Sample Holder Or Supply Patents (Class 250/576)
  • Patent number: 11881490
    Abstract: Techniques for realizing compound semiconductor (CS) optoelectronic devices on silicon (Si) substrates are disclosed. The integration platform is based on heteroepitaxy of CS materials and device structures on Si by direct heteroepitaxy on planar Si substrates or by selective area heteroepitaxy on dielectric patterned Si substrates. Following deposition of the CS device structures, device fabrication steps can be carried out using Si complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication techniques to enable large-volume manufacturing. The integration platform can enable manufacturing of optoelectronic module devices including photodetector arrays for image sensors and vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Aeluma, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Klamkin
  • Patent number: 11879851
    Abstract: A luminometer (400) includes a light detector (630) configured to sense photons (135). The luminometer (400) includes an analog circuit (915a) configured to provide an analog signal (965) based on the photons (135) emitted from assay reactions over a time period and a counter circuit (915b) configured to provide a photon count (970) based on the photons (135) emitted from the assay reactions over the time period. The luminometer (400) includes a luminometer controller (905) configured to, in response to an analog signal value of the analog signal (965) being greater than a predetermined value, determine and report a measurement value of the photons (135) emitted from the assay reactions over the time period based on the analog signal value of the analog signal (965) and a linear function (1010). Optionally, the linear function (1010) is derived from a relationship between the analog signal (965) and the photon count (970).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wolf, David Sorrentino, Takayuki Mizutani, Glenn Davis
  • Patent number: 11835448
    Abstract: There is described an equipment and method for analysis of a fluid, suspension, solution, dispersion or fluid emulsion that automatically analyzes the characteristic properties of the samples of the fluids, such as paints, enamels, and dyes, among others, so that adjustments can be made to the fluid to meet the optical properties such as color, opacity, hue, saturation (tinting power), covering and luminosity, from the spectrometric measurement technique by transmission analysis of film having radiated fixed thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Rogério Baptista Auad
  • Patent number: 11733156
    Abstract: A sample cell includes an annular support surrounding a sample region. A set of reflectors of the annular support define an optical path that reflects a source beam in a sequence of alternating directions through the sample region at a plurality of different angles such that the source beam exits the set of reflectors after having passed through the sample region a plurality of times. A micro-cell is positionable in the sample region including multi-dimensionally distributed nano-pores. A slidingly adjustable lens forms part of source and detector photomixing packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph R. Demers
  • Patent number: 11577208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) having a pressure vessel wall (1a) which completely surrounds a reaction chamber (2) as a pressure space for the initiation and/or promotion of chemical and/or physical pressure reactions of a sample (P) to be heated which is accommodated in the reaction chamber (2), wherein the pressure vessel wall (1a) has an infrared-permeable high-pressure window (30) which extends away outward in a direction from the reaction chamber (2) and which is supported in the pressure vessel wall (1a) with respect to a pressure in the reaction chamber (2), wherein the pressure vessel (1) furthermore has an infrared to temperature sensor (40) which is situated directly opposite the high-pressure window (30), in order to measure the temperature of a sample (P), accommodated in the reaction chamber (2), during a pressure reaction through the high-pressure window (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignees: MWT AG, MILESTONE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Werner Lautenschläger, Jens Lautenschläger, Werner Scholze
  • Patent number: 11499961
    Abstract: A body fluid analysis device that irradiates a body fluid in a tube having translucency with light and analyzes the body fluid on the basis of light having passed through the tube is adapted to include: a base; an attachment that is attached to the base 1 so that the tube is pinched in its radial direction between the attachment and the base; a light emitting element that is provided to the base or the attachment; and a light receiving element that is provided to the base or the attachment, in which in a state where the attachment is attached to the base, between the base and the attachment, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged so as to pinch the tube in the radial direction, or both of the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged in the base or the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: GENIAL LIGHT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Shimokita, Tatsuyuki Fujita, Takashi Sawada, Taisuke Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11480523
