Volumetric Fluid Transfer Means, E.g., Pipette, Pipettor, Etc.) Patents (Class 422/501)
  • Patent number: 9011796
    Abstract: A device for analysing a clinical sample comprises at least one depot chamber for receiving one or more reagents and at least one process chamber, whereas the process chamber is integrated in a first support member and the depot chamber is integrated in at least a second support member, whereas the support members are arranged in that the process chamber is connectable with the depot chamber by a relative movement of the first and second support member with respect to each other. According to the invention, the device further includes a pump element for transferring the substances inside the device from one chamber to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Carpegen GmbH, Systec Elektronik und Software GmbH
    Inventors: Max Koltzscher, Antje Rötger, Krzysztof-Wlodzimierz Siemieniewicz, Jens Heitmann, Christoffer Mai, Klaus-Gerd Schoeler, Tilmann Wolter
  • Patent number: 9005543
    Abstract: An apparatus for punching and extracting analytes from a dried biological fluid spot includes a tube and a sorbent bed. The tube includes a proximal tube opening, a distal tube opening, and a distal section. The distal section includes a tube wall having a tapered diameter that reduces down to the distal tube opening. The apparatus may also include a tube extension that includes an extension wall having a tapered diameter that reduces from a proximal extension opening to a distal extension opening. The tube extension is movable between an attached position and a detached position. At the attached position, the tube extension is secured to the tube by frictional contact between the extension wall and the tube at the distal tube opening. At the detached position the tube extension is physically separate from the tube. The sorbent bed is disposed at an axial distance from the distal tube opening and in the tube or the tube extension. The sorbent bed has a composition configured for solid phase extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Grenz, William C. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20150099310
    Abstract: A sample port system/device associated with a fluid collection device is provided and is configured to receive fluid-containing devices of varying diameters. A method of improving the work flow and safety involved in acquiring and/or testing fluid samples using such sample port system/device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventor: James E. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8999266
    Abstract: A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Agena BioScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Xian-Wei Yao, Chao Lin, Paul Heaney, Thomas Becker, Aaron A. Hanson, Michael C. Willis
  • Patent number: 8999726
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on, a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan, Josh Eckman, Bruce K. Gale, David Myszka
  • Patent number: 8999264
    Abstract: A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pugia
  • Patent number: 8992860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Murphy, Scott Corey, Alex Flamm, Ben Lane, Conrad Laskowski, Chad Schneider
  • Patent number: 8992856
    Abstract: A device for use in molecular diagnostics testing includes at least one sealed reagent storage container, and at least one opener for unsealing the reagent storage container. The device further includes an actuator coupled to the reagent storage container and opener such that moving the actuator brings the reagent storage container and the opener together so that the opener unseals the reagent storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Ronald Cornelis De Gier
  • Patent number: 8992858
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America National Institute of Health (NIH), U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
    Inventors: Hou-Pu Chou, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake
  • Patent number: 8986611
    Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Koo Lee, Tae Soo Kim, In Duk Hwang, Seock Woo Jang, Chul Ho Yun
  • Patent number: 8986626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a probe arrangement (10g) for exchanging in a controllable way liquids with micro-sized samples of material like biological cells, especially in connection with an scanning probe microscope, said probe arrangement (10g) comprising a probe holder (11) with at least one embedded first channel (18) and a cantilever (12) with at least one embedded second channel (15) and being provided to be attached to said probe holder (11) in a way that at least one aperture (19) of the first channel (18) is connected to at least one aperture (17) of the second channel (15) in a way that permits the liquid-tight transfer of a liquid between said first and second channels (15, 18). A safe and easy use of the probe arrangement is achieved by having the cantilever (12) permanently attached to said probe holder (11) to form a prefabricated probe unit (10g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ETH Zürich / ETH Transfer
    Inventors: Michael Gabi, Janos Vörös, Tomaso Zambelli, Pascal Behr
  • Patent number: 8980184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of radiochemical compounds. It is provided that the device comprises at least a reaction module, a dosing module, and a storage module, wherein; the reaction module has at least one reaction vessel having a closable opening through which substances needed for the preparation of a predetermined radiochemical compound can be introduced into the reaction vessel of the reaction module and through which the prepared radiochemical compound can be removed from the reaction vessel of the reaction module; the dosing module has at least one pipetting head which can be moved relative to the storage module and the reaction module and in x, y, and z directions and also has at least one dosing unit; and at least one reservoir for one of the substances needed for the preparation of the respective radiochemical compound is formed in the storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH, Gesim—Gesellschaft fuer Silizium-Mikrosysteme mbH
