With Significant Sample Holder Or Supply Patents (Class 356/440)
  • Patent number: 8269953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detector for measuring scattered light in liquids having a housing, a transparent, flexible tube for transporting liquid through the housing, a light emitter, and a light detector. Two parallel surfaces are formed in the housing, between which the tube is arranged such that two opposing tube walls are formed in a planar parallel manner. The light emitter is arranged in such a way that the optical axis thereof is perpendicular to the parallel surfaces of the first tube wall, and the light detector is adjacent to the light emitter, the optical axes of the light emitter and light detector forming an angle smaller than 90°. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the presence of blood and for the quantitative determination of biological marker substances, especially bilirubin, in solution, and to a device for treating blood containing the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Itka Bado, Michael Herrenbauer, Ulrich Moissl
  • Patent number: 8263956
    Abstract: An optical measuring instrument includes: a flow channel for allowing a specimen to be circulated therein; a first light source including a light emitting diode for emitting light to be used for optical adjustment and/or image confirmation in the flow channel; a second light source for irradiating light upon the specimen circulated in the flow channel; and a light detector for detecting the spectrum intensity of the light emitted from the first and second light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Imanishi, Motohiro Furuki
  • Publication number: 20120224179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette (12) comprising a body portion (14) for aspirating a fluid sample (36) into a pipette tip (16) when attached thereto, wherein the body portion (14) comprises at least one light source (26), or an entry point for light from at least one light source, providing an optical path of light that passes through the sample (36) in a direction essentially along the longitudinal axis of the pipette tip (16). A method for measuring light output from a fluid sample (36), comprises providing a pipette tip (14) or capillary tube having first and second open ends (46, 68) with the sample (36) to be analysed contained therein, and detecting light output from an open end (46) of the pipette tip (16) or capillary tube. An apparatus and kit are also described. The pipette, apparatus, kit and method allow the accurate analysis and quantitative determination of minute amounts of biological samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Page
  • Publication number: 20120218553
    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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Dirk Fey, Gunther Krieg
  • Patent number: 8246806
    Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Applera Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoji Inaba, Tomohiro Shoji, Shozo Kasai, Masaya Kojima, Yasushi Shimizu, Seiichi Ugai, Eric S. Nordman
  • Patent number: 8248586
    Abstract: A blood analysis apparatus is provided. The blood analysis apparatus includes: a chip holding portion having an aperture which allows light to pass therethrough and holding a ?-TAS chip for holding a measurement liquid; a rotary body on which the chip holding portion is mounted; a light source; and a light-receiving unit. A measurement position of the rotary body at which the measurement liquid is to be measured with the light from the light source is set by: rotating the rotary body to obtain a light value of light which is emitted from the light source and received by the light-receiving unit through the aperture; and setting a rotational position of the rotary body where the light value is a threshold value or more, as the measurement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mamoru Tomita
  • Patent number: 8248611
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld optical measuring device and method of measuring an optical property of a liquid sample. In some embodiments the optical measuring device includes a handheld controller module having an immersible sensor head and a sampling member including a sample cup and an attachment member that couples the sample cup to the handheld controller module. In some embodiments the attachment member is an elongated rigid member that is hingedly coupled to the controller module, thus providing a folding configuration for enclosing the sensor head with the sample cup during measurements, transportation, and/or storage. In some embodiments the attached sample cup provides a protective shell for the immersible sensor head during use and/or when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Christensen, Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen
  • Patent number: 8248606
    Abstract: A system for and method of mapping process samples which are present in an environmental control chamber at a plurality of “X”-“Y” locations on the surface thereof, wherein the system includes a shield between windows for entering and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and a process sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: J.A. Woollam Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Martin M. Liphardt, Blaine D. Johs
  • Patent number: 8241911
    Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer, Stephen D. Tuomela
  • Patent number: 8236245
    Abstract: A pixel-by-pixel, digitally-addressable, pixelated, precursor, fluid-assay, active-matrix micro-structure including plural pixels formed preferably on a glass or plastic substrate, wherein each pixel, formed utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, includes (a) at least one non-functionalized, digitally-addressable assay sensor, and (b), disposed operatively adjacent this sensor, digitally-addressable and energizable electromagnetic field-creating structure which is selectively energizable to create, in the vicinity of the at least one assay sensor, an ambient electromagnetic field environment which is structured to assist in functionalizing, as a possession on said at least one assay sensor, at least one digitally-addressable assay site which will display an affinity for a selected fluid-assay material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Hartzell, Pooran Chandra Joshi, Paul J. Schuele
  • Patent number: 8236244
