Patents Issued in August 18, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160238590
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, kits and compositions related to identifying or treating a subject sensitive to or likely to be sensitive to oats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Robert P. Anderson, Jason A. Tye-Din, Melinda Hardy
  • Publication number: 20160238591
    Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments provided herein are directed to compositions that include at least one nanoparticle linked to a first polypeptide, and a biologically synthesizable polymer linked to at least one second polypeptide that binds covalently to the first polypeptide. Other aspects and embodiments provided herein are directed to methods of producing the foregoing compositions and components therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: ZHENGTAO DENG, Timothy Kuan-Ta Lu
  • Publication number: 20160238592
    Abstract: Methods comprising the use of photoactivated chemical bleaching for detecting multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample containing multiple targets, binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The method further includes the steps of contacting the sample comprising the bound probe with a cationic or zwitterionic borate compound and irradiating the sample, thereby initiating a photoreaction that substantially inactivates the probe by photoactivated chemical bleaching. The method further includes the steps of binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The process of binding, observing and bleaching may be iteratively repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Arunkumar Natarajan, Anup Sood, Lakshmi Sireesha Kaanumalle, Christina Lowes
  • Publication number: 20160238593
    Abstract: A programmable modular protein architecture for RNA binding comprises a set of modules, derived from RNA-binding protein Pumilio, that can be concatenated into chains of varying composition and length. When bound into a chain, each module has a preferred affinity for a specific RNA base. The chains can bind arbitrary RNA sequences with high specificity and fidelity by varying the sequence of modules within the chains. Each module contains at least 6 amino acids, with the amino acids in positions 1 and 5 providing the preferred affinity for the specific base, and the amino acid at position 2 serving as a stacking unit between concatenated modules. The modules may have four canonic forms, each having a preferred affinity for a different base and characterized by the base with which it has affinity, the two amino acids that provide the affinity, and the amino acid that serves as a stacking unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Katarzyna P. Adamala, Daniel Alberto Martin-Alarcon
  • Publication number: 20160238594
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for quantifying the cellular concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP), glutathione, glucose, and glutamine in a single cell include the use of conjugates and analogs in immunofluorescent assays for on-chip quantification. These metabolite immunofluorescent assays may be incorporated with proteomic assays for simultaneous single cell analysis of metabolites and proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Min Xue, Wei Wei, James R. Heath
  • Publication number: 20160238595
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices for determining whether an analyte is present in a sample are provided. The microfluidic devices include a polymeric medium that includes a first analyte detection domain having a first covalently bound capture member that specifically binds to a first analyte, and a second analyte detection domain having a second covalently bound capture member that specifically binds to a second analyte. Also provided are methods of using the subject microfluidic device, systems and kits that use the subject microfluidic devices, as well as methods of producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Robert Lin
  • Publication number: 20160238596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting cleavage activity of an enzyme. The various aspects of the invention include an enzyme detection device, kit, method and use for detecting or measuring the presence in a test sample of the activity of an enzyme capable of cleaving a substrate. The invention also relates to indicator and binding molecules useful for carrying out the invention. The enzyme substrate contains a hidden binding site which is only revealed upon cleavage by the enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Mologic Limited
    Inventors: Paul Davis, Gita Parekh, James Schouten
  • Publication number: 20160238597
    Abstract: The described invention provides a method for quantifying cellular antigens that is independent of specially prepared calibration beads and antibody reagents. The described method can be applied to both low and high affinity antibodies, under both saturating and non-saturating binding conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Darya Y. Orlova, David R. Parks, Leonore A. Herzenberg, Andrei V. Chernyshev, Alexander E. Moskalensky
  • Publication number: 20160238598
    Abstract: Disclosed is an accurate and stable immunoassay reagent using a glycerophospholipid and a method for stabilizing the reagent. The reagent for assaying an analyte in blood by immune reaction with an antigen when the analyte is an antibody or with an antibody when the analyte is an antigen, wherein a glycerophospholipid and a polyvinylpyrrolidone are incorporated into the immune reaction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: SEKISUI MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki ABE, Tetsuya OTA
  • Publication number: 20160238599
    Abstract: Definitive diagnosis and early start of treatment cannot be made for tuberculosis since conventional methods for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex require a long time plus enormous labor and expense. Because detection is difficult to perform directly from a biological sample, if the biological sample contains no or a very small amount of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex-specific secretory protein, there is a risk infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex will be missed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Urao NONAKA, Toshiyuki KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20160238600
    Abstract: Described are combinations of specific binding proteins, such as immunoglobulins, that are designed to be true combinations, essentially all components of the combination being functional and compatible with each other. Further provided are methods for producing a composition comprising at least two different proteinaceous molecules comprising paired variable regions, the at least two proteinaceous molecules having different binding specificities, comprising paired variable regions, at least two proteinaceous molecules having different binding specificities, comprising contacting at least three different variable regions under conditions allowing for pairing of variable regions and harvesting essentially all proteinaceous molecules having binding specificities resulting from the pairing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Merus B.V.
