Patents Examined by Rebecca Martinez
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Patent number: 9857370Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to methods and apparatuses for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. In some examples, the microculture apparatus includes a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Jason C. Harper, Thayne L. Edwards, Bryan Carson, Melissa Finley, William Arndt
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Patent number: 9849455Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods including those that provide control of fluid flow are provided. Such systems and methods can be used, for example, to control pressure-driven flow based on the influence of channel geometry and the viscosity of one or more fluids inside the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLCInventors: Vincent Linder, David Steinmiller
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Patent number: 9851348Abstract: A lateral flow immunoassay system is provided that includes a housing having a base portion forming a first chamber therein and a body portion formed with three openings in fluid communication with the first chamber, a vial containing a buffer agent, and a sample collector for introducing a sample fluid into the first chamber via the second opening. The vial is mounted to the housing such that a dispensing side extends into the first opening for dispensing the buffer agent therefrom into the first chamber. The housing allows the buffer agent and sample fluid to be mixed within a reaction well formed within the first chamber to form a test sample mixture. The body portion is configured to receive a receiving end of an elongated holder in the third opening and allow a test strip secured in the holder to be brought into communication with the text sample mixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: AMERICAN BIO MEDICA CORPORATIONInventors: Douglas Casterlin, Larry Ferringo, Ian Sullivan, Rob Bernstine, Rich Reilly, Pablo Arroyo, Stan Cipkowski
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Patent number: 9841419Abstract: A sample is added to a chamber (12) in which magnetic particles (P) are provided. The sample includes a target component (T) and the chamber (12) has a detection surface (122). A magnetic force is exerted on the magnetic particles (P) to attract the magnetic particles (P) to the detection surface (122). The bound magnetic particles that captured the target component (T) in the magnetic particles (P) and the unbound magnetic particles that captured no target component (T) in the magnetic particles (P) are held at the detection surface (122). At least part of the sample is drained out of the chamber (12) and a new sample added to the chamber (12). The magnetic force exerted on the magnetic particles (P) is altered to release the unbound magnetic particles from the detection surface (122). An amount of the bound magnetic particles that are held at the detection surface (122) are measured.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Declan Patrick Kelly, Weimin Xiao
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Patent number: 9841417Abstract: Multi-directional microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices that include a chamber having a separation medium, a first binding medium, and a second binding medium. In addition, the devices include a flow field element configured to subject the chamber to two or more directionally distinct flow fields. Methods of using the devices, as well as systems and kits that include the devices are also provided. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic, research and validation assays.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel Tia, Amy E. Herr, Mei He, Dohyun Kim
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Patent number: 9835622Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a method of detecting a target analyte in a sample comprising mixing the sample with a first detection conjugate and a second detection conjugate in solution, wherein the first and second detection conjugates comprise metallic nanostructures coupled to binding partners that are capable of specifically binding to the target analyte if present in the sample to form a complex between the first detection conjugate, the analyte, and the second detection conjugate, wherein a change in an optical signal upon complex formation indicates the presence of the target analyte in the sample. Methods of preparing nanostructures and nanoalloys, as well as nanostructures and nanoalloys conjugated to binding partners, are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: ABAXIS, INC.Inventors: Rajesh Mehra, Vincent Chiang, Kenneth Aron, Jessica Frisz
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Patent number: 9823247Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods that use aqueous two phase systems and lateral flow assays to detect target analytes in a sample. These devices and methods may be used to diagnose a disease or condition in a biological sample, such as blood or serum. In addition, these devices and methods may be used to detect allergens in a food samples or contaminants, such as environmental toxins, in water samples. Device and kit components may be conveniently assembled in a portable container and are amenable to actuation in most settings. The devices are simple to use, requiring a non-trained operator to simply add the sample to the device. Conveniently, the time it takes to detect the target analyte is very short. Thus, the devices and methods disclosed herein provide novel and useful means for point-of-care.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Daniel T. Kamei, Yin To Chiu, Benjamin M. Wu, Garrett L. Mosley
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Ultra-fast pathogen toxin detection assay based on microwave-accelerated metal-enhanced fluorescence
Patent number: 9816990Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method to detect low levels of the anthrax protective antigen (PA) exotoxin in biological fluids, wherein the system uses a metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF)-PA assay in combination with microwave-accelerated PA protein surface absorption. Microwave irradiation rapidly accelerates PA deposition onto the surface adjacent to deposited metallic particles and significantly speeding up the MEF-PA assay and resulting in a total assay run time of less than 40 min with an analytical sensitivity of less than 1 pg/ml PA.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTYInventor: Chris D. Geddes -
Patent number: 9810658Abstract: Described herein are three-dimensional (3-D) paper fluidic devices. The entire 3-D device is fabricated on a support layer formed from a single sheet of material and assembled by folding the support layer. The folded structure may be enclosed in an impermeable cover or package. Chemically sensitive particles may be disposed in the support layer for use in detecting analytes.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Richard M. Crooks, Hong Liu, Karen Scida, Christophe Renault
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Patent number: 9810637Abstract: The present invention relates to detection systems and methods that detect fluorescence, luminescence, chemiluminescence or phosphorescence signatures in the form of an electrical signal conducted and emitted from metallic containing surfaces. Thus, the present invention provides for detecting fluorescence digitally and directly without the need for expensive detectors.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTYInventor: Chris D. Geddes
