With Significant Sample Holder Or Supply Patents (Class 356/440)
  • Publication number: 20090161108
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a measurement chip (1) for carrying out measurements of transmission and/or emission and/or scattering of light by a fluid sample in an operator unit, wherein the measurement chip has a base plate (2) produced from a transparent polymer material, provided in the base plate (2) are at least one measurement cell (3) for receiving a fluid sample and fluid passages (4, 4) for supplying and discharging fluid to and from the measurement cell (3), and provided in and/or on the base plate (2) outside the measurement cell (3) are mirror surfaces (5) which are so arranged that they direct light emitted from and/or scattered by a fluid sample in the measurement cell (3) from the measurement chip (1), preferably in the direction of a light detector provided in an operator unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH
    Inventors: Ines Frese, Elzbieta Nahrstedt, Klaus-Stefan Drese
  • Publication number: 20090153865
    Abstract: Analysis system including a central control section for generally controlling the analysis that sends a command to perform a pre-injection operation, to an automatic sampler together with information designating a sample to be selected, such as an identification number, and simultaneously sends a command to perform an operation of measuring a dark current in a photodiode array (PDA) detector, to a multi-channel spectrophotometer. Thus, the automatic sampler performs the pre-injection operation, such as an operation of moving a needle to a position of a designated vial container to suck a sample, and the spectrophotometer performs the dark-current measurement operation during a time period of the pre-injection operation. After the sample is actually introduced into the column, in response to a command to perform a normal measurement operation, an operation of acquiring absorption data of an eluate from the column is started without performing the dark-current measurement operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michiaki OWA
  • Patent number: 7544330
    Abstract: The invention provides sample tracking systems and methods. A sample tracking system can comprise a plate having a plurality of sample wells and an apparatus for illuminating each individual sample well, wherein the manner with which the sample well is illuminated can track the loading of the sample components to the sample wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Ryle
  • Publication number: 20090141282
    Abstract: A concentration measuring structure capable of reducing the effect of environmental temperature features the arrangement of a concentration detector in the fluid communication space of a fluid circulating device in a fuel cell system to let the fluids in the concentration detector and the fuel cell achieve equal temperature, thereby reducing measurement error caused by the effect of environmental temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: YUNG-LIEH CHIEN
  • Publication number: 20090122317
    Abstract: To achieve an apparatus capable of measuring a light absorption coefficient f a sample with high sensitivity. A ring down spectroscope uses a wavelength-variable femtosecond soliton pulse light source 1. Pulse light is input to a loop optical fiber 6 through a first light waveguide 4 and a wavelength selective switch 5. Ring down pulse light is input to a homodyne detector through the wavelength selective switch 5. On the other hand, pulse light propagating in the first light waveguide 4 is split and input to light waveguides constituting a second light waveguide 20 through an optical directional coupler 8 and a first optical switching element 12. The pulse light propagating in the second light waveguide 20 is input to the homodyne detector as reference light and used for synchronous detection. The plural light waveguides constituting the second light waveguide 20 differ in optical length in accordance with the length of the optical fiber 6, and can slightly change the optical length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Masafumi Ito, Norihiko Nishizawa, Masaru Hori, Toshio Goto, Hiroyuki Kano
  • Patent number: 7515259
    Abstract: A flow cell for optical detector includes a flow cell body, a face-seal window, and a pressed illumination window. The flow cell body is formed of an inert material and includes large and small bores, and inlet and outlet passageways in fluid communication with the small bore. The face-seal window is affixed within the large area aperture to form a liquid tight seal, while the pressed illumination window is press-set into the small bore. The pressed illumination window is spaced away from the face-seal window to form a sample chamber having a pathlength distance ?. The face-seal window and the pressed window provide an optical path through the sample chamber. Preferably, the flow cell body is formed of PEEK. Methods of forming and using the flow cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Christian A. Hilmer, Jeffrey S. Thompson, Micheal J. McAdams, Angelo Rubero, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090079985
