Sample, Specimen, Or Standard Holder Or Support (e.g., Plates Or Slides) Patents (Class 356/244)
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Publication number: 20100315627Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for enhancing the electromagnetic signal of a sample for ellipsometry which uses at least one auxiliary layer and at least one substrate layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Wen-Li Wu, Shuhul Kang
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Patent number: 7852473Abstract: An apparatus to measure spatially resolved the luminescence of a semiconductor sample, in particular a semiconductor wafer or any part thereof, includes a rotatable sample holder for the semiconductor sample. This rotatable sample holder is mounted on an xy stage, and a drive mechanism is used to rotate the sample holder rapidly during the measurement. A device excites luminescence light on the semiconductor sample, and an optical device guides a portion of the luminescence light to a detector. The surface of the semiconductor sample is located in the range of a focal point of the optical device. Using a fixation device, it is possible to remove the rotatable sample holder from the xy stage, when required, and to replace it by a cryostat with an optical window and a further semiconductor sample, so that the surface of the further semiconductor sample is essentially located in the focus point of optical device.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventor: Thomas Wolff
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Publication number: 20100309487Abstract: An analyzing device 1 includes position detection marks 18, each having one of a reflective surface, a refractive surface, and a light shielding surface that block output light incident on a sensor 113 from a light source 12 when the output light reaches a rotation detection position just before or behind measurement spots 17a, 17b, and 17c of the analyzing device 1. Output signals from the sensor 113 for reading the measurement spots 17a, 17b, and 17c are stored in a memory 28, the positions of the measurement spots 17a, 17b, and 17c are determined based on light receiving data stored in the memory 28, and only a desired analyzing signal is extracted. Thus even when the number of measurement spots increases, it is possible to read the measurement spots without adding any components.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Masatake Hyoudou, Takuya Suzuki
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Publication number: 20100309463Abstract: A scattered-light spectroscopy system for collecting light scattered from a sample, e.g. Raman-scattered light, to produce a spectrum of the sample, includes a cylindrical cell for holding the sample that is transparent and coated on either its inside surface or outside surface with a reflective coating, e.g. aluminum. The reflective coating has an opening for aligning with an aperture in a spectrometer for receiving the sample-scattered light. Light from a source such as a laser illuminates the sample to produce a scattered light having a first part received directly at the opening and a second part reflected by the reflective coating one or more times prior to arrival at the opening, thereby adding to the total scattered light entering the aperture of the spectrometer to improve its collection efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Robert Lucke, Jacob Grun, Charles K. Manka, Sergei Nikitin
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Publication number: 20100302555Abstract: A metrology system (1) and a method for determining low order errors are disclosed. At least one measurement objective (9) for the determination of the position of structures (3) on a substrate (2) is provided. The substrate (2) to be measured rests in a support on three points of support (52). The support exhibits an opening (53) for measuring the substrate (2). At least two marks (54) are provided on the support for the mask (2) in such a way that the marks (54) are capturable with the measurement objective (9) by moving the measurement table (20). Furthermore the substrate (2) in the support does not screen the marks (54) on the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: KLA-Tencor MIE GmbHInventors: Hans-Artur Boesser, Slawomir Czerkas
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Publication number: 20100301229Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes an optical assay system for intraoperative assessment of tumor margins. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a biological sample containment and illumination apparatus for holding a biological sample for illumination by a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The biological sample containment and illumination apparatus includes a plurality of frame members positioned with respect to each other to form an interior space for receiving a biological sample. At least one of the plurality of frame members includes a plurality of probe receiving locations for receiving a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The probe receiving locations position the probes with respect to the biological sample to allow illumination of plural locations of the biological sample by the probes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Nirmala Ramanujam, Lee G. Wilke
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Patent number: 7842247Abstract: A sample holder holds various sizes of capillaries or cuvettes for use in dynamic light scattering (DLS) or quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS), such as in DLS of fluid samples such as platelet solutions, whole blood, colloids or the like. The sample holder has a base with a stationary backing member and a sliding, rail-mounted clamping member that is magnetically biased toward the backing member. The sample holder has Peltier-type thermoelectric heating/cooling elements that extend the full height of the clamping and backing members to optimize heat transfer efficiency. The sample holder further includes horizontal slots that enable collection of scattered light from various angles around the device. Finned heat sinks are mounted above and below the horizontal slots on the outwardly facing surfaces of the backing and clamping members to stabilize the temperature of the fluid sample in the sample holder without interfering with incident or scattered light.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Canadian Blood ServicesInventors: Elisabeth Maurer, Georg Maurer, Keddie Brown
