Patents Assigned to MicroParts GmbH
  • Publication number: 20150036121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the scattered light (L2) of particles (P, PK) in a measuring medium (F), wherein a measuring container (1) is supplied with the measuring medium (F) and incident light (L1) is shone through the measuring medium (F) at least in some regions over a certain path length (1) and in a certain direction and the light (L2) scattered from the incident light (L1) is measured within a certain angle range (?). It is provided according to the invention that the incident light (L1) is guided parallel to a longitudinal axis (S) of the measuring container (1). By these measures, known methods can be improved and it is readily possible to use the invention even for very small measuring volumes of the measuring medium (F) with the associated small dimensions of the measuring container (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Christian Vesper, Gert Blankenstein
  • Patent number: 8916110
    Abstract: A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Rodenfels, Gert Blankenstein
  • Publication number: 20140227148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic structure (1), comprising at least one cavity (10) having at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (12), wherein the cavity (10) can be filled with a liquid or a liquid can flow through the cavity and at least one element (13) is provided inside the cavity (10), which element stops the flow of the liquid at least temporarily and/or diverts the flow of the liquid at least in some regions within the cavity (10). According to the invention, the at least one element (13) is formed by a recess (13) introduced into a wall of the cavity (10), which recess (13) has at least one first region (14) at which the liquid stops at least temporarily and/or is diverted at least in some regions and at least one second region (15) at which the liquid preferably flows into the recess (13). Such a microfluidic structure makes it possible to fill the cavity (10) without air inclusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Oliver Paul
  • Patent number: 8795607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for a fluid for metering a reagent into a microfluidic system. The container comprises a chamber (4) and a first film (3) which seals off the chamber (4) so that the fluid is encapsulated in the chamber. Advantageously, the first film (3) is an aluminum sealing film. A second film (7) is sealingly arranged on the first film, for example by adhesive bonding of the film layers. The films differ in their tear strength such that when pressure is applied simultaneously to both films the first film tears while the second film deforms elastically and/or plastically. By tearing the first film a connection is produced between the container chamber and an inlet channel so that a fluid contained in the chamber flows into the microfluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Berthold Lange, Dirk Osterloh
  • Publication number: 20140166108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic platform (1) having at least one means (12) for initiating a movement of a liquid (P), in particular a sample liquid, between at least two locations (100, 101) of the microfluidic platform (1). It is proposed according to the invention that the means (12) is embodied as an element of changeable volume and/or shape and is mounted on a cover-like component (11) that is movably connected to the microfluidic platform (1). By moving of the component (11) the element (12) can be brought into a position such that, by changing its volume and/or shape, it causes the liquid (P) situated at the location (100) to be moved at least partly from this location (100) to the other location (101). In this way a sample liquid (P) can be transferred from a sample application point (100) to a sample utilisation area (101) in a very simple and reliable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Tobias Rodenfels, Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong, Gert Blankenstein
  • Publication number: 20140160877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing at least one sample solution (P) with at least one reagent (R) in at least one chamber (2) of a microfluidic cartridge (MC) and a device for carrying out the method. It is provided according to the invention that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by means of at least one movable component (11). In this way the loss of sample liquid (P) or analyte can be reduced. A device for carrying out the method is also proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Berthold Lange, Christian Schoen, Tobias Eichmann
  • Publication number: 20140150890
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for washing at least one cavity (20?) in a microfluidic component, the cavity (20?) containing a first liquid (F1) and at least one second liquid (F2) being supplied to the cavity (20?) for washing. According to the invention an air bubble (L) is supplied to the cavity (20?) before the washing liquid (F2) is introduced. The air bubble (L), which acts as a virtual barrier layer between the first liquid (F1) and the washing liquid (F2) that follows it enables the washing efficiency to be increased considerably. Overall, this method leads to a saving in washing liquid (F2) and washing time. Moreover, a microfluidic component is proposed for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stoeters, Ying Yu, Silke Knoll
  • Patent number: 8741136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Bartos
  • Publication number: 20140131247
    Abstract: Method for completely filling a cavity, in particular a blister of a blister packaging, with a liquid, and semifinished product for use in such a method. The invention relates to a method for filling at least one cavity (11), particularly a blister of a blister packaging, with a liquid (F) and comprises at least the following steps: partly filling (S1) a cavity (10) of a semifinished product (1) containing at least two cavities (10, 11) with the liquid (F), covering (S2) the semifinished product (1) at least in some areas, so as to prevent the escape of liquid (F) from the semifinished product (1), displacing (S4) at least some of the liquid (F) from the already partially filled cavity (10), such that at least one other cavity (11) is completely filled by a portion of the displaced liquid and another portion of the displaced liquid at least partially fills at least one overflow (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Osterloh, Berthold Lange