    Abstract: A stirring state detecting method of the present invention is a method for detecting a stirring state of a test solution by using: a sample cell (101) which holds the test solution in an internal space thereof; a stirring device (111) which stirs the test solution held in the sample cell (101); a light emitting device (106) which emits light to the test solution held in the sample cell (101); and a photoreceiver (108) which receives the light, and includes the steps of: (A) in a state in which the test solution is held in the sample cell (100), activating the stirring device (111) to change a liquid level (102) of the test solution by stirring; (B) emitting the light from the light emitting device (106) to the test solution held in the sample cell (100); (C) detecting by the photoreceiver (108) an amount of the light which is emitted to the test solution and subjected to an action of the test solution whose liquid level (102) is changed by the stirring; and (D) determining the stirring state of the test solut
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin MURAOKA, Tatsurou Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20090060798
    Abstract: A method measures a property of a germicidal solution in an endoscope processor spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are filtered out via a cross-flow filter prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Hal Williams, Yan Fang, Richard Jackson
  • Publication number: 20090046291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for imaging an interior of a turbid medium (55) comprising a receptacle (20) with the receptacle (20) comprising a measurement volume (15) for receiving the turbid medium (55). The device (1) is adapted such that the device (1) further comprises a further receptacle (60), arranged to be inserted into the receptacle (20), with the further receptacle (60) comprising a restricted measurement volume (75) for receiving the turbid medium (55).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Bernadus Van Der Mark, Michael Cornelis Van Beek, Levinus Pieter Bakker, arnoldus Johannes Martinus Jozeph Ras
  • Publication number: 20090027679
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Galen L. Pfeiffer, Thomas E. Tiwald
  • Publication number: 20090027678
    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 using such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: C Technologies, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark C. Salerno, Tsung Shih, Craig Harriston
  • Publication number: 20090021741
    Abstract: Provided are an optical detection apparatus, a microfluidic system including the same, and an optical detection method. The optical detection apparatus including: at least one light emission unit which emits light of a predetermined wavelength band; at least one light receiving unit which is disposed such that the light receiving unit receives the light emitted from the light emission unit and generates an electrical signal according to the intensity of the light received, wherein the number of light receiving units is the same as the number of light emission units; a rotation operating unit which rotates a disk-type microfluidic apparatus comprising at least one detection chamber in which a sample is to be loaded such that the detection chamber is disposed in a light pathway between the light emission unit and the light receiving unit; and a processor which measures a property of the sample contained in the detection chamber using the electrical signal generated by the light receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Su-hyeon KIM, Jeong-gun LEE
  • Patent number: 7479197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a flow cell for the spectroscopic analysis of samples to be passed through, the process comprising the following steps: (a) provision of a first (10) and of a second (22) window, the second window (22) having at least two sample flow channels (24) for supplying and removing the sample to be analyzed; (b) application of a structured thin layer (18) to one of the windows (10, 22); (c) contacting and liquid-tight securing of the thin layer (18) to the other (22, 10) window, in such a way that facing, plane-parallel window surfaces (14, 20) of the windows (10, 22) and the thin layer (18) delimit a flow chamber (26) which is accessible only through the sample flow channels (24), the windows (10, 22) being optically transparent at least in some regions at least in the region of the flow chamber (26); and (d) filling at least some regions of a filling chamber (28) between the windows (10, 22) which is separated from the flow chamber (26) by the thin layer (18) and ad
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: micro-biolytics GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Masuch
  • Publication number: 20090015822
    Abstract: A fuel property detection device for detecting a property of fuel based on a detection signal output from a photoreceptor includes a light guiding member having a reflecting surface located in direct contact with the fuel. The light guiding member includes a light emitting surface through which measurement light from a light source is emitted from the light guiding member into the fuel, a light incident surface through which the measurement light emitted from the light emitting surface and passing through the fuel enters again the light guiding member, and the reflecting surface from which the measurement light incident from the light incident surface is reflected toward the photoreceptor. The light incident surface and the light emitting surface are opposite to each other to have a space therebetween in the light guiding member, and the space is provided to be filled with the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Akikazu Uchida, Masao Kano, Noriyasu Amano