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Patent number: 7839496Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means;, through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the sphericalType: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Araca IncorporatedInventor: Leonard J. Borucki
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Patent number: 7834998Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure binding of a biochemical substance with a high throughput and with high sensitivity using a small cell capable of being filled with a small amount of chemical solution. A space between a first substrate and a second substrate such that probes are immobilized on their mutually facing planes is used as a cell that houses a specimen solution. Light is irradiated from a first substrate side, and reflected light is subjected to spectroscopy. Binding of the target with the probe is detected by a wavelength shift in the refection spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Fujimura, Kosuke Kuwabara, Tatsuro Ide
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Publication number: 20100283995Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system for the automated analysis of samples, comprising: a first optical device including at least one receptacle for receiving at least one of said samples and a receptacle-associated optical unit including at least one receptacle-associated light source for emitting light adapted for determining a colour of said sample and generating a light beam for irradiating said sample contained in said receptacle and at least one receptacle-associated light detector for detecting light transmitted through said sample and generating a receptacle-associated detection signal; a second optical device including at least one test element provided with at least one test zone for applying said sample, said test zone being subject to an optically detectable change in response to at least one characteristic of said sample being different from said colour and a test element-associated optical unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Fabian Durrer, Kurt Schildknecht, Urs Vollenweider
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Publication number: 20100285512Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coupling in-line the analysis of molecular interactions by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with a structural identification by mass spectrometry using the same functionalized support for both types of analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: RĂ©gis Daniel, Florence Gonnet, William Buchmann, Sophie Bellon, Nathalie Jarroux, Marielle Anger-Leroy
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Publication number: 20100277722Abstract: An integrated flow cell, the flow cell comprising a semiconductor substrate, and a fluidic conduit having an at least partially transparent semiconductor oxide tubing, wherein the semiconductor oxide tubing is formed with the semiconductor substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Karsten KRAICZEK, Beno MUELLER, Timothy BEERLING
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Patent number: 7821631Abstract: The architecture of air-coupled laser sources in a flow cytometer is provided. The flow cytometer includes a mounting plate with a first major surface and a second major surface. A cuvette is mounted on the first major surface and a fluid core stream flows through the cuvette essentially parallel to the major surfaces of the mounting plate. A first air-coupled laser source is mounted on the first major surface. The first air-coupled laser source generates a first laser beam. The flow cytometer also includes a first beam-shaping optic system corresponding to the first air-coupled laser source. The first beam-shaping optic system receives the first laser beam and focuses it at the center of the fluid core stream perpendicular to the fluid core stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Shervin Javadi
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Patent number: 7821632Abstract: A sample traveling stage is used for inspection equipment or precision processing equipment for semiconductors or FPDs, (Flat Panel Displays). The sample traveling stage includes a moving part in which a first slide, which is mounted on a base frame and moves along a first guide block, and a second slide, which is mounted on the first slide and moves along a second guide block, is installed in a mutually crossing direction. A traveling part that travels sample through the sample table is installed by a flexure mechanism module formed on the second slide and measures displacement through the X, Y bar mirror installed at the above sample table in a mutually vertical direction. A measuring part includes a laser head, a beam divider, and an interferometer installed at the operating path of the moving part forms the output into a displacement signal by receiving the input beam interference signal reflected by the X, Y bar mirror from receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignees: Soonhan Engineering Corp., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hun Taek Jung, Dae Gab Gweon, Jung Jae Kim, Young-Man Choi, Da Hoon Ahn
