Patents Examined by Paul Hyun
  • Specimen test unit
    Patent number: 9149807
    Abstract: A self-contained specimen testing unit consisting of a swab-tip with attached, hollow swab-stick, an outer, elongated, removable tube housing cover that surrounds and protects the swab-tip and swab-stick, a dropper removably secured to the end of the tube cover, a dropper cap, a piercing closure member, a rotatable base closure member coupled to the piercing closure element, a membrane member mounted in the base closure member, and reagent-solution storage container screwed onto the end of the rotatable base closure member and sealed by the membrane member thereof. A method of using the unit is also disclosed whereby the piercing unit pierces the membrane when reagent solution is to be delivered to the swab-tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: Berlin Packaging, LLC, Teclab Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Niggel, Scott Jost
  • Multiple phase flow system for detecting and isolating substances
    Patent number: 9151709
    Abstract: A multiple flow system and method for detecting substances in a fluid is provided. More specifically, a first fluid tube containing a first fluid and a second fluid tube containing a second fluid are coupled to a common fluid tube via a connector, such that alternating discrete compartments of the first fluid and the second fluid flow through the common fluid tube. The first and second fluids are immiscible. A substance detector, having a flow chamber with an internal wall, is coupled to the common fluid tube. The alternating discrete compartments of the first and second fluids flow through the flow chamber and are analyzed by the substance detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Christine Mary O'Brien, Sagar K. Gupta, John Andrew Viator, Shramik Sengupta, Jeff Mosley, Kyle Rood
  • Heating and magnet module for a device for the purification of nucleic acids
    Patent number: 9140634
    Abstract: A heating and magnet module for a device for the purpose of purifying nucleic acids, having a plate assembly which has a heating plate, and a magnet carrier plate. The heating plate and the magnet carrier plate can be moved vertically relative to each other between two end positions, in opposition to a spring force. A vessel arrangement is placed on the heating plate, having row or matrix form vessels. One magnet of the magnet carrier plate is functionally assigned to each of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Analytik Jena AG
    Inventors: Claus Knippschild, Claudia Schiessl
  • Processor unit for processing and controlling a preparation of a blood sample and a method
    Patent number: 9139808
    Abstract: Processor unit for processing and controlling a preparation of a blood sample placed in a preparation unit arranged in said processor unit comprising a piston placed in a first chamber for containing the blood sample. A part of the processed blood moves from the first chamber to a second chamber. The blood sample is centrifuged into separate layers comprising an outer layer adhering to the inner side of the outer first chamber wall and an inner layer placed opposite the outer layer. That the processor unit further comprises a first unit for emitting an outcome signal through the first chamber and a second unit for detecting after the signal has passed the first chamber an income signal. The piston is moved as a function of the detected income signal of the second unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Vivostat A/S
    Inventor: Niels Erik Holm
  • Integrated test device for optical detection of microarrays
    Patent number: 9140693
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to testing devices having an optically readable microspot array and/or an electrochemical detector and to methods of performing microspot arrays and electrochemical assays using such devices. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ewart, Graham Davis, Pierre Emeric, Sergey Gershtein, Smitha Sutrala, Katrina Di Tullio
  • Quantitative sensor and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 9140671
    Abstract: A quantitative sensor and manufacture method thereof are disclosed. This quantitative sensor has a dual-mode film bulk acoustic resonator structure to achieve desirable performances in sensitivity, accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, this quantitative sensor serves as a fluid sensor when a fluid detection metal layer is formed in a sample-receiving chamber; and this quantitative sensor may also serve as a bio sensor when biocompatible metal layer and a bio-sensing layer are formed in the sample-receiving chamber instead of the fluid detection metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ying-Chung Chen, Chien-Chuan Cheng, Wei-Tsai Chang, Kuo-Sheng Kao, Re-Ching Lin, Jia-Ming Jiang, Chun-Hung Yang
  • Flow control through plural, parallel connection channels to/from a manifold
    Patent number: 9134079
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and techniques for controlling flow between a manifold and two or more connecting microchannels. Flow between plural connecting microchannels, that share a common manifold, can be made more uniform by the use of flow straighteners and distributors that equalize flow in connecting channels. Alternatively, flow can be made more uniform by sections of narrowed diameter within the channels. Methods of making apparatus and methods of conducting unit operations in connecting channels are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Robert Luzenski, Thomas D. Yuschak
  • Microchip and method of producing microchip
    Patent number: 9132424
    Abstract: A microchip is provided. The microchip (A) includes a substrate structure including a fluid channel (2) configured to contain a sample solution, wherein the fluid channel is maintained at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure prior to injection of the sample solution into the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Watanabe, Yuji Segawa
  • Multi-channel contaminant measurement system
    Patent number: 9134262
    Abstract: A multi-channel contaminant sensor includes a first contamination test platform including an exposed first base metal portion that react in a first manner when exposed to one or more airborne contaminates. A second contamination test platform includes an exposed second base metal portion that reacts in a second manner when exposed to the one or more airborne contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Nader G. Dariavach, Jin Liang, Francis W. French, Paul T. Callahan, Gordon O. Barr
  • Device, systems and methods for analyzing a target analyte
    Patent number: 9128017
