Patents Examined by Rebecca Martinez
  • Patent number: 9116093
    Abstract: A blood analyzer, a blood analysis method, and a computer program product that can distinguishably detect abnormal lymphocytes, blasts, and atypical lymphocytes are provided. A blood analyzer prepares a first measurement sample from a first reagent containing a hemolyzing agent, a second reagent containing a fluorescence staining dye, and the blood specimen, and prepares a second measurement sample from a third reagent containing a hemolyzing agent, a fourth reagent containing a fluorescence staining dye, and the blood specimen. The blood analyzer measures each of the measurement samples, and distinguishably detects abnormal lymphocytes, blasts, and atypical lymphocytes in a blood specimen based on the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Abe, Ayumu Yoshida, Jo Linssen
  • Patent number: 9108195
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices that include a separation medium having functional groups which covalently bond to one or more analytes of interest, e.g., proteins, in a sample upon application of an applied stimulus, e.g., light. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Alex James Hughes
  • Patent number: 9110029
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, kits, methods and devices for cyanide detection, particularly for cyanide detection in biological samples such as whole blood. The method comprises (1) contacting a sample with a cobinamide conjugate comprising a cobinamide moiety and a carrier; and (2) measuring the absorbance of light by the cobinamide conjugate. The present disclosure provides field-deployable cyanide detection methods, compositions, kits and devices, which provide rapid, accurate readout at the point of contact. Further provided herein is a method for determining exposure of a subject to cyanide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Diagnostic Consulting Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan O'Farrell, Hans Boehringer, Roy Chung, Winnie Tong
  • Patent number: 9110057
    Abstract: Multi-directional microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the invention include microfluidic devices that are configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct flow fields, and include a separation medium and a binding medium, where the binding medium is in fluid communication with the separation medium. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Mei He, Chenlu Hou
  • Patent number: 9109993
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Sebastian Böhm, John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 9097710
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the quantity of a target protein, biomarker or analyte present in a sample, comprising a top plate and a bottom plate, each comprising a plurality of recesses arranged to form a plurality of rows extending parallel to one another, and a plurality of channels extending perpendicularly to the plurality of rows of the bottom plate; wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are assembled together so that the top plate is on top of the bottom plate and the recesses of the top plate communicate with the recesses of the bottom plate so as to form a plurality of rows; and wherein at least one of the top and bottom plate is configured to slide relative to the other of the top and bottom plate in order to form a plurality of columns, with each of the columns in communication with each of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
    Inventors: Lidong Qin, Yujun Song
  • Patent number: 9075048
    Abstract: In an assay apparatus for performing an assay related to a specimen received from the outside thereof based on a reaction between the specimen and a reagent by using a reaction container that holds the reagent, the apparatus includes a detection means that detects a state in which an assay has ended before completion, and a mark providing means that provides a predetermined mark for the reaction container when the state in which the assay has ended before completion is detected by the detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuya Inana
  • Patent number: 9050593
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Douglas Weibel, Nathaniel James Cira
  • Patent number: 9014988
    Abstract: Techniques for determining values for a metric of microscale interactions include determining a mesoscale metric for a plurality of mesoscale interaction types, wherein a value of the mesoscale metric for each mesoscale interaction type is based on a corresponding function of values of the microscale metric for the plurality of the microscale interaction types. A plurality of observations that indicate the values of the mesoscale metric are determined for the plurality of mesoscale interaction types. Values of the microscale metric are determined for the plurality of microscale interaction types based on the plurality of observations and the corresponding functions and compressed sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Jr. University
    Inventors: Harley McAdams, Mohammed AlQuraishi
  • Patent number: 8999730
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an immunochromatography method capable of measuring a sample in a low concentration range and a high concentration range by setting the measurable range of the sample much wider than the conventional measurable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Oyamada, Junichi Katada, Kenji Narahara, Daisuke Ogata, Tomonori Takeshige, Akihiko Onodera
  • Patent number: 8992832
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a luminescence method of detecting an analyte in a liquid sample comprising marking the analyte with a marker capable of effecting luminescence upon application of excitation energy, wherein reference data descriptive of the luminescence decay is stored in an electronic memory; applying the excitation energy for causing the luminescence; time-resolved measuring of the luminescence over a period of time for acquisition of a measurement signal; reading the reference data from the electronic memory; comparing the measurement signal with the luminescence decay described by the reference data; generating an output signal indicative of the presence of the analyte in the liquid sample using the measurement signal; in case of a mismatch of the measurement signal and the luminescence decay described by the reference data, generating an error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Erna Donnerbauer, Ursula Giesen
  • Patent number: 8962346
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 8961877
