Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9618481
    Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer assembly, a conformable ultrasonic transducer has a piezoelectric layer and electrodes able to conform to curved surfaces, and a clamp for pressing the transducer into ultrasonic contact with a curved surface. Conformability is ensured with a thin, porous piezoelectric layer and suitable electrical conductors and insulators. The ultrasonic transducer may operate without further thermal shielding under harsh environments and/or at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventor: Silvio E. Kruger
  • Patent number: 9618482
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for remotely determining the impulse response of an object irradiated by a pulse train with low-intensity pulses of electromagnetic radiation. A complete representation of the pulse train transmitted towards the object is known in advance, and a convolution between the signal representation of the pulse train and the signal of the detected response from the object is performed, which provides a signal representation of the impulse response. Said signal representation can then be used, e.g., to analyze possible defects in the structure of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOTALFORSVARETS FORSKNINGSINSTITUT (FOI)
    Inventors: Claes Vahlberg, Joakim Vikström
  • Patent number: 9618483
    Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a first fitting that is configured to receive a first fluid tube and a second fitting that is configured to receive a second fluid tube. The first fitting defines a first groove. The second fitting includes a spring that is configured to engage the first groove to connect the first and second fittings such that the first and second fluid tubes are placed in fluid communication and a fluid tight seal is established between the first and second sealing fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis DellaRovere, James P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9618484
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a general sample injector, comprising a sample injection port mechanism, a sample injector shell, a vaporizing chamber, a heater, a temperature control unit, a carrier gas channel, a septum purge channel, a flow splitting channel, a coolant channel, a multichannel flow control valve and a temperature control unit. The general sample injector, equivalent to a “programmed temperature vaporizer” injector combining splitting/no splitting with cold column head sample injection, gives full play to the advantages of various sample injection modes, overcomes a plurality of disadvantages, and has higher practicability and better flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Qingjun Zhang, Yuanjing Li, Zhiqiang Chen, Qiufeng Ma, Ziran Zhao, Yinong Liu, Yaohong Liu, Junxiao Wang, Xiang Zou, Yanchun Wang, Jianping Chang, Linxia Tan
  • Patent number: 9618485
    Abstract: In a high performance liquid chromatography system, wherein a mobile phase is driven through a stationary phase for separating compounds of a sample fluid comprised in the mobile phase, a flow rate of the mobile phase is controlled in dependence on a variation in a control value in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Agilent Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus Witt
  • Patent number: 9618486
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to limiting a rate or pressurization in a reconfigurable pressurized flow system for which different system configurations can have different system volumes. In exemplary embodiments, the system can determine a limit for the rate of pressurization by configuring the system for a closed system rate of pressurization, measuring the closed system rate of pressurization at a set flow rate, and determining a relationship between the closed system rate of pressurization and the flow rate. The system can use the relationship to dynamically set the limit for different flow rates in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Paul Keenan
  • Patent number: 9618487
    Abstract: Prefilled liquid cartridge for fluidically connecting to a sample separation device for separating of components of a fluidic sample by using liquid of the liquid cartridge, wherein the liquid cartridge comprises a liquid container which is prefilled with liquid and a liquid removal access provided at the liquid container, adapted to be fluidically coupled with at least one liquid conduit of the sample separation device by only inserting the liquid cartridge in a corresponding liquid cartridge accommodation of the sample separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Agilent Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuela Senf, Daniela Loraing, Qi Siegmundt-Pan
  • Patent number: 9618488
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a separation device arranged and adapted to emit an eluent over a period of time. The separation device preferably comprises a Capillary Electrophoresis (“CE”) separation device. The mass spectrometer further comprises a nebuliser and a target. Eluent emitted by the separation device is nebulised, in use, by the nebuliser wherein a stream of analyte droplets are directed to impact upon the target so as to ionise the analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventor: Stevan Bajic
  • Patent number: 9618489
    Abstract: A generator condition monitoring device using gaseous decomposition products sensor according to the present invention comprises moisture trap and a filter for removing moisture and oil in generator cooling hydrogen gas, three way solenoid valve for changing flow of hydrogen gas, hydrocarbon trap for absorbing and removing gaseous decomposition products in a hydrogen gas, a dew point meter for measuring amount of moisture in hydrogen gas, and detection sensor for detecting gaseous decomposition products in hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: POWERCHEMTEC INC.
