Patents by Inventor Dirk Kurowski
Dirk Kurowski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9522520Abstract: A process and a laminating device for producing a microfluidic device are proposed, wherein a film is pressed onto a carrier under the effect of heat and thereby attached to it. During the attachment the film is lifted by the blowing in of gas on the carrier side to prevent it adhering in a non-attachment region and is vented on the remote side. The device is compressed between a holder and a thermode of the laminating device during the lamination. An elastic intermediate layer is arranged in each case between the device and the holder and between the device and the thermode, for evening out the contact pressure and obtaining uniform attachment of the film to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Oliver Paul
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Patent number: 9409171Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic structure (1), comprising at least one cavity (10) having at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (12), wherein the cavity (10) can be filled with a liquid or a liquid can flow through the cavity and at least one element (13) is provided inside the cavity (10), which element stops the flow of the liquid at least temporarily and/or diverts the flow of the liquid at least in some regions within the cavity (10). According to the invention, the at least one element (13) is formed by a recess (13) introduced into a wall of the cavity (10), which recess (13) has at least one first region (14) at which the liquid stops at least temporarily and/or is diverted at least in some regions and at least one second region (15) at which the liquid preferably flows into the recess (13). Such a microfluidic structure makes it possible to fill the cavity (10) without air inclusions.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim MicroParts GmbHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Oliver Paul
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Patent number: 9383293Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sample separation, particularly for blood separation, in which the sample liquid is introduced into a feed device. The sample flows vertically through a separating device such as a filter or a membrane, so that sample particles are retained and separated off. The sample liquid thus separated, particularly blood plasma, is received by an inlet chamber underneath the separating device and conveyed by means of a channel in the lateral direction out of the inlet chamber. Particularly advantageously, the channel extends into the inlet chamber, the channel being formed by a recess in the base of the inlet chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Gert Blankenstein, Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong, Dirk Kurowski, Dirk Osterloh
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Patent number: 9333707Abstract: A cartridge includes a fluidically conductive floor element, a cover, and a film disposed between the elements. The cover or the floor element and the film include a filling opening for filling microfluidic channels in one of the elements having sample fluid. Pins engage in corresponding holes in the film and the associated element. By way of deforming a pin, a friction fit is produced with the wall of a hole, and a head contacting the associated substrate in a form-fitting manner is formed. A press tool is placed on a head end of a pin at a predetermined pressure, and heat transfer into the pin takes place during a weld time. The pin material is brought to above the glass transition temperature and/or the melting point, and a friction fit between the pin and the wall of the hole is formed by flowing the pin material in the hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Christian Schoen, Thorsten Joedicke, Dirk Kurowski
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Patent number: 9182326Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filtering a liquid sample, wherein first capillary-driven filtration occurs and, after initial filling, pressure-operated filtration is performed by applying a vacuum or a positive pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Dirk Osterloh, Ying Yu
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Publication number: 20150251182Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic structure (1), comprising at least one cavity (10) having at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (12), wherein the cavity (10) can be filled with a liquid or a liquid can flow through the cavity and at least one element (13) is provided inside the cavity (10), which element stops the flow of the liquid at least temporarily and/or diverts the flow of the liquid at least in some regions within the cavity (10). According to the invention, the at least one element (13) is formed by a recess (13) introduced into a wall of the cavity (10), which recess (13) has at least one first region (14) at which the liquid stops at least temporarily and/or is diverted at least in some regions and at least one second region (15) at which the liquid preferably flows into the recess (13). Such a microfluidic structure makes it possible to fill the cavity (10) without air inclusions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Dirk KUROWSKI, Oliver PAUL
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Publication number: 20150036121Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the scattered light (L2) of particles (P, PK) in a measuring medium (F), wherein a measuring container (1) is supplied with the measuring medium (F) and incident light (L1) is shone through the measuring medium (F) at least in some regions over a certain path length (1) and in a certain direction and the light (L2) scattered from the incident light (L1) is measured within a certain angle range (?). It is provided according to the invention that the incident light (L1) is guided parallel to a longitudinal axis (S) of the measuring container (1). By these measures, known methods can be improved and it is readily possible to use the invention even for very small measuring volumes of the measuring medium (F) with the associated small dimensions of the measuring container (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Christian Vesper, Gert Blankenstein
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Publication number: 20140227148Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic structure (1), comprising at least one cavity (10) having at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (12), wherein the cavity (10) can be filled with a liquid or a liquid can flow through the cavity and at least one element (13) is provided inside the cavity (10), which element stops the flow of the liquid at least temporarily and/or diverts the flow of the liquid at least in some regions within the cavity (10). According to the invention, the at least one element (13) is formed by a recess (13) introduced into a wall of the cavity (10), which recess (13) has at least one first region (14) at which the liquid stops at least temporarily and/or is diverted at least in some regions and at least one second region (15) at which the liquid preferably flows into the recess (13). Such a microfluidic structure makes it possible to fill the cavity (10) without air inclusions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Oliver Paul
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Patent number: 8795607Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for a fluid for metering a reagent into a microfluidic system. The container comprises a chamber (4) and a first film (3) which seals off the chamber (4) so that the fluid is encapsulated in the chamber. Advantageously, the first film (3) is an aluminum sealing film. A second film (7) is sealingly arranged on the first film, for example by adhesive bonding of the film layers. The films differ in their tear strength such that when pressure is applied simultaneously to both films the first film tears while the second film deforms elastically and/or plastically. By tearing the first film a connection is produced between the container chamber and an inlet channel so that a fluid contained in the chamber flows into the microfluidic system.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Berthold Lange, Dirk Osterloh