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Patent number: 9804154Abstract: Disclosed herein is an immunochromatographic system for measuring albumin and creatinine in a urine sample and a reader that detects signals from the test cassette, calculates, and displays the results for albumin concentration, creatinine concentration, and albumin-creatinine ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Epinex Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Wing T. Liu, Thien-Toan Tran, John Scott, Thomas Lee, Srishti Prasad, Azra Zaidi
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Patent number: 9795961Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
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Patent number: 9797896Abstract: An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample zone that includes a reagent cell having a line of symmetry in the direction of fluid flow; a reagent material in the reagent cell, wherein the reagent material includes a first reagent material located at the axis of symmetry and is left-right symmetric, and a second and third reagent material having a substantially identical shape and volume and located in mirror locations from the line of symmetry; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone; and a wicking zone in fluid communication with the detection zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone. The sample addition zone, the detection zone and the wicking zone define a fluid flow path.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventor: Zhong Ding
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Patent number: 9791439Abstract: A component or device is provided for the detection or the measurement in parallel of one or more specific types of biological or chemical target products. This component includes a group of nanotubes selected and/or functionalized to interact with the target product, around an optical waveguide. Thus, an optical coupling is produced between the optical waveguide and one or more optical characteristics of these nanotubes, the modifications of which are evaluated in the presence of the target product. In addition, a method is provided for manufacturing and preparing such a component or device, and a detection method using them, as well as a post-manufacture preparation method comprising a specific functionalization for different target products starting from the same type of pluripotent generic component. Also provided is a family of PFO-based functionalization polymers.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignees: UNIVERSITE PARIS SUD 11, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Laurent Vivien, Etienne Gaufres, Nicolas Izard, Eric Doris, Edmond Gravel, Didier Boquet
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Patent number: 9790549Abstract: The invention generally provides a sieve valve including: a substrate defining a channel; a flexible membrane adapted and configured for deployment at an intersection with the channel; and one or more protrusions extending into the channel from the substrate or the flexible membrane. The one or more protrusions define a plurality of recesses extending beyond the intersection between the channel and the flexible membrane; A microfluidic circuit including one or more sieve valves. In particular embodiments, the circuit comprises one or more input/output valves. The one or one or more input/output valves can include one or more input valves and one or more output valves. The microfluidic circuit can further include a mixing circuit. At least one of the sieve valves can be positioned between the one or more input/output valves and the mixing circuit. The invention further provides methods of using the device for the analysis of samples comprising cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignees: The Broad Institute, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Paul Blainey, Soohong Kim
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Patent number: 9784741Abstract: It has been demonstrated that the level of HBP increases in individuals that subsequently develop severe sepsis. Accordingly, the level of HBP, HBP/WBC ratio or HBP/NC ratio in an individual can be used to determine whether or not an individual is at risk of developing severe sepsis.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Hansa Medical ABInventors: Lars Björck, Bertil Christensson, Heiko Herwald, Adam Linder, Per Åkesson
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Patent number: 9778254Abstract: A system and method wherein components of a reagent such as labeled antibodies are separated from a biologically active sensor surface by depositing the reagent on a carrier surface distinct from a sensor surface in a detection region. The present device provides a short, well-defined and controlled, pre-incubation time between the particles of interest in the sample fluid and the reagent, thereby increasing the reproducibility by providing all components in one detection region such as a detection chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignees: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V., CONCATENO UK LIMITEDInventors: Femke Karina De Theije, Thea Van Der Wijk, Albert Hendrik Jan Immink, Eduard Gerard Marie Pelssers, Wilhelmina Maria Hardeman, Sandra Marlin, Gordon Thomas Jowett
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Patent number: 9777269Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for handling sample liquids, encapsulating liquids and magnetic particles are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: GenCell Biosystems Ltd.Inventors: Kieran Curran, David McGuire
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Patent number: 9766230Abstract: Examples are described including measurement systems for conducting competition assays. A first chamber of an assay device may be loaded with a sample containing a target antigen. The target antigen in the sample may be allowed to bind to antibody-coated beads in the first chamber. A control layer separating the first chamber from a second chamber may then be opened to allow a labeling agent loaded in a first portion of the second chamber to bind to any unoccupied sites on the antibodies. A centrifugal force may then be applied to transport the beads through a density media to a detection region for measurement by a detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Matthew E. Piccini, Anup K. Singh
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Patent number: 9759719Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the locations of individual instances of an analyte (e.g., individual cells, individual molecules) in an environment are provided. The environment includes functionalized fluorophores that are configured to selective interact with (e.g., bind with) the analyte and that have a fluorescent property that can be modulated (e.g., a fluorescence intensity that can be affected by the presence of a magnetic field). Detecting the location of individual instances of the analyte includes illuminating the environment and detecting signals emitted from the fluorophores in response to the illumination during first and second periods of time. Detecting the location of individual instances of the analyte further includes modulating the modulatable fluorescent property of the fluorophores during the second period of time and determining which individual fluorophores in the environment are bound to the analyte based on the signals detected during the first and second periods of time.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLCInventors: Victor Marcel Acosta, Jerrod Schwartz, Vasiliki Demas, Vikram Singh Bajaj, Jason Donald Thompson, Mark West Askew