Registration Of The Structure Within The Analyzer Patents (Class 422/404)
  • Patent number: 8956576
    Abstract: A system and method of use is provided, relating to an analytical system in which a disposable unit configured to contain a plurality of test strips is inserted into a hand-held device, the test strips being successively presented at a measuring position by a drive provided with the device, wherein after a disposable unit is removed and replaced, the drive is activated to position the test strip that is first in order at the measuring position and it is determined whether the test strip is present, and if the first test strip is not present, the test strip that was presented last when the device was actuated is again positioned at the measuring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schwoebel
  • Patent number: 8940247
    Abstract: A portable analyzer A1 includes: hole forming means designed to form a hole 3 for insertion of a specimen sampling implement 6 therein; and analyzing means capable of analyzing a specimen when the sampling implement 6 is inserted into the hole 3, the hole forming means including a first member 1 having a first region R1 corresponding to a portion of an internal surface of the hole 3, and a second member 2 having a second region R2 corresponding to another portion of the internal surface of the hole 3. The first and second members 1 and 2 are capable of relative movement while being coupled to each other, the relative movement causing at least one of the first and second regions R1 and R2 to be exposed to outside for easy cleaning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Uehata, Hiroyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8940538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for quantifying the binding and dissociation kinetics of molecular interactions of small molecular bio materials with high sensitivity almost without the influence of a change in the reflective index resulting from a buffer solution by making polarized incident light incident on the binding layer of a bio material, formed in a thin dielectric film, so that the polarized incident light satisfies a p-wave non-reflecting condition and a quantifying method using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Hyun Mo Cho, Gal Won Che, Yong Jai Cho
  • Patent number: 8940246
    Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanism for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Nipro Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Neel, Brent E. Modzelewski, George R. Rounds, Carlos Oti, Allan Javier Caban, Jeffrey Akins
  • Patent number: 8932537
    Abstract: A portable tester to detect one or more analytes from explosives, drugs, or household chemicals, comprising: a plurality of chemical disposable, detachable reagent reservoirs storing reagents to induce a series of color reactions, wherein developed color depends on sequences of applied reagents to respective pads on a support base, reaction times and temperatures on said pad to create one or more color bar codes for a specific analyte. The tester comprises a piezoelectric dispenser coupled to each respective reservoir to dispense a mist of reagent onto respective test pads to increase sensitivity and reduce reaction heat and time; wherein piezoelectric dispenser is processor controlled to control dispensing time and volume in each step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Chemspectra, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Haas, Douglas Haas
  • Patent number: 8916109
    Abstract: A diagnosis support method comprising: obtaining first blood glucose level information at a first time point and/or second blood glucose level information at a second time point which is later, by a predetermined period, than the first time point; placing a collection member, which is configured to collect a tissue fluid, on the skin of the subject for the predetermined period from the first time point to the second time point; obtaining glucose information about an amount of glucose contained in the tissue fluid collected by the collection member; and generating diagnosis support information for supporting a diagnosis of presence or absence of hypoglycemia in the subject, based on the first blood glucose level information and/or the second blood glucose level information and the glucose information. A diagnosis support system and a diagnosis support apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Seiki Okada, Toshiyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8900514
    Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tommy Forsell
  • Patent number: 8883086
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for measuring biomedical data and a measurement strip. The apparatus includes a plurality of detection units arranged within a strip reception area on a plane and spaced apart from each other, a measurement type determination unit for determining whether reactive portions are present in areas of the measurement strip corresponding to the plurality of detection units based on detection results obtained by the detection units and determining a type of measurement based on results of the determination, a biomedical data measurement unit for activating part or all of the detection units according to the type of measurement determined by the measurement type determination unit, and measuring the biomedical data using the activated detection units, and an output unit for outputting the measured biomedical data to an outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Infopia Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeong-Woo Bae, Sung-Dong Lee, Byung-Hoon Kho, Ji-Eon Ryu, Jin-Kyeong Kim, Hyou-Arm Joung
  • Patent number: 8883087
    Abstract: A biological sample measurement apparatus includes container (10) having an opening in a top surface thereof and right and left accommodation chambers (12) and (13) formed by separating an inner space and the opening in container (10) by partition wall (11a), measurement device (1) accommodated in accommodation chamber (12) of container (10), and a holder accommodated in accommodation chamber (13) of container (10) and holding measurement device (1). Provided are recesses (15, 16) configuring holding means holding measurement device (1) on an outer peripheral wall configuring accommodation chamber (12) or in accommodation chamber (12) in a state where sensor mounting section (4) of measurement device (1) is projected to an outside of accommodation chamber (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hamamoto, Akio Nagao, Masumi Aono