    Abstract: Distinctive components that enable high-throughput, whole-animal screening are described. These components can be used individually or in various combinations. A staging chip strains off the excess fluid that the input animals are immersed in, increasing their density (number of animals in a given volume) and rapidly bringing them close to other fluidic components. A microfluidic sorter is adapted to isolate and immobilize a single, physiologically active animal in a selected geometry. A multiplexed micro-chamber chip receives single animals and the microchamber chip includes individually addressable screening chambers for imaging, incubation and exposure of individual animals to selected chemical compounds. An imaging structure generates sub-cellular, high-resolution images of the physiologically active animals. A well-plate interface chip is used to deliver elements from a compound library to a single output of the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mehmet F. Yanik, Christopher Rohde, Matthew M. Angel, Cody L. Gilleland
  • Patent number: 8956879
    Abstract: An analysis device includes: a separation cavity 18 for separating a test liquid into a solution component and a solid component by using a centrifugal force; a higher specific gravity component quantitative cavity 23 for holding a portion of the separated solid component which has been transferred; a sample solution overflow cavity 22 arranged between the higher specific gravity component quantitative cavity 23 and the separation cavity 18 and connected to a connecting channel 21 for transporting the sample liquid from the separation cavity 18; and a capillary cavity 19 formed in the separation cavity 18 for temporarily holding a separated solution component (blood plasma) in the separation cavity 18. A blood plasma component 57a remaining in the separation cavity 18 is trapped by the capillary cavity 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tanaka, Hirotaka Tanaka, Hiroshi Saiki
  • Patent number: 8945480
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methodology to carry out biochemical testing on a centrifugal platform using flow splitting technique. In conventional biochemical testing, reagents need to be loaded individually into each reservoir. By using the flow splitting technique in this invention, one reagent only need to be loaded once, then, it can be evenly distributed into each reaction chambers in single or multiple layers format. The invention greatly reduces the required manpower when large numbers of assays are integrated on one platform. Because of the invention, many medical examinations can be performed efficiently, thus reduce the waste of manpower, time and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Feng Chia University
    Inventors: Chih-Hsin Shih, Ho-Chin Wu, Yu-Ping Yang
  • Patent number: 8947656
    Abstract: A mobile computing device that includes an image sensor may be used to detect the result of a biomolecular assay. The biomolecular assay may be performed in an optical assay medium that provides an optical output in response to light from a light source, with the optical output indicating result. A wavelength-dispersive element may be used to disperse the optical output into spatially-separated wavelength components. The mobile computing device may be positioned relative to the wavelength-dispersive element such that different wavelength components are received at different locations on the image sensor. With the mobile computing device positioned in this way, the image sensor may be used to obtain one or more images that include the separated wavelength components of the optical output. A wavelength spectrum of the optical output may be determined from the one or more images, and the result may be determined from the wavelength spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventor: Brian T. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8937756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a digital holographic microscopy and imaging setup and a method of digital holographic microscopy and imaging for detecting molecules or structures stained or labelled to at least one cell or conjugated to antibodies which are bound either directly to said at least one cell or indirectly via another or several antibodies in a chain bound to said at least one cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Phase Holographic Imaging PHI AB
    Inventors: Mikael Sebesta, Kersti Alm, Anders Långberg, Anna Mölder, Johan Persson, Lennart Gisselsson
  • Patent number: 8927262
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a diagnostic test kit for detecting luteinizing hormone (LH) in a biological sample at a concentration relative to a threshold concentration of LH. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a labeled conjugate with a detectable label and a first binding member reactive with a first epitope of LH and a capture medium formed of a second, different material, in fluid communication with the release medium. The capture medium includes a result site having immobilized thereon a capture component capable of directly or indirectly binding LH that is bound to the labeled conjugate. The device is calibrated such that color development at the result site occurs only when the LH concentration of the liquid sample is greater than the threshold concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Albert R. Nazareth, Timothy Snowden, Mary Beth Boyle
  • Patent number: 8916035
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method measures cell vitalities with a sensor array. The sensor array is formed on a surface of a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip has integrated circuits and an integrated circuit is associated with each sensor of the sensor array, for processing the measurement signals of the respective sensor. The integrated circuits are formed in the semiconductor chip spatially in each case below the associated sensor and neighboring sensors of the sensor array have a center-to-center in the range of micrometers. The pH and/or pO2 can be measured in the environment of a living cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Frey, Walter Gumbrecht, Peter Paulicka, Meinrad Schienle, Daniel Sickert, Manfred Stanzel
  • Patent number: 8912006
    Abstract: This application provides devices for modeling ischemic stroke conditions. The devices can be used to culture neurons and to subject a first population of the neurons to low-oxygen conditions and a second population of neurons to normoxic conditions. The neurons are cultured on a porous barrier, and on the other side of the barrier run one or more fluid-filled channels. By flowing fluid with different oxygen levels through the channels, one can deliver desired oxygen concentrations to the cells nearest those channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., The University of South Florida
    Inventors: Anilkumar Harapanahalli Achyuta, Javier Cuevas, Shivshankar Sundaram, Chris Katnik