    Inventors: Hendricus Renerus Hoogenboom, Ton Logtenberg, Mark Throsby, Robert A. Kramer, Rui Daniel Pinto, Cornelis A. de Kruif, Erwin Houtzager
  • Publication number: 20160238601
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting a coronavirus in a sample and identifying the subgroup of the coronavirus in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Ralph Baric, Sudhakar Agnihothram, Boyd Yount
  • Publication number: 20160238602
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for an in vitro detection of a first protein in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) separating the sample by means of a native separation method; b) transferring the separated sample onto a membrane; c) contacting the membrane with an aptamer which specifically binds to the first protein; and d) detecting the first protein by detecting the aptamer bound to the first protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Technische Universität Berlin
    Inventors: Jens KURRECK, Anke WAGNER, Viola RÖHRS
  • Publication number: 20160238603
    Abstract: Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley L. Hazen, Renliang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20160238604
    Abstract: Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley L. Hazen, Renliang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20160238605
    Abstract: Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley L. Hazen, Renliang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20160238606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plurality of antigens that together form a panel of immunoreactive molecules suitable for identifying candidates for prostate cancer examination. Methods for identifying antibodies indicative of a pre-malignant or malignant prostate are disclosed. Further disclosed are kits that can be used to practice the above methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas G. McNeel, Brett B. Maricque
  • Publication number: 20160238607
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides systems and methods for the detection, identification, or characterization of differences between properties or behavior of corresponding species in two or more mixtures comprised of molecules, including biomolecules and/or molecules able to interact with biomolecules, using techniques such as partitioning. The experimental conditions established as distinguishing between the mixtures of the molecules using the systems and methods of the invention can also be used, in some cases, for further fractionation and/or characterization of the biomolecules and/or other molecules, using techniques such as single-step or multiple-step extraction, and/or by liquid-liquid partition chromatography. The methods could also be used for discovering and identifying markers associated with specific diagnostics, and can be used for screening for such markers once discovered and identified during diagnostics screening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Analiza, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnon Chait, Boris Y. Zaslavsky
  • Publication number: 20160238608
    Abstract: The invention discloses a human cancer-related gene, LAPTM4B, its encoded products and their applications thereof. This human cancer-related gene provided by this invention comprises one of the following nucleotide sequences: (1) SEQ ID No: 1, SEQ ID No: 2, SEQ ID No: 3, SEQ ID No: 6, or SEQ ID No: 8 in the sequence listings; (2) Polynucleotides that encode the protein sequences of SEQ ID No: 4, SEQ ID No: 5, or SEQ ID No: 7 in the sequence listings; (3) DNA sequences having above 90% homology with the DNA sequences specified by SEQ ID No: 1, SEQ ID No: 2, SEQ ID No: 3, SEQ ID No: 6, or SEQ ID No: 8 in the sequence listings, and these DNA sequences encode the proteins with the same or similar functions. This invention enables the developments of new anti-cancer approaches and new anti-cancer medicines. It would create a significant impact on human society.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Rouli Zhou, Genze Shao, Xinrong Liu, Qingyun Zhang, Jingan Rui, Ye Zhang, Yueying Jin, Ming Lin, Sha Zhang
  • Publication number: 20160238609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for labeling specifically living bacteria of a given category of Gram negative bacteria in a sample comprising bacteria, the method including the steps of: a) incubating the bacteria of the sample with at least one modified monosaccharide compound having a first reactive chemical group capable of reacting with a second reactive group, so that a monosaccharide residue bearing the first reactive group is incorporated into the polysaccharides of the outer membrane of such bacteria, and b) contacting the modified monosaccharide residue incorporated within the outer membrane of the bacteria, with a labeling molecule having a second reactive group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), UNIVERSITE D'AIX-MARSEILLE
    Inventors: Sam DUKAN, Boris VAUZEILLES, Aurelie BARON, Jordi MAS PONS
  • Publication number: 20160238610
    Abstract: A method for identifying the expression or activity of a nuclear protein in a cell, the method comprising: analyzing multiple images of one or more labeled genetic entities; determining from said analysis, a motile property of said one or more labeled genetic entities; and identifying an expression or activity of a nuclear protein of said cell associated with said motile property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Yuval GARINI, Irena BRONSHTEIN BERGER, Eldad KEPTEN
