Device Having Torturous Path Patents (Class 422/414)
  • Patent number: 12013396
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for a microdevice to separate blood cells based on differences in antigen expression. Specifically, cells of the same phenotype are separated based on whether or not they are activated during infection or resting. The device of the present disclosure takes a small sample of blood and provides differential cell counts that can be used to test for infection and inflammatory response. The device can be used to identify sepsis and other infections rapidly. By measuring differences in activated white cell counts such as neutrophils, the device of the present disclosure measures physiological response to infection in hospitalized patients recovering from burns, surgeries, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Texas Tech Univeristy System
    Inventor: Dimitri Pappas
  • Patent number: 11476473
    Abstract: A reformer and an evaporator of a fuel cell module are provided adjacent to each other. An exhaust gas combustion chamber which combusts a fuel exhaust gas and an oxygen-containing exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell to produce a combustion exhaust gas includes a first chamber and a second chamber connected to each other, and a combustion chamber outlet for discharging the combustion exhaust gas in the exhaust gas combustion chamber. At least part of an outer wall surface of the first chamber faces the evaporator with clearance. At least part of a wall forming the second chamber is a common wall shared with the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Homma, Yuki Yoshimine, Yukihisa Kanao
  • Patent number: 11362358
    Abstract: In a fuel cell module, a reformer and an evaporator provided adjacent to each other each extend to surround at least part of outer periphery of an exhaust gas combustion chamber as viewed in the direction of arrangement of the reformer and the evaporator. An auxiliary device case surrounds the outer periphery of the reformer and the evaporator with clearance. Both ends of the evaporator in the extension direction thereof are spaced from each other. The evaporator and the auxiliary device case are connected only by a first connector section at one position. The evaporator and the reformer are connected only by a second connector section at one position. Both ends of the reformer in the extension direction thereof are spaced from each other. The reformer and the auxiliary device case are connected only by a third connector section at one position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Homma
  • Patent number: 11128316
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing polar codes are provided. A transmitter determines at least one set of parameters corresponding to data to be transmitted, and a set of sorting indices corresponding to bits of the data to be transmitted based on the set of parameters, the set of sorting indices indicating a position set of the bits to be transmitted. The transmitter polar encodes the data based at least on the set of parameters and the set of sorting indices to generate a coded block of the data, and transmits the coded block of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Changlong Xu, Jian Li, Jilei Hou, Chao Wei
  • Patent number: 9686395
    Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for biomolecular measurements, monitoring, and tracking uses a smartphone-based system. A biological sample, including, but not limited to blood, saliva, biopsy, or sweat, is collected on a modular diagnostic test platform, which is then inserted into a smartphone accessory. Optical, electrical, mechanical, or other means are used to transduce a biomolecular binding event, including antibody, aptamer, enzymatic, base-pair matching, or other biological recognition reaction and communicate the results with the smartphone. Some specific examples of targets include 25-hydroxyvitamin D, folic acid, DNA, or proteins from infectious agents, and zinc. The result can then be presented quantitatively or turned into a more consumer-friendly measurement (positive, negative, above average, etc.), displayed to the user, stored for later comparison, and communicated to a central hub location where medical professionals can provide additional review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: David Erickson, Matthew Mancuso, Seoho Lee
  • Patent number: 8932538
    Abstract: A apparatus for analyzing sample to prevent a sample from being stuck to a surface of the apparatus for analyzing sample in the course of being injected into the apparatus for analyzing sample. The apparatus for analyzing sample includes a platform having a disk shape. The platform includes chambers and channels, a sample inlet hole which is formed in an outer surface the platform and through which a sample is injected into the platform; an opening which is formed in the outer surface of the platform and through which a residual of the sample, present on the outer surface of the platform around the sample inlet hole, is introduced into a receiving space isolated from the chambers and channels; and a barrier which is formed on the outer surface of the platform around a portion of the opening to prevent the residual of the sample from moving past the opening in a radial outward direction of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Min Kim, Do Gyoon Kim, Jong Myeon Park
  • Patent number: 8920748
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biochip with a piezoelectric element for ultrasonic standing wave generation. The biochip comprises an upper module, a lower module, and a chemical sensor. The piezoelectric element is integrated within the upper module of the biochip. The piezoelectric element can generate ultrasonic standing waves (USW) in the reaction chamber of the biochip by manipulating the operation frequency so the particles being detected can effectively move toward the QCM sensing surface. Hence, the biochip significantly increases the sensitivity and reduces the time required to reach equilibrium when undergoing USW excitation. The biochip of the present invention can be broadly applied to the bio-detection in medical and pharmaceutical fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Chung Cheng University
    Inventors: Guo-Hua Feng, Lai-Kwan Chau, Shu-Xiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8790916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for isolating particles from a biological fluid, including: obtaining a sample of biological fluid from a source (e.g. a patient) in which the sample contains particles of multiple sample particle types; tagging particles in the sample with tagging agents, including mixing the sample with a solution of magnetic tagging agents that selectively bind to particles of at least one of the sample particle types, thereby forming a group of tagged particles in the sample; passing the sample through a magnetic conduit having a magnetic field that interacts with at least some of the tagged particles; sorting the particles of the sample into multiple groups based on the interaction between the tagged particles and the magnetic field; and optionally returning selected portions of the processed fluid back to its source with or without the addition of appropriate therapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: GeneStream, Inc.
