Patents Examined by Christopher Hixson
  • Patent number: 10101317
    Abstract: An analyzing device includes a rotation axis, and a separating cavity having first, second and third sidewalls. The first sidewall connects the second and the third sidewalls, and the second sidewall extends from a position connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall toward the rotation axis. The third sidewall has a first end and a second end, with the first end located closer to the rotation axis than the second end. The analyzing device further includes a measurement channel configured to allow a sample liquid to be filled therein by a capillary force and having a capacity of a first predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: PHC Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Saiki
  • Patent number: 10085476
    Abstract: Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides a deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention also discloses systems and methods for estimating and targeting patient blood lactate concentration, both as a target itself and as an intermediate step to estimating and targeting patient fractional gluconeogenesis glucose production. Nutritional support methods and formulations are also disclosed. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Run Them Sweet, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Horning, George A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 10072135
    Abstract: A curable composition having a polythiol; at least one unsaturated compound comprising two or more carbon-carbon double bonds, carbon-carbon triple bonds, or a combination thereof; and a dye compound represented by formula: A crosslinked composition prepared from the curable composition, a method for indicating curing in a curable composition, and a method of stabilizing a curable composition comprising a polythiol and at least one unsaturated compound comprising two or more carbon-carbon double bonds, carbon-carbon triple bonds, or a combination thereof are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sheng Ye, Kathleen S. Shafer, Michael S. Wendland, Jonathan D. Zook, Susan E. DeMoss
  • Patent number: 10067040
    Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a first chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a first chamber interior adapted to receive a sample holder therein. The container also includes a second chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a second chamber interior adapted to subsequently receive the sample holder therein. The second chamber interior is in fluid isolation from the first chamber interior. A removable closure encloses at least one of the open end of the first chamber and the open end of the second chamber while the sample holder is disposed within one of the first chamber interior and the second chamber interior. A first fluid may be disposed within the first chamber interior, and a second different fluid may be disposed within the second chamber interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Bradley M. Wilkinson, C. Mark Newby, Clinton A. Haynes, Robert G. States, III
  • Patent number: 10067141
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample includes trapping a first ion packet in a first segment of a multi-segment reaction cell; trapping a second ion packet in a second segment of the multi-segment reaction cell; and trapping a third ion packet in a third segment of the multi-segment reaction cell. At least one of the first, second, and third ion packets includes precursor ions, and at least another one of the first, second, and third ion packets includes reagent ions. The method further includes mixing the first, second, and third ion packets within the reaction cell to cause a reaction between the precursor ions and the reagent ions to form product ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Zabrouskov, Christopher Mullen
  • Patent number: 10054604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to metabolic biomarker sets for assessing HIV. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of biomarker sets for screening and/or diagnosing HIV infection, for prediction of immunologic response of a mammalian subject to antiretroviral therapy and/or prognosis of HIV disease progression, and for monitoring of HIV disease activity in a mammalian subject. In other embodiments, the invention relates to methods for screening and/or diagnosing HIV infection, for prediction of immunologic response of a mammalian subject to antiretroviral therapy and/or prognosis of HIV disease progression, and for monitoring of HIV disease activity in a mammalian subject, as well as to a kit adapted to carry out the methods. By employing the specific biomarkers and the method according to the present invention it becomes possible to more properly and reliably assess HIV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignees: Biocrates Life Sciences AG, IDCGS Clinica de Diagnosticos Medicos, Centro de Genomas
    Inventors: Ismael Dale Cotrim Guerreiro Da Silva, Edson Guimaraes Loturco, Ricoardo Soubie Diaz, Therese Koal
  • Patent number: 10031053
    Abstract: A microfluidic element for thoroughly mixing a liquid with a reagent used for the analysis of the liquid for an analyte contained therein and a method thereof are disclosed. The microfluidic element has a substrate and a channel structure. The channel structure includes an elongate mixing channel and an output channel. The mixing channel has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and is implemented to mix the reagent contained therein with the liquid flowing through the inlet opening into the mixing channel. The outlet opening of the mixing channel is in fluid communication to the output channel. The outlet opening is positioned closer to the middle of the length of the mixing channel than the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc
    Inventor: Christoph Boehm
  • Patent number: 10024803
    Abstract: A method for determining an analyte of a liquid sample in a cuvette includes providing a cuvette, a reagent, a barcode, an icon on the cuvette and a liquid analysis device comprising a photometer, a rotation device, a camera, a calibration data memory storing first calibration data, and an input device which manually inputs second calibration data. The cuvette is inserted into the liquid analysis device and is rotated to align the icon with the camera. The icon is read with the camera and the icon read compared with an icon model stored in the liquid analysis device to determine whether it corresponds thereto. The liquid sample is subjected to photometry based on the first calibration data if the icon read corresponds to the icon model. If not, the input apparatus is activated and the liquid sample is subjected to photometry on the basis of the second calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Lenhard, Manfred Battefeld, Bernd Gassner, Baas De Heij, Clemens Hanschke
  • Patent number: 10010104
    Abstract: Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides a deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention also discloses systems and methods for estimating and targeting patient blood lactate concentration, both as a target itself and as an intermediate step to estimating and targeting patient fractional gluconeogenesis glucose production. Nutritional support methods and formulations are also disclosed. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Run Them Sweet, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Horning, George A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 10010862
    Abstract: Implementations herein relate to a method for extraction of phthalates using hydrophilic magnetic resins with high specific surface areas. The implementations relate to a technical field of preparation of resins for fast enrichment and separation of trace organics in water. By adding magnetic particles, precursor resins may be prepared using divinylbenzene, vinyl benzoate and glycidyl methacrylate copolymerization ester. After the cross-linking reaction, surface areas of the resins are increased and hydrolysis of the ester group in alkaline solution may be implemented to obtain high specific surface magnetic resins rich in hydroxyl groups. The resins have higher adsorptive capacity and selectivity to adsorb phthalates in water samples. Rapid extraction may be implemented using magnetic solid phase extraction rod to achieve enrichment and separation of phthalates in a large amount of water samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: NANJING UNIVERSITY, Nanjing University & Yancheng Academy of Environmental Protection Technology and Engineering
    Inventors: Qing Zhou, Mancheng Zhang, Aimin Li, Chendong Shuang, Mengqiao Wang, Wei Wang, Congjian Huang, Jingyi Jiang, Haibo Li
  • Patent number: 9933349
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for determining the volume or hemoglobin content of an individual red blood cell in a sample containing a population of red blood cells. The method may be performed on a hematology analyzer. Also provided are a hematology analyzer for performing the method and a computer-readable medium containing programming for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Giacomo Vacca, Martin Krockenberger, Diana Garrett
  • Patent number: 9844782
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing samples for chemical analysis includes a container receptacle for receiving a sample container having a crucible portion and an expansion portion. The container receptacle includes a heating compartment and a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment. The heating compartment is shaped to receive the crucible portion of the sample container, and the cooling compartment is shaped to receive the expansion portion of the sample container. The apparatus also includes a heating mechanism for heating the sample within the crucible portion of the sample container, a first cooling mechanism for cooling the expansion portion of the sample container, and a second cooling mechanism for cooling the crucible portion of the sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ColdBlock Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ron J. Emburgh, Ravi K. Kanipayor
  • Patent number: 9791463
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for selectively detecting an alkyne-presenting molecule in a sample and related detection reagents, compositions, methods and systems. The methods include contacting a detection reagent with the sample for a time and under a condition to allow binding of the detection reagent to the one or more alkyne-presenting molecules possibly present in the matrix to the detection reagent. The detection reagent includes an organic label moiety presenting an azide group. The binding of the azide group to the alkyne-presenting molecules results in emission of a signal from the organic label moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos A. Valdez, Alexander K. Vu
  • Patent number: 9782774
    Abstract: This document provides methods and devices for metering fluids. In some cases, the methods and devices include intersecting channels that include capillary-stop geometries at each intersection point that guides the fluids on a desired path, which is controlled by the opening and closing of valves. For example, a metering channel can intersect a loading channel and intersect an outflow channel and a metering portion can be defined by the geometry of the metering channel between the intersection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Daktari Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Zamir, Aaron Oppenheimer, Lutz Weber