  • Publication number: 20160238611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide or polypeptide complex, comprising at least one non-ribosomal peptide synthesis (NRPS) amino acid module functionally connected to at least one pigment module. The present invention further relates to a labeled oligopeptide comprising a non-naturally attached NRPS pigment or/and polyketide pigment, to a polynucleotide encoding a fusion polypeptide, a vector, preferably an expression vector, comprising the polynucleotide of the present invention and to a host cell comprising the polypeptide or polypeptide complex and/or the polynucleotide, and/or the vector according to the present invention. Moreover, the present invention relates to in vitro and in vivo method of producing a labeled oligopeptide, as well as to methods of optimizing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Roland EILS, Barbara DI VENTURA, Lorenz ADLUNG, Katharina GENREITH, Tim HEINEMANN, Hannah MEYER, Dominik NIOPEK, Fanny GEORGI, Ralf BEER, Tania Christina CHRISTIANSEN, Konrad HERBST, Nikolaos IGNATIADIS, Ilia KATS, Nils KURZAWA, Johanna MEICHSNER, Sophie RABE, Anja RIEDEL, Joshua SACHS, Julia Patricia SCHESSNER, Florian SCHMIDT, Philipp Darius Konstantin WALCH
  • Publication number: 20160238612
    Abstract: The present invention is methods and assays for identifying single proteins from a sample, without the use of affinity reagents. The methods and assays combine endopeptidase-based component of conventional peptide mapping with single molecule labeling and a microreactor array platform. The invention also includes kits for performing the methods and assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventor: Peter A. Sims
  • Publication number: 20160238613
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the identification of an antigen receptor (e.g., an antibody) that specifically binds to an antigen of interest. Generally, this involves contacting a plurality of antigen receptor-expressing cells with an antigen of interest; measuring the level of activated adhesion molecules on the surface of the antigen receptor-expressing cells; and, identifying from the plurality of antigen receptor-expressing cells an antigen receptor-expressing cell that exhibits an increased amount of activated adhesion molecules on the cell surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Richard W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20160238614
    Abstract: Antibody-free processes are disclosed that provide accurate quantification of a wide variety of low-abundance target analytes in complex samples. The processes can employ high-pressure, high-resolution chromatographic separations for analyte enrichment. Intelligent selection of target fractions may be performed via on-line Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) or off-line rapid screening of internal standards. Quantification may be performed on individual or multiplexed fractions. Applications include analyses of, e.g., very low abundance proteins or candidate biomarkers in plasma, cell, or tissue samples without the need for affinity-specific reagents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: TUJIN SHI, WEIJUN QIAN, THOMAS L. FILLMORE, XUEFEI SUN, RICHARD D. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20160238615
    Abstract: Pipette tips comprising aldehyde-reactive or amino-reactive chemical moieties or other chemical moieties capable of conjugating to one or more reactive groups of amino acid side chains or protein modifications and methods for preparing the tips are provided. In addition, a high throughput method for identifying proteins, glycoproteins, and glycans in a plurality of samples using the pipette tips is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hui ZANG, Punit SHAH, JING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160238616
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing an inflammatory condition of the genital tract caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in a female subject is described. The method measures the concentration of IP-10 and either of IL-? or IL-? in a sample of cervicovaginal fluid from the subject and compares these to predetermined levels of IP-10 and either of IL-1? or IL-1?, respectively. A down-regulated IP-10 level in the sample or an up-regulated IL-1? or IL-1? level in the sample will be regarded as a positive result, i.e. indicating that there is a high probability that the subject has an STI or BV. The subject could then either be directly treated, e.g. with broad spectrum antibiotics, or referred for appropriate STI screening. The sample can be obtained from a vaginal secretion from the subject. A test kit for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Lindi Masson, Jo-Ann Shelley Passmore
  • Publication number: 20160238617
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the detection of inner ear disorders such as balance disorders and hearing disorders resulting from acoustic injury, exposure to ototoxins, head trauma or viral illness. Specifically, otolin-1 and prestin have been verified as inner-ear specific biomarkers suitable for the detection of inner ear disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: KOUROSH PARHAM
  • Publication number: 20160238618