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Patent number: 7817276Abstract: While objects travel through an optical cavity, the cavity provides output light that is affected by the objects, causing the output light to have a varying intensity function. The output light is photosensed to obtain sensing results that depend on the varying intensity function. The sensing results are used to distinguish at least one object, such as from its environment or from objects of other types. The objects can, for example, be particles or biological cells, and their optical characteristics, such as refractive index or absorption, can affect the output light, so that information about them is included in the output light. The output light can, for example, have a laterally varying intensity function with peaks whose features change due to the objects. The sensing results can also be used to track objects, together with other information, such as about the speed of a fluid that carries the objects through the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Peter Kiesel, Oliver Schmidt, Michael Bassler
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Patent number: 7818154Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a method for modeling fluorescence in turbid media and methods and systems for using the model to determine intrinsic fluorescence of turbid media. According to one aspect, a method for modeling fluorescence of a turbid medium and for using the model to determine intrinsic fluorescence in the turbid medium is provided. The method includes illuminating a turbid medium of interest with an electromagnetic radiation source using a probe of a particular geometry and detecting measured fluorescence for the turbid medium using the probe. At least one set of Monte Carlo simulations is run to determine an escape energy probability map and an absorbed energy density map for the turbid medium. An indication of the intrinsic fluorescence of the turbid medium is determined using the escape probability density map and the absorbed energy density map in a manner that accounts for the geometry of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Gregory M. Palmer, Nirmala Ramanujam
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Publication number: 20100253945Abstract: In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method includes suspending the liquid sample in a tube. The suspended liquid sample is illuminated along an illumination axis, and at least a portion of the light is detected along a first detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the suspended liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Jason Cecil William Corbett
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Patent number: 7808631Abstract: A stirrer includes a vessel for holding a liquid to be stirred; and a sound wave generator that irradiates the liquid with a sound wave to stir the liquid by the sound wave. The sound wave generator includes a piezoelectric substrate, and a sound generating element provided on the piezoelectric substrate and arranged outside the vessel so as to be adjacent to the liquid across the vessel and the piezoelectric substrate to generate a sound wave for stirring the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventor: Miyuki Murakami
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Publication number: 20100245814Abstract: An analytical substrate for amplifying Raman signals by a factor greater than 10,000, or by a factor less than 1,000,000. The analytical substrate is fabricated by depositing a film on the substrate and heating the substrate to a temperature less than 100 degrees Celsius for a period of time less than 30 seconds. The film can comprise a metallic nanoparticle dispersion that can further comprise a population of metallic nanoparticles. In some instances, the metallic nanoparticles have an average cross-sectional dimension in a range of about 1 nm to about 100 nm. In other instances each nanoparticle comprises at least one ligand bound to a surface of the nanoparticle, where the ligand comprises a heteroatom head group bound to the nanoparticle surface and a tail bound to the heteroatom head group.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Gregory Jablonski, Michael Mastropietro
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Publication number: 20100248351Abstract: The present invention relates to a chip for optical analysis. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical sensor handling a liquid sample, which is a chip for analysis that can be used for selectively measuring a biologically-relevant substance or a chemical substance such as an environmental pollutant or a health affecting substance in a liquid to be measured. The chip for optical analysis of the present invention is characterized in that (1) an adsorption region (filter region) is provided between a sample introduction section and the observation section in a passage of the chip for analysis, (2) a bypass passage is provided in the passage (main passage) of the chip for analysis, and a time lag is generated between samples passed through the main passage and passed through a bypass passage, and (3) a measurement region and a reference region are provided in the observation section of the chip for analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2007Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATIONInventors: Michiko Seyama, Serge Camou, Yuzuru Iwasaki, Toru Miura, Jyunichi Takahashi, Tsuneyuki Haga, Tsutomu Horiuchi
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Publication number: 20100238457Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved device and methods for adapting to a laser diffraction apparatus used for measuring particle size distribution and density of the plume of a powder composition emitted from a dry powder inhaler.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: MANNKIND CORPORATIONInventors: Benoit Adamo, Saiyam Shah, Chad C. Smutney
