Plate Design Or Structure Patents (Class 422/503)
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Patent number: 8647589Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide various flow cells and a method for manufacturing the same, in which formation of a groove on a substrate and formation of components such as an electrode, auxiliary parts such as a pump are not necessary. The inventive flow cells are capable of realize complicated chemical analysis or synthesis or the like. A channel of a porous member provided on a sample-incompatible substrate is formed; the porous member is composed of an air non-contact region having a network structure and an air contact region covering the air non-contact region and having a lower pore density than the air non-contact region; in which a capillary force to be generated within the porous member is a drive force for pumping a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Horiuchi, Toru Miura, Yuzuru Iwasaki, Jyunichi Takahashi, Katsuyoshi Hayashi, Tsuneyuki Haga, Michiko Seyama, Serge Camou
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Patent number: 8641987Abstract: A sample chamber array is provided. The sample chamber array may comprise at least one reservoir in fluid communication with at least one sample chamber, and a movable portion defining the sample chamber. The reservoir is fillable with a liquid biological sample. The movable portion may be movable with respect to the remainder of the sample chamber from a first position to a second position. In the first position the movable portion is concave and the sample chamber is without biological sample. In the second position the movable portion is convex and the sample chamber comprises biological sample. The movement of the movable portion to the second position causes a pressure drop to transport the biological sample into the sample chamber from the at least one reservoir. Methods for processing a biological sample and methods of making a sample chamber array are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventor: Donald R. Sandell
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Patent number: 8636957Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spirally wrapped chromatographic structure, a system incorporating such structure and a method of providing such structure. The structure may include an absorber layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein one or a plurality of channels are defined in the first surface. The structure may also include a support layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the support layer disposed on the second surface of the absorber layer, wherein the absorber layer and the support layer comprise a spiral configuration such that at least a portion of the first surface of the absorber layer contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the support layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Stephen Thomas Wellinghoff, Kent Edward Coulter
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Patent number: 8637317Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may include providing a droplet including magnetically responsive beads. The droplet may be provided within a region of a magnetic field having sufficient strength to attract the magnetically responsive beads to an edge of the droplet or towards an edge of the droplet, or otherwise regionalize or aggregate beads within the droplet. The method may also include conducting on a droplet operations surface one or more droplet operations using the droplet without removing the magnetically responsive beads from the region of the magnetic field. The droplet operations may in some cases be electrode-mediated. The droplet operations may redistribute and/or circulate the magnetically responsive beads within the droplet. In some cases, the droplet may include a sample droplet may include a target analyte.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Arjun Sudarsan, Ramakrishna Sista
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Publication number: 20140023566Abstract: The present invention relates to a microchannel chip capable of preventing fluid leakage caused by a lamination defect. Bottomed first regions, second regions, and third regions are formed by joining a film to a lower surface of the chip main body of a microchannel chip. The third regions are in communication with the second regions and are formed on carbon inks. The third regions are formed wider than the carbon inks are. The third regions are filled with an electroconductive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: ENPLAS CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoki Nakano, Koichi Ono
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Patent number: 8631813Abstract: A method for producing a microfluidic system, containing at least one microfluidic component having at least one microfluidically active surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a microfluidic composite substrate having a connection side, comprising at least one microfluidic component introduced into a polymer composition, wherein the microfluidically active surface of said component forms a part of the connection side of the microfluidic composite substrate. The method further includes providing a mating substrate having a connection side for connection to the microfluidic composite substrate. Also, the method includes providing microfluidic structures at least on the connection side of the composite substrate and/or on the connection side of the mating substrate at least for the purpose of forming a microfluidic channel structure in the microfluidic system.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ricardo Ehrenpfordt, Mathias Bruendel, Frieder Haag, Jochen Rupp, Ulrike Scholz