    Abstract: The invention relates to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of neurological diseases. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and kits that diagnose whether a subject has a neurological disease or susceptibility to a neurological disease by evaluating nuclear stress body (NSB) levels. Further described are methods and kits that prognose a neurological disease in a subject by monitoring changes in NSB levels. Also described are methods and kits that treat neurological diseases by administering one or more inhibitors of NSB signaling to a patient, as well as compositions containing one or more NSB signaling inhibitors. Medical conditions suitable with various embodiments of the invention include but are not limited to ALS, FTLD, dementia and AD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Dignity Health
    Inventors: Robert Bowser, Mahlon Collins
  • Publication number: 20160238619
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for measuring the absolute concentration of a biomolecule of interest in a subject. Such biomolecules may be implicated in one or more neurological and neurodegenerative diseases or disorders. Also provided is a method for determining whether a therapeutic agent affects the in vivo metabolism of a central nervous system derived biomolecule. Also provided are kits for performing the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Tim West, Andrew Corey Paoletti
  • Publication number: 20160238620
    Abstract: If an air bubble is entrained when a reagent is added to a sample, disturbance caused by this air bubble may prevent accurate optical measurement, thereby reducing accuracy for measuring blood clotting ability. The position to dispense the reagent depends on accuracy of stopping a reagent dispensing mechanism and dimensional errors of individual detectors, and thus conventional reagent discharging method may entrain an air bubble because a distance between a nozzle for dispensing the reagent and an inner wall of a reaction vessel is not constant and conditions for dispensing the reagent to the sample vary. In the present invention, an automatic analyzer with a nozzle for sucking and discharging the reagent for blood clotting reaction is provided with a dispensing mechanism that keeps a constant position for the nozzle to discharge the reagent by pressing the nozzle against the inner wall of the reaction vessel within the elastic range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Toshiyuki SHIMAMORI, Akihisa MAKINO, Masato ISHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20160238621
    Abstract: Activated clotting time (ACT) tests detect blood clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a test sample, using a ferromagnetic washer lifted to the top of a test chamber and then dropped from the top via gravity; a drop time greater than a preset threshold value indicates clotting of the test sample. Blood samples which have high levels of heparin usually produce very weak clots that may easily be destroyed by the lifting movement of the washer. But if the clot threshold is set low to detect the weak clots, false detections occur during early testing cycles when activators are not fully suspended during the mixing cycle. Improved algorithms for lifting the washer and adjusting over time enable accurate detection of weak clots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Cheek, Lawrence Erickson, Trevor Huang, Tessy Kanayinkal, Craig Petersen, Charlene Yuan
  • Publication number: 20160238622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining if a subject has an increased risk of suffering from memory impairment. The methods comprise analyzing at least one plasma sample from the subject to determine a value of the subject's lipidomic profile, and comparing the value of the subject's lipidomic profile with the value of a normal lipidomic profile. A decrease in the value of the subject's lipidomic profile over normal values is indicative that the subject has an increased risk of suffering from memory impairment compared to a normal individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Howard J. FEDEROFF, Mark E. MAPSTONE, Amrita K. CHEEMA, Massimo S. FIANDACA
  • Publication number: 20160238623
    Abstract: A system includes a platform including one or more workstations and a microfluidic input device coupled to the one or more workstations. The microfluidic input device is adapted to receive a microfluidic device from a user. The system also includes a robotic device comprising a robotic arm and disposed on the platform. The robotic arm is capable of accessing the one or more workstations and is configured to transfer a plurality of sample solutions from a first spatial location to the microfluidic device when coupled to the microfluidic input device. The system further includes a multi-pixel image capturing device optically coupled to the microfluidic device and an image processing device operably coupled to the multi-pixel image capturing device. The multi-pixel image capturing device is adapted to capture a plurality of multi-pixel images. The image processing device is configured to receive the plurality of multi-pixel images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Gang Sun, Greg Harris, Andy May, Kyle Self, Kevin Farrell, Paul Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20160238624
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic analysis device capable of reducing a reagent cost. In the present invention, in each mixed reagent preparation cycle, an amount of mixed reagent for N analyses is mixed and prepared, and an amount of mixed reagent for one analysis is dispensed from the amount of mixed reagent for N analyses and used to analyze one sample. Minimum (Nmin) and maximum (Nmax) values for N are determined for a control unit beforehand, and if the analysis of J samples is requested, the control unit sets the value of N at the time of a mixed reagent preparation cycle within a range from Nmin to Nmax so as to minimize the remaining mixed reagent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Daisuke MORISHIMA, Kohshi MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20160238625
    Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Razvan Raicu, Robert P. Luoma, II
  • Publication number: 20160238626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing tip (8) comprising a conventional tip (1), such as a pipette tip, which is essentially made of a cavity which communicates with the external environment through an aperture (3) located at the tip distal end; the sensing tip (8) furthermore comprising an electrical impedance sensor made of at least two electrodes (4,5,6) located respectively outside (4) and inside (5,6) said conventional tip (1) and wherein the sensing area is arranged within said aperture (3). The invention also covers the use of the above-cited sensing tip (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFLP
    Inventors: David Vincent Bonzon, Georges Henri Muller, Philippe Renaud, Yann Barrandon
  • Publication number: 20160238627
    Abstract: Example decapping/capping systems/apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture are described herein. An example method includes transporting, via a carrier transporter, a first carrier having a first container to position the first container in a first location. The first container has a first cap. The method includes removing, via a cap gripper, the first cap from the first container while the first container is disposed in the first location. The method also includes transporting, via the carrier transporter, a second carrier having a second container to position the second container in the first location. The second container has a second cap being a different type of cap than the first cap. The method further includes removing, via the cap gripper, the second cap from the second container while the second container is disposed in the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Razvan Raicu
  • Publication number: 20160238628
    Abstract: A traction motor speed probe may include one or more accelerometers that report acceleration in three dimensions. The accelerometer signals may be compared to accelerometer signals associated with known conditions in either the motor or a machine on which the motor is operating, such as wheel lock-up, worn motor parts, or a flat spot on a wheel in a locomotive application. The accelerometer may also be useful in identifying when a zero reading from a speed sensor is because the motor speed probe is no longer firmly coupled to the motor or if motor or wheel are locked up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: George Maier
  • Publication number: 20160238629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring turbulence in a high temperature fluid flow, comprising: applying different levels of cooling at different times to a region of a substrate in the high temperature fluid flow; and/or applying different levels of cooling at the same time to different regions of a substrate in the high temperature fluid flow and/or to regions on different substrates in the high temperature fluid flow, wherein the method further comprises: measuring fluctuations in the temperature of the region or regions of the substrate or substrates at each of the different levels of cooling; and using the measured fluctuations to determining an amount of turbulence in the high temperature fluid flow and/or the size of temperature fluctuations in the high temperature fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Ireland, Kamaljit Singh Chana
  • Publication number: 20160238630
    Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes a back plate; at least one back plate electrode coupled to the back plate; a proof of mass with the proof of mass elastically coupled to the back plate; and a proof of mass electrode coupled to the proof of mass. Movement of the sensor causes a capacitance between the proof of mass electrode and the at least one back plate electrode to vary and the capacitance represents a magnitude of the movement of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Sung Bok LEE, Eric LAUTENSCHLAGER
  • Publication number: 20160238631
    Abstract: A detection arrangement and method for directing the sensitivity of an optical knife-edge detection system to its optimal operating point. This is referred to as an increase in the detection dynamic range of the system with advantageous applications for detecting motion of a surface such as for Atomic Force Microscopy as well as detecting acoustic vibrations on unstable surfaces. A pair of parallel reflecting surfaces, such as an optical slab waveguide, serve to reflect the sensing beam back onto the knife-edge detector once it is shifted off its sensing range. Allowing multiple reflections, the sensing beam is maintained on the knife-edge detector even at large angular offsets from the optimal operating point of the basic knife-edge detector. Use of a modified arrangement, with two knife-edge detectors at quadrature ensures near-optimal sensitivity at a detection dynamic range up to forty-fold larger than that of the basic knife-edge system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Abraham AHARONI
  • Publication number: 20160238632
    Abstract: An electrostatic protection circuit may include a test pad configured to receive a first signal in a test mode. The electrostatic protection circuit may include a bump array configured to receive a second signal in a normal mode. The electrostatic protection circuit may include a buffer array configured to transmit the first signal or the second signal into a semiconductor device. The electrostatic protection circuit may include an electrostatic protection unit coupled with the test pad and the bump array, and configured to block static electricity included in the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Nam Pyo HONG
