Fluid Containers (e.g., Cells Or Cuvettes) Patents (Class 356/246)
  • Patent number: 9772278
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-channel aerosol scattering absorption measuring instrument, comprising a light path device, a detection device and a gas path device. The light path device supplies three different wavelengths of laser entering the detection device in sequence; the detection device is provided with photoelectric detectors at multiple angles for measurement, so as to reduce the measurement error of aerosol scattering coefficient; the gas path device comprises a sample loading unit, a calibration unit and a sample discharging unit; and a light source from the light path device and a gas flow from the gas path device enter the photoacoustic cavity of the detection device respectively and are detected by a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventor: Yong Han
  • Patent number: 9739704
    Abstract: Fluid processing tube for use in optical analysis comprising at least one first portion being made from a first material suitable for optical analysis and being configured to include two optical paths of different lengths, and at least one second portion connected to said first portion and being made from a second material different from said first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: QIAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Voit, Michael Geissler, Harald Quintel, Roman Gruler
  • Patent number: 9734420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device useful for inspecting a sample. The device includes a camera in order to arrange that camera in an image field so that an interface line and a marker of the camera can be imaged as a recorded image. The device also has an evaluation unit which allows an evaluation of the recorded image and the marking in order to provide information to the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Torsten Matthias, Hans-Peter Schimon, Jens Blecken, Markus Wulf
  • Patent number: 9734421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for inspecting a volume and/or a composition of at least one, especially fluid, sample. The method comprises the steps of making available at least one pipette, in which an interface is formed between a sample and a fluid which is adjacent to the sample. That interface being optically perceptible outside the pipette as an interface line between the sample and at least one fluid that extends approximately (about) horizontally A camera is arranged in an image so that the marking and at least a first section of the at least one pipette is shown in a recorded image The present invention thus provides an apparatus and method for a singular approach to detecting, evaluation and recording results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Torsten Matthias, Hans-Peter Schimon, Jens Blecken, Markus Wulf
  • Patent number: 9731291
    Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Enqing Tan, Vincent Linder
  • Patent number: 9718059
    Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Buse, Byron J. Knight, Julian Groeli
  • Patent number: 9709484
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for performing a light-absorption measurement on a test sample and a compliance measurement on a reference sample. A method includes moving a reference sample receptacle carrier of an apparatus to position a first reference sample receptacle received in the carrier at a second position in a light path, directing light from an illumination system to a detection system along the light path to perform a light-absorption measurement on a first reference sample at the second position, moving the carrier to position the first receptacle out of the light path, placing a test sample receptacle in a test sample receptacle holder of the apparatus in the light path at a first position different from the second position, and directing light along the light path to perform a light-absorption measurement on a test sample in the test sample receptacle holder at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO GMBH
    Inventors: Tomasz Pol, Chun-Hung Kuo, William Alan Marks
  • Patent number: 9700889
    Abstract: A method of flowing a fluid with a tracer in a microfluidic channel of an assay device and detecting the tracer for determining the channel location or condition of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: CyVek, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Putnam, Jeffrey T. Branciforte, Charles O. Stanwood
  • Patent number: 9689858
    Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Ratulowski, Shahnawaz Molla, Vincent Sieben, Farshid Mostowfi, Shawn Taylor, Christopher Harrison, Shunsuke Fukagawa, Elizabeth Smythe, Matthew Sullivan, John Meier
  • Patent number: 9683929
    Abstract: An optical measuring system measures polarization optical properties of a sample. The system includes (a) a light source that emits measuring light along an optical axis of an analysis beam path, (b) a polarization state generator, arranged downstream with respect to the light source in the analysis beam path which provides light with a defined polarization state, (c) a sample holder, arranged downstream with respect to the polarization state generator in the analysis beam path which accommodates the sample, (d) a polarization state analyzer, arranged downstream with respect to the sample holder in the analysis beam path which measures the polarization state of the measuring light after passing through the sample, and (e) a mechanical support structure, at which at least the polarization state generator, the sample holder and the polarization state analyzer are directly attached. Also described is a method for producing such an optical measuring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Ostermeyer
  • Patent number: 9677994