    Inventors: Tae Won Lee, Sung Min Ha
  • Patent number: 9618490
    Abstract: Provided is a gas sensor package, including: a first substrate including a gas inflow hole; and a gas sensing element mounted to the first substrate and including a gas sensing portion disposed to correspond to the gas inflow hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jee Heum Paik, Yun Mi Bae, Go Eun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9618491
    Abstract: Sensing particular gases in a mixture uses precise modulated heating. Sensor relative responses are compared at different temperatures and compared with known relative responses to identify gases and concentrations. Heater current sensors provide feedback control and microprocessor inputs. A processor controls complex impedances and varied frequencies in the sensors. Sensor responses at varied complex impedances and at varied frequencies are compared with known responses at those impedances and frequencies to determine existence and concentration of particular gases. Heater and sensor buses are separate or combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Atmospheric Sensors Ltd.
    Inventors: Mike Kellaway, John Andrew Johnston
  • Patent number: 9618492
    Abstract: A sensor for determining at least one property of a measuring gas in a measuring gas space is provided. The sensor has a housing which includes a housing opening. At least one connection cable is led from the housing through the housing opening. The sensor further includes at least one sealing body, in particular a grommet, the sealing body at least partially enclosing the connection cable. The sealing body has at least one first section and at least one second section, the first section having a higher deformability than the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Rattay, Jens Schneider, Guido Soyez, Arno Clauss
  • Patent number: 9618493
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided that includes an ozonizer for generating ozone gas and an ozone sensor for detecting an ozone gas concentration. The substrate processing apparatus processes a substrate by using the ozone gas supplied from the ozonizer. The substrate processing apparatus includes a monitor unit for monitoring the ozone gas concentration detected by the ozone sensor and a control unit for detecting an abnormality of the ozone gas concentration based on the monitored ozone gas concentration and the monitored discharge power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 9618494
    Abstract: A network of nanowires may be used for a sensor. The nanowires are metallic, each nanowire has a thickness of at most 20 nm, and each nanowire has a width of at most 20 nm. The sensor may include nanowires comprising Pd, and the sensor may sense a change in hydrogen concentration from 0 to 100%. A device may include the hydrogen sensor, such as a vehicle, a fuel cell, a hydrogen storage tank, a facility for manufacturing steel, or a facility for refining petroleum products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University
    Inventor: Zhili Xiao
  • Patent number: 9618495
    Abstract: A carbon quantifying cell (20) configured to receive a fluid is provided, including two or more electrodes (22) positioned at least partially in the fluid, and meter electronics (21) configured to place an electrical oxidization, polarization, and/or adsorption program across the two or more electrodes (22) and at least partially oxidize carbon materials in the fluid, apply an AC voltage of a predetermined amplitude across the two or more electrodes (22), measuring the resulting AC current across the two or more electrodes (22), wherein a ratio of amplitudes and a phase angle difference provides information for calculating a fluid impedance, receive an electrical response of the fluid to the electrical oxidization, polarization, and/or adsorption program, quantify the carbon materials in the fluid using the electrical response, and detect interfering materials in the fluid using the fluid impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Vishnu Rajasekharan
  • Patent number: 9618496
    Abstract: A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
  • Patent number: 9618497
    Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Anna Markidou, Steven T. Szweczyk, Hakki Yegingil
  • Patent number: 9618498
    Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Martin Krockenberger, Richard Bordenkircher, Diana Garrett, John Glazier, James Bearden, Bodo Roemer, Giacomo Vacca
  • Patent number: 9618499
    Abstract: A diffusion chamber for determining different parameters of an aqueous substance includes a vertical central cylinder having a sample chamber for receiving a substance sample and a needle-shaped pH-measuring sensor having a measuring tip which is brought into contact with the substance sample. A spectrophotometer having glass-fiber optics is configured to penetrate the substance sample. A gas supply into the sample chamber is configured to provide a variable gas exposure of the substance sample when determining parameters. A needle of the pH-measuring sensor is inserted into an obliquely extending groove of a slid-in sample slide. A sealing ring on the sample slide is pressed against the central cylinder by means of an inserted spacer ring, the sample chamber is tightly sealed with respect to gases from the surroundings of the diffusion chamber, and a minimum distance is maintained between the lower collimating lens and the substance sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ALFRED-WEGENER-INSTITUT HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUER POLAR- UND MEERESFORSCHUNG
