Patents Examined by Lyle A. Alexander
  • Patent number: 7977106
    Abstract: This invention is a disposable cartridge for use at the patient side to perform traditional coagulation assays on fresh whole blood or blood derivative samples. The cartridge, in use with an electronic analyzer allows a fluid sample to be metered and quantitatively mixed with reagents which activate the coagulation cascade. An artificial substrate for thrombin, the enzyme whose action results in clot formation is also provided. Clot formation is subsequently detected using a microfabricated sensor also housed within the cartridge which detects electrochemically the product of the thrombin reaction upon the synthetic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Cindra A. Widrig Opalsky, David Opalsky, Andrzej Maczuszenko, Imants R. Lauks, Rhonda J. Cheadle
  • Patent number: 7960176
    Abstract: A method and device for determining whether a product is in condition to be used or consumed, this product being intended to be preserved under temperature conditions and for a period of time which limit its degradation includes an indicator combined with the product, to provide a signal indicating that the product can be used or consumed, and then, after the expiration of a preservation period of time, a signal indicating a change in the condition of possible use or consumption of the product. The period of time depends on the preservation conditions of the product. The indicator provides information enabling the product to be used or consumed for a longer period of time if the product has been preserved under conditions better than recommended conditions or for a shorter period of time if the product has been preserved under conditions worse than recommended conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cryolog SA
    Inventors: Olivier Louvet, Dominique Thuault, Renaud Vaillant
  • Patent number: 7951345
    Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Lary Research & Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd P. Lary, Banning Gray Lary
  • Patent number: 7943100
    Abstract: The device comprises reaction unit cuvettes for different types of tests, a vertical axis rotor which is associated with a rotation drive means and provided with a horizontal gear-teeth crown delimiting radially outwardly open cavities for receiving the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying the gear-teeth crown with the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying cuvettes with analyzable biological liquid samples, stations arranged around the crown for carrying out measurements and/or analysis and an automation for managing the sequences of a desired process for each cuvette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignees: Immunodiagnostic System France
    Inventor: Alain Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7939018
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for processing sample materials are disclosed. The present invention may provide a bridge between standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. (that include wells arranged in rectangular arrays) and rotating sample processing devices and systems that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the more advanced sample processing devices. The sample processing devices preferably include a rectangular body to improve compatibility of the sample processing devices of the present invention with equipment designed for use with more conventional microtiter plates (which are typically rectangular in shape). The sample processing devices also include at least one set of process chambers arranged in one or more circular arcs and may include input and/or output chambers arranged in a rectilinear grid array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7939346
    Abstract: The present invention provides sensors for use in detecting the presence or absence of analytes, systems incorporating the sensors, and methods for using the sensors. The sensors include thin membranes that undergo a detectable geometry change upon exposure to an analyte. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensors are small, thin-film membranes that include a stained semiconductor bilayer, wherein an interaction between the membrane and an analyte induces a detectable change in a strain-induced curvature of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Robert David Nowak
  • Patent number: 7935310
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonas Korlach
  • Patent number: 7931867
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonas Korlach
  • Patent number: 7932035
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonas Korlach
  • Patent number: 7927558
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for use with exposure protection systems or equipment such as respiratory protection devices. One system is provided for detecting a breach of an exposure protection device by an amount of a target substance. The system includes an exposure protection device that isolates a protected environment from an external environment potentially including a target substance. The device includes a protective covering that includes a substantially transparent window. The system also includes a detector or detector element for indicating the presence of the target substance. Such a detector is capable of producing a visually observable indication upon detection of the level of target substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microteq, LLC
    Inventors: Kirollos S. Kirollos, Gueorgui M. Mihaylov, Bryan I. Truex
  • Patent number: 7927876
    Abstract: A multiple cuvette strip comprises a plurality of wells and a reversible interlocking device. The well strips can be reversibly interlocked to other well strips to form a sample holder system. One embodiment of a well strip comprises a flange and a slot to form a reversible interlocking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew R. Blouin, Robert R. Fisette
  • Patent number: 7923256
    Abstract: This invention is a disposable cartridge for use at the patient side to perform traditional coagulation assays on fresh whole blood or blood derivative samples. The cartridge, in use with an electronic analyzer allows a fluid sample to be metered and quantitatively mixed with reagents which activate the coagulation cascade. An artificial substrate for thrombin, the enzyme whose action results in clot formation is also provided. Clot formation is subsequently detected using a microfabricated sensor also housed within the cartridge which detects electrochemically the product of the thrombin reaction upon the synthetic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Cindra A. Widrig Opalsky, David Opalsky, Andrzej MacZuszenko, Imants R. Lauks, Rhonda J. Cheadle
  • Patent number: 7919308
    Abstract: Assay chambers that include a form-in-place gasket between a substrate and a cover, and methods of forming such assay chambers, are described. The assay chambers may further be associated with an analysis site for analyzing a sample solution contained within the assay chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Schleifer
  • Patent number: 7919324
    Abstract: A liquid testing device for determining the value of at least one property of a liquid. The liquid testing device includes a planar base and at least one test section, located on the planar base, with a reference color section located adjacent to the test section, which exhibits a color according to the value, as a result of reaction of a reagent with the liquid. The reference color section includes a plurality of different reference colors arranged for easy visual color comparison with the test result. The reference color section is placed adjacent to and in contact with the test section, with the test section having sufficient length so that it substantially encompasses the entire reference color section with its plurality of different reference colors. Thus, when the test section exhibits a reaction color, the visual comparison is simplified since the reference color which matches the reaction color becomes substantially visually merged and self-aligned therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Orit Marom-Albeck
    Inventor: Orit Albeck-Marom
  • Patent number: 7914742
    Abstract: Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Arbogast, Paul Strasma, Lawrence Azzano, Kenneth Gary
  • Patent number: 7910376
    Abstract: A method for detecting trace explosives which includes obtaining a sample believed to contain explosives residue and contacting the sample and a carrier container containing the sample with a reagent. The sample and the carrier is illuminated by an appropriate laser or other light source while it is contained within a light tight box. The sample and the carrier is observed during the elimination to determine photoluminescence of the sample as an indication that it contains trace explosives. The reagent may be an alkaline containing substance, a lanthanide complex, a lanthanide complex containing sensitizing ligands or nanocrystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Roland E. Menzel
  • Patent number: 7906336
    Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Whitson, Russell J. Micinski
  • Patent number: 7906073
    Abstract: Analyzers are described that contain a detector for detecting a signal from an analyte; a heater for heating a fluid; a fluid supplier for supplying the fluid heated by the heater to the detector; and a controller for controlling the detector, the heater, and the fluid supplier. Methods for analyzing analytes are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Masaharu Shibata
  • Patent number: 7901627
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony DiLeo
  • Patent number: 7897105
    Abstract: A pH indicator comprising a solid substrate coated at least partially by at least one layer of at least one substance, wherein said the and the substrate are having different colors and wherein the at least one substance is selected to dissolve or to decompose when exposed to predetermined pH values, thereby exposing said first color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Itay Shlomo Chen