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Patent number: 7800750Abstract: An optical trap (and alignment device) having a light source for generating first and second light beams, and a pair of lenses for focusing the light beams to a trap region in a counter-propagating manner for trapping a particle in the trap region. A light source illuminates the trap region with a third beam of light, and a camera is positioned for capturing a portion of each of the first, second and third light beams. Actuators exert forces on generally rigid portions of optical fiber used to deliver the first and second light beams to the trap region, such that the generally rigid portions pivot about pivot points located at supported members from which the optical fibers extend. Position sensitive detectors measure the position of the beams leaving the optical fibers, and feed position signals back to the actuator drivers to ensure proper positioning of the beams.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Carlos J. Bustamante, Steven B. Smith
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Patent number: 7796266Abstract: A system that employs transmission-based detection techniques to determine the presence or concentration of an analyte within a test sample is provided. Specifically, the optical detection system contains a chromatographic-based assay device that is positioned in the electromagnetic radiation path defined between an illumination source and detector. To enhance the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the system without significantly increasing costs, the distance between the illumination source and/or detector and the assay device is minimized. The illumination source and/or detector may also be positioned directly adjacent to the assay device. In addition, the system may be selectively controlled to reduce reliance on external optical components, such as optical filters or diffusers.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David Samuel Cohen, Xuedong Song, Michael Knotts, Shawn Ray Feaster, Zdravko Savov Atanassov
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Patent number: 7785538Abstract: A fluid handling device including an eaves section of a first side wall engaged with a recess of a strip plate including a plurality of wells using concavity and convexity and an eaves section of a second side wall engaged with a recess of the strip plate using concavity and convexity. Slits are further formed in a corner section of the second side wall connecting to another side wall, so as to extend downwards from an upper end section. The second side wall also is partially cut away from the other side wall and is more easily deformed than the first side wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Enplas CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Kawahara
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Patent number: 7787116Abstract: A cuvette capable of suppressing the complication of the structure of each part of an analyzer and enabling the stirring of a specimen in a short time. The cuvette comprises: a first body part positioned on a bottom part side, having inner and outer surfaces of circular shape in horizontal cross section, and receiving a measuring beam; and a second body part positioned on an opening side, having an inner surface of non-circular shape in horizontal cross section and an outer surface of circular shape in horizontal cross section.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Takashi Yamato
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Publication number: 20100214569Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor apparatus. The semiconductor apparatus includes a reference grating and a plurality of detectors. The reference grating diffracts an optical signal generated by being reflected from the alignment grating of a substrate to diffraction beams with different orders. The plurality of detectors measure intensities of a plurality of diffraction beams selected from the diffraction beams, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Seong-Bo Shim
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Publication number: 20100214556Abstract: An apparatus for optical measurement of substance concentrations has at least one transmitter arranged in or on a housing and at least one receiver for optical radiation, and a deflection device, which is at a distance from the at least one transmitter and the at least one receiver and is arranged within the substance when the apparatus is being used correctly, for deflection of the optical radiation from the at least one transmitter to the at least one receiver. The distance between the deflection device and the at least one transmitter and/or the at least one receiver can be varied by means of an adjusting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2007Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Joachim Mannhardt, Trevor Page
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Publication number: 20100208260Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for direct detection of one or more markers in pressurized hydrocarbon fluids. The apparatus includes a vessel (130) and one or more valves (150, 160, 170). The hydrocarbon fluid (240) may be a liquid or gas. Markers may include a variety of optical markers, such as fluorescent markers. The apparatus may be coupled to a hydrocarbon fluid source (210), and the vessel (130) may be at least partially filled with hydrocarbon fluid from the hydrocarbon fluid source (210). A> detector (140) coupled to the vessel (130) may be used to detect at least one of the markers in the hydrocarbon fluid (240) while the apparatus is coupled to the hydrocarbon fluid source (210) and without the addition of reagents. Detection of markers may include, for example, fluorescence detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2007Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: AUTHENTIX, INC.Inventors: Paul Carr, Ian Eastwood, Iain Webster