  • Patent number: 8828730
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Synapse B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Coenraad Hemker, Rafael Jesus Apitz-Castro, Sebastiaan Nijhuis
  • Patent number: 8828330
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor port configured to receive a plurality of analyte sensors having different sizes, shapes and/or electrode configurations. Also provided are analyte meters, analyte monitoring devices and/or systems and drug delivery devices and/or systems utilizing the disclosed sensor ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Galasso, Matthew Simmons, Gary Ashley Stafford, Cherie Bulala, Christopher Myles, Philip Justus Wunderle, III, Bonita Song, Richard G. Ries, Morvarid G. Shafie
  • Patent number: 8821809
    Abstract: A test strip reader for reading a test result of a test strip plate or cassette is provided. The test strip plate or cassette includes a test strip and is configured for generating a control line or a test line in the test strip according to the test result. The test strip plate or cassette reader includes a light source, a driver configured for driving the light source to emit light to a section of the test strip corresponding to the control line or the test line, a photo detector configured for receiving light reflected from the section and generating a detecting signal corresponding to the test result, a signal processor configured for processing the detecting signal to obtain the test result and generating a corresponding result signal, and a display configured to display the test result based upon the result signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Yonglin Healthcare Foundation
    Inventor: Jiann-Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 8784736
    Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Keck Graduate Institute
    Inventors: Robert W. Doebler, II, Christopher Cooney, Anna Hickerson, James D. Sterling, Ali Nadim
  • Patent number: 8771608
    Abstract: An apparatus for using sensors having test strip with sheaths surrounding sensitive area configured to detect certain substance in a liquid test specimen includes a carrier having spaced-apart openings to frictionally hold the sensors, a loading portion to insert the sensors through the openings and to displace the sheaths thereby exposing predetermined lengths of the sensitive areas of the sensors, a testing portion including a container for containing a test specimen as only specified lengths of the predetermined lengths of the sensitive areas of the sensors are submerged in the test specimen, and an extracting portion structured and configured to receive the carrier with the plurality of said sensors inserted therethrough, the extracting portion having a comb-like structure for displacing the sheaths to return them to their stowed configurations and to eject the sensors from the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Lee Nowlin
  • Patent number: 8765482
    Abstract: A test strip with a sample chamber is secured to a meter. The sample chamber in the portion of the test strip that extends out of the meter is illuminated by transmitting light from a light source inside the meter internally through the test strip towards the sample chamber. By way of analogy, the test strip acts in a fashion similar to a fiber optic cable or optical wave guide by transmitting the light from the meter to the remotely located sample chamber that extends outside the meter. The user is then able to easily see the sample chamber of the test strip in dark conditions so that the user is able to readily align the sample chamber with the drop of fluid on the skin as well as view the sample chamber in order to ensure proper filling. The light also illuminates a test strip slot into which the test strip is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Abner D. Joseph, Brian A. Heald
  • Patent number: 8747775
    Abstract: A food safety device for placement on a product is disclosed. The food safety device comprises one or more sensors that measure at least one condition of the product and/or its environment, one or more visual indicators that are configured to display a visual indication of freshness and/or safety of the product. An antenna transmits and receives data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product. A logic module executes programmable logic to determine the freshness and/or safety of the product from the at least one measured condition of the product, to cause the one or more visual indicators to display a visual indication of the freshness and/or safety it determines, and to transmit and receive data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Food Technologies International, LLC
    Inventor: Warren Sandvick
  • Publication number: 20140154789
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for performing an assay, the testing apparatus comprising: a receptacle (2) containing a reagent, the reagent being reactive to an applied test sample by developing a colour or pattern variation; a portable device (1), e.g. a mobile phone or a laptop, comprising a processor and an image capture device (3), wherein the processor is configured to process data captured by the image capture device and output a test result for the applied test sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Neil Polwart, Graham Tyrie, Anthony Peter Ashbrook
  • Patent number: 8741219
    Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting a sample; a plurality of sample processing apparatuses, arranged along a direction in which the sample is transported by the transporting apparatus, for processing the sample transported by the transporting apparatus; a base on which at least one of the sample processing apparatuses is placed; and a movement restricting section for restricting, on the base, a movement area within which the sample processing apparatus moves, wherein the movement restricting section allows the sample processing apparatus to move on the base so as to change orientation of the sample processing apparatus, is disclosed. A base for a sample processing system and a sample processing apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Hamada, Keisuke Kuwano
  • Patent number: 8721989