    Inventors: Achal Singh Achrol, Palaniappan Sethu
  • Patent number: 8697435
    Abstract: A system for sample preparation and analyte detection includes a cartridge, with a fluidic channel, a waveguide, and a capture spot. The system further includes a force field generator, an imaging system, and a fluid, which includes a sample potentially containing a target analyte, first type particles, which include binding moieties specific for the target analyte and are responsive to a force field, and second type particles, which include binding moieties specific for the target analyte and are capable of generating a signal. When the sample contains the target analyte, specific binding interactions between the target analyte and binding moieties link first and second type particles via the target analyte to form multiple-particle complex capturable at a capture spot. The force field allows manipulation of the particles and multiple-particle complex such that the detected signal from the second type particles is indicative of the target analyte within the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: MBio Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Heil, Michael J. Lochhead, Kevin D. Moll, Christopher J. Myatt
  • Patent number: 8633013
    Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analytes is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone comprising a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple test zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Clondiag GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kaiser, Klaus-Peter Möbius, Torsten Schulz, Thomas Uhlig, Alexander Von Schenk Zu Schweinsberg, Eugen Ermantraut, Jens Tuchscheerer
  • Patent number: 8603835
    Abstract: Test cells have a first sorbent strip with a sample receiving location and defining a first migration path, a distinct second sorbent strip which receives buffer solution and at least partially defines a second migration path distinct from and elongated relative to the first migration path, conjugate supported by the second strip, a test site located at a junction of the first and second strips and having an immobilized ligand-binding mechanism, and a divider which directs a first amount of the buffer to the first strip to move the sample to the test site and a second amount to the second strip to move the conjugate to the test site. The first and second migration paths have first and second lengths chosen so that ligand in the sample reaches the test site and binds to the immobilized ligand-binding mechanism prior to the conjugate reaching the test site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Javanbakhsh Esfandiari
  • Patent number: 8470588
    Abstract: A test element and method for detecting an analyte with the aid thereof is provided. The test element is essentially disk-shaped and flat, and can be rotated about a preferably central axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the disk-shaped test element. The test element has a sample application opening for applying a liquid sample, a capillary-active zone, in particular a porous, absorbent matrix, having a first end that is remote from the axis and a second end that is near to the axis, and a sample channel which extends from an area near to the axis to the first end of the capillary-active zone that is remote from the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Boehm, Norbert Oranth, Juergen Spinke
  • Patent number: 8394626
    Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: James T. Ramsey, Larry Hartselle
  • Patent number: 8357083
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization confirmation tester and a test pack which enables effective sterilization to be confirmed in a simple and sure manner by providing a simulation of the structure of an endoscope and so forth. The sterilization confirmation tester according to the present invention has a function of confirming effective sterilization treatment after sterilization performed by a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization confirmation tester includes a structure corresponding to at least one of the components which form the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Nagai, Maiko Shiga, Yosuke Kanamori, Sawako Sato, Kaori Obi
  • Patent number: 8343526
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Meso Scale Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Billadeau, Jeff D. Debad, Eli N. Glezer, Jonathan K. Leland, Charles A. Wijayawardhana
  • Patent number: 8337775
    Abstract: A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pugia, Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Bartos
  • Patent number: 8333934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Princeton University
    Inventors: Han Cao, Jonas O. Tegenfeldt, Stephen Chou, Robert H. Austin
  • Patent number: 8309366
    Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid lateral flow immunoassays to detect specific antibodies within a liquid sample while also validating the adequacy of the liquid sample for the presence of immunoglobulin and the integrity and immunoreactivity of the test reagents that detect the antibodies of interest, without requiring instrumentation. The methods and devices provide for delivery of a diluted liquid sample to a single location that simultaneously directs the liquid flow along two or more separate flow paths, one that serves as a positive control to confirm that all critical reagents of the test are immunoreactive, and that the sample being tested is adequate, and the other to detect specific antibodies if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas M. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8304230
    Abstract: The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Mehmet Toner, George Truskey, Ravi Kapur
  • Patent number: 8273566
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Meso Scale Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Billadeau, Jeff D. Debad, Eli N. Glezer, Jonathan K. Leland, Charles A. Wijayawardhana
  • Patent number: 8226904
    Abstract: Formats for optical analysis of fluid samples are provided with platforms and wells for contacting fluid samples and bringing reagents in contact with fluid samples. Formats may be made in opposing platform-and-well constructions, allowing a platform protruding from one format member to enter a well contained within an opposing format member. A sample fill nose accepts sample fluid from a sample collection opening and transports the sample fluid through the format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Dosmann
  • Patent number: 8067226
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy M. Woudenberg, Michael Albin, Reid B. Kowallis, Yefim Raysberg, Robert P. Ragusa, Emily S. Winn-Deen
  • Patent number: 8062883
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Woudenberg, Michael Albin, Reid B. Kowallis, Yefim Raysberg, Robert P. Ragusa, Emily S. Winn-Deen
  • Patent number: 8021625
    Abstract: A device and method for enhancing rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in chromatography strip-type rapid IVD devices useful in, for example, clinical, point-of-care, laboratory or over-the-counter settings. The device drives a flow fluid, primarily under the force of gravity alone, through a first chamber having a porous dam structure to enhance and substantially complete the first affinity binding reaction between a source of mobilizable labeled binding members and an analyte in the fluid. Flow through the dam causes a delay, mixing and trapping of the typically chemically disuniform initial fluid front so that fluid exiting the dam exhibits a more uniformly high degree of first affinity binding and decreased non-affinity binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: DNT Scientific Research, LLC
    Inventors: Naishu Wang, David F. Zhou
  • Patent number: 7981689
    Abstract: An absorption spectrometric analysis microchip with a chamber for holding a sample, a chamber for holding a reagent which reacts with this sample, a mixing chamber for mixing the reagent with the sample with the formation of a mixture and a sensing part with a sensing chamber for holding the mixture with a light incidence surface for the entry of light into the sensing chamber and a light exit surface for emergence of light from the sensing chamber. At least one of the light incidence surface and light exit surface is located in a recess area of the sensing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Matsumoto, Shigenori Nozawa
  • Patent number: 7927866
    Abstract: A process challenge device (PCD) for determining the effectiveness of a microbial deactivation process that uses a vaporous deactivating agent (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide) as a deactivating agent. The PCD includes first and second layers that are joined together to form (1) a chamber dimensioned to receive a biological and/or chemical indicator, and (2) first and second conduits fluidly connecting the chamber with a region outside the PCD. Each conduit has one end in communication with the region outside the PCD and another end in communication with the chamber. A removable seal member seals the biological and/or chemical indicator inside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Justi, Susan G. Quick, Michael M. Tsentr
  • Patent number: 7067561
    Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is performed on a CO/H*2 feed gas using a plurality of compact catalytic reactor modules (12) each defining catalytic reaction channels and coolant channels, in two successive stages, with the same number of reactor modules for each stage. The gas flow velocity in the first stage is sufficiently high that no more than 75% of the CO undergoes conversion. The gases are cooled (16) between successive stages so as to remove water vapour, and the pressure is reduced (20) before they are subjected to the second stage. In addition the reaction temperature for the second stage is lower than for the first stage, such that no more than 75% of the remaining carbon monoxide undergoes conversion during the second stage too. The deleterious effect of water vapour on the catalyst is hence suppressed, while the overall capacity of the plant (10) can be adjusted by closing off modules in each stage while keeping the numbers equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: GTL Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Bowe