    Inventors: Michael Oellermann, Felix Christopher Mark, Erich Dunker
  • Patent number: 9618500
    Abstract: A vascular model includes at least one microchannel perfusable by at least one fluid and in a form of a hollow structure having a wall thickness in a range from 0.1 ?m to 1000 ?m, a concave inner surface with a cross-section which is circular in part and at least one pore having a diameter in a range from 1 nm to 100 ?m. The at least one microchannel has a width in a range from 0.01 ?m to 10 mm and a depth in a range from 0.01 ?m to 10 mm. At least one chamber is perfusable by a same and/or different fluid and surrounds the at least one microchannel over an entire length and width or over parts thereof. The at least one chamber adjoins the at least one microchannel. At least one connector is configured to receive and/or discharge the at least one fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE
    Inventors: Stefan Giselbrecht, Isabella Hebeiss, Ute Schepers, Roman Truckenmueller
  • Patent number: 9618501
    Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Subhra Mohapatra, Shyam S. Mohapatra
  • Patent number: 9618502
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for screening a substance involved in a metabolic shift of skeletal muscle, and a kit for screening a substance involved in a metabolic shift of skeletal muscle. The object can be solved by a muscle stem cell or myoblast comprising at least one myosin-heavy chain fusion gene selected from the group consisting of a myosin-heavy chain I fusion gene wherein a myosin-heavy chain I gene and a fluorescent protein or photoprotein gene are fused, a myosin-heavy chain IIa fusion gene wherein a myosin-heavy chain IIa gene and a fluorescent protein or photoprotein gene are fused, a myosin-heavy chain IId/x fusion gene wherein a myosin-heavy chain IId/x gene and a fluorescent protein or photoprotein gene are fused, and a myosin-heavy chain IIb fusion gene wherein a myosin-heavy chain IIb gene and a fluorescent protein or photoprotein gene are fused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Shigemoto
  • Patent number: 9618503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the production of reactive oxygen species in a cellular population. The invention also relates to a method for determining the need for an antioxidant treatment of a male subject, and to a method for identifying a substance that can reduce the reactive oxygen species in a cellular population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Universidad Autonoma De Barcelona
    Inventors: Jordi Benet Catalá, Agustín García Peiró
  • Patent number: 9618504
    Abstract: To provide a sample analyzer capable of accurately obtaining the number of analyzable samples. When analyzing a sample collected from a subject, a CPU of the sample analyzer calculates the number of analyzable samples based on a remaining number of tests of a reagent set in a reagent holding section and the number of tests of the reagent to be consumed in measurement of a control, and causes a output section to display the number of analyzable samples. When creating a calibration curve, the CPU calculates the number of analyzable samples based on a remaining number of tests of the reagent set in the reagent holding section, the number of tests of the reagent to be consumed in measurement of the control, and the number of tests of the reagent to be consumed in measurement of a calibrator, and causes the output section to display the number of analyzable samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Hirata, Shoichiro Asada, Naoya Maeda, Kosuke Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9618505
    Abstract: The invention generally provides two-component molecular biosensors. In particular, the invention provides molecular biosensors having peptide epitope binding agents that bind a target antibody. The molecular biosensors are useful in several methods including in the identification and quantification of target molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MEDIOMICS, LLC
    Inventors: Tomasz Heyduk, Ling Tian, Rongsheng E. Wang, Yie-Hwa Chang
  • Patent number: 9618506
    Abstract: An assay method and device can perform at least one (e.g., at least two) assays on a single aliquot of a sample liquid. The device can mix a sample liquid with assay reagents including magnetically susceptible particles. The device is configured to create a sample liquid-air interface with the sample liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles can be located (via an applied magnetic field) at the liquid-air interface when a second liquid contacts the interface to form a liquid-liquid interface. The magnetic particles travel across the liquid-liquid interface to the second liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles are configured to transport an analyte across the interface into the second liquid. An assay for the analyte is performed in the second liquid. An assay for another analyte can also be performed in the sample liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: INVERNESS MEDICAL SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Phillip Lowe, Steven Alexander Keatch, Steven Howell, Claus Marquordt, Ruth Polwart, Alan Kenneth Thomson