    Inventors: Marco Mueller, Steffen Howitz
  • Patent number: 8980644
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of controlling environmental conditions within a fluidic system, where such environmental conditions can affect the operation of the system in its desired function, and fluidic channels, devices, and systems that are used in practicing these methods. Such methods are generally directed to environmental control fluids, the movement of such fluids through these systems, and the interaction of these fluids with other components of the system, e.g., other fluids or solid components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Yung-mae M. Yao, Donald J. Morrissey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8979358
    Abstract: A mixing device for liquid chromatography for the radial mixing of at least two fluids comprises a tubular mixing line, and a helical flow-guiding element arranged in the mixing line. One or more spacing elements located within an interior region of the mixing line are adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the outer sides of the helical flow-guiding element and an inner wall of the mixing line. A mixing unit according to the present invention may include such a radial mixing device, with a longitudinal mixing device being connected downstream from this radial mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Wiechers
  • Patent number: 8974748
    Abstract: A dual inlet microchannel device and a method for using the device to perform a flow-through kinetic assay are described. A microplate having an array of the dual inlet microchannel devices and in particular their specially configured flow chambers is also described. Several embodiments of the dual inlet microchannel devices and specially configured flow chambers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Bergman, Mark A. Lewis, Cheng-Chung Li, William J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8974751
    Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Rodenfels, Gert Blankenstein
  • Patent number: 8968677
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Design International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. LaBorde, Nicholas J. Neild
  • Patent number: 8969071
    Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8968657
    Abstract: The transport and handling retention member comprises an adapter ring which has a central opening for receiving a tubular container for receiving samples, a gripping member for gripping the adapter ring, and a transfer head which can be moved between a rest position and an operating position, the transfer head in the operating position coming into operational contact with a tubular container which is received in the adapter ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: LCTech GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Brandlhuber, Uwe Aulwurm
  • Patent number: 8961902
    Abstract: A system for processing analytes in samples includes an instrument and a cartridge. The cartridge includes fluid inputs, input and output valve assemblies, processing devices, fluid reservoirs, and channels for carrying samples from the fluid inputs to the fluid reservoirs. The valve assemblies include valves adapted to form a sealed fluid chamber in response to force applied by a movable head assembly of the instrument. Each fluid reservoir is adapted to mate and align with an air displacement pump interface member. A valve assembly includes a recess wall surrounding a recess and a valve assembly wall surrounding both the recess and the recess wall. The recess wall and the valve assembly walls are adapted to mate with and seal against a flexible sheet covering the recess, the recess wall, and the valve assembly wall. The cartridge and instrument include complementary features for finely and coarsely aligning instrument assemblies with portions of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Falb, David Brancazio, Eric France, Brett P. Masters, Michael F. Miller, Joshua R. Ormsby, Walker Sloan
  • Patent number: 8961898
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Takasi Nisisako, Takahiro Baba
  • Patent number: 8961901
    Abstract: A microfluidic system having a microchannel for the capillary transport of a liquid, in particular a body fluid for analytical purposes. The microchannel is provided with a surface coating comprising at least one hydrophilic substance selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, dextran sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. The invention also concerns a coating method that is suitable for this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Glauser, Hans-Peter Wahl, Irio Giuseppe Calasso, Emad Sarofim
  • Patent number: 8961903
    Abstract: A microfluidic passive device and a method for determining clotting time are described, of a fluid medium such as blood, of low production cost which can therefore be disposable. When optimised to determine blood clotting time, it requires a minimal whole blood sample (<5 ?L) and it is particularly suited to INR or PT determination, which can be used autonomously by patient without venipuncture. Monitoring, and processing means to interpret the results are comprised in an external coagulometer device. A production method for the manufacture of the microfluidic device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Iline Microsystems, S.L.
