Patents Examined by Christopher A Hixson
  • Uninterrupted flow pump apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8722422
    Abstract: This invention describes a method for pumping or delivering fluids utilizing a flexible vessel subject to controlled pressures within another pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can be sourced with positive and/or negative (e.g., vacuum) pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Therakos, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Briggs
  • Sample holder and method for treating sample material
    Patent number: 8709359
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for holding and/or treating a sample material. A sample material may be positioned in a vessel between top and bottom flexible films where the flexible films are connected together by a substantially rigid support structure that surrounds the sample material. A crushing force may be applied to the sample material via the top and bottom flexible films, e.g., to pulverize the sample at cryogenic temperatures. A sample holder may have two vessels, one arranged for applying a crushing force to a first sample and another for holding a sample for other processing, such as a histology analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Laugharn, Jr.
  • Analyte ionization by charge exchange for sample analysis under ambient conditions
    Patent number: 8703502
    Abstract: Electrospray ionization techniques are used to generate reagents that ionize analytes for mass spectrometric analysis by charge transfer. Such techniques may be performed under ambient conditions. Suitable precursors for such reagents include ionizable nonpolar solvents, such as toluene or xylenes, polar solvents, such as water or alcohols, inert gases, such as helium or nitrogen, or combinations thereof. Environmental conditions in the ionization chamber of the mass spectrograph can be manipulated to generate a selected ion of an analyte in preference to other ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chang-Ching Chan, Mark S. Bolgar, Scott A. Miller, Athula Buddhagosha Attygalle
  • Multi-dimensional chromatographic methods for separating N-glycans
    Patent number: 8703498
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional chromatographic method for the separation of N-glycans. The method comprises providing a glycan preparation that includes at least one negatively charged N-glycan. The glycan preparation is then separated by anion-exchange chromatography and at least one secondary chromatographic technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Christopher Parsons, Ting Zheng, Nur Sibel Gunay, Carlos J. Bosques
  • Sampling device with immiscible fluid supply tube in counter-flow arrangement
    Patent number: 8697011
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for acquiring and/or dispensing a sample without introducing a gas into a microfluidic system, such as a liquid bridge system. An exemplary embodiment provides a sampling device including: a sampling member for acquiring or dispensing a sample; and a supply of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; in which the device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Stokes Bio Limited
    Inventors: David McGuire, Kieran Curran, Julie Garvey, Damian Curtain
  • Biodetection cassette with automated actuator
    Patent number: 8697007
    Abstract: Provided are analysis cassettes that include removable sealing layers and deformable connector layers that place various channels, chambers, and reservoirs on the cassettes into fluid communication with one another. The cassettes are suitable for use in self-contained, immunoassay devices that may be operated in an automated fashion. Also disclosed are methods for analyzing samples by use of the disclosed cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Haim H. Bau, Changchun Liu, Xianbo Qiu
  • Cleavable surfactants and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8697447
    Abstract: The present invention includes a cleavable surfactant/detergent compound of the following formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Embodiments of the cleavable surfactant/detergent compound are useful, for example, in methods for isolating a hydrophobic molecule that include providing a plasma comprising a hydrophobic molecule, applying the cleavable surfactant to the plasma so that the surfactant engages the hydrophobic molecule, cleaving the surfactant from the hydrophobic molecule, and analyzing said hydrophobic molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Richard M Caprioli, Ned A. Porter, Jeremy L. Norris
  • Application of a reagent to a matrix material
    Patent number: 8697006
    Abstract: A reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon are applied to a matrix material by a contact printing process for example in which the matrix material is brought into contact with a rotating contact roll having the reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon disposed thereon so as to transfer the reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon to the matrix material. Such a contact printing processes allow high speed and high volume production of an assay device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Diagnostica Oy
    Inventors: Veli-Mies Häivä, Anna Kaisa Kylmä, Juhani Luotola
  • Mechanically actuated diagnostic device
    Patent number: 8691592
    Abstract: Disclosed are mechanically-actuated devices for transporting fluids within a microfluidic circuit and performing diagnostic operations on a sample. Also disclosed are related methods for performing sample analysis effected by the motion of an actuator proximate to a microfluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Zongyuan Chen, Haim H. Bau, Michael Mauk, Xianbo Qiu, Jason Kwa
  • Method for the production of diamond
    Patent number: 8685360
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a method for the production of diamond at a high rate and in a high efficiency using in-liquid plasma. The present invention is a method for the production of diamond using electromagnetic waves irradiated to a liquid containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in which the ratio of hydrogen atoms to the sum of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms is from 0.75 to 0.82 and the ratio of carbon atoms to the sum of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms is from 0.47 to 0.58 so as to generate plasma in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisya Toyota Jidosyokki, Ehime University
    Inventors: Shinfuku Nomura, Hiromichi Toyota, Shinobu Mukasa
  • Apparatus and method for the purification of biomolecules
    Patent number: 8685322
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus 10 and a method 100 for purifying biomolecules 28. Magnetizable particles 35 and a group of magnetizable pins 40 are used for binding biomolecules 28 to the magnetizable particles 35 using a binding buffer 30b, and for transferring the magnetizable particles 35 forming a particle-biomolecule complex 36. The apparatus 10 comprises an incubation unit 60 that allows for an upscaling of a maximum volume of a sample material. Furthermore the apparatus 10 comprises counter magnets 50 which are arranged on cavities 20. Solutions 30 comprising the biomolecules 28 and the magnetizable particles 35 are disposed in the cavities. The use of counter magnets 50 improves the quality of an eluate. Furthermore the invention comprises a system 800 and a method 900 for a diagnostically purifying of biomolecules 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: STRATEC Biomedical AG
    Inventors: Ralf Griebel, Hans Joos, Peter Bendzko
  • Method and apparatus for the processing and/or analysis and/or selection of particles, in particular biological particles
    Patent number: 8679856
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the processing (for example washing, incubation, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Biosystems S.p.A.