  • Patent number: 9618507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis with GnRH antagonists in patients with high gonadotropin and/or GnRH levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BETANIEN HOSPITAL
    Inventor: Anita Kass
  • Patent number: 9618508
    Abstract: The invention utilizes the techniques and instruments which are typically used in flow cytometry (FC) as a tool for analyzing adsorbed materials. Thus the invention provides a method for analyzing a component which is adsorbed to an insoluble metal salt, comprising steps of: (i) labelling the adsorbed component with a binding reagent; and (ii) analyzing the labelled adsorbed component by flow cytometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA
    Inventors: David Skibinski, Donatello Laera, Sandra Nuti, Mildred Ugozzoli
  • Patent number: 9618509
    Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent for use in the detection of M. bovis or M. tuberculosis infection in an animal, comprising a peptide which has an epitope from Mycobacterium bovis hypothetic protein Mb3645c (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an epitope from a polypeptide having at least 76% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
    Inventors: Hans Martin Vordermeier, Benjamin Sidders, Neil Graham Stoker, Katie Ewer
  • Patent number: 9618510
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a kit for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample comprising, in one or more vials, containers, or compartments, a. a surface comprising (i) a capture reagent for the analyte, said capture reagent bound to the surface, and (ii) an anchoring reagent bound to an anchoring oligonucleotide sequence, said anchoring reagent bound to the surface, b. a first detection reagent for the analyte that is linked to a first nucleic acid probe, wherein the first nucleic acid probe comprises an extended sequence that is complementary to the anchoring oligonucleotide sequence and c. a second detection reagent for the analyte that is linked to a second nucleic acid probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MESO SCALE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Anahit Aghvanyan, Eli N. Glezer, John Kenten, George Sigal, Martin Stengelin
  • Patent number: 9618511
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods and compositions for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for screening and identifying compounds that selectively inhibit the targeting of the insulin-Akt signaling pathway by A? oligomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #2
    Inventor: Henry W. Querfurth
  • Patent number: 9618512
    Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of breast cancer using an anti-LAT1 monoclonal antibody. Among intraductal breast neoplastic lesions, duct carcinoma in situ, which is malignant, expresses LAT1 at a significantly high level, as compared to intraductal breast papilloma, which is benign. An anti-LAT1 monoclonal antibody is useful for the discrimination between these two lesions. Further, LAT1 is expressed at a high level in most of triple negative infiltrating carcinomas, which are negative for all of ER, PgR, and HER2 that are conventional molecular targeting markers for breast cancer. Therefore, LAT1 can be used as a novel molecular targeting marker for the triple negative breast cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: J-Pharma Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Endou, Isao Okayasu
  • Patent number: 9618513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the detecting, treating, and empirically investigating the interaction between a subject's immune system and cancer stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for using IL-22 cytokine signaling and/or downstream targets of IL-22 cytokine signaling (e.g., STAT3, DOT1L, SUZ12, EED) in the diagnosis, treatment, and empirical investigation of cancers characterized with cancer stem cells activated through IL-22 cytokine signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Weiping Zou, Ilona Kryczek
  • Patent number: 9618514
    Abstract: Methods for the selection, evaluation, and/or treatment of a patient having cancer with an inhibitor of a glutamine-utilizing enzyme or a glutamine-depleting agent, by evaluating E-cadherin or vimentin expression are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AGIOS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC
    Inventors: Sung Eun Choe, Jonathan Hurov, Danielle Ulanet
  • Patent number: 9618515
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for isolating circulating multiple myeloma cells as well as method of treating patients suspected of having diseases of abnormal plasma cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Janssen Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Gross, Mark Carle Connelly, Galla Chandra Rao, Marielena Mata, Carrie Morano
  • Patent number: 9618516