    Abstract: A testing device (10) for testing the level of a selected chemical in central heating system water in a central heating system circuit comprises: a sample chamber (14) for holding a sample of central heating system water to be tested, the sample chamber (14) being connectable (12) to the central heating system circuit to allow fluid to pass between the central heating system circuit and the sample chamber (14); means (16) for controlling filling of the sample chamber (14) with central heating system water from the central heating system circuit, and emptying of the sample chamber (14); at least one valve (18) for isolating the sample of central heating system water from the heating circuit during testing; and optical testing apparatus including a light source (20) and a detector (22), for measuring an optical property of the sample of central heating system water isolated within the sample chamber (14) and thereby making a determination as to whether or not the level of the selected chemical in the water is g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: ADEY HOLDINGS (2008) LIMITED
    Inventors: Mukash Jassal, Simon Downie
  • Patent number: 11442004
    Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
  • Patent number: 11333593
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a fluid composition sensor device and method of using the same. In various embodiments, the fluid flow composition sensor is configured to receive a volume of fluid, the fluid composition sensor comprising a housing, a removable fluid flow component, an impactor nozzle, a collection media assembly dock element configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly comprising a collection media configured to receive one or more particles within the volume of fluid, an imaging device configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor, and a controller configured to determine, based at least in part on the image, at least one particle characteristic of the volume of fluid. The imaging device may be configured to capture the image of one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor using lensless holography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Myers, Jamie W. Speldrich, Richard Charles Sorenson, Andy Walker Brown, Steven Lowery
  • Patent number: 11187661
    Abstract: An optical signal source is positioned at a first side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass. The optical signal source is capable of emitting an optical signal through the first side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass. A first optical detector is positioned at a second side of the flow cell. The second side is opposite the first side. The first optical detector is capable of detecting a transmitted-light intensity of the optical signal transmitted through the second side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass. A second optical detector is positioned at a third side of the flow cell. The third side is different than the first side and the second side. The second optical detector is capable of detecting a scattered-light intensity of a scattered optical signal transmitted through the third side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Vincent Cunningham, Ezzat Hegazi, Turki Alomairi
  • Patent number: 11162892
    Abstract: A device (100) for measuring light transmission through a suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical tablet (102) includes a laser source (110) configured to emit a light transmission through the pharmaceutical tablet (102). A light detector (120) is included in the device (100) configured to receive the light transmission and measure an amount of light passed through the suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical tablet (102). The amount of light transmitted through the suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical tablet (102) is indicative of an authentic or counterfeit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: The USA, as represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Michael D. Green
  • Patent number: 11150458
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-mode imaging optical system. The multi-mode imaging optical system includes a stage configured to hold a to-be-tested sample. An imaging unit implements in-situ imaging of the to-be-tested sample. An absorption and forward scattering illumination unit irradiates the to-be-tested sample, and forms absorption imaging or forward scattered light imaging in the imaging unit. A side scattering illumination unit performs a first oblique illumination on the to-be-tested sample, so that scattered light of microparticles in the to-be-tested sample forms side scattered light imaging in the imaging unit. A fluorescent illumination unit performs a second oblique illumination on the to-be-tested sample, and excites the microparticles in the to-be-tested sample to emit fluorescence, where the fluorescence forms fluorescence imaging in the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY, ACADEMY OF SYSTEM ENGINEERING, ACADEMY OF MILITARY SCIENCE
    Inventors: Chao Li, Meng Lv, Feng Chen, Yaohua Du, Zhi Cheng, Yanfei Yang, Meng Chen
  • Patent number: 11143583
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a fluid composition sensor device and method of using the same. In various embodiments, the fluid flow composition sensor is configured to receive a volume of fluid, the fluid composition sensor comprising a housing, a removable fluid flow component, an impactor nozzle, a collection media assembly dock element configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly comprising a collection media configured to receive one or more particles within the volume of fluid, an imaging device configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor, and a controller configured to determine, based at least in part on the image, at least one particle characteristic of the volume of fluid. The imaging device may be configured to capture the image of one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor using lensless holography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Myers, Jamie W. Speldrich, Richard Charles Sorenson, Andy Walker Brown, Steven Lowery