    Inventors: Iñaki Sádaba Champetier De Ribes, Juan Antonio Peón Eguiguren
  • Patent number: 8962258
    Abstract: Provided are a multiple immunoassay apparatus on a chip in which a structure comprising multiple microfluidic channels is associated with a tissue sample, which allows immunohistochemical reactions to be conducted therein, to examine various markers specific for certain diseases, and a method for performing multiple immunoassays using the same. The multiple immunoassay apparatus comprises: at least one antibody-introducing unit through which at least one antibody is introduced into the apparatus; at least one reaction unit in which the antibody reacts with a sample in an immunohistochemical pattern; and at least one fluid outlet through which a fluid including the antibody is discharged outside the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, National Cancer Center
    Inventors: Je-Kyun Park, MinSeok Kim, Eun Sook Lee, Sun-Young Kong, Solm Kwon
  • Publication number: 20150050197
    Abstract: For use in an electronic pipette, a brake mechanism which is used for abruptly stopping the movement of the actuator that moves the plunger, which mechanism comprises a rotatable, essentially circular rotor that is at its periphery provided with brake notches arranged at regular intervals, and a brake actuator comprising a motion inducing means, a brake member (1) to which a brake cam (11a), compatible with the brake notches is connected, a mediation mechanism for transmission of the movement of the motion inducing means to the brake member, the brake member comprising, connected to the motion inducing means, a turnable member (2) that is arranged to act with the brake member such that the movement of the turnable member can be accelerated before it essentially effects the movement of the brake member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: SARTORIUS BIOHIT LIQUID HANDLING OY
    Inventor: Ville Hintikka
  • Patent number: 8956580
    Abstract: An analysis cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a first cover, a liquid storage box and a sealing film is disclosed. The cartridge body has an accommodation portion and a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first cover covers the first side or the second side of the cartridge body and has a first through hole. The liquid storage box is disposed in the accommodation portion and has a liquid through hole. The sealing film seals the liquid through hole of the said liquid storage box and passes through the first through hole of the first cover, wherein the liquid through hole is exposed by removing the sealing film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Chang Lai, Fu-Chun Huang, Yuh-Jiuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8956579
    Abstract: A chemical dispensing system is provided having a micro-controller and at least one expansion module. The expansion module includes an expansion module interface. The expansion module is in communication with the micro-controller via the expansion module interface. The at least one expansion module expands capabilities of the chemical dispensing system beyond a base operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Yankee, David Howland, Scott Christa
  • Patent number: 8951805
    Abstract: A system for managing bulk liquids for an automated clinical analyzer. The system comprises (a) at least one local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use, (b) at least one container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir, and (c) a controller for monitoring the level of a bulk liquid in a local reservoir. The local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use can be a trough. The use of troughs for storing a reagent, a diluent, or some other treating agent for impending use enables an aspirating/dispensing device having a plurality of pipettes to aspirate and dispense the reagent, diluent, or other treating agent at a high rate of throughput. The controller can monitor the level of a liquid in (a) a local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for imminent use and the level of liquid in a (b) container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, Gregory E. Gardner, Richard W. Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20150031143
    Abstract: A sample pretreatment system is equipped with a pipetting device for pipetting multiple primary samples to make multiple aliquot samples. The sample volume expected to be held in a test tube is set as a minimum guaranteed volume for each type of test tube; and a minimum guaranteed volume value is set for each type of the test tubes. A cumulative totaling unit adds up cumulatively the aliquot volumes of the aliquot samples based on pipetting request information with regard to the supplied test tubes. A reading unit reads the minimum guaranteed volume of the supplied test tube; and an aliquot sample preparation unit compares the minimum guaranteed volume successively with the cumulative total values of the aliquot volumes of the aliquot samples, and causes a pipetting device to pipette a maximum number of the aliquot samples in a manner not exceeding the minimum guaranteed volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Iwao Suzuki, Tadao Shimizu, Shigeru Yano
  • Patent number: 8940234