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Patent number: 8632734Abstract: A microreaction device or system (4) includes at least one thermal control fluidic passage (C,E) and a principal working fluidic passage (A) with average cross-sectional area in the range of 0.25 to 100 mm2, and having a primary entrance (92) and multiple secondary entrances (94) with the spacing between secondary entrances (94) having a length along the passage (A) of at least two times the root of the average cross-sectional area of the passage (A). The device or system (4) also includes at least one secondary working fluidic passage (B) having an entrance (102) and multiple exits (106) including a final exit (106), each exit (106) being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the multiple secondary entrances (94) of the principal fluidic passage (A).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Philippe J Barthe, Nikolaus Bieler, Celine Claude Guermeur, Olivier Lobet, Maxime Moreno, Dominique Roberge, Pierre Woehl
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Publication number: 20140017150Abstract: A microfluidic droplet generator device, a kit of parts for assembling a microfluidic droplet generator device, and a method of generating microfluidic droplets. The generator device comprises a substrate; a microfluidic channel formed in the substrate; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel; and a mechanical element configured such that vibration of the mechanical element causes droplet dispensing from the fluid outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Agency for Science, Technology and ResearchInventors: Wei Wang, Zhiping Wang
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Patent number: 8628732Abstract: Provided is an immobilization device for fitting a connecting member of a chip and a connecting member of a cover together, where a spatial clearance between the chip and cover is small. The immobilization device includes a substrate (102), a cover means (101) including a fitting means to fit with a chip (103) placed on the substrate (102), a rotating arm means (201) rotatably joined to a first joining means (301) of the substrate (102) and to a second joining means (302) of the cover means (101), and a parallel maintaining means (203) for fitting the fitting means and the chip (103) together with the fitting means and the chip (103) maintained in substantially parallel by the first joining means (301) or the second joining means (302) moving along a chip surface or a plane parallel to the chip surface. The fitting means rotates freely against the chip (103).Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Minoru Asogawa, Hayataro Kochi
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Patent number: 8628972Abstract: A device for identifying infection by the malaria parasite includes a microfluidic device having an inlet and an outlet and a diagnostic channel interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The diagnostic channel includes a contact surface and a sample pump configured to pump a RBC-containing sample into the inlet. The contact surface may be at least one of hydrophilic and roughened. Malaria infected RBCs (miRBCs) interact with the contact surface and become immobilized thereon whereas non-infected RBCs continue to flow downstream in the diagnostic channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: William C. Tang, Yu-Hsiang Hsu
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Patent number: 8628729Abstract: Three-dimensional microfluidic devices including by a plurality of patterned porous, hydrophilic layers and a fluid-impermeable layer disposed between every two adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layers are described. Each patterned porous, hydrophilic layer has a fluid-impermeable barrier which substantially permeates the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic layer and defines boundaries of one or more hydrophilic regions within the patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. The fluid-impermeable layer has openings which are aligned with at least part of the hydrophilic region within at least one adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. Microfluidic assay device, microfluidic mixer, microfluidic flow control device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Emanuel Carrilho, Andres W. Martinez, Katherine A. Mirica, Scott T. Phillips, Adam C. Siegel, Benjamin Wiley, George M. Whitesides
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Patent number: 8623295Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLCInventors: John Richard Gilbert, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
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Patent number: 8623294Abstract: A channel control mechanism for a microchip has a laminated structure formed of members including elastic members, and includes: a sample reservoir for packing a sample therein; a reaction reservoir in which mixture and reaction of the sample are performed; and a channel formed in a middle layer of the laminated structure, for bringing the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir into communication with each other. The channel control mechanism performs the reaction and analysis in such a manner that the sample is delivered into the reaction reservoir through the channel. A shutter channel (pressurizing channel) is provided in a layer different from a layer in which the channel is formed so that the pressurizing channel partially overlaps the channel. The channel is closed through applying a pressurized medium to the shutter channel (pressurizing channel), and the channel is opened through releasing a pressure of the pressurized medium.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Minoru Asogawa, Hisashi Hagiwara, Tohru Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 8623296Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: Sean M. Desmond, Zbigniew T. Bryning, John Shigeura, Gary Lim, Adrian Fawcett, Jacob K. Freudenthal, Gary Bordenkircher