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring blood oxygen saturation, comprising a housing (1), a sensor (2), a connecting cable (3) and a plug (4), wherein the housing (1) has a cavity (5) for accepting a patient's tissue which is supplied with blood; the sensor (2) which is arranged on the housing and has at least one light source (21) for the emission of light which passes through the tissue which is supplied with blood and a detector (22) for receiving the light passing through the tissue which is supplied with blood; and the apparatus can be connected to an evaluation unit via the plug (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: EnviteC-Wismar GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Eckermann, Thomas Scholl
  • Patent number: 8702928
    Abstract: A modular analyte measurement system having a removable strip port module. In one embodiment, the analyte measurement system includes: an analyte meter; a removable strip port module; and a connector linking the removable strip port module to the analyte meter. The analyte meter includes: a meter housing; a receptacle formed in the meter housing; a processing circuit disposed within the housing; and an input interface within the receptacle and electrically coupled to the processing circuit. The removable strip port module includes: a module housing sized to at least partially fit within the receptacle of the analyte meter; an analyte test strip port disposed within the module housing to receive an analyte test strip via an aperture formed in the module housing; and an output interface coupled to the analyte test strip port. The connector links the output interface with the input interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Hila Ralston, Frederic Arbogast, Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 8696991
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Harold W. Howe, Timothy S. Troutman, Michael E. Meichle, Adrian L. Krag
  • Patent number: 8691150
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for testing a sample of bodily fluid, comprising a carrier band, which carries a plurality of consumable elements, wherein one end of the carrier band is attached to a wind-up device for winding the carrier band, together with used consumable elements, onto a reel for the band transport, and comprising a display for displaying information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band. According to the invention, it is provided that information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band is obtained from an angle of rotation and from a band transport length by which the carrier band is moved with a rotation of the reel about said angle of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lorenz, Kai-Oliver Schwenker
  • Patent number: 8658108
    Abstract: A limited-use blood glucose meter includes a printed circuit board assembly that includes a power source, a strip port, a strip reading device, a controller device, a bi-stable display, and a display controller. The strip reading measures a reaction between a blood sample present on the blood glucose test strip and the blood glucose reagent, generates a blood glucose signal, and calculates a blood glucose level. The controller device receives the blood glucose level from the strip reading device. The controller device provides display instructions to the display controller and the display controller provides drive voltages to the bi-stable segments such that the bi-stable segments persistently display the most-recent blood glucose level. The strip reading device performs a predetermined number of blood glucose tests and calculates a blood glucose level only for blood glucose strips associated with the disposable blood glucose meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Sauers, Robert G. Davies, Colleen Csavas, Carol J. Batman, Paul S. Rutkowski, Randy J. Gardner, Michael J. Blackburn, Michel A. Cadio
  • Publication number: 20140051179
    Abstract: Gas detector tubes may be used to determine a concentration of target gases in air. The gas detector tubes described may be read either by and optical reader or visually by the user. A gas detector tube reader having an optical reader capable of reading a length of stain, a color change and color density of a reagent in a gas detector tube. The gas detector tube may further comprise sensors for measuring the environmental conditions during sampling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Bryan I. Truex, Gueorgui M. Mihaylov
  • Patent number: 8632731
    Abstract: In some aspects, a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module is provided to permit contaminated modules to be replaced. Some aspects of the present disclosure related to barriers for strip ports or the sealing of strip ports and/or analyte measurement devices to maintain a clean strip port and/or enable the strip port to be cleaned for reuse. Cleaning tools are also provided. Also provided are strip port interfaces that guide fluid away from the strip port opening, as well as absorptive elements that prevent fluid from entering a strip port. Analyte measurement devices with gravity sensors or accelerometers are also provided, along with methods related thereto. Also provided are docking station that serve as an information server and provides storage and recharging capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Simmons, Cherie Bulala, Christopher Myles, Bonita Park Song
  • Patent number: 8632730
    Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Petrilla, Daniel B. Roitman
  • Patent number: 8628723
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Angela L. Vandergaw
  • Patent number: 8609024
    Abstract: Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device. The sample removal apparatus and robotic transfer mechanism are moveable relative to the specimen container so as to automatically insert the needle of the venting device through the closure of the specimen container to thereby vent the interior of the specimen container and obtain equilibrium between the interior of the specimen container and the atmosphere and withdraw a portion of the sample from the specimen container into the venting and/or sampling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Biomerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Ronsick, Mark S. Wilson, Ronnie J. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8574510
    Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Robert S. Sams
  • Publication number: 20130280698