    Abstract: A digitally-addressable, pixelated, DNA fluid-assay, active-matrix micro-structure formed, utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, on a substrate preferably made of glass or plastic, and including at least one pixel which is defined by (a) an addressable pixel site, (b) a sensor home structure disposed within that site for receiving and hosting a functionalized assay site possessing a DNA oligonucleotide probe, and (c) an addressable, pixel-site-specific, energy-field-producing functionalizer (preferably optical) operable to functionalize such a probe on the assay site. Each pixel may also include a pixel-integrated optical detector. Further disclosed are related methodology facets involving (1) the making of such a micro-structure (a) in a precursor form (without a functionalized probe), and thereafter (b) in a finalized/functionalized form (with such a probe), and (2) the ultimate use of a completed micro-structure in the performance of a DNA assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Hartzell, Pooran Chandra Joshi, Paul J. Schuele
  • Patent number: 8231831
    Abstract: A pixel-by-pixel digitally-addressable, pixelated, fluid-assay, active-matrix micro-structure including plural pixels formed preferably on a glass or plastic substrate, wherein each pixel, formed utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, includes (a) at least one functionalized, digitally-addressable assay sensor including at least one functionalized, digitally-addressable assay site which has been affinity-functionalized to respond to a selected, specific fluid-assay material, and (b) disposed operatively adjacent that sensor and its associated assay site, digitally-addressable and energizable electromagnetic field-creating structure which is selectively energizable to create, in the vicinity of the sensor and its associated assay site, a selected, ambient, electromagnetic field environment which is structured to assist, selectively and optionally only, in the reading-out of an assay-result response from the assay sensor and assay site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Hartzell, Pooran Chandra Joshi, Paul J. Schuele
  • Publication number: 20120182556
    Abstract: Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted in an array to an upper structure overlying a lower structure with a plurality of light detectors thereon. Each LED is configured to overlie a separate detector. Each LED emits light at a frequency relevant for measuring optical density of a specimen. LEDs having different frequencies are included within the LED array. A corresponding array of detectors is also provided, mounted to the lower structure. Spacing between adjacent LEDs and between adjacent detectors match a spacing between wells in a microtiter plate. Spacing between the lower structure and the upper structure supporting the LEDs is sufficient for the microtiter plate to fit between. Circuitry sequentially fires individual LEDs and gathers optical density data through the detectors for specimens in the wells of the microtiter plate. The structures are then moved to a next adjacent well position on the microtiter plate and the process repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Van Praet
  • Patent number: 8223338
    Abstract: An apparatus is described in which an optical fiber is mounted within a fiber optic holder which includes the non-rotating shaft of a linear actuator. The fiber holder may be held captive in order to restrain the fiber holder and, consequently, the fiber mounted therein, from rotating during operation of the linear actuator, thereby resulting in linear travel with minimal rotational effects and minimal change in optical alignment of the fiber during travel. In addition, an optical path length sensor in conjunction with an optimized absorbance method of operation is utilized herein to provide micron precision of the displacement between respective receiving and transmission fibers so as to enable precise absorbance measurements from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given path length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nanodrop Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Robertson, Jr., Damian W. Ashmead, Thomas A. Tokash
  • Publication number: 20120170044
    Abstract: A microfabricated analysis chip with integrated waveguides for evanescent field absorption detection is provided. Fabrication of the microfluidic device may be performed by micropatterning a layer of photoresist or other suitable material using a single step photoresist process to produce a microchannel and an optical structure (e.g., a U-bend waveguide) in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device couples a micro-channel network with a waveguide in a collinear fashion to maintain higher path length and incurring little or no scattering, dispersion, and divergence losses. A sample can be passed through the microchannel while light is transmitted through the waveguide. Any change in refractive index as well as change in optical absorbance property of fluid flowing in the microchannel can be detected by detecting changes in light output power (e.g., changes in absorbance). A change in concentration of solution in the microchannel can be determined by detecting a change in light absorbance output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY
    Inventors: Amit Prabhakar, Soumyo Mukherji
  • Patent number: 8213015
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Karsten Kraizcek, Beno Mueller, Timothy Beerling
  • Patent number: 8213014
    Abstract: An apparatus for counting and inspecting medicaments and other small objects whereby the objects are poured into a funnel. From the funnel, the objects fall onto the sharp point of a concentric cone, dispersing the objects on their way outwards causing dispersion and lateral singulation. Objects are vertically singulated when falling from the bottom edge of the cone. Objects are circularly scanned from just below the edge of the cone. A high speed processor resolves the scanned path in sufficiently small segments to determine width, and angular position measurements of the objects. The height measurements are resolved by the number of scans that show the objects in the same location before falling out of view. By calculations based on recurring sequential scans of objects at the same location, a total count can be made as well as sizes and irregularities of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Werner Willemse