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Patent number: 7777877Abstract: The invention provides a high efficiency coupling structure for extracting illumination such as fluorescent radiation from a chemical reaction vessel such as a cuvette. The cuvette is provided with a mirrored surface. An end cap for the cuvette includes a probe portion that exhibits total internal reflection. Lenses are provided in various embodiments that improve the light collection and directing properties of the end cap. A fast optical system for free space coupling of optical radiation emanating from a chemical processing cuvette that uses the end cap as an element is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Christopher I. Walker, Axel Scherer
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Publication number: 20100201976Abstract: A wafer surface measuring apparatus which measures a surface of the wafer by irradiating a laser beam on a wafer comprising a measuring stage that supports the outer edge of the wafer and loads the wafer in a manner not contacting the rear surface of the wafer and the stage surface, a wafer carrying means that moves the wafer over the measuring stage and loads the wafer on the measuring stage from an upward side, a rotary drive unit which rotates the measuring stage, and an ejection hole formed at a center portion of the stage surface to supply gas to a rear surface of the wafer loaded on the measuring stage. The wafer carrying means includes a chuck which sucks and holds the surface of the wafer in a non-contact manner and bends the wafer in an upwardly convex shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: SUMCO CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji KAMIYAMA, Etsurou MORITA
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Patent number: 7768638Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating focusing of an image scanner, such as a confocal microscope, are disclosed. Measurement of optical characteristics in certain areas of a test sample are compared to stored or baseline optical characteristic profiles to determine an appropriate correction to properly focus the scanner. In one aspect, the method includes obtaining a dynamic profile at a current detection region of a test sample and associating the dynamic profile to a profile selected from a set of stored baseline profiles. Each of the stored baseline profiles is associated with a correction.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Illumina, Inc.Inventor: Wenyi Feng
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Publication number: 20100182599Abstract: A spectrometer sample head including a housing, at least one source of radiation in the housing, and a flip top sample cell. First and second hinged plates each include a window aligned with each other when the plate are coupled together. The housing includes a channel for receiving the plates when coupled together for placing the sample in the optical path of the radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Scott Albin, Thomas Barraclough, Michael Morkos, Patrick Henning, Eric John Olson, Kevin Keough
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Publication number: 20100177309Abstract: A modular spectroscopy laboratory (MSL), comprises a rigid case with a flashlamp rotatably mounted in said case. A sample holder is provided for holding a sample of solution for analysis, and a spectrometer is optically connected to the sample holder. The flashlamp is positionable at least two angles relative to the sample holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Juan C. Scaiano, Chris Genereux, Sharlene Hoftyzer
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Patent number: 7751039Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes an optical assay system for intraoperative assessment of tumor margins. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a biological sample containment and illumination apparatus for holding a biological sample for illumination by a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The biological sample containment and illumination apparatus includes a plurality of frame members positioned with respect to each other to form an interior space for receiving a biological sample. At least one of the plurality of frame members includes a plurality of probe receiving locations for receiving a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The probe receiving locations position the probes with respect to the biological sample to allow illumination of plural locations of the biological sample by the probes.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Nirmala Ramanujam, Lee G. Wilke
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Publication number: 20100162566Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for tuning the pitch of the blades of a model propeller (50) with pivoting blades, characterized in that it comprises: means (2, 13-16) for mounting the model propeller in the tool, able to make it possible to position the propeller in such a way that its axis of rotation coincides with a fixed reference axis (3) of the tool, and to place each blade of the propeller successively in a measurement position, optical means (4, 8-11) for determining the angle between a chord of a blade (51) in measurement position and a fixed reference plane of the tool orthogonal to the reference axis on the basis of two points (5, 6), referred to as measurement points, sighted by the said optical means on the suction face of the said blade in measurement position. The invention extends to a tool set additionally comprising at least one standard propeller provided with fixed blades of different pitches, and to a tuning method using the tool or the tool set according to the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Airbus Operations S.A.S.Inventors: Jean Marc MERCIER, Philippe DE LAROQUE, Thierry BERGEAUD, Jean Luc LARCHER, Jean Marc PROSPER, Viken MEKHSIAN, Maurice DUFOUR