  • Patent number: 7477377
    Abstract: A multiple pass optical cell and method comprising providing a pair of opposed cylindrical mirrors having curved axes with substantially equal focal lengths, positioning an entrance hole for introducing light into the cell and an exit hole for extracting light from the cell, wherein the entrance hole and exit hole are coextensive or non-coextensive, introducing light into the cell through the entrance hole, and extracting light from the cell through the exit hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Sciences Incorporated
    Inventor: Joel A. Silver
  • Publication number: 20090009770
    Abstract: An ultrasonic optical cleaning system is provided for cleaning and deterring the buildup of organic and inorganic particulates from the surface of glassware used in water testing instrumentation. The ultrasonic optical cleaning system includes a transducer that is attached to the surface of the glassware. A connector cap carrying a plurality of spring contacts interconnecting the transducer with an ultrasonic transducer control circuit. The control circuit operates continuously to provide an electrical signal to the transducer that vibrates the transducer and the glassware so that the glassware is cleaned of contaminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: HF Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Paul Condon, Joel Leal
  • Patent number: 7468797
    Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy instrument is provided with a re-injection mirror to greatly increase the optical power coupled into an optical cavity, comprised of two or more mirrors, for the purpose of increasing the quality of absorption and extinction measurements made in the cavity. Light reflected from the first cavity mirror upon which a light beam is incident, can be efficiently collected and back reflected onto the same mirror, effectively producing a plurality of optical injections into the cavity. The instrument can be used for off-axis cavity ringdown spectroscopy, off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy, or other cavity-based spectroscopy applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Los Gatos Research
    Inventors: Anthony O'Keefe, Manish Gupta, Thomas G. Owano, Douglas S. Baer
  • Publication number: 20080304068
    Abstract: A biochip to be used for infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy analysis, which is obtainable by forming a metallic layer and an active layer made from a nonmetallic material and has a film thickness less than an infrared wavelength and remarkably flat surface on a solid base and immobilizing a probe on the active layer. A biochip analysis apparatus including the biochip, a liquid passing unit for supplying a sample liquid containing a test substance to the biochip, and an optical system entering infrared light to the biochip and detecting a reflected infrared light. A biochip analysis method using the apparatus. As described above, the novel biochip that is useful for infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy analysis, the biochip analysis apparatus incorporating the biochip, and the biochip analysis method are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Tsuneo Urisu, Mitsukazu Suzui
  • Patent number: 7459126
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Saryna Biotechnologies LLC
    Inventor: Alex Okun
  • Publication number: 20080285038
    Abstract: A method of determining the radiation doses to which specific locations are subjected is provided. The method comprises providing an assembly comprising a plurality of layers, each of which includes a number of regularly spaced individual compartments that contain a liquid that changes in colour when exposed to radiation, radiating the assembly, determining the changes in optical density of the liquid in the individual compartments and calculating the doses of radiation to which the compartments have been subjected from the changes in optical density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Fathi Djouider, Mohammed S. Aljohani
  • Patent number: 7453573
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus and a measuring method are configured to measure a concentration of an organic solvent in a sample solution, measure a concentration of the organic solvent in a concentration control solution, calculate a mixture amount by which the concentration control solution is mixed into the sample solution of a preset amount so that the concentration of the organic solvent in the sample solution is equal to a preset concentration based on the two concentrations, mix the concentration control solution of the calculated mixture amount with the sample solution of the preset amount, supply a mixture solution obtained by the mixing unit to a measurement region in which a bioactive substance is immobilized in advance, and measure an interaction between the bioactive substance and the sample substance in the mixture solution based on a result of measuring a refraction index of a light incident on the measurement region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Ogura
  • Publication number: 20080273205