  • Patent number: 11069226
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to smoke detectors. Various embodiments may include a method for adjusting a smoke detector (adjustment method) and a device executing the method for adjusting a smoke detector (adjustment device). For example, a method for automatically adjusting a smoke detector may include: placing the smoke detector in a channel; placing a reference smoke detector into the channel; applying a flowing aerosol to the channel; gathering data from the reference smoke detector reflecting the flowing aerosol; and adjusting the smoke detector based on the data gathered from the reference detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Martin Allemann, Thomas Bachels, Aleksandar Duric, Erwin Suter
  • Patent number: 11035784
    Abstract: A method for measuring hemoglobin concentration in a whole blood sample is disclosed. The method may include mixing a whole blood sample with a lysing agent, followed by manual agitation, flowing the whole blood or mixture into a reservoir of a sensor, the sensor comprising a transparent portion configured to allow an optical measurement of an absorbance or reflectance of the whole blood sample in the reservoir of the sensor; detecting, using an analyzer into which at least a portion of the sensor has been inserted, the whole blood sample in the reservoir of the sensor; upon detecting the liquid whole blood sample in the reservoir, optically measuring an absorbance or reflectance of the whole blood sample using a light source and a detector in the analyzer; and determining a concentration of hemoglobin in the whole blood sample based on the measured absorbance or reflectance and a calibration curve that relates the absorbance or reflectance to the concentration of hemoglobin in the whole blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Magellan Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Gary Conrad Jensen
  • Patent number: 10935440
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clinical thermometer for non-invasive measurement of sub-cutaneous temperature of tissue of a human or animal subject. Probe light is collected from a collection region spatially offset from an entry region on a visible surface of the subject, following scattering within the tissue, and a temperature of the tissue is determined from Raman spectral features in the collected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: United Kingdom Research and Innovation
    Inventors: Pavel Matousek, Nicholas Stone, Benjamin Gardner
  • Patent number: 10893143
    Abstract: A computerized method for automatic detection of an availability of an agent to attend a schedule of customer calls in a call center and reassignment thereof may include assessing an agent availability to attend a schedule in a predefined time interval before a starting time of the schedule. If the assigned agent is not available, candidate agent availability may be assessed from a plurality of schedules to participate in the schedule of the unavailable agent. One or more candidate agents from a plurality of agents may be identified to replace the unavailable assigned agent based on the candidate agent availability. A replacement agent chosen from the one or more candidate agents may be assigned based on skills or preferences for each of the one or more identified candidate agents. A supervisor may be notified that the chosen replacement agent will attend the schedule in place of the unavailable assigned agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: NICE LTD
    Inventor: Suhas Suresh Gogate
  • Patent number: 10648909
    Abstract: Provided are methods of assessing the cleanliness of a flow cell of a flow cytometric system. The provided methods include computing a ratio of post-flow cell and pre-flow cell light beam intensities and using such a ratio to assess the cleanliness of the flow cell. Flow cytometric systems capable of monitoring the cleanliness of a flow cell contained within the system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Svitlana Y. Berezhna, JrHung T. Tsai, David Spalding, Mahesh R. Junnarkar, Chia-Fa Hsu
  • Patent number: 10585108
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to determine whether a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling system contains a suitable sample to analyze by an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample receiving line configured to receive a liquid segment a first detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a first location in the sample receiving line; a second detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a second location in the sample receiving line downstream from the first location; and a controller configured to register a continuous liquid segment in the sample receiving line when the first detector and the second detector match detection states prior to the controller registering a change of state of the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: David Diaz, Jonathan Hein, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Daniel R. Wiederin, Tyler Yost, Kevin Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10585075