    Abstract: Cuvette, comprising at least one measuring area on each one of two arms that are pivotally connected to each other such that from a swung-apart condition, they can be swung together into a measuring position in which the two measuring areas have a distance for positioning a sample between the measuring areas, and means for positioning the two arms in a measuring position in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device with a sample between the two measuring areas in a beam path of the optical measuring device that crosses the cuvette shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt Harnack, Helmut Knoffe, Peter Scheffler, Wolfgang Goemann-Thoss, Sven Eikelmann, Christoph Jolie
  • Patent number: 9662652
    Abstract: Provided herein is a sample processing apparatus including a sample-containing vessel and a thermal cycling apparatus, wherein the vessel has at least 3 fluidically isolated segments that are each thermally conductive, compressible, and expandable. The thermal cycling unit is capable of amplifying extracted nucleic acid and has at least a first processing station and a second processing station, each processing station defining a temperature zone, wherein thermal cycling is performed by alternatively transferring the contents of the sample vessel between the at least two processing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Chen & Chen, LLC
    Inventor: Shuqi Chen
  • Patent number: 9664618
    Abstract: A particle detector that includes a flow cell that includes a through hole having a circular sectional shape and allowing a fluid containing a particle to flow therethrough, an inspection light source that irradiates the flow cell with inspection light in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the through hole, and an optical detector that detects reaction light generated by the particle and which exits the flow cell so as to be angled relative to a sector-shaped plane which has a vertex at an intersection point of the inspection light and the through hole of the flow cell, is parallel to an optical path of the inspection light, and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the through hole of the flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Furuya, Daisuke Obara
  • Patent number: 9664610
    Abstract: Systems for analyzing fluids (e.g., gases) include a chamber structure with a reflective inner surface, emitters, a primary detector positioned to principally detect electromagnetic energy reflected numerous times through the gas(es) and a calibration detector positioned to detect electromagnetic energy not reflected numerous times through the gas(es). Calibration may be automatically performed. The primary detector relies principally on Raleigh scattering. An optional primary detector may be positioned to principally detect Raman scattered electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Visualant, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ian Mander, Thomas A. Furness, III, Michael Vivian Denton, Allan David Beach
  • Patent number: 9665956
    Abstract: A computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically displaying information generated by an instrument is provided. The information is being displayed within a laboratory management system. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate an instrument information representation in response to receiving information generated by an instrument and display the instrument information representation on a display. The instrument information representation visually presents the information generated by the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT INFORMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Menahem Shikhman
  • Patent number: 9651564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the hemoglobin concentration in whole blood, wherein the system comprises: a light-radiating unit including a light source that emits two types of incident light having different wavelengths; a diffusion unit which diffuses the incident light emitted by the light-radiating unit; a cuvette-holding unit which is formed so as to hold a cuvette including a blood sample; a detection unit which detects each absorbance of the two types of incident light having different wavelengths; a processing unit which determines the hemoglobin concentration in the blood by processing the measured absorbance result; and a control unit which regulates the two types of incident light having different wavelengths in order to repeatedly/sequentially radiate same. Although the system for measuring hemoglobin in whole blood of the present invention uses a small amount of whole blood, it is possible to measure the total hemoglobin concentration in an accurate and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: BODITECHMED, INC
    Inventors: Byeong Chul Kim, Ki Tae Park, Cheol Min Kim, Kwang Won Choi
  • Patent number: 9645073
    Abstract: An optical chamber for a gas detection device, which includes reflecting device for reflecting radiation issued from a radiation source and for redirecting the radiation toward a radiation detector, the reflecting device including a first series of adjacent mirrors and a second series of adjacent mirrors. The mirrors of the first series and the mirrors of the second series are of the truncated ellipsoid of revolution type. The first series of mirrors and the second series of mirrors are arranged relative to each other so that the radiation emitted by the radiation source is reflected alternatively by a mirror of the second series and by a mirror of the first series and defines an optical path extending from the radiation source to the radiation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Chiesi, Hynek Raisigel, Gilles Chabanis, Paul Laurens, Mathias Allely
  • Patent number: 9638622