  • Patent number: 9772338
    Abstract: The subject invention provides chemical compositions and synthesis strategies to create molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) via sol-gel processes. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention utilizes a(n) organic, inorganic, or metallic template analyte to create a hybrid organic-inorganic or inorganic three-dimensional network possessing cavities complementary to the shape, size, and functional orientation of the template molecule or ions. The subject invention further pertains to the use of the novel MIPs as selective solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents for pre-concentration and clean-up of trace substances in biological and environmental samples. Synthesis of other molecularly imprinted polymers with environmental, pharmaceutical, chemical, clinical, toxicological, and national security implications can be conducted in accordance with the teachings of the subject invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventors: Abuzar Kabir, Kenneth G. Furton
  • Patent number: 9772316
    Abstract: Provided is an oxygen detecting agent composition including a redox dye and a reducing agent, the redox dye being an inorganic substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakamura, Hiroki Saito, Ken Sugito
  • Patent number: 9770717
    Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to a microfluidic chip. The chip comprises a main microfluidic channel, on one side of the chip, and a bead integration system. The bead integration system is arranged on said one side of the chip. It comprises an auxiliary microfluidic channel transverse to and in fluidic communication with the main microfluidic channel, so as to form an intersection therewith. The intersection is delimited by structural elements arranged in the main microfluidic channel. The structural elements are configured to retain, at said intersection, beads flowed in a bead suspension liquid advancing in said auxiliary microfluidic channel and passing the intersection. In addition, such structural elements are configured to let liquid advancing in the main microfluidic channel pass the intersection through the structural elements. The invention is further directed to related devices and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Michel Lim, Yuksel Temiz
  • Patent number: 9766196
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting liquids or substances from liquids in spatially separate reaction zones using a plug-in module or a chip card for rapid immunological tests, for example, with the help of a reading device. The liquids or substances from liquids are detected by a sensor array and on which at least one diaphragm is arranged. Individual sensors are spatially separated from each other on a plane by means of walls. The diaphragm is filled with liquid that is to be analyzed. Sealed reaction chambers are created when pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Pores in the diaphragm are completely closed in the zone of the walls while the pores are merely reduced in size and liquid can continue to be exchanged in zones directly above the sensors. No liquid can be exchanged between adjacent reaction chambers as long as pressure is applied to and compresses the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Gumbrecht, Peter Paulicka, Manfred Stanzel
  • Patent number: 9764324
    Abstract: The invention consists of a method for determining Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) and its sub-fractions, Insoluble Dietary Fiber (IDF) and Soluble Dietary Fiber (SDF) in food and feed samples which utilizes flexible reaction/filtration containers that can be divided into one or more sections for capturing the IDF and SDF fractions separately or for capturing TDF in its entirety. Each container is fashioned as a bag that can be temporarily sealed in multiple locations to create multiple sections and is made of non-porous and porous material. Use of these containers eliminates the need for problematic transfers of mixtures from beaker to filter, and vastly improves the filtration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ANKOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew R. Komarek, Ronald J. Komarek, Shawn W. Ritchie, Richard Giannetti
  • Patent number: 9766233
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of optically analyzing fluid within a pipette are described herein. In an embodiment, an optical reader subassembly includes a housing including an internal area, a container configured to hold a fluid sample at a sample position in a light tight manner within the internal area of the housing, a light source configured to project light onto the fluid sample within the container, and an optical sensor configured to move between different sensor positions while the fluid sample remains stationary at the sample position, the different sensor positions including at least two of: (i) a first sensor position for taking a luminescence reading of the fluid sample; (ii) a second sensor position for taking a dark current or other background measurement; and (iii) a third sensor position for taking a fluorescence reading of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hycor Biomedical, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Norman Diamond, Steve Michael Gann, Eric Darnell Hall, Tae Ho Hwang, John Lewis Morton, Anatoly Moskalev, Bruce Alan Sargeant, Dennis Edwin Rieger, Marinela Gombosev, Mark David Van Cleve