Fluid Containers (e.g., Cells Or Cuvettes) Patents (Class 356/246)
  • Patent number: 8619254
    Abstract: In a case of generating a main body of an analysis tool and a micro flow path chip as separate components, to obtain an accurate sample analysis result and to accurately adjust fluid temperature inside the micro flow path chip without damaging an analytical light receiving section of the micro flow path chip. In analysis tool body (10) that detachably holds micro flow path chip (30) in a fixed manner, notch section (21) is formed in mount surface (13) onto which micro flow path chip (30) is to be mounted. Notch section (21) is formed in a predetermined range including a part corresponding to optical path L of light emitted from a lens of optical unit (60) in a state where analysis tool (1) is arranged on heat block (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoki Nakao
  • Patent number: 8614789
    Abstract: The invention is a microplate mounting system for mounting a microplate relative to an optical reader to control an angle of incidence of an interrogation beam at the microplate and includes a reference plane with at least one set of mount features that engage one or both of the bottom of the microplate and the skirt of the and a first positioning mechanism that provides a reversible and predetermined separation in the z direction between a plane formed by the bottom of the microplate and the reader, to control the angle of incidence of the interrogation beam at the microplate by reversibly controlling the relative positioning of the microplate in the z direction through the engagement between the bottom and/or skirt of the microplate and the at least one set of mount features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc, Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: David Noblett, Robert E. Krug, Steven Liebold, Mark Francis Krol, David Andrew Pastel, Ravi Marala, Dawn Neumann
  • Publication number: 20130335734
    Abstract: A measuring cell for a gas analysis spectrometer has an inner chamber (23) for a sample gas to be analyzed and an inlet (21) and an outlet (22) which are connected thereto. A traversing optical path for a measuring beam (14) is formed in the inner chamber (23). The measuring cell is tubular, the inlet (21) and the outlet (22) are arranged at opposite ends, and the inner chamber (23) of the measuring cell has a cross-sectional shape that is monotonic over the length of the tube and which has an oval-shape at the start, which disappears toward the end. That special shape results in fast gas exchange and thus high dynamics, even with larger measuring cells, which have high sensitivity due to the long optical paths thereof. Two characteristics which until now appeared to be conflicting are thereby combined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: BRUKER OPTIK GMBH
    Inventors: Sven Krause, Yifei Wang, Lars Schomann, Gerhard Matz, Roland Harig, Jens Eichmann
  • Patent number: 8605279
    Abstract: Relates to a micro cuvette assembly (1), comprising a first partial plate (2) with one or more first cuvette surfaces (3) and a second partial plate (4) which is arrangeable relative to the first partial plate and has at least one or more second cuvette surfaces (5) which, in an active position of the micro cuvette assembly (1), are arranged in register plane-parallel to the first cuvette surfaces (3) and spaced apart by a distance (6), thus forming, in the active position of the micro cuvette assembly (1), one or more micro cuvettes (7) in which a liquid volume (8) applied previously to one of the cuvette surfaces (3,5) is held between these two cuvette surfaces (3,5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Walter Gotschy, Josef Grassl, Fritz Payr, Markus Schürf
  • Publication number: 20130314697
    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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Voit, Michael Geissler, Harald Quintel, Roman Gruler
  • Patent number: 8591837
    Abstract: Method for the injection-molding production of a magazine having a plurality of chambers, separated by partition walls, including an outer wall formed by an outer wall of the magazine. The method uses a casting mold having an outer wall channel corresponding to the outer wall of the magazine, and partition wall channels corresponding to the partition walls, and a gate opening. A plurality of partition wall channels extend from the gate opening to the outer wall channel. The method comprises injecting a plastic compound into the gate opening. The plastic compound flows from the gate point to the partition wall channels into the outer wall channel. The plastic compound streams have a differing flow speed in alternating partition wall channels so a joint line, which is aligned with a partition wall channel, forms on the outer side of the outer wall channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan-Michael Frey, Hans List, Andrea Rittinghaus, Maik Schwede
  • Patent number: 8587785
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sample chamber used for monitoring the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gunther Krieg
    Inventors: Dirk Fey, Gunther Krieg
  • Publication number: 20130293891
    Abstract: An optical fluid analyzer tool may have an evaluation flowline which receives a flow of fluid from a geotechnical formation and may have a cleanup flowline which receives another flow of fluid from the geotechnical formation. A flow routing system may be connected to the evaluation flowline and may be connected to the cleanup flowline. The flow routing system may establish isolated flow or commingled flow for the evaluation flowline and may establish isolated flow or commingled flow for the cleanup flowline. A sample chamber may be connected to the evaluation flowline and may be connected to the cleanup flowline. A first pump module may draw the fluid from the geotechnical formation, and an optical fluid analyzer connected to the cleanup flowline and the evaluation flowline may analyze the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Mark Milkovisch, Toru Terabayashi
  • Publication number: 20130293881
    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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Eugene TOKHTUEV, Christopher J. OWEN, Anatoly SKIRDA, William M. CHRISTENSEN
  • Patent number: 8570500
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regarding a cytometry system are disclosed. The system can include a plurality lasers which are spatially separated from each other. Each laser can be assigned to a single detector. The single detector can process multiple events from each laser by digital switching of signal processing circuitry. Additional detectors can be assigned to receive light in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Stratedigm, Inc.