  • Patent number: 8208145
    Abstract: Apparatus for analysing a liquid sample (194) comprises beam generating means (1) for generating electromagnetic radiation, detector means (8) for detecting electromagnetic radiation from the beam generating means after the radiation has interacted with the sample, and sample retaining means (10) for releasably retaining sample in the path of the beam. The sample retaining means comprises a hydrophobic surface (for example, a coating on a plate 118) on which the sample is, in use, supported. There is also disclosed a method of performing photometric or spectrophotometric analysis of a liquid sample by sandwiching samples between two opposed hydrophobic support surfaces, passing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through one of the surfaces and then through the sample, and analysing the beam after it has passed through the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Biochrom Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Large, Graham Eric Gifford, Stephen Paul Marriott
  • Patent number: 8189199
    Abstract: A dual-mode method and apparatus of selectively measuring samples in either a vessel or as a surface tension retained sample held between two opposing pedestals is introduced. In either configuration, such modes further contain optical paths from a source system through a small-volume or large-volume sample to a spectrometer based system. Such a system enables a user to measure samples with absorbances ranging from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nanodrop Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Robertson, Jr., Catherine T. Williams, Jonathan Pundt
  • Publication number: 20120130649
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a sampling device, and more particularly, a sampling device that facilitates spectroscopic measurements with a variable path length and the necessary software controlled algorithms and methods for such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: C Technologies, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Salerno, I-Tsung Shih, Craig Harrison
  • Publication number: 20120127456
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flow cell optical detection system comprising a light source, a flow cell and a light detector, wherein the light detector is arranged in a separate detector unit that is arranged to be releasably attached to a detector interface, the detector interface being in optical communication with the light source and comprises optical connectors for optically connecting the flow cell and the detector unit in the light path from the light source, and wherein the flow cell is an interchangeable unit arranged to be held in position by the detector unit when attached to the detector interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Hakan Frojdh, Mikael Hornqvist, Stig Tormod, Patrik Akerstrom
  • Publication number: 20120127470
    Abstract: This invention relates to optical cell geometry and to the arrangement of optical elements in an absorbance (at 200 nm to 50000 nm) detector. The invention allows to significantly expand the dynamic range of an optical density measuring instrument without affecting the signal to noise ratio. The invention also allows to enhance the precision of said instrument by eliminating the artifacts that arise from partial reflections of the incident beam, which occur on the passage of the beam through interfaces between different media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: REACH DEVICES
    Inventors: Nataliya Chumachenko, Yehor Novikov
  • Patent number: 8182767
    Abstract: Instrument-cartridge interfaces for fluidic analyzers that have an instrument and a removable cartridge are disclosed. For example, and in one illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a needle that is adapted to penetrate a septum on a removable cartridge. In another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a plunger that is adapted to deform a deformable membrane on a removable cartridge. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a nozzle that is adapted to mate and seal with a flow channel on a removable cartridge. Techniques for detecting the flow rate in a flow channel on a removable cartridge, as well as the position of fluid in a flow channel of a removable cartridge, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Aravind Padmanabhan, Tom Rezachek, Ron L. Bardell
  • Publication number: 20120099098
    Abstract: A unit is provided comprising an array (2) of sample containers (1), said containers, being connected together and arranged in a planar configuration, each container having multiple optically transparent windows arranged such that the sample contained therein can be interrogated using simultaneous multiple optical analytical techniques, the array of containers being configured so as to allow optical access to the windows of each container in the array. Also provided is an apparatus comprising such a unit, a system comprising a combination of such an apparatus and unit and a method of analysing multiple samples by introducing each individual sample into an individual container of such an apparatus, illuminating the samples and detecting and analysing light emerging therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: AVACTA LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Webster
  • Publication number: 20120092664
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a light absorbing wall material to eliminate stray light paths in light-guiding structures, such as those used for HPLC absorbance detection. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of carbon-doped Teflon® AF, or “black Teflon® AF,” for all or part of the walls of a light-guiding flowcell adapted for use in HPLC absorbance detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anthony C. Gilby
  • Patent number: 8151396
    Abstract: After a liquid sample between a sample-holding platform 11 and a window plate 22 is measured, a window plate holder 23 is raised, and a head 14 is moved from a standby position into the gap between the window plate 22 and the sample-holding platform 11. Then, the window plate holder 23 is lowered so as to press the window plate 22 onto the head 14 until the head 14 touches the sample-holding platform 11 below. Then the head 14 is swung back to the original position, whereby a wipe material 40 fitted on the head 14 simultaneously wipes off the liquid sample from both the lower surface of the window plate 22 and the upper surface of the sample-holding platform 11. Pressing the arch springs 35 enables the wipe material 40 to be easily attached to or detached from the head 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Ikeda, Takashi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8154728