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Patent number: 8617489Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: CorSolutions LLCInventors: Thomas N. Corso, Colleen K. Van Pelt
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Patent number: 8617485Abstract: A sensor strip apparatus includes: a top plate having an entrance opening downward and a joint formed downward; a pad section including a support having a window opening downward, a reaction pad attached to the window of the support and reacting with a specimen, first and second hemolysis inhibition pads attached to the reaction pad to filter hemocytes from the specimen, a specimen pad attached to the first and second hemolysis inhibition pads to diffuse the specimen crosswise, and an adhesive film attached to the support around the first and second hemolysis inhibition pads to increase adhesion strength of the specimen pad; and a bottom plate having a second joint forcibly coupled with to the joint of the top plate, and a window configured to indentify the reaction pad through the window of the support.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: SD Biosensor, Inc.Inventors: Hyo Geun Lee, Hyo Lim Park, Eun Sun Song, Byung Hak Song
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Patent number: 8617899Abstract: A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Dirk De Bruyker, Ali Asgar Saleem Bhagat, Alan G. Bell, Michael I. Recht, Francisco E. Torres
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Patent number: 8617488Abstract: Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Tim Woudenberg, Jing Wang, Hou-Pu Chou
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Patent number: 8617905Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Mark A. Burns, Brian N. Johnson, Michael Chen
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Patent number: 8617487Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Venture lending & Leasing VI, Inc.Inventors: James Plante, David Becker, Edgar MacBean, Kathryn J. Elliott
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Patent number: 8609038Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force-based microfluidic device, in which biochemical treatments of samples are executed, and a method of fabricating the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device is mountable on a rotatable device and includes: a disk-shaped portion; and an inlet hole defined within, configured to receive fluid from outside the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device having a first opening with a first inner diameter, and a second opening disposed on the first opening having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter, and a depth of the second opening greater than a height of a fluid droplet formable in the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chung-ung Kim, Ki-ju Lee, Jong-jin Park, Dong-hwi Cho, Su-bong Bae, Jong-cheol Kim
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Patent number: 8609039Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln C. Young
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Publication number: 20130330246Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-fluidic device comprising a process channel having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls, the process channel having a height between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, a width between 1.0 and 50 mm and support means within said process channel. The support means extends between the bottom wall and the top wall of the process channel in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the top wall. The micro-fluidic device comprises at least one heat exchange means parallel to the process channel and optionally comprises a static mixing element. The present invention further relates to a kit of parts and a micro-fluidic system comprising such micro-fluidic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: CHEMTRIX B.V.Inventor: Charl P. Stemmet
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Patent number: 8603415Abstract: A microchip including a separation portion for separating a first component and a second component from a sample containing the first component and the second component, respectively, a first collection portion for collecting the first component, a second collection portion for collecting the second component, a first flow path for guiding the first component from the separation portion to the first collection portion, and a second flow path for guiding the second component from the separation portion to the second collection portion is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Yamaichi
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Patent number: 8603414Abstract: A micro-cassette 1 stores a sample, a reagent, and an additive, and comprises a sensor measures the component of measurement item. Analysis device 2 comprises liquid control unit controls each liquid in micro-cassette 1. Mixing controller 33 mixes the sample and the additive sent to sample processing unit 13, and generates the first sample includes a formed element. Isolation unit 14 generates the second sample from the first sample sent from sample processing unit 13. Sensor 18 measures the compound liquid of the second sample and reagent, and generates the analysis signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Naoko Omuro, Shoichi Kanayama