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to determine whether a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling system contains a suitable sample to analyze by an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample receiving line configured to receive a liquid segment a first detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a first location in the sample receiving line; a second detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a second location in the sample receiving line downstream from the first location; and a controller configured to register a continuous liquid segment in the sample receiving line when the first detector and the second detector match detection states prior to the controller registering a change of state of the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: David Diaz, Jonathan Hein, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Daniel R. Wiederin, Tyler Yost, Kevin Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10551401
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to determine whether a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling system contains a suitable sample to analyze by an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample receiving line configured to receive a liquid segment a first detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a first location in the sample receiving line; a second detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a second location in the sample receiving line downstream from the first location; and a controller configured to register a continuous liquid segment in the sample receiving line when the first detector and the second detector match detection states prior to the controller registering a change of state of the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: David Diaz, Jonathan Hein, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Daniel R. Wiederin, Tyler Yost, Kevin Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10495804
    Abstract: An optical plate is an optical plate for irradiating a target with light, and includes a light input surface for inputting the light, a light output surface for outputting the light, a back surface opposite to the light output surface, and a light diffusion portion formed at least inside the optical plate by converging laser light, for diffusing the light. The light input surface is a surface between the light output surface and the back surface, and the light input from the light input surface is diffused in the light diffusion portion and output from the light output surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamoto, Kenshi Fukumitsu
  • Patent number: 10473582
    Abstract: A sensor and analyzer for measuring an analyte in a liquid sample are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate with a reservoir disposed therein. The reservoir may include a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one transparent portion forming at least a part of the bottom surface of the reservoir, and a reflector disposed on the upper surface of the reservoir at a location opposite the at least one transparent portion. The analyzer may include a support surface, an aperture extending through the support surface, a light source disposed below the support surface and oriented so that at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source passes through the aperture, and a detector configured to measure an intensity of light received at the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Magellan Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Gary Conrad Jensen
  • Patent number: 10324023
    Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a sample container and energy dispersion device. Among possible applications is construction of compact spectrometers optimized for single use. The sample container includes diffraction gratings such that, when the container is illuminated with collimated light and observed with optics focused at infinity, one obtains an optical spectrum useful for identifying and measuring the concentration of specimens placed in the container, applicable for chemical analysis and for screening fluids for chemical or biological analysis. The invention further provides methods to fabricate a combination of a sample container and energy dispersion device, wherein one such method utilizes temperature controlled templates to emboss gratings on outside and inside faces of a cuvette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander Scheeline
  • Patent number: 10281377
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sample loading apparatus for laser ablation, including a target seat, a base, an air channel, an aerosol channel and a sample chamber, wherein a shrinking mouth is formed in the top of the sample chamber and positioned on a lower surface of the aerosol channel; a spring is arranged in the sample chamber; an opening is formed in a lower surface of the sample chamber and communicated with an air outlet; a stop valve is arranged at the air outlet; one end of the aerosol channel is communicated with a carrier gas inlet, and the other end is communicated with an aerosol outlet; and a top of the aerosol channel includes a first transparent material. The present invention increases stable reliability in a continuous use process, and improves consistency of aerosol transmission efficiency, so that different samples are analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Northwest University
    Inventors: Honglin Yuan, Kaiyun Chen, Zhian Bao
  • Patent number: 10267735
    Abstract: This detection device has a holder, light irradiation unit, angle adjustment unit, light receiving sensor, light receiving optical system, optical filter, and a control unit. The light receiving optical system guides light from a detection chip to the light receiving sensor. The optical filter is disposed in the light receiving optical system, blocks a part of plasmon scattered light, and passes, out of the light emitted from the detection chip, a part of the plasmon scattered light, and fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent material. The light receiving sensor detects the fluorescent light, and the part of the plasmon scattered light, which have been emitted from the detection chip and passed the optical filter. On the basis of the detection results of the plasmon scattered light, the control unit controls the angle adjustment unit, and adjusts the incident angle of the excitation light to a predetermined incident angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Noda, Fumio Nagai, Nobuhiro Yamauchi, Yuichi Kyogoku
