Patents Examined by Jacqueline Brazin
  • Patent number: 11103831
    Abstract: Spin columns that include a poly(acid) membrane separation matrix are provided. Also provided are kits that include the subject devices, as well as methods of using the devices, e.g., in sample preparation (such as protein purification) protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Takara Bio USA, Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Jokhadze, Sayantan Mitra
  • Patent number: 11099182
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detection apparatus that transfers magnetic particles through a plurality of chambers in a cartridge which includes the plurality of chambers and a channel connecting between the plurality of chambers, and that causes the magnetic particles to carry a complex of a test substance and a labelling substance, to detect the test substance on the basis of the labelling substance in the complex. The detection apparatus includes: a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the cartridge about a rotation shaft; a magnet configured to collect the magnetic particles in the chambers; a movement mechanism configured to move the magnet in a direction different from a circumferential direction of a circle in which the rotation shaft is centered; a detector configured to detect the test substance; and a controller programmed to control the rotation mechanism and the movement mechanism so as to transfer the magnetic particles from one of the chambers to another one of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Horii, Tomoyuki Nose, Takao Fujiwara, Sayuri Tomoda, Yusuke Miida, Yasunori Maekawa, Noriaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11077444
    Abstract: Package assemblies for storing diagnostic cartridges or storing wet/dry reagents are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tray member defining a first volume and a second volume, and a cover member coupled to the tray member covering the first volume and the second volume. The tray member includes a central portion that separates the first volume from the second volume. The first volume is configured to receive a desiccant package and a sample container containing a first reagent. The first reagent has a solid form. The second volume is configured to receive a reagent module containing a second reagent. The second reagent has a liquid form. The cover member and the central portion of the tray member are configured to isolate the first volume from the second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Doran Donnelly, Travis Wong
  • Patent number: 11058107
    Abstract: A specimen container that includes a first cylindrical housing section having a first threaded end, a second threaded end, and a body section formed therebetween, wherein a fill line is placed at a predetermined location on the body section; a threaded winged section that is adapted to be attached to the second threaded end of the first cylindrical housing section, wherein the threaded winged section includes two gripping wings formed on opposite sides of the threaded winged section; a second cylindrical housing section having a first threaded end, a second threaded end, and a body section formed therebetween, wherein two gripping wings are formed on opposite sides of the second cylindrical housing section and are integral therewith; a threaded connector ring that is adapted to connect the first cylindrical housing section to the second cylindrical housing section; and at least one syringe plunger adapted for insertion into the first cylindrical housing section or the second cylindrical housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Francesca Dagny Tekula
  • Patent number: 11039765
    Abstract: A submersible sensor device configured as a small pellet for testing biological and other liquid samples is provided. In one aspect, a sensing device includes: a housing; and one or more sensors contained within the housing, wherein the housing hermetically seals the sensors such that the sensing device is fully submersible in a liquid analyte. A method and system for analysis of a liquid sample using the present sensing device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vince Siu, Minhua Lu, Evan Colgan, Russell Budd, John U. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 11040892
    Abstract: A mobile device reads a test strip to determine a chemical condition of a liquid or a user inputs a treatment plan into the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the determined chemical condition or the input treatment plan to a liquid treatment system which treats the fluid in response to the determined chemical condition or the input treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Digital Concepts of Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Decker, Jack Greenwood
  • Patent number: 11033903
    Abstract: Pipetting containers, such as reservoirs, reservoir liners, microplates, PCR plates, microtubes and PCR tubes, include anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall of the receptacle to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are located on the bottom surface facing upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for pipetting and reduce liquid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Integra Biosciences AG
    Inventors: Terrence Kelly, Jonathan Harkins, George Kalmakis, Gary Nelson
  • Patent number: 11014089
    Abstract: Sample carrier includes a thermal-control block having an active surface and an outer surface that face in opposite directions. The active surface has a series of mounting areas that are distributed along a length of the thermal-control block. The sample carrier also includes chamber cells that are configured to be disposed over respective mounting areas of the series of mounting areas. The sample carrier also includes a removable cover body that is configured to be coupled to the thermal-control block with the chamber cells therebetween. The thermal-control block and the chamber cells are shaped to form corresponding reaction chambers therebetween. The cover body and the thermal-control block are in fixed positions with respect to each other to form a unitary structure. The reaction chambers have corresponding inlets that open in a common direction to an exterior of the sample carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Donovan, Antoni Murcia
  • Patent number: 11007521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a discoid sample holder (1), on which a device (2) for carrying out at least one processing step is formed. According to the invention, a slot (3), into which a sampling instrument (4) can be introduced, and means (5) for releasing a sample from the sampling instrument (4) arranged in the receptacle (3), are formed in the sample holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TESTO SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Mike Muhl, Simon Brugger, Martin Zubler
  • Patent number: 11002705
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a semiconductor element achieving a high-level detection sensitivity when utilized as a sensor. The present invention relates to a semiconductor element including an organic film, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a semiconductor layer, in which the first electrode, the second electrode and the semiconductor layer are formed on the organic film, the semiconductor layer is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, the semiconductor layer contains a carbon nanotube, and the organic film has a water contact angle of 5° or more and 50° or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuki Isogai, Seiichiro Murase, Hiroji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10983030