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for simultaneously conducting multiple assays on a liquid sample for the presence of, and/or quantification of, analytes in the liquid sample. The device, which is referred to herein as a multi-assay cartridge or multi-strip assay cartridge (MSC), may be used in a system comprised of the cartridge and a reading device or reader for reading the assays in the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Catherine R. Propper, John T. Tester, Timothy L. Vail, Niranjan Venkatraman
  • Patent number: 8557180
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for analyzing a sample liquid comprising a test tape having a plurality of test elements, a tape transport device which successively transports the test elements to a sample application site while advancing the tape, and a measuring device which scans the test elements loaded with sample liquid at a measuring site. The measuring site is located at a distance from the sample application site in the direction of tape movement. The tape transport is interrupted in order to exactly position a wetted area of the test elements carrying a sample liquid at the measuring site by means of a positioning device that responds to the presence of sample liquid on the test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Krämer, Hans List
  • Patent number: 8545760
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 8545759
    Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe are installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Therapeutic Proteins International, LLC
    Inventor: Sarfaraz Niazi
  • Patent number: 8518342
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Biomerieux
    Inventors: David Mosticone, Pascal Montes, Jean-Claude Raymond, Bruno Colin, Cecile Paris
  • Publication number: 20130196446
    Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Henning Groll, Michael J. Celentano
  • Patent number: 8496875
    Abstract: The present invention is an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus that includes a deck for holding at least one microfluidic chip and capable of being accessed by a liquid handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system, wherein a chip handling device transports the chip from the deck to the fluid control system and the detection system. The present invention also includes a chip for use with an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, and a method for processing a microfluidic chip using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Greenstein, Colin B. Kennedy, James C. Mikkelsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8475732
    Abstract: In some aspects, a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module is provided to permit contaminated modules to be replaced. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to barriers for strip ports or the sealing of strip ports and/or analyte measurement devices to maintain a clean strip port and/or enable the strip port to be cleaned for reuse. Cleaning tools are also provided. Also provided are strip port interfaces that guide fluid away from the strip port opening, as well as absorptive elements that prevent fluid from entering a strip port. Analyte measurement devices with gravity sensors or accelerometers are also provided, along with methods related thereto. Also provided is a docking station that serves as an information server and provides storage and recharging capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Simmons, Cherie Bulala, Christopher Myles, Bonita Song
  • Patent number: 8475733
    Abstract: A hand-held test meter and analytical test strip cartridge assembly combination includes a hand-held test meter with a test meter housing and an extractor with a test strip engagement feature, while the analytical test strip cartridge assembly includes a desiccant vial and an analytical test strip cartridge with a cartridge housing, a test strip presentation mechanism disposed within the cartridge housing, and a plurality of analytical test strips (each with at least one extractor engagement feature) disposed in the cartridge housing. The test meter housing is configured for operative engagement with the cartridge housing and the test strip presentation mechanism is configured to present a single analytical test strip from the plurality of analytical test strips for engagement with the extractor. Moreover, the analytical test strip cartridge is configured for operative disposition in the desiccant vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: David Matzinger
  • Patent number: 8465977
    Abstract: A test strip with a sample chamber is secured to a meter. The sample chamber in the portion of the test strip that extends out of the meter is illuminated by transmitting light from a light source inside the meter internally through the test strip towards the sample chamber. By way of analogy, the test strip acts in a fashion similar to a fiber optic cable or optical wave guide by transmitting the light from the meter to the remotely located sample chamber that extends outside the meter. The user is then able to easily see the sample chamber of the test strip in dark conditions so that the user is able to readily align the sample chamber with the drop of fluid on the skin as well as view the sample chamber in order to ensure proper filling. The light also illuminates a test strip slot into which the test strip is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Abner David Joseph, Brian A. Heald
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8431408
    Abstract: A handheld diabetes management device for providing enhanced illumination includes a housing with an access port and a light aperture. The housing further includes a coupling member on an inner surface thereof. Furthermore, the device includes a measurement engine housed within the housing and communicating with the access port for analyzing body fluid disposed on a dosing area of a diabetes test element. Also, the device includes a circuit board communicating with the measurement engine. The device further includes a light source mounted to the circuit board and a light pipe coupled to the housing via the coupling member. The light pipe is disposed adjacent the light source to receive light from the light source travelling in a first direction. The light pipe redirects the light along a second direction to be emitted out of the housing through the light aperture toward the dosing area of the diabetes test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Lewis, Michael F DeRossi, Blaine Edward Ramey
