Patents Examined by Chris L Chin
  • Patent number: 9312811
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bi-stable oscillator circuit for detecting a load imparted to a surface. The bi-stable oscillator comprises an electrical amplifier, at least one resonator comprising an electrical transducer having a resonant frequency, a surface of the resonator forming the surface on which the load is to be detected and an impedance network having a resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Matthew Cooper, Alexander Sleptsov, Richard John Hammond
  • Patent number: 9304130
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with trenches for detection of analytes with electromagnetic read heads. The sample assembly includes an outer layer with at least one sample trench. The sample trench includes a first set of antibodies that are bonded on a first surface of a base layer. Target antigens are bonded with the first set of antibodies, and a second set of antibodies are bonded to the target antigens. Further, the sample trench includes nanoparticles that are bonded to the second set of antibodies. A head module includes a write head for magnetizing nanoparticles and a read sensor for detecting the magnetized nanoparticles, and thus, the target antigens. The sample trench constrains the biological sample, and thus the target antigen, during the preparation and subsequent analysis of the biological sample. Accordingly, the target antigen is aligned with read elements of a head module such that the target antigen is reliably and accurately detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Stephen L. Schwartz, Anna Wanda Topol, Sandra L. Waters, Daniel J. Winarski
  • Patent number: 9291549
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Eric Schwoebel, James Harper, Martha S. Petrovick, Frances Nargi, Mark Hollis, Bernadette Johnson, Joseph Lacirignola, Richard Mathews, Kristine Hogan, Trina Vian, Allan Heff, Mark Hennessy, Songeeta Palchaudhuri, Todd Rider
  • Patent number: 9285361
    Abstract: There is provided a method for the analysis of circulating antibodies comprising the steps: a) providing an analysis device comprising a substrate, and provided on said substrate at least one sample addition zone, at least one retaining zone, at least one sink, and at least one flow path connecting the sample addition zone, the retaining zone and the sink, wherein the flow path is open and comprises projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such that lateral capillary flow of said sample is achieved and such that cells can flow through the projections, wherein said retaining zone comprises at least one affinity binding means to which cell structures are bound, b) adding at least one sample to a sample addition zone, and c) reading a result, wherein circulating antibodies directed against cell structures are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON & JOHNSON AB
    Inventors: Ib Mendel-Hartvig, Christer Pettersson, Gerd Rundström
  • Patent number: 9274105
    Abstract: An integrated chromatography-immunoassay system for integrated chromatography-immunoassay system includes a chromatographic unit that receives labeled nano-structured probes comprising nano particles and antibodies attached to the nano particles, and a test membrane comprising coating antigens. The chromatographic unit allows the labeled nano-structured probes to diffuse there through and into the test membrane, wherein the antibodies on the nano particles are bound to the coating antigens. A laser device emits a laser light to illuminate the labeled nano-structured probes having the antibodies bound to the coating antigens on the test membrane. A spectral analyzer obtains a Raman spectrum from light scattered from the labeled nano-structured probes having the antibodies bound to the coating antigens on the test membrane, and to identify a spectral signature in the Raman spectrum associated with the antibody-antigen pair, which enables detection and identification of the antibody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Optrotrace (SuZhou) Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xun Guo, Chunwei Liu, Anping Deng, Huafang Chang, Hong Wang
  • Patent number: 9274056
    Abstract: The present invention includes an assay method for detecting an analyte in a sample. The assay includes a solid surface such as a nitrocellulose membrane. It also includes providing a sample is applied to the solid surface and detecting the presence or absence of the analyte using a fluorescent label from a lanthanide label. The invention also includes a device for detecting the fluorescence in or on an assay test strip. The device includes a housing, a solid surface and an ultraviolet radiation emitting LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Hudak, Ian Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9261502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test system for visual analysis and to the use thereof in the point-of-care testing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: DST DIAGNOSTISCHE SYSTEME & TECHNOLOGIEN GMBH
    Inventors: Lars Von Olleschikelbheim, Mark Hünken, Marc Dangers, Olaf Putensen
  • Patent number: 9255923
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the simultaneous detection and quantitative measurement of multiple biomolecules, e.g., pathogen biomarkers through either a sandwich assay approach or a lipid insertion approach. The invention can further employ a multichannel, structure with multi-sensor elements per channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Harshini Mukundan, Hongzhi Xie, Basil I. Swanson, Jennifer Martinez, Wynne K. Grace
  • Patent number: 9250235
    Abstract: Object: To provide a test reagent for the analyte in a test sample, utilizing the level of agglutination of a particle suspension which suspend insoluble carrier particles carrying a substance for capturing the analyte as an indicator, which reagent does not undergo self-agglutination during storage, and which non-specific agglutination rarely occurs during measurement, as well as to provide a method for the analyte to be measured in a test sample. Means for Solution: The test reagent for the analyte comprises at least a Solution A which is a buffer solution having an electric conductivity of not less than 30 ms/cm; and a Solution B having an electric conductivity of not more than 6.5 ms/cm, the Solution B being a particle suspension which suspends particles which are insoluble carrier particles carrying a substance for capturing the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: DENKA SEIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Iizuka, Mayumi Kano
  • Patent number: 9250236
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for preventing interfering substances from affecting the accuracy of a lateral flow immunoassay. In preferred embodiments, a test strip includes a capturing zone that includes at least one mobile capturing reagent that separates at least one interfering substance from the analyte. The capturing zone is preferably located upstream of the sample application zone. In some embodiments, the reagent/conjugate zone is also located upstream of the sample application zone. The capturing zone may be located upstream, downstream, or overlapping with the reagent/conjugate zone in these embodiments. In other preferred embodiments, one or more mobile capturing reagents are included in the elution medium/running buffer. In yet other embodiments, the capturing reagent is incorporated into a sample collection device of a sample collection system, preferably separate from the chromatographic test strip. A lysis zone is also included in some preferred embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc.