    Inventors: Shervin Javadi, Arjuna Karunaratne
  • Publication number: 20130278931
    Abstract: Sample receiving apparatus (301) for use in, and a method of, retaining a liquid sample (305) to be analysed within a light path between a light source and a light detector. A sample receiving body (302) defines a sample duct (303) and a port (304) for allowing passage of a liquid sample (305) into the sample duct (303). The sample duct is configured to receive a liquid sample (305) between a light source input position (306) and a light detector input position (307), the distance between the light source input position and the light detector input position defining a sample path length (L). The sample receiving apparatus (301) is configured such that the distance between the light source input position (306) and the light detector input position (307) is adjustable so as to adjust the length of the sample path length (L). Sample receiving apparatus (301) for use in spectrophotometer. Sample receiving apparatus for use with low volume samples (305).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Morteza Bahrami
  • Patent number: 8563320
    Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul Schilling, Daniel Kamben
  • Patent number: 8564768
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for making optical measurements of a fluid at elevated pressures and temperatures are disclosed. A cell is designed for the optical spectroscopic measurements of fluids or gas using light from ultra violet (UV) to far infrared wavelengths, among other wavelengths. A cell is described that is well suited for applications using very small fluid volumes, on the order of micro liters, such as microfluidic systems. Some described embodiments are suited for very high pressure and temperature environments (for example, 20 kpsi or greater at 175 degree C. or greater). Such conditions, for example, may be found in oilfield downhole environments. Some embodiments provide are inexpensive, and make use of replaceable lenses that are used as a pressure barrier and for collimation of the optical beam path for spectroscopic measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Schroeder, Bill Grant, Dan Angelescu
  • Patent number: 8547554
    Abstract: A system includes a moisture analyzer configured to detect moisture in natural gas. The moisture analyzer includes an absorption cell that encloses and conducts the natural gas. The moisture analyzer also includes a pressure control device that may reduce a pressure of the natural gas inside the absorption cell. The moisture analyzer includes a light emitting device that may transmit light through the natural gas inside the absorption cell, as well as a photodetector that may detect an intensity of the light transmitted through the natural gas and exiting the absorption cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Frank Liu, Yufeng Huang, John McKinley Poole, Gary S. Parece, Anthony Kowal
  • Patent number: 8542363
    Abstract: Self-aligning light source and detector assembly having a sensor support mounted in a predetermined, fixed position, a light source holder mounted in a predetermined, fixed position relative to the sensor support, a sensor mounted in a fixed position on the sensor support, and a lamp assembly removably mounted to the light source holder in a predetermined position defined by mating surfaces which engage each other and seat the lamp assembly in the predetermined position whenever the lamp assembly is installed in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Wynn, Michael Weiss, Guido Mertens
  • Publication number: 20130242298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a prism part included in an analysis chip for use in an analysis device for analyzing a specimen utilizing surface plasmon resonance, and being cooperative with a channel member to form a channel for flowing a sample solution containing the specimen. The prism part includes a prism main body into which excitation light for generating surface plasmon is incident, and a gold film formed on a specified surface of the prism main body. The prism main body includes a mixed layer having a predetermined thickness from the specified surface toward the inner side. The mixed layer is formed by ions of gold for the gold film to enter from the specified surface in the formation of the gold film on the specified surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tomoko Miyaura, Yasuhiro Sando