  • Patent number: 8394328
    Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a test on a sample applied to a test media and a selectively closable container configured to house test media compatible with the meter. The system may also provide mechanisms for removing a meter from a test container and reattaching it to a new one using one of several coding methods that recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips. Alternatively, the system may include an auto-calibration system where data is provided individually on each individual test medium in a form readable by the test meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so as to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information. In addition, the system may further provide mechanisms to reconfigure the meter to perform a new function when it has been determined that a triggering event has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nipro Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Neel, Brent E. Modzelewski, Cameron Scott Casterline, George R. Rounds, Allan Javier Caban, Adam Mark Will, Carlos Oti
  • Patent number: 8394337
    Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter. The meter may include a closure portion for selectively closing the opening of the container. The system may further provide a sampling device, such as a lancet, operable connected to the container such that that a user may use the sampling device to obtain a sample without disconnecting the sampling device from the container. The system may also provide mechanisms for removing a meter from a test container and reattaching it to a new one using one of several coding methods that recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips. In addition, the system may further provide mechanisms to reconfigure the meter to perform a new function when it has been determined that the triggering event has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nipro Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Neel, Brent E. Modzelewski, Cameron Scott Casterline, George R. Rounds
  • Patent number: 8372352
    Abstract: A drum type container for analytical elements comprises a casing defining a compartment with a plurality of portions for receiving respective ones of the analytical elements. The container further comprises a base assembly to which the casing is rotatably mounted. The base assembly includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the glucose test strips from the casing and a locking mechanism for maintaining an alignment of a selected one of the compartment portions with the dispensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Chan
  • Patent number: 8323566
    Abstract: A liquid sample analysis device includes a holder part 11 holding a test piece 1, an optical system 20 that optically detects a reaction state of a liquid sample and a reagent, and a support member 30 that integrally supports the holder part 11 and the optical system 20. The orientation of the test piece 1 is changed with respect to the direction of gravitational force by rotating the support member 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Murakami, Masahiro Aga, Hideyuki Kurokawa, Takahiko Tanida, Ryosuke Yamada
  • Patent number: 8318107
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system for collecting a sample and optionally detecting or analyzing an electrical property thereof, the method comprising: means for obtaining a sample in a sample container; means for directing the sample into a sensing chamber in fluid communication with the sample container, the sensing chamber comprising a plurality of sensing chamber electrodes positioned at the sensing chamber and configured to be in contact with the sample when the sample is directed into the sensing chamber; means for applying an electrical signal to the sample with a read-out analyzer via the plurality of sensing chamber electrodes; the plurality of sensing chamber electrodes in operable communication with the read-out analyzer; and means for detecting the effect of the sample on the electrical signal, thereby determining an electrical property of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Biosense Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Rieder, John R. Howatt, Alexander Sloutsky, John Oleksy
  • Patent number: 8298497
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence
    Inventor: David James Squirrell
  • Patent number: 8293064
    Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority
  • Patent number: 8277752
    Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus is provided for conducting a test by efficiently reading color development of a reagent after reaction by optical measurement. To the above end, an optical measurement apparatus is provided which is to be used with at least one test instrument mounted to the apparatus. The test instrument includes a carrier provided with at least one reagent retaining portion which retains a reagent, and a sample is applied to the carrier. The optical measurement apparatus includes a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for performing driving control of the reader and determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing data obtained by a reading operation P to read the color development of the reagent performed after the lapse of a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 from the mounting of the test instrument, and the reaction completion period depends on the reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Shinya Nakajima, Tokuo Kasai, Kazuhiro Ohmiya
  • Patent number: 8226905
    Abstract: A blood glucose measuring system comprising: a computer mouse that transmits data to an associated computer; a LED display residing on the computer mouse; a blood glucose strip receiver residing on the computer mouse; a blood glucose measurement mechanism; and software residing on the associated computer which receives blood glucose data, where the software stores the data onto a database within the associated computer. In one exemplary embodiment, the mouse may include two actuation pads and Bluetooth technology to transmit data from the mouse to the associated computer. The LED display provided on the mouse displays the glucose results measured by the measurement means. The software residing on the associated computer tabulates the blood glucose measurements and stores the data in a predetermined format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Abdallah