  • Patent number: 10214716
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining fluid flow (e.g., sterile media flow, filtrate flow, etc.) through tubing is provided. The apparatus includes an air source, a flow valve, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a media tubing section extending between the first sensor and the second sensor. In operation, air from the air source is introduced by the flow valve into a fluid flow to create a lead line of fluid immediately following the introduced air. As the lead line of fluid passes each sensor, the sensors are used to determine a time between when the lead line passes the first sensor and the second sensor and that determined elapsed time is used, along with a determined volume of the media tubing section to determine the rate of flow of the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Flownamics Analytical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Biksacky
  • Patent number: 10215745
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a cuvette, including: a body having a fluid channel therein; and an outer surface having encoded information disposed thereon and readable by a reader of a sample instrument. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HACH COMPANY
    Inventors: Jim Duncan, Aria Farjam, Jim Harbridge, Brian Harmon, Ulrich Lundgreen, Darren MacFarland, Leon Moore, Perry Palumbo, William Louis Pherigo, Jr., Robert Stoughton, Luke Waaler
  • Patent number: 10048246
    Abstract: A biological detecting cartridge adapted to gather a detected fluid includes a collection port, a first flowing layer structure communicating with the collection port and a second flowing layer structure communicating with the first flowing layer structure. The first and the second flowing layer structures are disposed in different levels in the biological detecting cartridge. A flowing method of a detected fluid in a biological detecting cartridge is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SKYLA CORPORATION HSINCHU SCIENCE PARK BRANCH
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Wei, Hung-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 9987628
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for eluting and an analyte from a solid phase. The invention further provides methods and systems for transferring liquid analyte reagent mixtures from a solid phase to a second vessel, such as a microtiter plate well. The invention is useful in the manipulation of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins and peptides. In particular, the invention has utility for manipulating proteins and peptides in isoelectric focusing gels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventors: Tobias Ingemar Solderman, Nils Norrman, Henrik Ostlin, Susanna Lindman, David Carl Martin Bergman, Peter Mats Oliviusson
  • Patent number: 9914123
    Abstract: A cover for a biological sample well tray, comprising a cap for sealing a sample well. The cap comprises a well lens for focusing light into the sample well and collecting light from the sample. In another aspect, the cap comprises an elongate portion configured to permit incoming light to pass into the sample well and out of the sample well. Various other aspects comprise a microcard for biological material, and an apparatus for a plurality of sample well strips. A method for testing a biological sample is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene F. Young, Steven J. Boege, Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 9897541
    Abstract: An attenuated total reflection flow cell includes: a source prism; an internal reflection member that produces attenuated reflected light in response to attenuated reflectance of a source light; an exit prism that receives the attenuated reflected light from the internal reflection member; a flow member mechanically coupled to the internal reflection member to provide a flow of fluid to a surface of the internal reflection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    Inventor: Brent A. Sperling
  • Patent number: 9816916
    Abstract: A capillary cell is described along with an arrangement and a method for receiving, positioning and examining a microscopic specimen, in particular a cleared fluorescent specimen with the help of a single-plane fluorescence microscope. The capillary cell is suitable for being positioned in a chamber volume and contains a capillary section, which comprises a wall. The wall encloses a specimen volume and is planar and transparent in at least some sections. In addition, the capillary cell includes an upper and a lower closure section, which are connected to the capillary section and which seal the capillary section. The specimen volume is separated from the chamber volume by the capillary section, the upper closure section and the lower closure section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitaet
    Inventors: Francesco Pampaloni, Ernst H. K. Stelzer, Christian Mattheyer
  • Patent number: 9791377