  • Patent number: 8537352
    Abstract: A cuvette comprising at least one insert with two measuring surfaces, wherein the insert is a measurement tip, which has the two measuring surfaces on one end, which is distanced from another end of the measuring tip, and an adapter for insertion in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device and means of insert and adapter for releasably holding the at least one insert in the adapter with the measuring surfaces at a separation distance from each other for the positioning of a sample between the measuring surfaces in a beam path of the optical measuring device passing through the cuvette shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Sven Eikelmann, Christoph Jolie, Wolfgang Goemann-Thoss
  • Patent number: 8531659
    Abstract: A technique for designing a multipass optical cell utilizes an iterative artificial intelligence-based optimization process based upon evaluation of direct ray tracing with mirrors simulated as having true spherical surfaces (i.e., defined as a “thick lens”) to identify particular cell configurations that result in creating spot patterns which fill a significant portion of the surface of each mirror without significant spot overlap. This technique allows the use of relatively simple, low-cost spherical mirrors while providing the desired dense spot patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Laser Sensing Company
    Inventors: Stephen So, David Thomazy
  • Patent number: 8529161
    Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
  • Patent number: 8531658
    Abstract: A measuring chip installation/removal device of the present invention secures and removes a measuring chip to and from the top surface of an SPR measurement device that measures a specimen in the measuring chip by surface plasmon resonance. The measuring chip installation/removal device includes: a chip carrier on which the measuring chip is mounted; a chip carrier guide that guides the chip carrier on the top surface; and a first magnet provided in the chip carrier, and a second magnet is provided in the chip carrier guide. Orientation of a magnetic force received by the first magnet from the second magnet is reversed by displacing the chip carrier guide, so that the chip carrier is secured to or removed from the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Horiuchi, Toru Miura, Yuzuru Iwasaki, Michiko Seyama, Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Jun-ichi Takahashi, Tsuneyuki Haga
  • Patent number: 8531665
    Abstract: An ellipsometer system comprising a small internal volume cell having fluid entry, and exit ports wherein bubble traps are present in a bifurcated fluid pathway continuous with the fluid exit port. There further being present input and output apertures, for entering and exiting electromagnetic radiation, positioned to allow causing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a sample substrate at a location thereon at which, during use, fluid contacts; as well as methodology of its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: J.A. Woollam Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Galen L. Pfeiffer, Thomas E. Tiwald
  • Patent number: 8525986
    Abstract: A method of completing a hydrocarbon lateral well in a target shale formation. The method uses a data log generated from an optical flow cell assembly to identify areas in the lateral well of high free gas porosity. By evaluating such data, an operator can group “like” rock, determine stage length and variation in stage length, and determine perforation cluster spacing and location. The flow cell assembly can also be used in a completion program to assist in the steering of a lateral well being drilled below the target formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Lewis J. Dutel
  • Patent number: 8525985
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Fujimura, Kosuke Kuwabara, Tatsuro Ide
  • Patent number: 8519358
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pocared Diagnostics Ltd.