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Publication number: 20100165336Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and related modalities offer greatly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for detection of molecular species through the excitation of plasmon modes and their coupling to molecular vibrational modes. One of the chief obstacles to widespread application is the availability of suitable nanostructured materials that exhibit strong enhancement of Raman scattering, are inexpensive to fabricate, and are reproducible. I describe nanostructured surfaces for SERS and other photonic sensing that use semiconductor and metal surfaces fabricated using femtosecond laser processing. A noble metal film (e.g., silver or gold) is evaporated onto the resulting nanostructured surfaces for use as a substrate for SERS. These surfaces are inexpensive to produce and can have their statistical properties precisely tailored by varying the laser processing. Surfaces can be readily micropatterned and both stochastic and self-organized structures can be fabricated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: Steven M. Ebstein
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Patent number: 7746465Abstract: The sample holder includes support having a thickness and an aperture through the thickness of the support. A tilt mechanism is connected to the support for controlled tilting of the support, and the aperture through the support is configured to have a diameter that increases in a direction through the thickness of the support. This arrangement enables a light beam to pass through the same given area of the sample, irrespective of whether the sample is held perpendicular to the beam or held at a tilted position relative to the beam. In one embodiment, the holder includes an efficient magnetic clamp mechanism for securing the sample to the holder. The holder compactly integrates with tilting mechanisms a sample rotation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Hinds Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Douglas C. Mark
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Publication number: 20100157291Abstract: Sensors can be used to obtain encoded sensing results from objects that have nonuniform relative motion. A photosensor or impedance-based sensor, for example, can obtain sensing results from objects that have relative motion within a sensing region relative to the sensor, with the relative motion being, for example, periodically varying, randomly varying, chirp-varying, or modulated relative motion that completes at least one modulation cycle within the sensing region. Relative motion can be caused by varying objects' speed and/or direction or by controlling flow of fluid carrying objects, movement of a channel, movement of a support structure, movement of a sensor, and/or pattern movement. A fluidic implementation can include shaped channel wall parts and/or a displacement component causing time-varying lateral displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Peter Kiesel, Markus Beck, Michael Bassler, Noble M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100157296Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the transport behaviour in the pneumatic transport of granular materials, in which (A) the sample of granular material is introduced into a feed chute, (B) the sample of granular material is, after the feed chute, introduced via an injector into a regulated stream of air, (C) the sample of granular material flows through a transport section and (D) the sample of granular material is measured in a laser light scattering spectrometer, wherein in step (B) the sample of granular material is introduced via a Venturi injector. The apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a feed chute for introduction of granular materials into the transport section, a feed chute for introduction of unstressed granular materials into the laser light scattering spectrometer, an air flow regulating valve, a Venturi injector, a transport section and a laser light scattering spectrometer (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbHInventors: Frank Stenger, Alfons Karl, Johann Mathias, Thomas Riedemann, Rudolf Scharffenberg-Kahlke, Karsten Aldenhoevel
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Patent number: 7742165Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure binding of a biochemical substance with a high throughput and with high sensitivity using a small cell capable of being filled with a small amount of chemical solution. A space between a first substrate and a second substrate such that probes are immobilized on their mutually facing planes is used as a cell that houses a specimen solution. Light is irradiated from a first substrate side, and reflected light is subjected to spectroscopy. Binding of the target with the probe is detected by a wavelength shift in the reflection spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Fujimura, Kosuke Kuwabara, Tatsuro Ide
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Publication number: 20100149530Abstract: In order to simply produce a microstructured body in which metal particles are arranged so as to be fixed to depressions of a metal substrate having at a surface a structure of protrusions and the depressions, a process for producing the microstructured body includes the steps of: (A) preparing a metal substrate 11 with a surface having a structure of protrusions and depressions; (B) forming a metal film 21 on the surface of the metal substrate 11, where the metal film 21 contains as the main component a metal different from the constituent metal of the metal substrate 11; and (C) annealing the metal film so that the constituent metal of the metal film is coagulated into particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Yuichi Tomaru
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Publication number: 20100149550Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the contactless scanning of three-dimensional objects (1). The objects are scanned using a bundled light beam (7), preferably using a laser beam. The object is scanned in at least two different measuring sections. When scanning in two different measuring sections, the measuring lines on the object (1) are not parallel. As an alternative or additional option, the object (1) is rotated during one measuring operation and not during the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2005Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: DIENER AG PRECISION MACHININGInventors: Rolf Diefenbacher, Dean Stoops