  • Publication number: 20140134595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filtering a liquid sample, wherein first capillary-driven filtration occurs and, after initial filling, pressure-operated filtration is performed by applying a vacuum or a positive pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Dirk Osterloh, Ying Yu
  • Patent number: 8709353
    Abstract: A device, particularly a microfluidic system, is proposed, in which two cavities are arranged spatially close to one another and are sealed off from one another by a common cover. A fluidic connection can be produced between the cavities by movement of a pin-shaped body towards the cover. In this way it is possible to release a reagent in controlled manner without having to put it under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Lange, Tobias Rodenfels, Wolfgang Stoeters, Markus Voigt
  • Publication number: 20140112841
    Abstract: A device and a method for separating a supernatant of a liquid sample are proposed, in which an outlet is closed off by a water-soluble membrane that dissolves after a certain length of time so that the supernatant of the sample is automatically drained away after centrifugation. The water-soluble membrane may in principle may also be used for other purposes for temporarily retaining a liquid in a holding chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Schoen, Tanja Thiele
  • Publication number: 20140114240
    Abstract: A device and a method are proposed for actuating a carpule, in which a piston is displaced in the carpule by means of a ram that is telescopically extensible by rotation, and in this way a liquid medicament formulation is expelled. For carrying out different processes, different operating movements are provided, particularly the operation of an operating element in different directions and/or the operation of different operating elements. This promotes simple, intuitive and safe operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Joedicke, Berthold Lange, Thomas Willms, Ying Yu
  • Publication number: 20140000223
    Abstract: A method for filling a cavity, of a packaging, particularly a blister packaging, with a liquid and a packaging suitable for this purpose are proposed. The cavity is completely filled with the liquid by an acceleration force or by continuous throughflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Osterloh, Dirk Kurowski, Tobia Rodenfels, Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Eichmann, Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong
  • Publication number: 20130341265
    Abstract: A device is proposed having a separating device for filtering a liquid sample and having a conveying device. A positive pressure or negative pressure can be generated by means of the conveying device, for accelerating or assisting the filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Marc Grolla, Gert Blankenstein, Dirk Osterloh
  • Publication number: 20130341231
    Abstract: A packaging is proposed, particularly a blister packaging, having at least one cavity for holding a liquid. The packaging comprises a capillary stop for the liquid which surrounds the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Berthold Lange, Wolfgang Stoeters, Tanja Thiele, Markus Voigt
  • Publication number: 20130327672
    Abstract: A packaging, particularly a blister packaging, is proposed, having at least one cavity for holding a liquid and having an integrated opening device. The packaging can be used as a reservoir for a liquid for connecting to a fluidic assembly. The packaging is opened by partial deformation of the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Oliver Paul
  • Patent number: 8580209
    Abstract: A microfluidic device meters liquids into a network of channels or chambers partly formed by a film partly attached to and above a substrate, the network permitting flow of fluid above the substrate. To form a channel or chamber, the edge zone between unattached and attached portions of the film forms a wedge of material by viscous flow of film material as the film is laminated to the substrate, this wedge forming a transition between the chamber wall and the substrate, raising the wall above the plane of the substrate. Film is laminated with a mask having an opening, the mask pressed onto the film under pressure and/or with heat. The film is brought to a temperature to produce a viscous flow of film and/or substrate medium into the region of the opening, forming a wedge of material as the film bulges up at the opening to form a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Mario Hempel, Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Rodenfels
  • Patent number: 8580072
    Abstract: A device for the intake or manipulation of a fluid, in particular, a liquid, and a method for the production of a device of this type in which a flat, non-preformed covering film is laminated onto a carrier, a three-dimensionally shaped or convex chamber wall being formed solely by means of the laminating process. The chamber wall which forms a boundary of a chamber for the fluid is partially deformable. The device is simple to produce and can be used universally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim microParts GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Rodenfels, Dirk Kurowski, Mario Hempel
  • Publication number: 20130263847
    Abstract: In a method of producing trench-like depressions (24) in the surface of a wafer (27), particularly a silicon wafer, by plasma etching, in which the depressions (24) are produced by alternate passivation and etching, each depression (24) in its final geometry is provided with a protective layer (30) of the polytetrafluoroethylene type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus KADEL