    Inventors: Gal Ingber, William G. Atterbury, Dave Holley, John S. Laudo, Jason A. Schaefer, Sherwood Talbert, John Tallarico, Thomas A. Klausing
  • Patent number: 8514392
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of generating Stokes vectors, a Mueller matrix, and polarized scattering from an aerosol aggregate includes providing an incident infrared laser beam; causing the incident infrared laser beam to be polarization-modulated using variable stress/strain birefringence imposed on a ZnSe crystal; defining a Stokes vector associated with the incident infrared laser beam; scattering the incident infrared laser beam from an aggregate aerosol comprising interferents and analyte particles; producing a scattered-beam reactant Stokes vector by causing the scattered incident infrared laser beam to be polarization-modulated; generating a Mueller matrix by taking a transformation of the Stokes vector; and identifying the analyte using the Mueller matrix. The Mueller matrix may comprise M-elements that are functions of a wavelength of the infrared laser beam, backsattering orientation of the infrared laser beam, and a shape and size of the interferents and analyte particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Arthur H. Carrieri, Jack Copper, David J. Owens, Erik S. Roese, Jerold R. Bottiger, Kevin C. Hung
  • Patent number: 8512652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved microplate which is constructed of at least one frame part and at least one bottom part, where the bottom part has a maximum thickness of 500 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Greiner Bio-One GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Knebel, Martin Bechem, Werner Stürmer, Ralph Noll
  • Patent number: 8502982
    Abstract: A flow cell for use in an arrayed imaging reflectometry detection system is described herein. The flow cell includes: first and second members that are secured together to define a substantially fluid-tight chamber having an inlet and an outlet, at least the second member being light transmissive; and a chip having a substrate, one or more coating layers on the substrate, and one or more probe molecules tethered to the outermost coating layer, the chip being positioned with the outermost coating layer and the one or more probe molecules thereon exposed to fluid in the chamber and facing the second member, whereby light passing through the second member is reflected by the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Charles R. Mace, Benjamin L. Miller, Lewis J. Rothberg
  • Patent number: 8502969
    Abstract: A miniature flow-through cuvette for spectrophotometric measurement of a liquid sample includes a cuvette body of a transparent material including a first outer surface and an opposing second outer surface, and a flow channel disposed through the cuvette body. The flow channel includes first and second interface segments generally vertically oriented, each having an open exit; a measurement segment interconnecting the first and second interface segments; a first inclined planar inner surface disposed in a turning segment between the first interface segment and the measurement segment, facing the first outer surface; and a second inclined planar inner surface disposed in a turning segment between the second interface segment and the measurement segment, facing the second outer surface. The first and second inclined inner surfaces terminate the measurement segment at opposing ends thereof. Further provided is a spectrophotometer including the miniature flow-through cuvette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boule Medical AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Magnusson, Björn Roos
  • Publication number: 20130188172
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical system includes a microfluidic chip assembly. The microfluidic chip assembly includes a first structure that provides a first wall of a fluid channel. A second structure provides a second wall of the fluid channel. The second structure includes a diffraction grating configured to provide, in the presence of incident light of a wavelength band of interest on a first surface of the second structure, a plurality of regions of high intensity light within the fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Kai-Mei Camilla Fu, Paul Edward Barclay, David A. Fattal, Jingjing Li, Raymond G. Beausoleil
  • Patent number: 8493565
    Abstract: A small internal volume cell having fluid entry, and exit ports wherein at least one bubble trap is present in a fluid pathway which is continuous with the fluid exit port. There further being present an input/output aperture, for entering and exiting electromagnetic radiation, positioned to allow causing an input beam of electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a sample substrate at a location thereon at which, during use, fluid contacts; and a mirror for directing electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate, toward and out of said input/output aperture; as well as methodology of its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: J.A. Wollam Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Galen L. Pfeiffer, Thomas E. Tiwald, Martin M. Liphardt
  • Patent number: 8493559
    Abstract: A cuvette is shaped cylindrically at one end in order to be placed in a standard microfuge and is designed to specifically remove unwanted contaminates by centrifugation. The lower part of the cuvette is shaped substantially smaller to collect liquids for direct analysis and has a shape that will conform to a variety of spectrophotometers for the measurement of the absorption of irradiation and at times the subsequent scattering of light from the liquid samples which at least in the regions of the windows or desired shape is of a transparent plastic or glass with an inner space. The upper opening of the cuvette is for filling and removing sample fluid and sample preparation in a centrifuge and the lower part projects downwards towards the floor of the measuring chamber and which comprises a smaller cross section than the upper part. A cuvette holder is designed to conform to the shape of the cuvette with an outer surface to conform to the specific measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Trevor Harvard
  • Patent number: 8486336