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Patent number: 7731902Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor device for detecting a substance contained in a fluid comprising a first photonic crystal region, a second photonic crystal region, a first channel which is connected to the first photonic crystal region, and passes the fluid containing the substance therein, a second channel which is connected to the second photonic crystal region, and passes a fluid for reference therein, an optical waveguide which is connected to the first photonic crystal region and the second photonic crystal region, and guides light, and a detecting section for detecting a difference between a light which has passed through the optical waveguide and the first photonic crystal region and a light which has passed through the optical waveguide and the second photonic crystal region.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Nagatomo, Mitsuro Sugita, Mamoru Uchida
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Patent number: 7733479Abstract: The invention relates to charged single-wall carbon nanotubes and their use in sensing and monitoring devices. The charged single-wall carbon nanotubes, have been found to have spectral shifts in certain regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The charged single wall nanotubes are very sensitive to environmental perturbations and the nanotube's optical properties will be affected by these perturbations. Accordingly, the charged single wall carbon nanotubes can be used as sensors for a wide variety of applications, such as salt concentrations and pH, signal generators, measuring length of DNA molecules, as well as optical tags for biological detection and mapping of malignant cell activity. Optimal sensor devices are achieved in the present invention when the charged single-wall carbon nanotube carries a linear charge density close to that of DNA. The invention further describes an optical pH sensor comprising at least one charged carbon nanotube in solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventors: Chwen-Yang Shew, Godfrey Gumbs, Takafumi Iwaki
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Patent number: 7731897Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLCInventor: Allen J. Brenneman
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Publication number: 20100128262Abstract: The invention relates to an analyzing apparatus including an installation portion having an insertion port 43 and provided for installing an analytical tool 20, a light measuring mechanism 22 and 23 irradiating light to the analytical tool 20 and receiving the light making progress from the analytical tool 20 for analyzing a sample in accordance with an optical method, and a light shielding means 63 for limiting an incoming radiation of an external light from the insertion port 43. The light shielding means 63 is structured such as to limit the incoming radiation of the external light via the insertion port 43 after starting the insertion of the analytical tool 20 to the installation portion before the light measurement of the analytical tool 20 is finished in the light measuring mechanism 22 and 23.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2007Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.Inventor: Yoshiharu Uehata
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Publication number: 20100128267Abstract: An improved refractometer for automatically determining the refractive index of a test subject by using principles embodied in Brewster's Angle, the refractometer comprising a light source, a light detector, a subject mount for securing the test subject to the device, a positioning device to orient the light source and light detector to the subject such that the angles of the light source and light detector to the subject are substantially identical, a data gathering device to automatically retrieve relevant data regarding the angles of the light source and light detector to the subject and the light intensity of the reflected light, and a computational device to process the data using algorithms taking into account the principles embodied in Brewster's Angle and/or Fresnel Equations in order to arrive at the refractive index of the test subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: James Arnold VOSE, James Patrick McClymer, Thomas Woodrow Tripp, JR.
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Publication number: 20100118315Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: David A. Pastel, Garrett A. Piech, Gordon M. Shedd, Brett C. Shelton, Mohamed A. Zainul
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Patent number: 7715001Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.Inventors: Paul Lundquist, Denis Zaccarin, Yves Lacroix, Stephen Turner, John Dixon
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Publication number: 20100110415Abstract: This analyzer comprises a photoirradiation portion simultaneously photoirradiating a plurality of storage vessels storing a plurality of measurement samples respectively and a plurality of photodetection portions detecting a plurality of light components resulting from simultaneous photoirradiation on the plurality of storage vessels storing the plurality of measurement samples respectively. The photoirradiation portion includes a light source, a first light guide portion branching light emitted from the light source into a plurality of light components and guiding the plurality of light components to the plurality of measurement samples respectively and a second light guide portion branching light emitted from the light source into a plurality of light components and guiding the plurality of light components to the plurality of measurement samples respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Norimasa Yamumoto