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting and quantitatively measuring a binding property of a compound to a target macromolecule, wherein the target macromolecule is subject to denaturation and is linked to a labeling peptide, such as a short enzyme fragment. The method uses a fluid mixture comprising (i) a chimeric molecule comprising a target macromolecule linked to the labeling peptide and (ii) a compound being measured for binding to the target macromolecule, wherein said target macromolecule is subject to denaturation. After allowing for binding of the compound (e.g. a small molecule inhibitor of the target macromolecule), one detects a signal from the labeling peptide, such as by enzyme fragment complementation. This signal indicates a differential between denatured and non-denatured target macromolecules and thereby indicates a differential between target macromolecules not bound to the compound and target macromolecules bound to the compound, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DISCOVERX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel K. Treiber, Elena Menichelli
  • Patent number: 9618517
    Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are systems and exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. The methods and systems describe herein allow for trapping various errors during calculation of the analyte due to variations in the structure and materials making up the test strip and ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LifeScan Scotland Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Mackintosh, David McColl
  • Patent number: 9618518
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a magnetic immunodiagnostic method for the demonstration of antibody/antigen complexes of blood group and phenotype. Such a method involves the research and/or identification of antibodies or antigens, preferably anti-antigen antibodies or antigens of a blood group. This method implements a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an antibody anti-glycophorin A that can recognize and specifically magnetize erythrocytes. The invention also includes a device and kit for carrying out one such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DIAGAST
    Inventors: Laurence Fauconnier, Yves Barbreau, Arnaud Boulet, Maha Zakhour
  • Patent number: 9618519
    Abstract: A method for obtaining information about proteinuria and/or nephropathy from urine samples is provided for evaluating a urine sample that includes detecting proteins in the urine sample with two types of detection reagents that differ in reactivity to at least one urinary protein; and based on an indicator calculated using the results of the detection with the two types of detection reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryuichiro Nagamatsu, Shinya Nakajima, Hideko Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9618520
    Abstract: Microarray compositions suitable for analysis by one or several spectrographic methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a microarray composition includes a three-dimensional solid support and a plurality of reactive microbeads positioned on the solid support in spatially distinct and addressable locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Vladislav B. Bergo
  • Patent number: 9618521
    Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Children's Medical Center Corporation, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dejian Ren, David Clapham, David L. Garbers, Timothy A. Quill
  • Patent number: 9618522
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to diagnostic testing for subjects with or at risk of dementia and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of diagnosing a frontotemporal lobar degeneration subtype comprising measuring total Tau and Tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 in a sample from a subject, calculating a ratio of Tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 to total Tau, and making a diagnosis of the subtype based on said ratios. Typically, the sample is of cerebrospinal fluid and the frontotemporal lobar degeneration subtypes are selected from frontotemporal lobar degeneration with immunoreactive lesions to Tau and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with immunoreactive lesions to TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: William T. Hu
  • Patent number: 9618523
    Abstract: Methods include determining in a sample an amount of a first isomeric analyte and a second isomeric analyte. A first measurement value and a second measurement value are determined. The first measurement value represents a total amount of the first isomeric analyte and the second isomeric analyte. The second measurement value represents an amount of the second isomeric analyte only. The second measurement value is subtracted from the first measurement value to obtain a resulting value and the resulting value is equated to an amount of the first isomeric analyte in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Tie Q. Wei, Izak Bahar
  • Patent number: 9618524
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an in vitro technology of detecting presence of a plaque particle, isolating the plaque particle followed by its composition analysis in several diseases states or before the disease sets in. A mechanism and a process leading to plaque formation, identifying a component in the mechanism of plaque formation, an identification of a biomarker for diagnosis/early diagnosis of plaque associated disease is described. A method of screening a candidate agent as an anti-plaque agent using flow cytometer, mass spectrometer and specific biomarkers is performed. Provided also are kits for use in practicing embodiment of the methods. A plaqueproteome database is also generated with novel protein sequences for diagnosis and specific antibodies for specific proteins are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Plaxgen Inc.