    Abstract: A particle detection apparatus and a particle detection method capable of accurately detecting scattered light are provided. A scattered light detection unit of the particle detection apparatus having at least a light illumination unit for illuminating a particle with light and the scattered light detection unit for detecting scattered light emitted from the particle illuminated with light is provided with a first detection portion for detecting scattered light, a second detection portion for detecting illumination light onto a particle, and a signal processing unit for removing a noise component from a signal detected in the first detection portion based on a signal detected in the second detection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Tahara
  • Patent number: 9638686
    Abstract: A method of measuring whole-blood hemoglobin parameters includes providing a LED light source, guiding light having the spectral range from the LED light source along an optical path, providing a cuvette module with a sample receiving chamber, providing a pair of first and second optical diffusers disposed in the optical path where the cuvette module is disposed between the pair of first and second optical diffusers, guiding light from the cuvette module into an optical spectrometer, and processing an electrical signal from the spectrometer into an output signal useable for displaying and reporting hemoglobin parameter values and/or total bilirubin parameter values of the sample of whole blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Nova Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Cafferty, Scott P. Cionek
  • Patent number: 9623511
    Abstract: A chip for plasma generation, a plasma generator, and a plasma spectrometry method, having high reproducibility of plasma light emission are described, wherein the chip for plasma generation contains a channel, wherein the channel has a first region, a narrow portion, and a second region, wherein the narrow portion is in communication with the first region and the second region and has a cross-sectional area smaller than the first region and the second region, and the chip further includes an air bubble movement prevention unit that prevents air bubbles generated in the narrow portion from moving from the narrow portion toward the upstream side of the narrow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashige Tanaka, Yasunori Shiraki
  • Patent number: 9612192
    Abstract: A cuvette comprising a body having an upper part comprising an upper open top portion and upper walls forming four upper inner edges and an upper open bottom portion with a first substantially rectangular cross-section in a plane A-A; and a lower measurement chamber comprising a lower closed bottom portion and lower walls forming four lower inner edges and a lower open top portion with a second substantially rectangular cross-section in a plane B-B smaller than the first cross-section in the plane A-A. An abrupt transition zone is positioned between the plane A-A and the plane B-B comprising four transition inner edges connecting the four lower inner edges to the upper open bottom portion. At least in the plane B-B the lower inner edges comprise fillets having a first radius (R1). At least in the plane A-A the upper inner edges comprise fillets having a second radius (R2) being larger than (R1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Drechsler, Rijk Edwin Oosterbroek
  • Patent number: 9554741
    Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to lance with a precise depth and express fluid from both fingertip and alternate sites. In one form, the device is operable to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet into the skin. The bodily fluid sampling device includes a lancet adapted to form an incision in skin. A skin contacting member has an orifice through which the lancet extends when lancing the skin. The orifice has a first opening size that is sized to flatten the skin around the lancet during lancing. The orifice has a second opening size that is larger than the first opening size after the incision is formed to express fluid from the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Roe, Chris Wiegel
  • Patent number: 9551635
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of a system for handling and processing chemical and/or biological samples, a MicroChamber comprises a substrate, a reservoir formed on the substrate for receiving a chemical and/or biological sample, and an encoder such as a barcode or other suitable device. The encoder encodes information describing at least one characteristic of the substrate and/or reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Biogenex Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Krishan L. Kalra, Wallace Chang, Ravishankar Melkote
  • Patent number: 9534494
    Abstract: Optical window assemblies are provided. An example apparatus includes a first fixture defining a fluid flow passageway. The example apparatus also includes a second fixture defining an aperture. The second fixture is coupled to the first fixture. A first optical window is disposed in the aperture. The first optical window has a first end and a second end. The first end is to be in contact with fluid in the fluid flow passageway, and a cross-sectional size of the first optical window decreases from the first end toward the second end along a portion of the first optical window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kamiya, Stephane Vannuffelen, Kamal Kader, Hua Chen, Hisatoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9505001