    Inventors: Uma Mahesh Babu, Franz Aberl, Marcus Scheibenzuber, Robert P. Sambursky, Robert W. VanDine, Jose S. Sambursky
  • Patent number: 9242245
    Abstract: A floating chamber set may include a plurality of containers coupled to a frame such that each container translates vertically within a limited vertical range independent of the other containers. Each container may be perforated to allow liquid penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Alex Leo Kolodkin, Terry Harrison Shelley, Shih-Hsiu Wang, Ivana Celic
  • Patent number: 9234891
    Abstract: A method of immobilizing a target molecule on a substrate, which comprises exposing the target molecule to the substrate in the presence of a metal complex, wherein the target molecule is an unmodified target molecule, and wherein the metal complex is selected to provide a stable binding interaction between the target molecule and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: ANTEO TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Benjamin Ward Muir, Michael C. Barden, Dennis Brian Rylatt, N. Joe Maeji, Carmel Judith Hillyard, Alain-Dominique Jean-Pierre Gorse, Raisa Leonidovna Monterio
  • Patent number: 9217746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting and/or measuring scattering effects due to the aggregating metallic nanostructures or the interaction of plasmonic emissions from approaching metallic nanoparticles. The scattering effects may be measured at different angles, different wavelengths, changes in absorption and/or changes in polarization relative to changes in the distances between nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventor: Chris D. Geddes
  • Patent number: 9216412
    Abstract: Series of bio-detection elements, shown as short hollow transparent reaction vessels (32), batch-surface-coated with capture-agent, are placed in channel of larger width (a3; c8; 15; 28; 44), and fixed by flexible or elastomeric over-lying sheet (a1; c7; 13; 38). Portions of sheet form pneumatically-activated pistons (22; 36) and valves (23-27; 54) to produce and control channel flow. Overlying sheet is of reflectively-coated Mylar (b4) or PDMS, bonded with channel-defining structure. PDMS sheet is surface-activated for molecular-bond with PDMS channel-defining structure, molecular-bond with PDMS-valve-seat-forming portions (34) defeated by repeated make-and-break contact during cure. Pick-and-place of detection elements in channel employs electrostatic attraction to seize elements, enabling tool removal. Rigidly-backed parts are brought together to channel-fix detection elements. Active capture-agent on batch-coated bio-elements defeated by shear-force removal or laser-scanning deactivation, so, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CYVEK, INC.
    Inventors: Martin A. Putnam, Jeffrey T. Branciforte, Charles O. Stanwood
  • Patent number: 9207248
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample. In some embodiments, methods and devices for the detection of an antigen in a body fluid using a plurality of species-specific antibodies are provided. A sandwich complex may be formed using primary antibodies derived from two different species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC.
    Inventors: Albert R. Nazareth, Timothy Snowden, Mary-Beth Boyle
  • Patent number: 9207236
    Abstract: Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Patent number: 9207241
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an assay for detecting and differentiating multiple analytes, if present, in a single fluid sample, including devices and methods therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Quidel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Lambotte, Michael Cerrito, Cecille Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9194921
    Abstract: A biological detector includes a conduit for receiving a fluid containing one or more magnetic nanoparticle-labeled, biological objects to be detected and one or more permanent magnets or electromagnet for establishing a low magnetic field in which the conduit is disposed. A microcoil is disposed proximate the conduit for energization at a frequency that permits detection by NMR spectroscopy of whether the one or more magnetically-labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignees: STC.UNM, Sandia Corporation, ABQMR, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurel Sillerud, Todd M. Alam, Andrew F. McDowell
  • Patent number: 9176142
    Abstract: Incorporation of modified branched polymers in one or more components of assays enhances sensitivity, specificity or both, providing powerful point of use tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ANP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Yin, Dujie Qin, Jing Pan
  • Patent number: 9176059
    Abstract: A waveguide sensor capable of direct, real-time detection and monitoring of analytes in the vicinity of the waveguide surface without requiring the tagging or labeling of the analyte, is described. Analytic and numerical calculations have predicted that by locally detecting either changes in the evanescent field or changes in the light coupled out of the waveguide as a result of the presence of the analyte, high detection sensitivity will be able to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Lear, David S. Dandy, Matthew D. Stephens, Guangwei Yuan