    Inventor: Shanmugavel Madasamy
  • Patent number: 9618525
    Abstract: A module for a laboratory sample distribution system, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such modules, and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. A magnetic coupling enhancer is provided in order to increase magnetic coupling between adjacent modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michal Malinowski, Henny Volz, Christian Riether
  • Patent number: 9618526
    Abstract: An automated analyzer that can effectively reduce contamination of a diluted low-concentration specimen resulting from a high-concentration specimen not being diluted. The automated analyzer includes a specimen nozzle that performs both the function of pipetting a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen and the function of pipetting a specimen diluted by the analyzer, and means for washing the specimen nozzle with a predetermined detergent. When a pipetting process of a high-concentration specimen not being diluted and a pipetting process of a low-concentration specimen diluted by the analyzer are consecutively performed for the same specimen by the specimen nozzle, between the pipetting process of a high-concentration specimen and the pipetting process of a low-concentration specimen, the analyzer performs a washing processing in which the specimen nozzle is washed with the predetermined detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Saito, Yoichi Aruga, Toshihide Orihashi
  • Patent number: 9618527
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the use of exercise equipment at an exercise facility having a plurality of items of exercise equipment, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of usage monitors, each associated with an item of exercise equipment, monitoring the usage of the plurality of items of exercise equipment concurrently using the usage monitors, and thereby calculating, for at least some of the items of exercise equipment, a measure of the proportion of the period of time during which respective items of exercise equipment are used. In some embodiments, the usage monitors can detect when an item of exercise equipment is occupied, even if it is not being operated, for example using a heat sensor. A graphical representation may be prepared of the usage of items of exercise equipment at each of a plurality of locations within the exercise facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Rhoderick Euan McGown
  • Patent number: 9618528
    Abstract: A speed sensor (1) including a first magnetic sensor (3) with a first magnetic detector (30), which is connected to an electronic circuit for conversion of its output analog signal to a first digital signal and a second magnetic sensor (4) with a second magnetic detector (40), which is also connected to an electronic circuit for conversion of its output analog signal to a second digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LESIKAR, A.S.
    Inventors: Vladimir Leŝikar, Ladislav Půr
  • Patent number: 9618529
    Abstract: A sensor device is described for the contactless acquisition of a rotatable object, in particular for acquiring a rotational speed of a compressor wheel of a turbocharger. The sensor device includes a sensor housing. The sensor device also includes at least one magnetic-field generator for generating a magnetic field at the location of the rotatable object, and at least one magnetic-field sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated by eddy currents of the rotatable object. The sensor device furthermore includes at least one connection element, the connection element being set up to connect the sensor device to a device that includes the rotatable object, especially a turbocharger, so that the magnetic-field generator and the magnetic-field sensor are at least partially disposed together in a sensor section of the sensor housing, and the sensor housing is at least regionally set apart from the device that includes the rotatable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Lerchenmueller, Martin Lerner
  • Patent number: 9618530
    Abstract: There is provided a coherence length measurement device (10) that calculates a coherence length Lc based on a spectrum v calculated by an FFT device (9) and performs, in case where the coherence length Lc is shorter than an FFT gate width Gw, a setting change to shorten the FFT gate width Gw and a pulse width Pw, and the FFT device (9) performs frequency analysis on a received signal outputted from an A/D converter (8) by a unit of an FFT gate following the setting change to calculate the spectrum v of the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Imaki, Nobuki Kotake, Shumpei Kameyama