    Abstract: A porous film microfluidic device includes a sample well, a porous film support structure, including a first, second, and third port, wherein the first port is connected to the sample well, a porous film is formed over the bottom of the porous film support structure, and a glass fiber film is formed between the porous film support structure and the porous film, a waste tank connected to the second port of the porous film support structure, wherein a water absorption element is disposed in the waste tank, a buffer solution tank connected to the third port of the porous film support structure and sealed by a sealing film, and a COC plastic prism disposed over the bottom of the porous film support structure. The COC plastic prism includes a metal film in contact with the porous film and a metal oxide layer formed over the COC plastic prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tsung-Liang Chuang, Chii-Wann Lin, Chia-Chen Chang, Shih-Chung Wei
  • Patent number: 9500850
    Abstract: Provided is a culture microscope including a culturing space that is provided with a stage on which a specimen is mounted; an adjacent space that is adjacent to the culturing space and in which a driving mechanism of the stage is disposed; a stationary partition that divides the adjacent space and the culturing space and that is also provided with a first through-hole; a tabular movable partition that is disposed at a position where the movable partition closes the first through-hole, that has a second through-hole that is smaller than the first through-hole, that is supported so as to be movable parallel to the stationary partition, and that is larger than the first through-hole; and a lid member that is disposed at a position where the lid member closes the second through-hole of the movable partition and that is supported so as to be movable parallel to the movable partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsushi Fukuda, Hiroyasu Hebiishi
  • Patent number: 9494510
    Abstract: A cuvette system may comprise a disposable cuvette element for holding a sample for analysis, with the cuvette element comprising an elongated strip having opposite faces and a well for receiving the sample to be analyzed. The well may be formed on the strip to hold a sample on the strip, and a hole may form at least a portion of the well and may extend through the strip. The well may be configured to hold a defined volume of the sample to be held therein. The system may comprise a reusable holder for removably receiving the cuvette element, with the holder having a substantially hollow interior for receiving at least a portion of the cuvette element. The holder may have a perimeter wall including a front wall and a rear wall of the holder, and a window may be formed in each of the front and rear walls and may be generally positioned in alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: John L. Sternick
  • Patent number: 9488579
    Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventors: Torleif Ove Bjornson, Thomas Geiges
  • Patent number: 9488584
    Abstract: An analytical assembly within a unified device structure for integration into an analytical system. The analytical assembly is scalable and includes a plurality of analytical devices, each of which includes a reaction cell, an optical sensor, and at least one optical element positioned in optical communication with both the reaction cell and the sensor and which delivers optical signals from the cell to the sensor. Additional elements are optionally integrated into the analytical assembly. Methods for forming and operating the analytical system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Bioscience of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Joseph McCaffrey, Stephen Turner, Ravi Saxena, Scott Edward Helgesen
  • Patent number: 9488576
    Abstract: Optical measuring apparatus for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops includes a liquid handling system with at least one liquid handling tip. The apparatus has a light source for irradiating the drop, a detector for measuring sample light, an optics system with first optical elements for transmitting irradiation light, and a processor for processing measurement signals. The drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the tip in a position where the drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the tip. The tip is attached to a robot arm which adjusts the position of the liquid drop with respect to at least one optical element of the optics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventors: Torleif Ove Bjornson, Thomas Geiges
  • Patent number: 9482756
    Abstract: A tracker unit for a measuring instrument such as a total station is disclosed. The tracker unit comprises a first and at least a second optical radiation source arranged at different positions and each of which is noncoaxially arranged with respect to a tracker pointing axis and adapted to emit optical radiation towards the reflective target when activated. The first and the at least a second optical radiation source are arranged at such positions so that the tracker pointing axis and the position of the first optical radiation source define a first plane and the tracker pointing axis and the position of the at least a second optical radiation source define a second plane, such that the first optical radiation source is coaxial with respect to the tracker pointing axis in a plane perpendicular to the first plane and the at least a second optical radiation source is coaxial with respect to the tracker pointing axis in a plane perpendicular to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TRIMBLE AB
    Inventors: Christian Grässer, Suat Köker
  • Patent number: 9448103