    Abstract: An optical detection apparatus and method using a phase sensitive detection method for a disk-type microfluidic device are provided. The optical detection apparatus includes: a rotation driving unit stopping rotation of the microfluidic device when a detection area of the disk-type microfluidic device reaches a predetermined position; at least one light source turned on and off at a corresponding frequency to emit light to the detection area held at the predetermined position; an optical sensor disposed to face the detection area and generating an electrical signal according to intensity of incident light; and a signal processing unit receiving the electrical signal generated by the optical sensor and outputting only a signal having a same frequency as an on/off frequency of one of the at least one light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-gun Lee, Jung-nam Lee, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jung-suk Yoo
  • Patent number: 7445938
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical grating sensor configured to detect a phase change in light passing though the system due to a binding event caused by an analyte. The grating sensor may include a light source that may be, for example, a coherent light source. The invention may also include a first diffraction grating having a first period. A micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) may be displaced from the first diffraction grating and may be configured to modulate the light received form the coherent light source. An analyte recognition material may be disposed on the surface of the first grating. A detector may be configured to receive light form the coherent light source after the light has been diffracted from the first diffraction grating and modulated by the MEMS. In another embodiment of the present invention, the grating sensor may be configured to operate in two modes. The first mode may be a mode the detect a phase change in the light due to a binding event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Angeley
  • Publication number: 20080252892
    Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy apparatus including an elliptical mirror centered on the midpoint between a source/detector and a mirror. The cavity between the elliptical mirror and the source/bolometer and mirror defines an interior volume of a sample cell. Electromagnetic radiation from the source/detector travels along a multi-segment path starting from the source/bolometer toward the elliptical mirror, reflecting off of the elliptical mirror and traveling toward the mirror, reflecting off of the mirror and traveling back toward the elliptical mirror and finally reflecting off the elliptical mirror for a second time and returning toward the source/bolometer. The multiple reflections combined with the focusing effects of the elliptical mirrored surface result in an efficient sampling device. Among other aspects and advantages, the apparatus of the present disclosure is able to use incoherent, non-collimated light sources while maintaining high optical throughput efficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Martin U. Pralle, Irina Puscasu, Peter Flowers
  • Publication number: 20080252879
    Abstract: An optical sample measuring device such as a turbidity measurement instrument to isolate a portion of a fluid sample and isolate it from the influences of outside light. A sample cell in the instrument can include a cleaning unit that can contact transparent sections of the sample cell for an initial cleaning prior to a measurement cycle. A body member can further encompass a light source and one or more detectors for measuring the influence of the sample on light that is transmitted through and scattered by the fluid sample. The sample cell can be in a probe that can be immersed in the fluid and it can be operatively connected, for example, through a waterproof cable to a handheld measuring instrument body that can provide appropriate output of the measurement after processing the measurement signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ito, Michio Murata
  • Patent number: 7435391
    Abstract: A chemical reactor includes two substrates that are joined along a surface and a chemical reaction chamber formed between the substrates. The chemical reaction chamber has a hollow interior and one or more light reflectors located along walls of the hollow interior. The chemical reaction chamber has one or more inputs to transport fluid into the hollow interior and an output to transport fluid out of the hollow interior. The one or more light reflectors cause light rays to make multiple crossings of the hollow interior as a result of reflections off the one or more reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Shing Pai, Stanley Pau
  • Patent number: 7423751
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for detecting aerosols. The systems and methods can be used to detect harmful aerosols, such as, bio-aerosols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Peter P. Hairston, Carl B. Freidhoff
  • Publication number: 20080204755
    Abstract: A device (1) for analysis of absorption measurement on small amounts, for example on a drop or droplet of a liquid medium (2) using light (3) is provided, with an upper planar location (4) for the application or dropping of the medium (2), a light entry (5) in the housing (6) arranged beneath the location surface or receiving position (4) and a first device (7) in the light beam behind the light entry (5) for deflection of the light upwards to the receiving position (4) where a detachably mounted reflector (8) is also located. The device (7) for deflecting the light beam is designed such that the direction of the optical axis of the deflected light beam is oriented upwards toward the middle (M) of the device (1) and the inclined position of the optical axis of the light beam with regard to the device mid-point (M) is arranged to be directed at the position of the reflector (8) through which the longitudinal median (M) between the light entry (5) and the light exit from the device (1) extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: HELLMA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Sahiri, Holm Kandler