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a cap for obtaining a target analyte from a suspension. The cap introduces a magnetic field or a magnetic gradient to the tube to draw the target analyte bound to a particle to the cap. In one aspect, a cap includes a magnetic insert and a receiving piece. The magnetic insert includes a stopper and a magnet extending from the stopper; and, the receiving piece, which is configured to hold the magnetic insert, includes a receiving stopper and a sheath. The sheath may include imaging slides on opposite sides of the sheath. In another aspect, the cap may include a stopper and an embedded magnet. The cap may include an analysis piece on a bottom end of the stopper. In yet another aspect, the cap may include a fluid compartment and a filter at a bottom end of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: RARECYTE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Campton, Jackie Lynn Stilwell, Arturo Ramirez, Jennifer Chow
  • Device for electrical characterization of molecules using CNT-nanoparticle-molecule-nanoparticle-CNT structure
    Patent number: 9123454
    Abstract: A method of forming an electrode is disclosed. A carbon nanotube is deposited on a substrate. A section of the carbon nanotube is removed to form at least one exposed end defining a first gap. A metal is deposited at the at least one exposed end to form the electrode that defines a second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron D. Franklin, Joshua T. Smith, George S. Tulevski
  • Micro mixer and microfluidic chip
    Patent number: 9120067
    Abstract: There are provided a micro mixer capable of efficiently mixing at least two types of liquids in a simple structure and a microfluidic chip provided with the micro mixer. In order to achieve the object, the micro mixer includes a minute passage through which first and second liquids are caused to flow respectively, and a mixing vessel in which a liquid injecting port caused to communicate with the minute passage is provided in a bottom part, and the liquid injecting port is provided in a shifted position from a center of the bottom part in the bottom part. Moreover, the liquid injecting port may be provided in a shifted position from a center line of the mixing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenichi Miyata, Takahiro Mohri, Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhiro Sando, Masashi Nishikado, Gou Yanagihara
  • Container holder and container carrier
    Patent number: 9114394
    Abstract: Container holder suitable for receiving and holding a container, the container holder including a base frame for receiving the container, and at least one supporting member. The at least one supporting member is pivotally mounted on the base frame such as to pivot between a first position in the absence of the container and a second position when the container is received in the base frame. The container holder further includes a displaceable element movably mounted in the base frame such as to move along a predetermined distance that is proportional to the pivotal angle of the at least one supporting member. A displacement sensor is responsive to the predetermined distance of the displaceable element such as to at least determine the diameter of the container when received in the container holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SYMBION MEDICAL SYSTEMS SARL
    Inventors: Antonio Yanez, Fabrice Ummel, Valentin Zehnder
  • Pipette tip rack
    Patent number: 9108201
    Abstract: Provided herein is a single-walled pipette tip rack for use in automated systems, in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: BIOTIX, INC.
    Inventors: Arta Motadel, Phillip Chad Hairfield, Peter Paul Blaszcak
  • Container latching systems for one-handed operation
    Patent number: 9108772
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices for a latching system. The latching system may comprise first and second interlocking latching mechanisms. The first latching mechanism may be coupled to a front surface of a container and the second latching mechanism may be coupled to a lid for the container. The second latching mechanism may be biased into an interlocking position with the first latching mechanism when the lid is moved to a closed position on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Scientific Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Hovatter
  • Measuring device and methods for use therewith
    Patent number: 9097651
    Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyzes 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: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Harding, Sridhar G. Iyengar, Baoguo Wei, Steven Diamond, Martin Forest
  • Punching device with receiving plate
    Patent number: 9097627
    Abstract: A punching device is provided for processing samples applied to a sample card comprising at least one punching head with a punch and a lower die, the punch being movable between a resting position and a punching position. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by a movable gripping unit, and a punching drive, which drives the movement of the punch between the resting position and the punching position. A piece of sample punched out from the sample card can be discharged at an outlet opening of the lower die into a receiving recess of a receiving container. The punching device has a receiving plate, which forms a cover of an outwardly sealed housing for a drive unit, by which a transport frame resting on the receiving plate is moved in a plate plane relative to the punching head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
    Inventors: Nando Giovanoli, Reto Menzi
  • Direct sensing bioFETs and methods of manufacture
    Patent number: 9091647
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biological field effect transistor (BioFET) and a method of fabricating a BioFET device. The method includes forming a BioFET using one or more process steps compatible with or typical to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BioFET device includes a plurality of micro wells having a sensing gate bottom and a number of stacked well portions. A bottom surface area of a well portion is different from a top surface area of a well portion directly below. The micro wells are formed by multiple etching operations through different materials, including a sacrificial plug, to expose the sensing gate without plasma induced damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng, Shih-Wei Lin, Yi-Shao Liu
  • Magnetic microplate assembly
    Patent number: 9079183
    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: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: QIAGEN GAITHERSBURG, INC.
    Inventors: Fei Yin, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker
  • Microfluidic flow cell assemblies for imaging and method of use
    Patent number: 9080941
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. As configured, the subassembly comprises a substrate layer forms a flexible optically transparent lid which is capable of bending in either direction to alter the internal dimensions of the subassembly. Methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kashan Ali Shaikh, Mengli Wang, Adriana Ines Larriera Moreno, Jessica Godin Karp, Christine Lynne Pitner