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Patent number: 8603412Abstract: A microchannel structure is provided wherein supplied fluids are prevented from transuding via a lamination interface into channels for a mixture or reaction product. A method is further provided for producing an emulsion having a uniform particle size under a high pressure condition by using the microchannel structure. The microchannel structure comprises one or more layers having notches to constitute channels, laminated and pressed between a pair of frames having an outside communicating hole to constitute a channel, so as to form microchannels to mix/react fluids, channels to supply the fluids to the microchannels, and a channel to discharge the fluids from the microchannels, wherein a channel for discharging a transudation fluid is provided to recover a fluid having transuded at a lamination interface so as not to let it enter into the channels including the microchannels and discharge it to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignees: Asahi Glass Company, Limited, AGC Si-Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Katayama
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Patent number: 8603834Abstract: A method of actuating a valve, comprises operatively coupling the valve with an electroosmotic pump; flowing a fluid through the electroosmotic pump; and generating a fluidic pressure of at least 0.75 PSI to actuate the valve, wherein the electroosmotic pump comprises one or more thin, porous, positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more thin porous, negative electroosmotic membranes; a plurality of electrodes comprising cathodes and anodes, and a power source; wherein each of the positive and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and wherein at least one of the cathodes is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one of the anodes is disposed on the other side of the membrane and wherein at least one of the cathodes or anodes is disposed between a positive and a negative electroosmotic membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, Christopher Fred Keimel, Craig Patrick Galligan
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Patent number: 8597594Abstract: An apparatus for fragmenting nucleic acid. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir that comprises a fluid having nucleic acids. The apparatus can also include a shear wall that is positioned within the sample reservoir. The shear wall includes a porous core medium that has pores that are sized to permit nucleic acids to flow therethrough. The apparatus also includes first and second chambers that are separated by the shear wall. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with each other through the porous core medium of the shear wall. Also, the apparatus may include first and second electrodes that are located within the first and second chambers, respectively. The first and second electrodes are configured to generate an electric field that induces a flow of the sample fluid. The nucleic acids move through the shear wall thereby fragmenting the nucleic acids.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Illumina, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Posner, Kamil Salloum, Michal Lebl, Mark Reed, Dale Buermann, Matthew Hage, Bryan Crane, David Heiner, Robert Kain, Michael Schroeder
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Patent number: 8597574Abstract: A microfluidic diagnosis kit used in biochemical analysis obtains a premeasured amount of reagents in an applicator for an analysis system. The required reagents are proportioned as non-volatile agents and a microfluidic system is provided, whereby the reagents are automatically dissolved in a solvent and fed to a sensor module to carry out measurement.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Walter Gumbrecht, Manfred Stanzel
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Patent number: 8596150Abstract: An inlet (37a) of a capillary tube channel that feeds a liquid from a mixing cavity (39) to measurement spots is formed near one (4) of the wall surfaces of the upper and lower surfaces of the mixing cavity (39) situated in a direction of oscillation for mixing. On the other wall surface (3), a level difference (39a) is formed such that an inner gap is larger than an outer gap in the mixing cavity (39), so that a solution is reliably fed from the mixing cavity to the measurement cells.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Saiki, Tomohiro Kijima, Kenji Ishibashi, Kouzou Tagashira
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Patent number: 8597592Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignees: CapitalBio Corporation, Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Dong Wang, Kun Zou, Jing Cheng
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Patent number: 8591830Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising: (a) a base substrate comprising electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations on a droplet operations surface thereof; (b) a droplet comprising one or more beads situated on the droplet operations surface; (c) a barrier arranged in relation to the droplet and the electrodes such that a droplet may be transported away from the beads using one or more droplet operations mediated by one or more of the electrodes while transport of the beads is restrained by a barrier. Related methods and kits are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Arjun Sudarsan, Michael G. Pollack, Prasanna Thwar, Dwayne Allen