    Inventor: Nicolò Manaresi
  • Water soluble film based matrix to collect samples extracted from living species
    Patent number: 8673236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water soluble film based matrix for collecting blood samples, urine samples, serum samples or any other type of samples extracted from living species; so as to avoid cross infection or spillage of samples during transportation of said samples. These samples can then used for further detection of virus, bacteria, finding new molecules, diagnosing genes or extraction of DNA. Also, said matrix will dissolve during analysis of the sample and thus there will be no disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Arrow Coated Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shilpan Pravinchandra Patel, Nikita Kamlesh Thanawala
  • Method and apparatus for extraction, detection, and characterization of vapors from explosives, taggants in explosives, controlled substances, and biohazards
    Patent number: 8668873
    Abstract: An improved method of extraction, detection, and characterization of a vapor from an explosive, a taggant in an explosive, a controlled substance, a biohazard, and mixtures thereof uses a new and improved SPME device for extraction and ion mobility spectrometry for detection and characterization. The new and improved SPME device has an increased capacity to sorb a target vapor. The increased sorption of vapor provides for more accurate detection by an ion mobility spectrometer. A SPME device having increased surface area may be exposed to an atmosphere in an enclosure containing a test object or a volume of gas that was in contact with the test object to allow for sorption of the target vapor and then introduced into an IMS for more accurate detection and characterization of the vapor due to the increased sorption of the vapor by the SPME device described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Jose Almirall, Jeannette Perr, Patricia Guerra
  • Ion mobility spectrometer which controls carrier gas flow to improve detection
    Patent number: 8668870
    Abstract: IMS apparatus has an inlet with a preconcentrator opening into a reaction region where analyte molecules are ionized and passed via a shutter to a drift region for collection and analysis. A pump and filter arrangement supplies a flushing flow of clean gas to the housing in opposition to ion flow. A pressure pulser connects with the housing and is momentarily switched to cause a short drop in pressure, in the housing to draw in a bolus of analyte sample from the preconcentrator. Just prior to admitting a bolus of sample, the pump is turned off so that the flushing flow drops substantially to zero, thereby prolonging the time the analyte molecules spend in the reaction region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Smiths Detection-Watford Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Taylor
  • Uses of reagents in sample collection and cartridge systems
    Patent number: 8669110
    Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Prabhjyot Dehal, David Pritchard, Claire Geekie
  • Methods and systems for collecting cells of a biological specimen
    Patent number: 8669118
    Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting cells on a filter disposed in a specimen fluid containing suspended cells of a biological specimen. A short vacuum pulse is applied across a filter to sip specimen fluid. A percentage or portion of the filter surface area covered by cells is determined is representative of or correlates to the density of cells in the specimen fluid. A maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration are determined utilizing the determined filter coverage. A longer, continuous vacuum or slurp is applied across the filter to collect cells on the filter while limiting the amplitude and/or duration of the slurp based at least in part upon the determined maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard B. Kaufman, Barry Hunt
  • Method and system for manipulating fluid medium
    Patent number: 8669119
    Abstract: A system for manipulating a fluid medium is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of particles suspended in the fluid medium, and a light source configured for irradiating the particles by light to induce nonlinear optical effects. The particles are constituted such that the nonlinear optical effects result in drag forces exerted by the particles on the fluid medium. The magnitude of the drag forces is sufficient to establish hydrodynamic flow of the fluid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited
    Inventors: Mordechai Segev, Demetrios N. Christodoulides, Carmel Rotschild
  • Flow cell and liquid delivery method
    Patent number: 8663560
    Abstract: A flow cell includes: a flow channel through which a sample solution flows; an inlet section which communicates with the flow channel and to which the sample solution is supplied; a transfer section which includes a plurality of opening sections, one end side of which communicates with the flow channel and an other side of which opens to outside air, and which communicates with the flow channel, and draws in and guides the sample solution supplied into the inlet section to the flow channel; a detecting section which faces the sample solution in the flow channel; and a sealing member which unsealably seals at least either one of the opening section or the inlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Horiuchi, Toru Miura, Yuzuru Iwasaki, Michiko Seyama, Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Jun-ichi Takahashi, Tsuneyuki Haga
  • Device and method for detecting trace gases characterized a mechanism which exhales a film of fluid to trap said gasses
    Patent number: 8663997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas detection system (1) for detecting gases, vapors and biological pathogens, having at least one receptor (4) arranged on a line (5) connecting the ambient air (7) to an air storage unit, wherein the gas detection system (1) is designed as a “breathing” system containing clean CO2-carrying and moisture-saturated air in the air storage unit (2), wherein the operating temperature of the gas detection system (1) is the room temperature. Additionally, a method is proposed for detecting gases, vapors and biological pathogens using the inventive gas detection system. This avoids the shortcomings of the known solutions of the prior art, and an improved and more cost-effective solution for detecting trace gases is made available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Müller, Andreas Helwig