    Abstract: A luminescence detection system may include an excitation light source, a single element achromat, and a detector. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the excitation light from the light source and direct the regulated light to a target, and the detector may be configured to detect luminescence generated by the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to a detector, and the excitation light source may be configured to direct the excitation light to the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate both the excitation light from the light source and the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to, respectively, the target and a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven J. Boege
  • Patent number: 9448112
    Abstract: A simple and compact apparatus, and a method, for determining the characteristics of a number of fluids used in the truck and automotive industries including coolant, bio-diesel, gas-ethanol and diesel engine fluid (DEF). The apparatus includes a sample container providing optical paths of different lengths for making measurements on a sample. The dual path length design allows the apparatus to capture both NIR and UV spectral ranges. The qualitative and quantitative properties of the fluid under test are compared to test results under normal conditions or to the properties of unused fluid. Two light sources are used within a spectrometer with each source being associated with a different optical path length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Spectro Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: James Greer, Robert J. Guthrie, John Coates
  • Patent number: 9441996
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to phase detection in multi-phase fluids where two fluid phases can be present in the fluid. Phase detection apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining the phase(s) (e.g., supercritical, liquid, and/or gas) of a fluid in a multi-phase fluid system, such as carbon dioxide based separation and chromatography system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Hill, Joshua A. Shreve, Robert Dumas, Sylvain Cormier, Edwin Denecke, Kenneth R. Plant, Kurt D. Joudrey
  • Patent number: 9434987
    Abstract: A cartridge for an optical analysis, including a supporting body, having a first face and a second face opposite to one another; a plurality of wells adapted to receive a biological solution to be analyzed, the wells extending in the supporting body on the first face; at least one biocompatible layer extending inside each well; an anti-reflection layer extending on the first face outside the wells; and a reflection layer extending inside each well. Methods of using same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Sabrina Conoci, Maria Eloisa Castagna, Massimo Orazio Spata, Dario Russo
  • Patent number: 9415389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin John Doyle, Paul Wilkins, Mick Withers, Adrian Cooper, John Oakey Noell
  • Patent number: 9417231
    Abstract: Disclosed is a urine sample analyzing method comprising: flowing a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a urine sample and reagent through a flow cell; irradiating epithelial cells in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell with linearly polarized light and thereby producing scattered light; detecting a change of polarization condition of the scattered light produced by each of the epithelial cells; and classifying the epithelial cells into at least two types based on the change of polarization condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsumasa Sakamoto, Masatsugu Ozasa
  • Patent number: 9418421
    Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to the field of pathology, and the automated handling of biological specimens from containers containing clear solutions wherein the biological specimens reside. A computer-implemented method is disclosed for extracting specimens from such containers via an extraction device attached to a robotic arm. The robotic arm is controlled by a robotic system controller. The three-dimensional location of all specimens are estimated using image analysis techniques using images obtained from a plurality of imaging systems. Image analysis is used to simultaneously guide the extraction device and track the location of specimens inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Nastaran Neishaboori, Aria Pezeshk, Azin Neishaboori
  • Patent number: 9404072
    Abstract: An optical sampling apparatus for disposable flexible bioprocessing vessels includes features for optical interrogation of the vessel contents by means of transmission or transflection spectroscopy. This optical interrogation allows for the determination of quantities and parameters of substances in fluids contained within the vessels during bioprocesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ASL Analytical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin John Koerperick, Jonathon Todd Olesberg, Christine Esther Evans, Mark Allen Arnold, Gary Wray Small
  • Patent number: 9398881
    Abstract: A micro-analyzer is described. This micro-analyzer includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that receives liquid droplets, and aggregates and moves the droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient. After the droplets are aggregated, an analysis mechanism in an area within the inner surface region performs analysis on the aggregated droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Cristina Davis, Hamzeh Bardaweel, Konstantin Zamuruyev, Jean-Pierre Delplanque, Nicholas J. Kenyon
  • Patent number: 9395297
    Abstract: A method for detecting and counting particles suspended in fluids, such as bacteria suspended in urine, utilizing dynamic features of the suspended particles and employing light scattering measurements. The disclosed method is suitable for determining the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. A cuvette for detecting bacteria in fluids, which is especially suited for the light scattering measurements, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BacterioScan LTD.
