Patents Examined by Paul Hyun
  • Immunoassay product and process
    Patent number: 8652421
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Mabuchi, Hiroko Kimura, Marc Emerick, Phillip Clark, Kurt Greenizen
  • Method and system for measuring RON and MON values for light distillates
    Patent number: 8646312
    Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for determining RON and/or MON values from constant volume combustion chamber apparatuses capable of producing pressure versus time combustion profiles having a fast combustion region and a slow combustion region, where data from the two regions is used to compute RON and/or MON values for light distillate fluid samples using a series expansion equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: G. Patrick Ritz, Didier Pigeon
  • Optical detection cell with micro-fluidic chip
    Patent number: 8647590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical detection cell for micro-fluidics. The detection cell provides a first layer, a detection cell layer contacting the first layer, a third layer contacting the detection cell layer, a micro-fluidic chip having a fluidic port and a detection channel defined through the detection cell and being in fluid communication with the fluidic port of the chip, the detection channel serving as a light path for receiving light for detecting a molecule. Methods of detecting molecules and making the detection cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Reid A. Brennen, Timothy Beerling, Hongfeng Yin, Kevin P. Killeen
  • Magnetic microplate assembly
    Patent number: 8647593
    Abstract: Magnetic microplate assemblies are disclosed for assaying of biological activated magnetic particles from a supernatant. The assemblies include a magnetic microplate holder and a microplate including a plurality of wells for retaining the magnetic particles. The microplate holder includes a plurality of magnets for attracting the magnetic particles to the wells and a plurality of detents for securing the microplate in the holder. The detents allow the microplate to be tightly retained in the holder when the assembly is turned over to discard supernatant and wash buffer applied to rinse supernatant from the magnetic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Yin, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker
  • Microfluidic system including a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel
    Patent number: 8623295
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Gilbert, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
  • Device for and method of extracting a fraction from a biological sample
    Patent number: 8603416
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for facilitating extraction of a fraction from a biological sample. The biological sample includes non-desired material and a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a phase-gate zone for receiving an isolation buffer therein. An output zone receives a reagent therein. A force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the output zone. The force urges the fraction-bound solid phase substrate from the input zone, through the phase-gate zone and into the output zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Scott M. Barry
  • Analyte monitoring devices and methods therefor
    Patent number: 8597575
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a discrete glucose testing and bolus dosage determination including a glucose meter with bolus calculation function are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Sloan, R. Curtis Jennewine
  • Reducing or avoiding muscle cramps
    Patent number: 8597591
    Abstract: Muscle cramps can be reduced or avoided by monitoring the concentration of salt in perspiration to indicate the degree of salt depletion. Based on the degree of salt depletion, a sufficient amount of rehydration beverage is consumed to normalize the salt level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Murray, John R. Stofan, IV, Jeffrey J. Zachwieja, Craig A. Horswill, Myron C. Rapkin, Wayne W. Weber
  • Caps for sample wells and microcards for biological materials
    Patent number: 8591836
    Abstract: A cover for a biological sample well tray, comprising a cap for sealing a sample well. The cap comprises a well lens for focusing light into the sample well and collecting light from the sample. In another aspect, the cap comprises an elongate portion configured to permit incoming light to pass into the sample well and out of the sample well. Various other aspects comprise a microcard for biological material, and an apparatus for a plurality of sample well strips. A method for testing a biological sample is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Boege, Eugene F. Young, Donald R. Sandell
  • Gas permeable chemochromic compositions for hydrogen sensing
    Patent number: 8591818
    Abstract: A (H2) sensor composition includes a gas permeable matrix material intermixed and encapsulating at least one chemochromic pigment. The chemochromic pigment produces a detectable change in color of the overall sensor composition in the presence of H2 gas. The matrix material provides high H2 permeability, which permits fast permeation of H2 gas. In one embodiment, the chemochromic pigment comprises PdO/TiO2. The sensor can be embodied as a two layer structure with the gas permeable matrix material intermixed with the chemochromic pigment in one layer and a second layer which provides a support or overcoat layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Bokerman, Nahid Mohajeri, Nazim Muradov, Ali Tabatabaie-Raissi
  • Method for producing a magazine by injection molding, and a magazine for an analysis device
    Patent number: 8591837