  • Publication number: 20160238633
    Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: Ken PARKS, Michael COLBURN
  • Publication number: 20160238634
    Abstract: An HV divider stepping down an input high voltage in HV systems includes a primary part with first and second assemblies within an insulator and a divider input terminal. The first assembly is a first capacitor stack having first high and middle voltage capacitors. The second assembly has a second capacitor stack and resistor stack in parallel. The second capacitor stack has second high and low voltage capacitors. The resistor stack has high and low voltage resistors. The secondary part has an electromagnetic unit and a secondary part output set has: a first output terminal subset, deriving from a first intermediate terminal processed through electromagnetic unit, to provide a first output voltage subset for measuring amplitude of the input voltage at nominal frequency range; a second output terminal, deriving from a second intermediate terminal, to provide a second output voltage for measuring waveform of the input high voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: LORENZO GIOVANELLI
  • Publication number: 20160238635
    Abstract: A bridge offset voltage compensation method and circuit having a bridge circuit and a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) resistor cascade. The bridge circuit includes a branch circuit. The TMR resistor cascade is coupled in series with the branch circuit, and is configured to provide a resistance to compensate for a bridge offset voltage of the bridge circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Juergen Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20160238636
    Abstract: A method for estimating a lifetime of a cathode in an electron beam lithography apparatus according to an embodiment, includes: calculating emittance of the cathode by using a lifetime reference value of the cathode; calculating an emitter lifetime diameter of the cathode by using the emittance; writing a pattern on a target object by using an electron beam emitted from the cathode; measuring emission current of the electron beam; calculating an emitter diameter by using the emission current; determining a regression formula of a change with time of the emitter diameter; and estimating the lifetime of the cathode by using the regression formula and the emitter lifetime diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: NUFLARE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: MASAYUKI ITO
  • Publication number: 20160238637
    Abstract: A peak detector circuit comprises a first output coupled to ground by a first load and to emitter terminals of first and second switching devices. A second output is coupled to ground by a second load and to emitter terminals of third and fourth switching devices. A third output is coupled to a supply voltage node by a third load and to collector terminals of the first and second switching devices. A fourth output is coupled to the supply voltage node by a fourth load and to collector terminals of the third and fourth switching devices. The first, second, third, and fourth switching devices have control terminals which are biased with a common bias voltage. The first, second, third and fourth load are selected so that R1=R2=?f*R3=?f*R4, with R1, R2, R3, R4 being a resistance of the first, second, third and fourth loads, respectively, and ?f a common-base current gain of the switching devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Yi YIN
  • Publication number: 20160238638
    Abstract: A device and a method for detecting a state of an electrical device. A magnetic field is thereby measured by a magnetic field sensor along an electrical power supply cable of the electrical device via which the electrical device is supplied with power; a magnetic field is thereby measured by a magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field measured in this manner is compared with previously determined reference values in order to determine the operating state of the electrical device. The process of determining the reference values may thereby be individually adapted in an upstream calibration process to the electrical device to be monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventor: Sergej Scheiermann
  • Publication number: 20160238639
    Abstract: A signal processing system is provided and includes: a measurement apparatus that measures current and voltage which are supplied to a plurality of electric devices; and a processing apparatus that is connected to the measurement apparatus that estimates operation conditions of the respective electric devices. The measurement apparatus includes a detection unit that detects analog waveform data, a conversion unit that samples the analog waveform data and converts the sampled analog waveform data into digital waveform data, and a transmission unit that transmits the digital waveform data to the processing apparatus. The processing apparatus includes a reception unit that receives the digital waveform data, a storage unit that stores the digital waveform data, a separation unit that separates the stored digital waveform data into pieces, and an operation estimation unit that analyzes the pieces of digital waveform data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Taro TADANO