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To provide a sample storage tube wherein a lid is a push stopper lid type securing the area for writing two-dimensional code. [Solution] A sample storage tube 100 comprise a tube body 120 for storing a sample; a push stopper lid body 110 for capping the upper opening 121 of the tube body 120; and a hinge body 130 for connecting the tube body 120 and the push stopper lid body 110. The push stopper lid body 110 and the tube body 120 and the hinge body 130 are molded in one piece, wherein a part of them is formed by the light transmissive material and the other part of them is formed by the opaque material in which the information code can be written. The information writable areas are installed at least on the upper surface of the push stopper lid body 110 and the bottom surface 123 of the tube body 120. The information code can be written on both the upper surface of the push stopper lid body 110 and the bottom surface 123 of the tube body 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KOBE BIO ROBOTIX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yukio Ueyama
  • Patent number: 10981947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container holder 10, comprising a main body 12 which in turn comprises a gas inlet 16; a solution liquid outlet 18; a gas control valve 20 through which a gas enters the container 100 from the gas inlet; and a sealing means 22 for the container, which sealing means includes a passageway 24 for the input of gas and output of a solution in the container via an egress tube 19; wherein when the container is connected to the container holder through the sealing means, the gas control valve opens automatically, and when the container is disconnected the gas control valve is closed automatically. The invention further relates to a container panel 50 which includes two or more container holders. Also disclosed are methods of using these containers and container panels for synthesizing a polypeptide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Markus Olovsson, Mathias Osmark, Mangus Gamberg, Daniel Carlsson
  • Patent number: 10953123
    Abstract: A sterilization process challenge pack including a base tray, a first cover, and a second cover is configured to provide a restrictive flow path for gaseous sterilization medium to test the efficacy of a sterilization process. The base tray includes at least one chamber containing a biological indicator and/or chemical indicator. The first cover including a notch is configured to cover the at least one chamber. The second cover is attached to peripheral surfaces of the base tray except at an unsealed portion. A flow path through the unsealed portion and the notch in the first cover provides the only fluid communication between an external environment and the at least one chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Harry Bala
  • Patent number: 10941374
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical analysis device and a cell analysis method, which can capture many types of cancer cells, including cancer cells not expressing EpCAM. The present invention relates to a medical analysis device having a well portion, the well portion having a hydrophilic polymer layer formed at least partly on the inner surface thereof, the hydrophilic polymer layer having fibronectin adsorbed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD., YAMAGATA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Minagawa, Masaru Tanaka, Takashi Hoshiba, Tomokazu Shibuya
  • Patent number: 10934324
    Abstract: A method of improving protein functionality includes obtaining a protein such as protein contained within exclusion bodies contained within bacteria or yeast used for the recombinant expression of the protein. The exclusion bodies are solubilized using a chaotropic agent such as guanidine or urea. The protein is then subject to denaturation conditions and optionally purified. A liquid containing the denatured protein is loaded into a vessel that is angled relative to horizontal. The vessel is then rotated in the angled configuration at a rate within that is less than 10,000 RPM for period of time. Refolded protein is formed by the high shear conditions formed in the thin film of fluid formed in the inner surface of the rotating vessel. Refolding can be performed in a batch mode or a continuous mode. The process may be scaled up for industrial applications by using multiple vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Gregory A. Weiss, Colin L. Raston, Tom Z. Yuan, Callum Ormonde, Stephan Timothy Kudlacek
  • Patent number: 10933419
    Abstract: A pipetting reservoir kit includes a base, a disposable liner, and a lid. The disposable liner includes anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels located on the bottom surface of the liner face upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are spaced in an array 4.5 mm apart for a 384 pipetting head and 9 mm apart for a 96 pipetting head. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for the liner and reduce liquid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Integra Biosciences AG
    Inventors: Terrence Kelly, Jonathan Harkins, George Kalmakis, Gary Nelson
  • Patent number: 10928410
    Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods related to embodiments of an improved liquid test sample injection device for use in diagnostic assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Kauffmann
  • Patent number: 10900030
    Abstract: A structured substrate (100) including a substrate body (102) having an active side (104). The substrate body (102) includes reaction cavities or sites (106) that open along the active side (104) and interstitial regions (118) that separate the reaction cavities (106). The structured substrate (100) includes an ensemble amplifier (120) positioned within each of the reaction cavities (106). The ensemble amplifier (120) includes a plurality of nanostructures (116), such as dimers, trimers, bowtie nanoantenna, nanorods, nanorings, nanoplugs, configured to at least one of amplify electromagnetic energy (108) that propagates into the corresponding reaction cavity (106) or amplify electromagnetic energy (110), such as emitted fluorescence, that is generated within the corresponding reaction cavity (106). Preferably the nanostructures (116) within the cavities (106) are covered with a organic material such as a gel (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: M Shane Bowen, Dajun Yuan
  • Patent number: 10890556
    Abstract: Materials and methods for generating nanowires are described. Krogmann salt potassium tetracyanoplatinate sesquihydrate (K(def)TCP) nanowires are synthesized as interconnects on metal lithographic patterns in which the K(def)TCP nanowires grow across the metal lines. The chemical sensing capability of the K(def)TCP chips is demonstrated by impedance measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Guangzhao Mao
  • Patent number: 10881336
    Abstract: A solution containing a target molecule and a reference molecule is illuminated to obtain Raman signals. An optical metasurface is used as a diffractive optical element to split the Raman signal from the target molecule and the Raman signal from the reference molecule. The target and reference Raman signals can be detected at different locations with different photodetectors, and the target molecule concentration in the solution is determined by comparing the target and reference Raman signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Andrei Faraon, Amir Arbabi, Yu Horie