cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes of cells or virions. The resulting mixture is heated to boiling for up to fifteen minutes, and the nucleic acids are recovered for amplification using polymerase chain reaction. No proteolytic enzyme is used in the extraction process.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Cummins, Tobias D. Ekeze
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Patent number: 5543311Abstract: A labeled carbamazepine analogue is described comprising:(A) a label, of the type used in immunoassays, having an amine or sulfhydryl group such as horseradish peroxidase;(B) a carbamazepine nucleus; and(C) a linking chain linking the carboxamide group of the carbamazepine nucleus to the label, said linking chain having about 4 to about 40 atoms consisting of:(1) C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkylene groups; and(2) 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring groups, each group being joined into the linking group through chemical groups selected from(a) esters,(b) amides(c) heteroatoms selected from --O--, --S--, and --NR--; wherein R represents hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl; and(d) carbonyl.The new labeled analogues are useful in immunoassay elements and processes for detection of carbamazepine drugs, for example, in body fluids.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1992Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Barbara A. Brummond, Mohan S. Saini, Ignazio S. Ponticello
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Patent number: 5540827Abstract: An ion-junction fibrous bridge and a potentiometric test element incorporating the same, wherein the fibers extending generally along the center-line between two liquid access apertures in the bridge, are readily capable of conducting aqueous liquid through the bridge, and fibers extending at an angle of at least 20 .degree. from said center-line are not readily capable of conducting aqueous liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Deacon, William F. Gottermeier
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Patent number: 5536664Abstract: There is disclosed a slide test element and method of assay that allows for detection of analytes in biological liquids without the use of any detection reagents. The method uses NIR spectroscopy and a test element comprising a support, and a substantially constant light-path defining layer comprising a diffusely-reflecting material that is a) sufficiently porous in all directions as to allow a liquid to spread uniformly in all directions, and b) homogeneously reflects at least 95% of NIR radiation.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Switalski, Thomas R. Kissel
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Patent number: 5536927Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circulars coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Randal S. Butturini, Ernest W. Cooley
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Patent number: 5536929Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circuits coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Randal S. Butturini, Ernest W. Cooley
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Patent number: 5527709Abstract: The invention is directed to an immunoassay for a thyronine derivative comprising:A. contacting a liquid sample, containing a thyronine derivative, with a labeled thyronine hapten analogue of the derivative in the presence of antibodies for the thyronine derivative under conditions that promote the formation of antibody-thyronine immunocomplexes; andB. determining the bound or unbound quantity of the thyronine derivative in the liquid; characterized in that the labeled thyronine derivative comprises:(i) a label, of the type used in immunoassays, having an amine or sulfhydyl group;(ii) a thyronine nucleus and(iii) a linking chain linking the label to the thyronine nucleus.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Susan J. Danielson, Barbara A. Brummond, Patricia N. Tyminski, Ignazio S. Ponticello
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Patent number: 5528023Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circuits coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Randal S. Butturini, Ernest W. Cooley
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Patent number: 5525514Abstract: A method for verifying the effectiveness of a washing operation on a clinical dry chemistry slide element in which wash liquid is dispensed onto the surface of the slide element and then detection devices are used to verify the effectiveness of the wash by making an initial detection at an on center site followed by making a second detection at a second and off-center radial position. A comparison of the two readings provides verification of the wash. In addition, rate measurements can be made at each of the read positions to measure the effectiveness of the wash and to verify sample application for immunological assays.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Merrit N. Jacobs, Russel H. Marvin, Paul J. Mulqueen
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Patent number: 5523054Abstract: There is disclosed a slide test element and method of assay that allows for detection of analytes in biological liquids without the use of any detection reagents. The method uses NIR spectroscopy and a test element comprising a support, and a substantially constant light-path defining layer comprising a diffusely-reflecting material that is a) sufficiently porous in all directions as to allow a liquid to spread uniformly in all directions, and b) homogeneously reflects at least 95% of NIR radiation.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Switalski, Thomas R. Kissel
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Patent number: 5523368Abstract: Weakly basic ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers and polymers have been prepared. The monomers are represented by the structure (I): ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and R.sup.1 is alkylene of 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The resulting polymers are water-soluble and cationic at acidic pH, but water-insoluble and neutral in charge at basic pH. The polymers are useful for precipitating nucleic acids.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ignazio S. Ponticello, Jerome C. Swartz, Tobias E. Ekeze
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Patent number: 5523056Abstract: An incubator assembly useful in a clinical analyzer having at least two incubators, each having a rotationally driven rotor assembly having a plurality of slide element holding stations, which incubators are stacked one above the other to define a substantially vertical arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, in which the incubators are of varying size, the smaller rotor assembly is horizontally offset so that the outside diameter of each rotor assembly is coincident in one location, preferably an input station, so that slide elements can be loaded into and removed more conveniently from either rotor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventor: James G. Miller