  • Publication number: 20080192255
    Abstract: The device and the method are used for optical detection of at least one phase transition between at least two media, which are taken into a line and/or dispensed from the line by an intake and/or dispensing device. A light-emitting transmitter emits light across and onto the line at a measurement point provided for this purpose. A receiver receives the emitted light, which is influenced by media in the line, to form reception signals. At least one waveguide, which is arranged up to the measurement point on the probe, is provided between the transmitter and/or the receiver and the measurement point (M). Due to the fact that the waveguide is arranged in parallel to the line at least in the area near the probe and at least one deflection lens is provided in the area of the measurement point to deflect the light emitted and/or the light to be detected, a phase boundary or state can be detected, and the dead volume is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: STRATEC BIOMEDICAL SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Oliver Burk, Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 7411680
    Abstract: A device for counting micro particles is presented. The device comprises a light source; a chip containing micro particles; an object lens; a CCD camera; a counting part; and a shifter for shifting the position of the chip. It is easy to count the number of micro particles, such as red blood cells or somatic cells, by using the device. The shifter shifts the position of the chip by a predetermined distance at every predetermined time interval in order that a certain area adjacent to the area photographed just before is shifted to the point where the light is incident. Therefore, sub-areas on the chip are photographed successively. The counting part counts the number of micro particles in each sub-area, and adds them together to calculate the total number of micro particles in the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Digital Bio Technology
    Inventors: Jun Keun Chang, Chanil Chung, Dae Sung Hur, Alexey Dan Chin-Yu, Seok Chung, Jeong Ku Hwang, Seung Hwa Jeon
  • Publication number: 20080186494
    Abstract: A device can include both a photosensing component and an optical cavity structure, with the optical cavity structure including a part that can operate as an optical cavity in response to input light, providing laterally varying output light. For example, the optical cavity can be a graded linearly varying filter (LVF) or other inhomogeneous optical cavity, and the photosensing component can have a photosensitive surface that receives its output light without it passing through another optical component, thus avoiding loss of information. The optical cavity part can include a region that can contain analyte. Presence of the analyte affects the optical cavity part's output light, and the photosensing component can respond to the output light, providing sensing results indicating the analyte's optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Kiesel, Oliver Schmidt, Michael Bassler
  • Publication number: 20080186495
    Abstract: Sensors include a substrate having defined thereon at least one polymer optical cavity with a sensitizing agent such as antibodies immobilized on the exterior of the polymer optical cavity. The polymer optical cavity can be defined in a polymer layer that is spin coated onto a substrate and photolithographically exposed. Positive or negative photoresists can be used to define the polymer optical cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Shalini Prasad, Ravi Kiran Reddy
  • Patent number: 7405826
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved detection of a chiral property of a sample begins with a probe beam of light having a first modulation frequency ? and is further modulated with a second modulation frequency ?. A non-linear photo-detector, which may include multiple detector portions to form a balanced receiver, mixes the first modulation with the second modulation to analyze frequency components at inter-modulated sidebands, where the level of the inter-modulated sidebands are related to the chiroptical property of the sample. The inter-modulated sidebands may be the additive sidebands or the subtractive sidebands. A lock-in detector can be used to receive a signal output from the non-linear photo-detector and generate the modulation signals at the different modulating frequencies. Furthermore, the non-linear photo-detector may analyze a ratio of the inter-modulated sideband levels, such as (?+2?)/(?+?), to yield a signal that is linearly related to the chiral property of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Phillip R. Gibbs, Jason D. Beebe
  • Patent number: 7403280