    Abstract: Thermally controlled enclosures that can be used with gas analyzers are described. The enclosures incorporate one or more phase changing materials that buffer ambient and internal heat loads to reduce the power consumption demand of mechanical or electronic heating apparatus. Maintenance of gas analyzer equipment at a consistent temperature can be important to achieving stable and reproducible results. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuejiao Hu, Alfred Feitisch
  • Publication number: 20120069340
    Abstract: A flow cell (200) for a sample separation apparatus (10) for separating components of a sample fluid in a mobile phase, the flow cell (200) being configured for detecting the separated components and comprising a tubing (202) having an inner wall (204) and an outer wall (206), the inner wall (204) defining a lumen (208) for conducting the sample fluid, the tubing (202) further having at one end an end face (210), and a detection unit (212) configured for detecting electromagnetic radiation (214) exiting the end face (210) after propagation of the electromagnetic radiation (214) through the sample fluid in a portion of the lumen (208) and through a portion of the tubing (202) between the inner wall (204) and the outer wall (206).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Beno Mueller
  • Publication number: 20120062869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detector for measuring scattered light in liquids having a housing, a transparent, flexible tube for transporting liquid through the housing, a light emitter, and a light detector. Two parallel surfaces are formed in the housing, between which the tube is arranged such that two opposing tube walls are formed in a planar parallel manner. The light emitter is arranged in such a way that the optical axis thereof is perpendicular to the parallel surfaces of the first tube wall, and the light detector is adjacent to the light emitter, the optical axes of the light emitter and light detector forming an angle smaller than 90°. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the presence of blood and for the quantitative determination of biological marker substances, especially bilirubin, in solution, and to a device for treating blood containing the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Itka BADO, Michael HERRENBAUER, Ulrich MOISSL
  • Publication number: 20120044968
    Abstract: A system includes a sensing cell having a walled structure configured to receive a fuel sample within an interior space of the walled structure. The sensing cell also has at least one cooling surface located on at least a portion of the walled structure and configured to cool the fuel sample. The sensing cell further has an optical port configured to couple to one or more optical fibers and to provide first radiation to the fuel sample. In addition, the sensing cell has a mirror configured to reflect the first radiation in order to provide second radiation to the optical port. The optical port defines a collinear optical geometry for providing the first radiation to the fuel sample and receiving the second radiation through the fuel sample. The system also includes at least one cooler configured to cool the fuel sample in the sensing cell by cooling the at least one cooling surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Haran, Sebastien Tixier, Stuart J. Heath
  • Publication number: 20120038925
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a property of a medium, the apparatus including: a light source in a housing, for irradiating a space along a measuring path; a receiver in a housing, for registering intensity of light which has traversed the measuring path; wherein the measuring path enters through a first window section in a wall of the housing of the light source into the space, and wherein the measuring path leaves from the space through a second window section in a wall of the housing of the receiver. A medium to be measured is introducible in such a manner into the space, that the measuring path for a media measurement extends through the measured medium. At least one reference absorber, which is introducible at times into the space; and wherein the measuring path for at least one reference measurement extends through the reference absorber, when the reference absorber is brought into the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Achim Gahr, Manfred Jagiella
  • Patent number: 8115930
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Alltech Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jr., Raaidah B. Saari-Nordhaus, Washington J. Mendoza, Josef P. Bystron, Dirk Helgemo, Sheldon Nelson, Bruce D. Black, Neil R. Picha, Dennis K. Mc Creary, Carl H. Poppe
  • Patent number: 8093055
    Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Mocon, Inc., Luxcel Biosciences, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Mayer, Dmitri Boris Papkovsky
  • Publication number: 20110317166
    Abstract: An optical measurement device is adapted to measure characteristics of a measurement targeted fluid based on a transmitted inspection light. The device comprises a cell having an internal space for accommodating the measurement targeted fluid to flow therein and having a pair of opposing through holes for transmitting the inspection light, each of the through holes sealed with a transparent member. The device includes a projection optical system member having a port for projecting the inspection light and a light-receiving optical system member having a port for receiving the inspection light transmitted through the internal space. A base member is provided for supporting the cell, the projection optical system member, and the light-receiving optical system member in a configuration with gaps between the cell and the respective optical system members to accommodate movement in a predetermined range along a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the inspection light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HORIBA, LTD.