    Abstract: A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Kageyama, Youichi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20130176556
    Abstract: A lid for multiwell plates, allowing improved optical measurement of liquid samples within its wells, while mitigating evaporation from said samples, is disclosed. A surface element protrudes from the bottom of the lid into the fluid within a well. The protruding element may be hollow or solid such that light directed into the element may act to capture or direct the beam while preventing backscatter from reaching one or more detectors. The protruding element may direct the beam from the well without requiring the beam to pass through a fluid/air interface. The angle and shape of the lid surfaces and/or light absorbing/blocking colorization may be employed to minimize or eliminate back reflection. Evaporation is controlled by physically capping the well with the lid, either sealing against the face at the top of the well or the inside surface of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: WYATT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael I. Larkin, Amy D. Hanlon, Daniel I. Some, Richard J. Sleiman, David N. Villalpando
  • Patent number: 8472017
    Abstract: A kit having a supporting device for maintaining a transparent article having a longitudinal axis A, a proximal end and a distal end. The supporting device including a proximal holder including a port intended to receive the proximal end of the article, and a distal holder including a receiving part intended to receive the distal end of the article, the port and the receiving part being aligned on the same longitudinal axis B. The supporting device further having a compressor for putting the article under longitudinal compression directed towards a center of the article, when the article is mounted on the supporting device with its longitudinal axis A aligned on the longitudinal axis B, and a polarimeter. The invention also pertains to a method for measuring the stress inside an article made of transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Ronan Garrec
  • Patent number: 8465709
    Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Harada, Akihiro Namba, Morinao Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 8467050
    Abstract: A flow cell assembly for measuring the flow rate of gas in a pipe having an optical probe mounted on a flow cell inserted between sections of pipe. A distal end of the optical probe is disposed within an internal bore of the flow cell. The optical probe is capable of measuring the velocity of particles in a gas flowing through the internal bore. A sensor mechanism may be mounted on the flow cell and have a sensor array with a distal end disposed within the flow cell internal bore. The sensor array is capable of measuring physical properties of the gas. The optical probe is self-aligned when mounted to the flow cell through the use of a locking cam and an orientation ring. Velocity and physical property measurements are used to calculate flow rate. Alternatively, the optical probe and sensor mechanism may be mounted directly onto an existing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Lewis J. Dutel
  • Patent number: 8465708
    Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Harada, Akihiro Namba, Morinao Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 8465699
    Abstract: An analytical device including an optically opaque cladding, a sequencing layer including a substrate disposed below the cladding, and a waveguide assembly for receiving optical illumination and introducing illumination into the device. The illumination may be received from a top, a side edge, and a bottom of the device. The waveguide assembly may include a nanoscale aperture disposed in the substrate and extending through the cladding. The aperture defines a reaction cell for receiving a set of reactants. In various aspects, the device includes a sensor element and the illumination pathway is through the sensor element. Waveguides and illumination devices, such as plasmonic illumination devices, are also disclosed. Methods for forming and operating the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Fehr, Nathaniel Joseph McCaffrey, Stephen Turner
  • Patent number: 8462332
    Abstract: Visual analysis of urine samples is carried out with the use of a slide consisting of three layers containing an enclosed viewing chamber which receives a urine sample deposited by pipette into an opening on the outer layer of the slide. From the inlet opening the sample enters an inlet chamber in the middle layer and passes through a capillary passageway into the viewing chamber where it is inspected for particles and sediments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pugia, Henry Lu
  • Patent number: 8456626
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a luminometer and methods which provides simple and effective measurement of a plurality of wells in a plurality of strips in an automatic fashion. The luminometer may be used in CLIA (Chemi Luminescent Immuno Assays). The luminometer allows for CLIA micro strip reading, and reads break-apart wells, with a plurality of wells per strip, and calculates results instantly and automatically. The luminometer has an automatic carrier positioning system which selectively positions the plurality of wells in the plurality of strips at a measuring position, wherein the drive system associated with the positioning system drives the carrier along a single axis of movement. An optical track system automatically provides Y axis movement of the carrier. The luminometer may have a calibration system for maintaining proper operation of the system in measurements therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Awareness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Freeman, Valerie Almeter
  • Publication number: 20130120747
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to analytical and monitoring systems useful for analyzing and measuring cells and biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to a unique cell counting chamber, e.g., a thin gap fluidic cell chamber for both bright field and fluorescent imaging of bacteria or parasites, and methods for making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Leo L. Chan, Jean Qiu
  • Patent number: 8441629