    Abstract: A fluidic device is provided which is adapted to subject a fluid to light. It generally comprises a capillary that is adapted for conducting the fluid and which furthermore and comprises at least one bending and at least one waveguide having an end face that is adapted for at least emitting or receiving light. The end face is coupled with the bending for emitting light into the fluid or receiving light from the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Betram Beigel, Beno Mueller
  • Patent number: 7397564
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbidity sensor comprising an operational assembly which is housed in a structure (1) and which is equipped with a support (3) having a base (5) from which pins (6) extend. According to the invention, the components (7 and 8) of a turbidity sensor are incorporated in the aforementioned pins (6). The cables of said components passing through the pins to a printed circuit (4), In addition, a temperature sensor element (14) is incorporated in another pin (6.1) which also extends from the base (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Zertan, S.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Diez Garcia, Andres Ochoa Miquelez
  • Patent number: 7391517
    Abstract: A method and a device, using a system of plural cavity resonators, enabling to measure the light absorption or diffusion of biological samples. A measurement of low absorption or diffusion can be achieved and for example be applied for measuring the hybridization of DNA strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Trebbia, Patrick Chaton, Stephane Getin, Philippe Grosse
  • Publication number: 20080144007
    Abstract: A thermal lens detection apparatus comprising: i) an optical cell for containing at least one target analyte present in a carrier liquid, ii) a probe beam having a pre-determined wavelength, iii) an excitation beam having a pre-determined wavelength shorter than that of the probe beam and a Rayleigh length approximately equal to the radius of said optical cell, the beam axis of said probe beam and the beam axis of said excitation beam being at an angle to each other but both the probe beam and excitation beam being focusable so that their beams overlap in the interior portion of the optical cell, iv) a signal photo-detector for receiving at least a portion of said probe beam signal after its passage through said optical cell, and iv) an optical cutoff filter which blocks the excitation beam from impinging on said signal photo-detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander Kachanov
  • Patent number: 7388666
    Abstract: A probe assembly used in testing instrument for determining optical signal within a test cell, comprising a top plate (5;205) with a through-hole (52;250) therein; a cylindrical light hood (2;202) having a central channel (21;221); the lower end of the optical pickup (1) is inserted into said channel (21;221) and surrounded by said light hood, and said light hood can slide down and up within a small distance isolating said one test cell of the sample being detected from its adjacent cells and surroundings when the lower end of said light hood is in said protruding position, so that the light interference from the adjacent test cells and surroundings with (to) the determination of the sampling being detected can be avoided. Also, the present invention further relates to the light hood included in the probe assembly and the instruments including the probe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Beijing Yuande Bio-Medical Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Encong Liu, Jinsheng Yu, Xiaolin Yang, Xiaodong Wu
  • Patent number: 7382459
    Abstract: A spectroscopic gas sensor is provided, in particular to detect at least one gas component in the ambient air, and a method for the manufacture of a spectroscopic gas sensor of this type. The gas sensor includes the following: at least one radiation detection device for detecting a radiation spectrum that is characteristic for the at least one gas component; a package for receiving the at least one radiation detection device, having at least one package wall end section; and at least one optical component having at least one connecting section that is connectable to the at least one package wall end section by hot-caulking the at least one package wall end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ronny Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20080123091
    Abstract: A cuvette capable of suppressing the complication of the structure of each part of an analyzer and enabling the stirring of a specimen in a short time. The cuvette comprises: a first body part positioned on a bottom part side, having inner and outer surfaces of circular shape in horizontal cross section, and receiving a measuring beam; and a second body part positioned on an opening side, having an inner surface of non-circular shape in horizontal cross section and an outer surface of circular shape in horizontal cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Takashi Yamato
  • Patent number: 7375815
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for producing a collimated light path. Theses devices, systems and methods may be used to determine an optical property of a small volume sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Kralik
  • Publication number: 20080106742