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Publication number: 20140134595Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filtering a liquid sample, wherein first capillary-driven filtration occurs and, after initial filling, pressure-operated filtration is performed by applying a vacuum or a positive pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Dirk Osterloh, Ying Yu
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Publication number: 20140000223Abstract: A method for filling a cavity, of a packaging, particularly a blister packaging, with a liquid and a packaging suitable for this purpose are proposed. The cavity is completely filled with the liquid by an acceleration force or by continuous throughflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Dirk Osterloh, Dirk Kurowski, Tobia Rodenfels, Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Eichmann, Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong
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BLISTER PACKAGING FOR LIQUID AND USE THEREOF AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING A LIQUID TO A FLUIDIC ASSEMBLY
Publication number: 20130327672Abstract: A packaging, particularly a blister packaging, is proposed, having at least one cavity for holding a liquid and having an integrated opening device. The packaging can be used as a reservoir for a liquid for connecting to a fluidic assembly. The packaging is opened by partial deformation of the packaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Oliver Paul -
Patent number: 8580072Abstract: A device for the intake or manipulation of a fluid, in particular, a liquid, and a method for the production of a device of this type in which a flat, non-preformed covering film is laminated onto a carrier, a three-dimensionally shaped or convex chamber wall being formed solely by means of the laminating process. The chamber wall which forms a boundary of a chamber for the fluid is partially deformable. The device is simple to produce and can be used universally.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim microParts GmbHInventors: Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Rodenfels, Dirk Kurowski, Mario Hempel
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Patent number: 8580209Abstract: A microfluidic device meters liquids into a network of channels or chambers partly formed by a film partly attached to and above a substrate, the network permitting flow of fluid above the substrate. To form a channel or chamber, the edge zone between unattached and attached portions of the film forms a wedge of material by viscous flow of film material as the film is laminated to the substrate, this wedge forming a transition between the chamber wall and the substrate, raising the wall above the plane of the substrate. Film is laminated with a mask having an opening, the mask pressed onto the film under pressure and/or with heat. The film is brought to a temperature to produce a viscous flow of film and/or substrate medium into the region of the opening, forming a wedge of material as the film bulges up at the opening to form a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Mario Hempel, Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Rodenfels
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Publication number: 20130240140Abstract: A process and a laminating device for producing a microfluidic device are proposed, wherein a film is pressed onto a carrier under the effect of heat and thereby attached to it. During the attachment the film is lifted by the blowing in of gas on the carrier side to prevent it adhering in a non-attachment region and is vented on the remote side. The device is compressed between a holder and a thermode of the laminating device during the lamination. An elastic intermediate layer is arranged in each case between the device and the holder and between the device and the thermode, for evening out the contact pressure and obtaining uniform attachment of the film to the carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Paul Oliver
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Publication number: 20130236985Abstract: A method and a device for the optical examination of a surface region are proposed. Fluorescence measurement is used to determine the amount of a substance bound to the surface region. Light interference is shut out thanks to the surface region being covered with an optically active liquid which filters, reflects, scatters and/or absorbs light with a wavelength at least substantially corresponding to the light radiated in and/or out.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Gert Blankenstein, Dirk Kurowski
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Publication number: 20130206253Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of producing it are proposed, in which a film covers a chamber in a carrier. The film is locally re-tightened in the region of the chamber after the film has been secured to the carrier. In this way it is possible to prevent undesirable bulging of the film into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Dirk Kurowski, Gert Blankenstein, Dirk Osterloh, Marc Prenger, Ying Yu
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Publication number: 20130112612Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sample separation, particularly for blood separation, in which the sample liquid is introduced into a feed device. The sample flows vertically through a separating device such as a filter or a membrane, so that sample particles are retained and separated off. The sample liquid thus separated, particularly blood plasma, is received by an inlet chamber underneath the separating device and conveyed by means of a channel in the lateral direction out of the inlet chamber. Particularly advantageously, the channel extends into the inlet chamber, the channel being formed by a recess in the base of the inlet chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Gert Blankenstein, Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong, Dirk Kurowski, Dirk Osterloh
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Publication number: 20120275972Abstract: The invention relates to joining plastic components into a microfluidic cartridge (20). The invention in particular relates to cartridges (20) for diagnostic analysis devices. The cartridge (20) comprises a fluidically conductive floor element (11), a cover (2), and a film (3) disposed between the elements (1, 2). The cover (2) or the floor element (1) and the film (3) comprise a filling opening (5) for filling microfluidic channels (4) in one of the elements having sample fluid. Pins (6) formed integrally with one of the board-shaped elements (1, 2) engage in corresponding holes (7) in the film (3) and the associated element (1, 2) for each. By means of deforming a pin (6), a friction fit is produced between a deformed pin and the wall of a hole, and a head (9) contacting the associated substrate in a form-fitting manner is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBHInventors: Christian Schoen, Thorsten Joedicke, Dirk Kurowski
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Publication number: 20120208292Abstract: A device including a shallow chamber for analyzing a target analyte in a body fluid using the signal generated by fluorescent detector molecules specific for the target analyte and attenuating the signal emitted by fluorescent detector molecules non-specifically bound to the surfaces of the chamber by a signal attenuating dye; and method thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: William Lewis, James E. Flaherty, Eugene K. Achter, Dirk Kurowski