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Patent number: 8592219Abstract: A method for transporting in a microfluidic conduit an aliquot of a liquid, possibly containing a substance I, which is dissolved in the liquid and typically exhibits charged groups and/or hydrophobic groups. The method is characterized in that the liquid contains an amphiphilic macromolecular substance.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Gyros Patent ABInventors: Rickard Kange, Mats Inganas, Magnus Gustafsson, Johan Engstrom, Bo Ek, Helene Dérand, Ann-Kristine Honerud
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Patent number: 8591831Abstract: A fluid analysis chip includes a channel formed within the chip. The chip includes a sample inlet and a sample outlet communicating with an outside of the chip, where the sample inlet and the sample outlet communicate with each other through the closed channel. An expanding part of the channel is formed in a longitudinal direction of the channel in such a manner that a pair of inner walls of the channel define an inner surface of the expanding part, and the expanding part has a larger sectional area than the channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: NanoEnTek, Inc.Inventors: Jun Ha Park, Chan Il Chung, Jun Keun Chang
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Patent number: 8592221Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventors: Seth Fraden, Hakim Boukellal, Yanwei Jia, Seila Selimovic, Amy Rowat, Jeremy Agresti, David A. Weitz
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Patent number: 8590567Abstract: A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Semba Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Paul Wilke, Robert Charles Mierendorf, Anthony Charles Grabski, Cunjiang Cheng
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Patent number: 8585963Abstract: Trays comprising a base have a plurality of axial slots adapted to receive buffer or other medical solution containers within the slots. A spring or other compression element at the bottom of the slot is configured to engage a plunger at the bottom of the solution container when present in the slot so that pressure is applied to the contents of the container in order to stabilize the contents while the containers are sterilized at an elevated temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Onpharma, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Christian, Harry Nguyen, Matthew J. Stepovich
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Patent number: 8586381Abstract: A mobile intra-operative microscopic diagnosis laboratory capable of analyzing fresh tissue specimens and providing intra-operative consultation within 20 minutes is described. The mobile laboratory is preferably a van and contains a cryostat for freezing the fresh tissue specimens and a means for cutting the specimens. In addition, it also contains the means for reading the slides to make microscopic diagnosis and a means for handling for fresh tissue and a means for indicating various locations in the specimen, preferably by inking them. It preferably contains a stainer for staining the samples and an intercom for communicating the microscopic diagnosis back to the operating room.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: V. Raman Sukumar
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Publication number: 20130302817Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for handheld diagnostics and assays. The device includes a base having outer surface and a channel therethough for receiving fluid therein. The channel has input and output ports communicating with the outer surface. A lid is also provided. The lid has an outer surface, a first well having a port communicating with the outer surface of the lid, and a second well having a port communicating with the outer surface. The lid moveable between a first disengaged position and a second engaged position wherein the first port of the lid is adjacent the input port of the channel and the second port is adjacent the output port of the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Erwin Berthier, Eric Sackmann, Peter Cavnar, David Beebe, David John Guckenberger
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Patent number: 8580209Abstract: A microfluidic device meters liquids into a network of channels or chambers partly formed by a film partly attached to and above a substrate, the network permitting flow of fluid above the substrate. To form a channel or chamber, the edge zone between unattached and attached portions of the film forms a wedge of material by viscous flow of film material as the film is laminated to the substrate, this wedge forming a transition between the chamber wall and the substrate, raising the wall above the plane of the substrate. Film is laminated with a mask having an opening, the mask pressed onto the film under pressure and/or with heat. The film is brought to a temperature to produce a viscous flow of film and/or substrate medium into the region of the opening, forming a wedge of material as the film bulges up at the opening to form a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbHInventors: Dirk Kurowski, Mario Hempel, Gert Blankenstein, Tobias Rodenfels
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Patent number: 8580568Abstract: A method including automatically displaying information obtained from a first identifier associated with a slide and a second identifier associated with a reagent cartridge. The method further including generating a staining log based on the information obtained from the first identifier and the second identifier. A further method includes displaying a location of a slide within a sample processing system and information obtained from a first identifier associated with the slide in a first table and displaying a location of a reagent cartridge within a sample processing system and information obtained from a second identifier associated with the reagent cartridge in a second table. The first table is then aligned with the second table.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Evans, Anthony L. Hartman, Richard A. Suchter, Gilles Lefebvre