    Inventor: Amnon Weichselbaum
  • Patent number: 9377433
    Abstract: The invention relates to integrated electronic chip (IEChip) cartridge devices which are used in hot electron-induced electrochemiluminescence methods and to instrumentation based on the electrical excitation of label molecules with subsequent measurement of luminescence in order to quantitate analyte concentrations especially in bioaffinity assays, especially outside of central laboratories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: LABMASTER OY
    Inventors: Sakari Kulmala, Antti Niskanen, Samuli Franssila, Tiina Ylinen-Hinkka
  • Patent number: 9377411
    Abstract: The invention comprises a transflexion probe for carrying out a transflexion measurement on a liquid located in a vessel, comprising a probe shaft (202) which is provided with a light guide path in its interior and at whose front end face there is arranged an open flow chamber (210) with a reflective plate (218) opposite the front end face of the probe shaft (202). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the probe shaft (202) is designed as a rigid cavity which is sealed at its front end face by a transparent window (206) and has at its rear end a first coupling device (204) for the rigid coupling of a sensor module (100) to the probe shaft (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Riechers, Christian Grimm
  • Patent number: 9377400
    Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Motion control devices determine position of the interrogation region. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to position a fluid boundary across the interrogation region. A controller (1) generates a time-varying motion modulation signal to move the interrogation region across the fluid boundary, (2) samples an output signal from the optical detector at one time in which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a time at which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, thereby generating corresponding output signal samples, and (3) determines from the output signal samples a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Redshift Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Wagner, Charles McAlister Marshall, Donald Kuehl, Jeffrey Guasto
  • Patent number: 9354178
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing samples in containers are provided, where an emitter emits radiation at a first location on the container, with a portion of the radiation passing through the container and into the sample, some of the radiation is reflected within the container, a detector receives a transmission Raman signal including Raman radiation from multiple portions of the sample, and a comparator compares the transmission Raman signal with the radiation emitted by the emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Yuan-Hsiang Lee
  • Patent number: 9341640
    Abstract: A biosample autoanalyzer including: a sample supply unit having a plurality of biosamples; a first measuring unit fitted with a first optical measuring device; a sample transport capable of transporting the biosamples from the sample supply unit to the reaction cuvettes on the first measuring unit; a second measuring unit fitted with a second optical measuring device; a cuvette transfer device capable of transferring the reaction cuvettes to the second measuring unit; a reagent supply unit having reagents; and (7) a reagent transport device capable of transporting reaction reagents to the reaction cuvettes. The analyzer is operated wherein the reaction cuvettes on the second measuring unit are dispensed with the biosamples on the first measuring unit, subsequently transferred from the first measuring unit to the second measuring unit by the cuvette transfer device, such that different measurements are carried out by the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI KAGAKU IATRON, INC.
    Inventors: Etsurou Shintani, Akira Goukura, Kenichi Yokota, Minoru Ogura
  • Patent number: 9333503
    Abstract: The invention comprises a sample chamber for microscopic examinations, comprising a reservoir for receiving a sample, the reservoir being defined by a bottom plate and a side wall, and a parting plate disposed in the reservoir and being parallel to the bottom plate, the parting plate in the reservoir being disposed at a height which is lower than the minimum height of the side wall, so that it divides the reservoir into an upper and a lower partial reservoirs, the lower partial reservoir and the upper partial reservoir being laterally completely bordered by the side wall, and the upper and the lower partial reservoirs being connected by at least one inlet/outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ibidi GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Zantl, Elias Horn
  • Patent number: 9297760
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for analyzing, measuring the fluorescence, luminescence, phosphorescence, Raman scattering or absorption of a small amount, for example a drop, of a liquid sample (2) with the aid of light (3) which can be guided through the sample (2) and can then be detected or analyzed according to said measuring methods. Said apparatus comprises a sample holder which is at the top when in the position of use and has a receiving point (4) for applying or dripping the sample (2), and a light inlet (5) for excitation light, said light inlet being horizontally oriented when in the position of use and below the sample holder (4). The apparatus has a first device (7) which is downstream of the light inlet (5) in the beam path and is used to deflect the light upwards to a position to the side of the receiving point (4), and second light deflection means (8) which guide the light beam coming from the bottom into the sample to be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: Hellma Gmbh & Co., KG
    Inventors: Thomas Sahiri, Stefanie Greiffenreich, Holm Kandler, Christof Koltunski
  • Patent number: 9285305
    Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system for blocking unwanted light from reaching sensors in a sensor clip assembly fastened to a blood chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The blood chamber has an internal flow cavity for communicating the extracorporeal blood flow and viewing windows to enable the sensor clip assembly to illuminate the blood with light as the blood flows through the blood chamber in order to monitor characteristics of the blood. The sensor clip assembly includes opposing heads with LED emitters and photodetectors. In one embodiment, lenses in the heads are surrounded by shrouds extending from the lenses so that when the sensor clip assembly is fastened to the blood chamber the shrouds block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis L. Barrett, Perry N. Law
  • Patent number: 9285316
    Abstract: System and method for fluorescent light excitation and detection from samples to enhance the numerical aperture and/or reduce the cross-talk of the fluorescent light. The system for analyzing samples comprising: a light source that provides a non-coherent excitation light; at least one housing, wherein the housing transports samples and propagates the non-coherent excitation light by total internal reflection; a coupling optical element configured to introduce the non-coherent excitation light into the at least one housing through a wall of the at least one housing; and at least one NA enhancing optical element to collect an emitted fluorescence, wherein the NA enhancing optical element is constructed of a first material and the housing is constructed of a second material, wherein the first material has a greater index of refraction than the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Reel, Eric Nordman