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yuegang Zhang, Andrew A. Berlin, Qing Ma, Li-Peng Wang, Valluri Rao, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8940523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette tip (100, 200, 201, 300) comprising a tip body (110) having an inner surface and an outer surface (112). The inner surface (111) defines an inner cavity (120, 320), which has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has an upper opening (131); and the lower end has a lower opening (141). At least a part of the inner surface (111) is provided with capturing agents (151) of at least one type forming at least one capturing-agent region (150) on the at least one inner surface. The at least one capturing agent region (150) is capable of selectively binding target substances (152) of at least one type comprised in a sample to form at least agent-target conjugates (155), the arrangement of which define at least one agent-target region (156).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique S.A.—Recherche et Developpement
    Inventors: Stéphane Follonier, Linsey Fan, Pierre Indermuhle
  • 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: 8940250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of continuously conveying a liquid which is used as starting material in a chemical reaction by means of a displacement pump having physically separate forward-transport valves and a liquid-filled bidirectional flow line between displacement pump and forward-transport valves, wherein an auxiliary liquid which is a product or a starting material of the chemical reaction and has a melting point which is below the melting point or below the saturation temperature of the liquid to be conveyed is present in the bidirectional flow line. The present invention additionally provides for the use of a product formed by hydrogenation of an aromatic compound as auxiliary liquid for conveying an aromatic compound and also the use of an alcohol or an ester derived from alcohol and carboxylic acid as auxiliary liquid for conveying carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Joachim Pfeffinger, Willi Gilcher, Juergen Morell
  • Patent number: 8940232
    Abstract: An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run: Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ProteinSimple
    Inventors: David J. Roach, Tom W. Yang, Roger A. O'Neill, Robert T. Loder, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150024481
    Abstract: Devices and system for preparing samples are described. Such devices can comprise fluidic chambers, reservoirs, and movable structures for controlling the movement of samples. The device can also comprise functional elements for performing specific operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Imran R. MALIK, Axel SCHERER
  • Patent number: 8936765
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a reaction vessel in which an analyte is caused to react with a reagent; a probe for suctioning the reacted analyte from the reaction vessel; an analyzer unit for analyzing the reacted analyte; a transfer channel for transferring the reacted analyte suctioned by the probe to the analyzer unit 6; and a liquid-surface detector, connected to the reaction vessel and the probe via signal lines 1a and a pair of signal lines 4a and 4b, respectively, for detecting the electrical characteristics between the probe and the reaction vessel. A switch is located between the signal lines 4a and 4b that connect the liquid-surface detector to the probe, so that the switch can connect or disconnect the signal line 4a to/from the signal line 4b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shahed Sarwar, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8936753
    Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer includes a detector and a controller. The detector includes a light source for emitting light to a prepared measurement sample and a light-receiving section for receiving light transmitted through the measurement sample. The controller is configured to performs operations comprising acquiring, based on the light detected by the detector, ratio information reflecting a ratio between a first value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reaction starting stage and a second value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reacting ending stage, and acquiring, based on the ratio information, a fibrinogen concentration in the blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Fujino, Takamichi Naito, Naohiko Matsuo, Susumu Hoshiko
  • Patent number: 8932541
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua D. Wiltsie
  • Patent number: 8932539
    Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Pathway Genomics Corporation
    Inventors: James Plante, David Becker, Edgar MacBean, Kathryn J. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20150004676
    Abstract: A microchip is provided and configured to contain a sample solution for analysis. The microchip including a channel that is maintained at a pressure level less than atmospheric pressure so as to allow flow of the sample solution thru the channel; and a pressure indication section configured to detect a change in the pressure level. A microchip apparatus and a method of manufacturing a microchip are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Masahiro Matsumoto, Michihiro Ohnishi, Yoshiaki Kato, Toshio Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8920749