    Inventors: Kimihiko Arimoto, So Takagi
  • Patent number: 8085404
    Abstract: A gas analyzer capable of measuring a concentration of a gas component in gas at sensor units provided at a plurality of positions in real time by decreasing the number of signals input from the sensor units to an analyzer so as to reduce a data amount input to the analyzer and a gas analyzing method. The gas analyzing method includes the steps of: demultiplexing laser light by a demultiplexer into measurement laser light and reference laser light; letting the measurement laser light pass through gas to be received by a photoreceiver; finding an absorption spectrum absorbed by a gas component in the gas based on a light intensity of the received measurement laser light and of the reference laser light; and analyzing the absorption spectrum to measure a concentration of the gas component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamakage, Katsutoshi Goto, Kenji Muta, Yoshihiro Deguchi, Shinichiro Asami, Satoshi Fukada
  • Patent number: 8085402
    Abstract: In a cavity mode of a cavity, a diameter of a mode waist is decreased so that the diameter is similar to a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave resonant with the cavity mode, when a material is located in the cavity. The material includes a physical system having two quantum states. A relative position between the material and the mode waist is scanned along three-directions unparallel mutually. A laser coupled with the cavity mode is input to the cavity. An intensity of at least one of a reflected light and a transmitted light of the laser from the cavity is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kouichi Ichimura, Hayato Goto
  • Patent number: 8077315
    Abstract: A device to measure the amount of light able to transmit through a test liquid sample. A single lamp is used to illuminate a liquid sample cell containing the test water. A light detector is fixed relative to the lamp and is used to detect the amount of light from the lamp able to transmit through the liquid sample cell. The liquid sample cell is shaped in such a way as to provide at least two sets of opposed side walls that are able to transmit the light emitted from the lamp, where each set of opposed side walls defines a different path length through the liquid sample in the liquid sample cell. A rotation mechanism is used to provide relative rotation between the liquid sample cell and the lamp/light detector assembly. A microprocessor connected to the light detector calculates the light transmitted through at least two different path lengths through the liquid sample. Using these calculated transmittances the microprocessor then calculates the overall transmittance of the test water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: 002134761 Ontario Ltd.
    Inventor: James Andrew Glover
  • Patent number: 8054452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detector for measuring scattered light in liquids having a housing, a transparent, flexible tube for transporting liquid through the housing, a light emitter, and a light detector. Two parallel surfaces are formed in the housing, between which the tube is arranged such that two opposing tube walls are formed in a planar parallel manner. The light emitter is arranged in such a way that the optical axis thereof is perpendicular to the parallel surfaces of the first tube wall, and the light detector is adjacent to the light emitter, the optical axes of the light emitter and light detector forming an angle smaller than 90°. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the presence of blood and for the quantitative determination of biological marker substances, especially bilirubin, in solution, and to a device for treating blood containing the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Itka Bado, Michael Herrenbauer, Ulrich Moissl
  • Patent number: 8049884
    Abstract: A liquid sample is dropped onto the upper surface of a transparent and cylindrical light-transmitting body (22), and the liquid sample is maintained as a droplet by the surface tension. From above the liquid sample, a transparent cover plate (25) is lowered down to the position where the lower surface thereof touches a spacer (23) in order that the liquid sample is held in the small gap formed between the upper surface of the light-transmitting body (22) and the lower surface of the transparent cover plate (25). A measurement light is provided into the liquid sample held in this manner from immediately above it, and passes through the liquid sample. The transmitted light emitted downwards through the light-transmitting body (22) is introduced into a spectro-detecting unit to be spectro-measured. The measurement optical path length can be adjusted by the height of the spacer (23). This enables an easy transmission spectro-measurement of an extremely small amount of liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Tsukuda
  • Patent number: 8043493
    Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoji Inaba, Tomohiro Shoji, Shozo Kasai, Masaya Kojima, Yasushi Shimizu, Seiichi Ugai
  • Patent number: 8040518
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring trace levels of particles in an air sample is described. A device operating in a gradiometer configuration with two cavities built from a monolithic structure and utilizing a single probe laser, provides common mode subtraction of acoustic, vibrational, laser intensity and other noise sources, which allows sensitivity more closely approaching the quantum limit. Differential measurements between the two cavities occur simultaneously, which reduces errors due to cavity drift. Absorptive gradiometry can therefore provide noise immune detection for trace gasses, including broad linewidth absorbers where frequency-noise immune schemes are not practical. Differential measurements can be used for background subtraction, sensing vapor plume gradients and determining vapor plume propagation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Entanglement Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ari K. Tuchman, John K. Stockton