    Abstract: A device (1) having integrated beam switching systems is provided which uses corresponding devices (7 and 9) and fiber optic light guides (10 and 11) for guiding the light (3) used for analysis of a liquid medium (2), for example in a spectrophotometer, a spectrofluorimeter or a similar measuring device, to a measuring point located on the device (1) and embodied as a receiving surface (4) for the medium, and back therefrom to the detector for the spectrophotometer, a spectrofluorimeter or the like. The receiving surface (4) forms a flat measuring point on the upper side of the device (1) and is closed by a cover-type detachable reflector (8) in the position of use. The reflector is n close contact with the sample of the medium (2) and can be removed before the application of the sample and for cleaning the measuring point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: HELLMA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Sahiri, Holm Kandler
  • Patent number: 7369241
    Abstract: An inexpensive continuous optical measuring apparatus with high cost/performance ratio capable of obtaining the emission of light at respective fixed positions arranged on a foundation member, by a simple device or a control, and a continuous optical measuring method. The apparatus includes at least one transparent or semi-translucent storage part capable of storing the foundation member having a plurality of types of predetermined detection substances fixed thereto along an arrangement line at predetermined intervals, with the detection substances and their fixed positions associated; at least one light receiving part installed at a predetermined position outside of the storage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Publication number: 20080100845
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inline photometer device having a light source (6), a photodetector (7) placed at a distance therefrom, a measurement cell (2) which is arranged in the beam path (8) between the light source (6) and the photodetector (7) and through which a fluid to be measured can flow, and having a calibration device (9) for calibrating and/or validating the inline photometer device (1), the calibration device (9) comprising holding means (10) for arranging a reference part in the beam path. According to the invention, the reference part (11) is filled or fillable with a reference fluid (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Gerard Meyer
  • Patent number: 7365852
    Abstract: Methods and sub-systems for substantially optimizing the absorbance measurement in optical instruments are provided. A method comprises forming a liquid sample into a droplet extending between two opposing surfaces, passing a light beam through the sample, and varying the distance between the two opposing surfaces until a distance substantially corresponding to a optimum absorbance is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Schleifer
  • Patent number: 7362433
    Abstract: The absorbance of samples in a number of wells on a microchamber array is efficiently read in a short period of time. The microchamber array is simultaneously irradiated with monochromatic light. Well-transmitted light is captured via a telecentric optical system (23) by an imaging camera (24) as an image, and the absorbance of the sample in each well is individually calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Tamiya, Toshiaki Tanaka, Toshiki Morita
  • Patent number: 7355697
    Abstract: Optical cells are non-actively compensated to ensure that a sample gap of a sample space remains nearly constant upon a change in temperature. Fluids can be flowed through the sample space of the optical cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Edward L. Mertz, James V. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7355699
    Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Edward Sinofsky, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 7345766
    Abstract: A measuring chamber for photo-acoustical sensors for the continuous measurement of radiation-absorbing substances, in particular of radiation-absorbing particles, in gaseous samples includes at least one entry and at least one exit for the samples, a tube section with microphone that allows for the flow-through of the sample in longitudinal direction, and at least one entry and exit point for a laser beam that is aligned with the tube section, and whereby these entry and exit points are both arranged at a distance from the measuring tube by at least one chamber with a cross-sectional area that is expanded relative to the tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schindler, Klaus-Christoph Harms, Franz Knopf, Harald Grantner
  • Patent number: RE40768
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention is directed to an optical inspection apparatus (10) adapted to inspect a liquid sample. The apparatus includes a tray (20) that is adapted to be physically coupled to a first liquid sample carrier (22) and a second liquid sample carrier (40), each of the first and second liquid sample carriers (22, 40) being adapted to hold a liquid sample. The first liquid sample carrier (22) is of a first type and the second liquid sample carrier (40) is of a second type different from the first type. The apparatus (10) has a light source (108) adapted to illuminate one of the liquid samples associated with one of the liquid sample carriers (22 or 40) when the liquid sample carrier (22 or 40) is coupled to the tray (20) at an inspection location and a detector (110) adapted to receive light from the liquid sample when the liquid sample is being illuminated by the light source (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Nazeer Shareef