    Abstract: A microchip capable of sending liquid in a micro flow channel to a predetermined place irrespective of the pressure difference and sending a mixture of two or more liquid masses to a predetermined place even if the channel structure is simple. The microchip comprises an intermediate reservoir portion provided in a micro flow channel and adapted for temporarily holding liquid sent through the micro flow channel. The microchip is characterized in that the intermediate reservoir portion has a side channel, the volume of the intermediate reservoir portion is smaller than the total volume of the liquid sent into the intermediate reservoir portion, the side channel is provided for communication of a micro flow channel on the upstream side of the intermediate reservoir portion with a micro flow channel on the downstream side thereof, and the cross-section area of the side channel is smaller than that of the micro flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Youichi Aoki, Akihisa Nakajima, Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhiro Sando, Yoshikazu Kurihara
  • Patent number: 8921282
    Abstract: An object is to provide a highly effective segmented process apparatus for a microplate using a standard microplate without increasing the scale of the apparatus, as well as a method for processing a microplate. The apparatus includes: a predetermined microplate provided with a number of wells are set in array; one or more nozzle heads provided with a number of nozzles set in array; a suction and ejection mechanism for sucking and ejecting a gas via the nozzles; and a moving means which allows relative movement between the microplate and the nozzle heads, wherein tips of all of the nozzles provided on each nozzle head are provided in such a manner that the tips can be inserted into the wells in a portion of the microplate all together, and the row intervals and column intervals of the nozzles in array are respectively same as the row intervals and column intervals of the wells in array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 8920752
    Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Biodot, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C Tisone, Holger Eickhoff
  • 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: 8920724
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a specimen processing apparatus, comprising: an imaging device for imaging a cap of a covered specimen container containing a specimen; an aspirating device including a specimen aspirating tube, moving the specimen aspirating tube so as to pass the specimen aspirating tube through the cap of the covered specimen container and aspirating the specimen contained in the covered specimen container via the specimen aspirating tube; an aspiration controller for controlling a movement of the specimen aspirating tube into the covered specimen container based on an image obtained by the imaging device; and a specimen processing device for processing the specimen aspirated by the aspirating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Tokihiro Kosaka, Yuichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 8916113
    Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk 161 is provided with a pore 240 and a pressure detector 241 connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) 170 ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe 1101 and a suction pipe 1102 inserted to the opening of the reaction container 1140 to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region 1150 at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hironobu Yamakawa, Yoichi Aruga, Takenori Okusa, Kenichi Takahashi, Hans Hornauer, Hans-Juergen Mueller
  • Patent number: 8916111
    Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized fluid container with microchannels (11, 12) which are bordered by ridges (13, 14), wherein the crests of the ridges (13, 14) are glued to a cover plate (20). Additional stability may be achieved by distributing glue (33) in cavities between the microchannels (11, 12), the spreading of said glue being driven by capillary forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Reinhold Wimberger-Friedl, Christiane Witz, Esther A. W. Janssen, Bernardus Jacobus Johannes Van Iersel, Bart Van Nunen, Marinus Bernardus Olde Riekerink
  • Publication number: 20140370617
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for retaining solid state reagents and/or for processing sample for a diagnostic test, where the apparatus avoids liquid “hang-up” that would otherwise result in loss of sample or fluid volume during sample transfer. The invention further provides diagnostic methods that employ the apparatus, so as to provide sensitive and accurate analyte detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Nexus DX, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Madsen, Robert Klepper
  • Patent number: 8912007
    Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Torleif Ove Bjornson, Thomas Geiges
  • Patent number: 8911684
    Abstract: A microfluidic element for analyzing a bodily fluid sample for an analyte contained therein is provided, the element having a substrate, a channel structure that is enclosed by the substrate, and a cover layer, and is rotatable around a rotational axis. The channel structure of the microfluidic element includes a feed channel having a feed opening, a ventilation channel having a ventilation opening, and at least two reagent chambers. The reagent chambers are connected to one another via two connection channels in such a manner that a fluid exchange is possible between the reagent chambers, one of the reagent chambers having an inlet opening, which has a fluid connection to the feed channel, so that a liquid sample can flow into the rotational-axis-distal reagent chamber. At least one of the reagent chambers contains a reagent, which reacts with the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Augstein, Christoph Boehm, Carlo Effenhauser, Rijk Edwin Oosterbroek, Susanne Wuerl