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Patent number: 8580201Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: OligoCo, Inc.Inventors: Hsing-Yeh Parker, John C. Tabone, John Mulligan
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Patent number: 8580575Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reactor plate which prevents the entry of foreign matter from outside and the pollution of an outside environment. The reactor plate includes a sealed reaction well (5), reaction well channels (13, 15, 17) connected to the reaction well (5), and a syringe (51) for sending a liquid to the reaction well channels (13, 15, 17) and the reaction well (5). The syringe (51) has a cylinder (51a), a plunger (51b), and a cover body (51d). The cover body (51d) has flexibility in the sliding direction of the plunger (51b), and is connected to the cylinder (51a) and the plunger (51b) to create a sealed space (51e) enclosed with the cylinder (51a), the plunger (51b), and the cover body (51d). The cover body (51d) is provided to hermetically cut off a part of an inner wall of the cylinder (51a) to be brought into contact with the plunger (51b) from an atmosphere outside the cylinder (51a).Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Nobuhiro Hanafusa
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Publication number: 20130294982Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Shigeru Takahashi, Masaaki Sakurai, Jiro Wakamatsu
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Patent number: 8573259Abstract: A modular microfluidic system comprising a base substrate, a plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and an adhesive component is provided. Each individual microfluidic assembly block defines a channel and has a sidewall defining an aperture into the channel. When the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks are arranged on the base substrate, the aperture into the channel of one microfluidic assembly block aligns with the aperture of another microfluidic assembly block with the channels thereof connected along a plane parallel to the base substrate thereby forming a channel network defined by the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks. The subject invention also provides a method of assembling a microfluidic device. The method comprising the steps of providing the base substrate, providing the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and arranging the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks on the base substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Mark A. Burns, Minsoung Rhee, Sean M. Langelier, Brian N. Johnson
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Patent number: 8574513Abstract: A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Samson Chen, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8568668Abstract: Micro droplets are accurately placed in a reaction well. The reaction well (5) is formed in one surface of a well base (3). A channel base (11) is placed on the well base (3). The channel base (11) has, in its surface joined to the well base (3), a liquid introduction channel (12a) and a reaction well air vent channel (18a). The channel base (11) also has a recess (27) formed opposite to the reaction well (5) and recessed upward from the upper surface of the liquid introduction channel (12a). When viewed from above, a shoulder part (26) of the recess (27) is placed near the connection part between the reaction well (5) and the liquid introduction channel (12a) and is closer to the center of the reaction well (5) than a shoulder part (16) of the reaction well (5).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Masakazu Akechi, Masaki Kanai, Takahiro Nishimoto, Nobuhiro Hanafusa
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Patent number: 8563325Abstract: A coaxial fluid flow microreactor system disposed on a microfluidic chip utilizing laminar flow for synthesizing particles from solution. Flow geometries produced by the mixing system make use of hydrodynamic focusing to confine a core flow to a small axially-symmetric, centrally positioned and spatially well-defined portion of a flow channel cross-section to provide highly uniform diffusional mixing between a reactant core and sheath flow streams. The microreactor is fabricated in such a way that a substantially planar two-dimensional arrangement of microfluidic channels will produce a three-dimensional core/sheath flow geometry. The microreactor system can comprise one or more coaxial mixing stages that can be arranged singly, in series, in parallel or nested concentrically in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Bartsch, Michael P. Kanouff, Scott M. Ferko, Robert W. Crocker, Karl Wally
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Patent number: 8557198Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Micronics, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Saltsman, Mingchao Shen, Jeffrey M. Houkal, Christy A. Lancaster, C. Frederick Battrell, Bernhard H. Weigl
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Patent number: 8557199Abstract: A power source for actuation of a microfluidic device and related devices, methods and systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: James Heath, Lidong Qin