    Abstract: An optical detection system for monitoring real-time PCR reactions in a plurality of sample chambers with a plurality of optical units is provided. Due to a relative movement, the optical units are relative to the sample chambers, color multiplexing and space multiplexing are combined for optically detecting pathogens in a sample during the process of the PCR and delivering a quantitative result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Biocartis SA
    Inventors: Aleksey Kolesnychenko, Jorrit E. De Vries, Jozef C. M. Versleegers, Michiel De Jong, Theodoor B. J. Haddeman, Louis Stroucken
  • Publication number: 20130114075
    Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge, analysis system, and method for analyzing a biologic fluid sample are provided. The cartridge includes a collection port, at least one channel within the cartridge in fluid communication with the collection port, a passage in fluid communication with the at least one channel, and an analysis chamber mounted on a tray. The tray is mounted relative to the cartridge and selectively positionable relative to the passage in a first position where the analysis chamber will engage a bolus of sample extending out from the passage to permit selective transfer of sample from the bolus to the analysis chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Abbott Point of Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Hukari, Igor Nikonorov, Ralph W. Dowdell, Douglas Olson, Niten V. Lalpuria, Darryn Unfricht, Benjamin Ports, Vu Phan, Robin A. Levy, John W. Roche
  • Publication number: 20130114080
    Abstract: This application describes a flow cell to perform experiments under well-controlled hydrodynamic conditions. The resulting cell enables combining the advantages of in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry with stagnation point flow conditions. An additional advantage is that the proposed cell features a fixed position of the “inlet tube” with respect to the substrate, thus facilitating the alignment of multiple substrates. Theoretical calculations were performed by computational fluid dynamics and compared with experimental data (adsorption kinetics) obtained for the adsorption of polyethylene glycol to silica under a variety of experimental conditions. Additionally, a simple methodology to correct experimental data for errors associated with the size of the measured spot and for variations of mass transfer in the vicinity of the stagnation point is herein introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Carlos Garcia, Maria Fernanda Mora, Mohammad Reza Nejadnik
  • Publication number: 20130114068
    Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A centrifuge motor can spin the sample cell to separate the fluid into a plurality of components (plasma, red blood cells, etc.). A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be positioned at a sample portion of the sample cell after centrifuging such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a cuvette that has two window pieces sandwiched between two clamshell pieces, and where the sample portion of the sample cell is defined by a gap between the window pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: OptiScan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene Lim, Roger Tong
  • Publication number: 20130114076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (110) and an examination apparatus (100) for optical examinations of a sample. The cartridge (110) comprises a transparent bottom layer (113) that is of substantially uniform thickness and a top layer (111, 112) comprising a sample chamber (SC). The bottom layer and the top layer are preferably laminated onto each other, for example in a C roll-to-roll process. The bottom layer (113) is provided with structures like gratings (115) that allow the incoupling or outcoupling of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Joseph Hubertina Barbara Schleipen, Albert Hendrik Jan Immink, Menno William Jose Prins, Derk Jan Wilfred Klunder
  • Patent number: 8436990
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microchip 1 having a translucent member 11, a flow channel 10 or a cell formed at a side of the translucent member 11 where light enters, and an aperture 16 formed at a position corresponding to the flow channel 10 or the cell at a side of a translucent member 10 where light goes out. The aperture 16 has a light go-through surface 17 which causes light flux being emitted from the flow channel 10 or the cell to go through and a light reflective surface 18 that totally reflects the incident light flux. A width size W1 of the light go-through surface 17 is smaller than a width size W2 of the flow channel 10 or the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Matsumoto, Yasunori Shiraki, Michio Naka
  • Patent number: 8436989
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus using a chip includes a rotor that holds a chip; a measurement room in which the rotor is provided and a through hole is formed; a light source that emits light for measurement to the chip through the through hole; a light measurement unit that detects the light from the chip, a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the rotor; and a cover member capable of covering or uncovering an opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Ogawa, Kazuyuki Kaneda
  • Patent number: 8436988
    Abstract: A clinical laboratory testing apparatus comprises a microchip for holding a sample liquid; a rotation body for rotating the microchip; a rotation drive mechanism; a lock mechanism for locking the microchip on the rotation body; a measurement room that holds the microchip and the rotation body; a protection cover; a light source that irradiates the measuring cell of the microchip; and a light receiving unit, wherein a centrifugal separation processing of a specimen in the sample liquid is performed in the microchip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20130107251
    Abstract: A motorized multi-cuvette rotatable carousel positions cuvettes around a stationary axis. A rotatable cuvette holder plate positions cuvettes in the carousel. The cuvette holder plate has spring tensioning elements that hold cuvettes in a precise position within the cuvette holder plate. A cuvette positioning arm is attached to the rotatable carousel assembly. The positioning arm geometrically positions the cuvette for depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Saudi Arabian Oil Company