    Abstract: An optochemical sensor comprises a measuring element excitable by the light of an excitation light source and in contact with a medium to be measured, and a measuring arrangement including at least one excitation light source and a detector as well as a hood separating the measuring arrangement from the measuring element, wherein the excitation light source and the detector are fixed to a base plate arranged in parallel with the measuring element, the hood, the excitation light source and the detector are separated from one another by at least a portion of the material thickness of the hood, and light from the excitation light source through an optical waveguide impinges on the measuring element at such an angle that fluorescence light emitted by the measuring element impinges perpendicularly on the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: TECSENSE GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Ribitsch, Johannes Krottmaier
  • Patent number: 9631222
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for sampling, detecting and/or characterizing particles. Devices and methods of the invention, including particle samplers, impactors and counters, include a filter component for removing particles in the exhaust flow of the device, for example, to eliminate or minimize the potential for the device itself to provide source of particles in an environment undergoing particle monitoring. This aspect of the present devices and methods is particularly useful for monitoring particles in manufacturing environments requiring low levels of particles, such as cleanroom environments for electronics manufacturing and aseptic environments for manufacturing pharmaceutical and biological products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Ketcham, Paul B. Hartigan, Ronald W. Adkins
  • Patent number: 9555382
    Abstract: A centrifugal microfluidic device having a microfluidic mixing element with a microfluidic mixing chamber in which at least two flows emerging from channels into the chamber at separate places are redirected to land at substantially the same place on a mixing surface provides efficient mixing of two or more fluids in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Liviu Clime, Teodor Veres
  • Patent number: 9377299
    Abstract: A sensor device according to the invention includes a transmission type sensor pair that includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, an optical axis alignment mechanism that aligns optical axes of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and a fixing frame that is adjusted by the optical axis alignment mechanism, and in which the sensor pairs are fixed in a state in which the optical axes of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Fujimori, Kenji Yanagishita
  • Patent number: 9230840
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate transfer device is equipped with a chamber wall, a table, a linear motor transfer mechanism, an optical window, and a laser measuring instrument. The chamber wall defines a transfer space. The table is housed within the transfer space. It is possible for a substrate to be loaded on the table. The linear motor transfer mechanism moves the table within the transfer space, by a linear motor. The optical window is installed between the transfer space and the space to the outside of the transfer space. For example, the optical window is disposed so as to seal off an opening defined in the chamber wall. The laser measuring instrument irradiates a laser light through the optical window and towards the table, receives reflected light from the table, and measures the position of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsutomu Hiroki
  • Patent number: 9070272
    Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes a sensor mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, heat generated by a processor in the environmental monitoring device may result in a convective fluid flow over the sensor mechanism that facilitates measurements of sensor data associated with an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Alternatively, a fluid driver (such as a fan) associated with the processor may produce the fluid flow over the sensor mechanism. Note that the fluid flow may include an airflow and/or a liquid flow. Moreover, the environmental monitoring device may include baffles that direct the fluid flow over a selected sensor in a set of sensors in the sensor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Leeo, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Matthew Gettings, Andrew Gettings Stevens, Bjorn Hovland
  • Patent number: 9001319
    Abstract: An optical sensor may include a sensor head that has an optical window for directing light into a flow of fluid and/or receiving optical energy from the fluid. The optical sensor may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. In some examples, the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining a flow nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the optical window of the sensor head. In operation, the force of the incoming fluid impacting the optical window may prevent fouling materials from accumulating on the optical window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Anatoly Skirda, William M. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20140339446
    Abstract: An image flow cytometer has a flow chamber with a flow channel formed therein to permit a microparticulate sample to flow through the flow channel. An irradiation optical system irradiates the sample in the channel with incident light in an irradiation spot smaller than a selected representative size, e.g., smaller than the sample. The system scans an irradiation position perpendicular to the flow direction of the sample. A detection optical system is opposed to the irradiation optical system through the flow chamber, or is off the optical axis of the incident light. The detection system detects a light intensity of resultant light from the flow chamber. A control unit detects the microparticulate sample according to a change of the light intensity of the resultant light detected by the detection optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson
  • Publication number: 20140339445
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved optical systems for particle processing (e.g., cytometry including microfluidic based sorters, drop sorters, and/or cell purification) systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous micro-lens array optical detection assemblies for particle (e.g., cells, microscopic particles, etc.) processing systems and methods (e.g., for analyzing, sorting, processing, purifying, measuring, isolating, detecting, monitoring and/or enriching particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald Francis Perrault, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140326905
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Charles J. COLLINS, William R. DEICHER, Jarden E. KRAGER, Adam R. SCHILFFARTH, Ross G. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20140284504
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring platelet quality are disclosed. A bag of platelet concentrate is oriented in a desired manner on a transparent surface that is illuminated from one side with a light source. A clamp applies pressure to a desired portion of the bag to temporarily manipulate a predetermined portion of the bag and therefore the fluid in the bag in a known and repeatable manner. A flow inducing member applies pressure to the bag to thereby cause a turbulent flow of the fluid from the bag through a flow path. A detector records optical characteristics of light diffracted by the flowing particles, which is analyzed by software to derive a score correlating to the quality of the platelets. Platelet swirl is scored as a measure of platelet quality where more resting, discoid platelets result in a higher score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Elisabeth Maurer, Gyasi Bourne
  • Publication number: 20140264097
    Abstract: In some aspects, a flow cytometer system is provided that includes beam shaping optics positioned to manipulate a light beam and produce a resulting light beam that irradiates the core stream at the interrogation zone of the flow cell. The beam shaping optics include an acylindrical lens positioned to receive and focus light in a direction of a first axis orthogonal to a direction of light travel, and a cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light output from the acylindrical lens and to focus the light output from the acylindrical lens in a direction of a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and to the direction of light travel. The resulting light beam output has a flat-top shaped intensity profile along the first axis, and a Gaussian-shaped intensity profile along the second axis. Related methods of shaping a light beam at an interrogation zone of a flow cell are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: John F. Heanue, Stuart L. Friedman
  • Publication number: 20140264096
    Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and apparatus for multi-axis optical measurements of a fluid stream flowing or contained in an optically transparent measurement chamber. Sonic energy is directed into the fluid in the measurement chamber to clean interior surfaces of the measurement chamber and promote homogenization of the fluid. Optical measurements may be taken of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Dale Brost, Justin Caplinger, Amy Foster, Keith Moffatt, Wade Peterson
  • Patent number: 8829473
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GeneWeave Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Griswold, Kenneth G. Olson, Bruce J. Richardson, Rick V. Stellmacher, Victor H. Yee
  • Patent number: 8735856
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow prism for detecting liquid level in the presence of an optical beam, including a hollow member, dielectric members sealed to the hollow member with one of the dielectric members arranged at an inclined angle to the other, a sealed hollow space disposed between said dielectric members, wherein an incident optical beam enters through the first dielectric member at normal incidence and exits as an emergent beam through the second dielectric member, and wherein the emergent optical beam remains undeviated when the hollow member not immersed in a liquid medium and the emergent beam suffers deviation when immersed in the liquid medium. The present invention also provides a fiber optic liquid level detector with the hollow prism for detecting liquid levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organization
    Inventors: Kameswara Rao Lolla, Subramanian Duraiswamy
  • Publication number: 20140130745
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater is than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik VAN HALSEMA, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Hélèna Geralda Maria VIJVERBERG
  • Patent number: 8710427
    Abstract: A sensor chip includes: a substrate that has a planar portion; and a diffraction grating, on which a target substance is placed, that includes a plurality of first protrusions periodically arranged in a period equal to or greater than 100 nm and equal to or less than 1000 nm in a first direction that is parallel to the planar portion, a plurality of base portions that is located between two of the first protrusions adjacent to each other and configures a base of the substrate, and a plurality of second protrusions that is formed on upper faces of the plurality of the first protrusions, has a surface formed from a metal, and is formed on the planar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Amako, Kohei Yamada