    Abstract: Method for the injection-molding production of a magazine having a plurality of chambers, separated by partition walls, including an outer wall formed by an outer wall of the magazine. The method uses a casting mold having an outer wall channel corresponding to the outer wall of the magazine, and partition wall channels corresponding to the partition walls, and a gate opening. A plurality of partition wall channels extend from the gate opening to the outer wall channel. The method comprises injecting a plastic compound into the gate opening. The plastic compound flows from the gate point to the partition wall channels into the outer wall channel. The plastic compound streams have a differing flow speed in alternating partition wall channels so a joint line, which is aligned with a partition wall channel, forms on the outer side of the outer wall channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan-Michael Frey, Hans List, Andrea Rittinghaus, Maik Schwede
  • Functional fragrance precursor
    Patent number: 8592361
    Abstract: A fragrance precursor compound comprising one or more of the compounds derived from the reaction of X—OH and an aldehyde or ketone, the fragrance precursor compounds being of the formula X—O—C(R)(R*)(R**) wherein R is a C6-24 alkyl group, a C6-24 aralkyl group or a C6-24 alkaryl group; R* is H or a C6-24 alkyl group, a C6-24 aralkyl group or a C6-24 alkaryl group; R** is O—H or O—X; O—X representing a moiety derived from X—OH, and wherein X—OH is a material containing at least one hydroxyl group and having the following structure:
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Daniel W. Smith, Amjad Farooq, Donghui Wu, Marija Heibel, Karen Drehs
  • Piezoelectric sensor arrangement
    Patent number: 8591812
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor arrangement for analysis of fluid samples includes a signal source, a measuring device and a docking system. The sensor arrangement comprises a first part capable of receiving a sensor element that exposes a piezoelectric quartz crystal, a second part comprising fluid channels for the sample and a flow cell element, which preferably is removable and which comprises a recess, and inlet and outlet fluid channels for leading a fluid through the recess. The first and second parts are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position and are arranged such that in the closed position the recess of the flow cell element is sealingly covered by the piezoelectric quartz crystal so that a flow cell is formed by the flow cell element and the quartz crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Attana
    Inventors: Teodor Aastrup, Jan Smith, Henrik Anderson
  • Measuring device and methods for use therewith
    Patent number: 8591815
    Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analysis of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Harding, Sridhar G. Iyengar, Baoguo Wei, Steven Diamond, Martin Forest
  • Manipulation of fluids, fluid components and reactions in microfluidic systems
    Patent number: 8592221
    Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Seth Fraden, Hakim Boukellal, Yanwei Jia, Seila Selimovic, Amy Rowat, Jeremy Agresti, David A. Weitz
  • Sample plate for fluid analysis in a refinery process
    Patent number: 8591814
    Abstract: Equipment for analyzing a fluid selected from a hydrocarbon fluid, a refinery feedstock, a refinery intermediate, a product of a refinery process, or a component or reaction product thereof, having a portable apparatus containing at least two different analytical devices, each device being able to analyze the fluid. A sample plate is provided in association with the portable apparatus which has a receiver for a fluid to be analyzed, at least two fluidic channels, at least one sensor capable of responding to a physical or chemical property of the fluid, and/or at least one sample cell, and at least one additional fluidic channel for transferring a portion of the fluid or a component or reaction product thereof from the receiver to the at least one sensor and/or sample cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventor: Michael Graham Hodges
  • Elevated temperature assay system
    Patent number: 8591817
    Abstract: The assay system includes at least one thermally responsive medium positioned so as to transfer thermal energy to a solution constrained in a solution constraining region. The assay system further includes a beam distribution system configured to distribute an energy beam to a thermally responsive medium. The thermally responsive medium interacts with the energy beam so as to elevate the temperature of the thermally responsive medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GeneFluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jen-Jr Gau
  • Chip for analyzing fluids
    Patent number: 8591831
    Abstract: A fluid analysis chip includes a channel formed within the chip. The chip includes a sample inlet and a sample outlet communicating with an outside of the chip, where the sample inlet and the sample outlet communicate with each other through the closed channel. An expanding part of the channel is formed in a longitudinal direction of the channel in such a manner that a pair of inner walls of the channel define an inner surface of the expanding part, and the expanding part has a larger sectional area than the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: NanoEnTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Ha Park, Chan Il Chung, Jun Keun Chang
  • Cassette for test tubes
    Patent number: 8591838
    Abstract: In a cassette for test tubes for use e.g. in a fraction collector the test tubes are kept in a fixed position by means of flexible springs arranged on an adjustable hold and release plate, which, when moved to its release position, releases the test tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Per-Anders Bulow, Johan Carlsson, Sebastian Karlsson, Lars Rosengren, Henrik Svanberg
  • Carrier for pipette tips
    Patent number: 8591840
    Abstract: A carrier for pipette tips, with a frame, featuring four side walls, a plate with a plurality of holes for inserting pipette tips, and a mechanism for detachably connecting the frame and the plate, that have contact surfaces on the upper edge of the frame and on the underside of the plate, which touch each other when the plate is put onto the frame, and that have guiding elements directed transversally to the contact surfaces on the frame and on the plate, which engage into each other with lateral clearance when the plate is put onto the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Hanna Rethwisch, Michael Blumentritt