  • Publication number: 20110249266
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest in a downhole fluid using fluid testing module. The fluid testing module may include: a substrate comprising at least one microconduit, and a sensor. The sensor may be disposed within the at least one microconduit or external. The apparatus may include a fluid transporter for moving fluid within the microconduit. The method includes estimating a parameter of interest using the fluid testing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sunil Kumar
  • Publication number: 20110242539
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld optical measuring device and method of measuring an optical property of a liquid sample. In some embodiments the optical measuring device includes a handheld controller module having an immersible sensor head and a sampling member including a sample cup and an attachment member that couples the sample cup to the handheld controller module. In some embodiments the attachment member is an elongated rigid member that is hingedly coupled to the controller module, thus providing a folding configuration for enclosing the sensor head with the sample cup during measurements, transportation, and/or storage. In some embodiments the attached sample cup provides a protective shell for the immersible sensor head during use and/or when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC
    Inventors: William M. Christensen, Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen
  • Patent number: 8023113
    Abstract: Characteristics of a chemical or biological sample are detected using an approach involving light detection. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an assaying arrangement including a light detector is adapted to detect light from a sample, such as a biological material. A signal corresponding to the detected light is used to characterize the sample, for example, by detecting a light-related property thereof. In one implementation, the assaying arrangement includes integrated circuitry having a light detector and a programmable processor, with the light detector generating a signal corresponding to the light and sending the signal to the processor. The processor provides an output corresponding to the signal and indicative of a characteristic of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Abbas El Gamal, Helmy Eltoukhy, Khaled Salama
  • Patent number: 8018596
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a sampling device, and more particularly, a sampling device that facilitates spectroscopic measurements with a variable path length and the necessary software controlled algorithms and methods for such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Salerno, I-Tsung Shih, Craig Harrison
  • Patent number: 8005332
    Abstract: An optical waveguide is provided comprising a non-solid core layer surrounded by a solid-state material, wherein light can be transmitted with low loss through the non-solid core layer. A vapor reservoir is in communication with the optical waveguide. One implementation of the invention employs a monolithically integrated vapor cell, e.g., an alkali vapor cell, using anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides, or ARROW waveguides, on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Holger Schmidt, Aaron Roe Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8004672
    Abstract: A closed cell for use in spectrophotometers is adapted to receive a liquid to be subjected to analysis and an air space or bubble to absorb pressure differentials, wherein the cell includes means to retain the air space or bubble in a predetermined location in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Starna Scientific Limited
    Inventors: John Hammond, Keith Hume
  • Publication number: 20110201099
    Abstract: Assay cartridges are described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain embodiments, these cartridges are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick. Also described are kits including such cartridges and a cartridge reader configured to analyze an assay conducted using an assay cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Meso Scale Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Anderson, Jeffery Debad, Eli N. Glezer, Sudeep Kumar, Noel Lawrence, Kenneth Page, George Sigal, Sharon West
  • Publication number: 20110199612
    Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus can be provided, in which the sample is optically measured without loss of the illuminating light with high sensitivity. A glass plate as the transparent member 50 is placed in the interface between the end face 43 of the optical waveguide 40 guiding the illuminating light L generated by the laser light source 20 and the wall face of the capillary 30. According to the above feature, the air layer is prevented from existing in the interface between the end face 43 of the optical fiber 40 and the wall face of the capillary 30, thus the sample S can be optically measured with high sensitivity and few variability without causing the loss of the illuminating light L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken TSUKII, Jie Xu, Kenichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 7992846
    Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing receives a fluid and includes a sensing element for measuring at least one property thereof. The bag may include an internal fluid-agitating element and an integral sparger. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: ATMI Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre N. Terentiev, Sergey Terentyev