Analyzer, Structured Indicator, Or Manipulative Laboratory Device Patents (Class 422/50)
  • Patent number: 9316583
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9304518
    Abstract: Valves, pumps, detectors, sample loops, fraction collectors and the like are individually incorporated into modules that are mountable in interchangeable manner at individual mounting sites on a base unit which also supports one or more chromatography columns. Each module includes fluid connections to other modules and a microcontroller joining the module to a computed and monitor through an electronic connector at each mounting site. The fluid connections between the modules and the column(s) are removed from the electronic connections and accessible to the user. A software platform recognizes the modules and their locations, coordinates fluid connections between the modules, and provides a variety of control, monitoring, data generating and data processing functions to generate chromatographic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Iovanni, Alec Gordon, Bob Avarbock, Wayne Bland, Glenn Price, Ken Baker, Farah Mavandadi, Christof Schultz
  • Patent number: 9279797
    Abstract: An electro-optical stimulation and recording system is disclosed, including a substrate and a plurality of wells coupled to the substrate. The system also includes at least one electrode set disposed proximate a respective one of the plurality of wells, wherein the electrode set comprises at least one electrode configured to collect an electric signal associated with at least a portion of the respective well. The system also includes a light-emitting element set corresponding to a respective one of the wells and configured to deliver optical stimulation to at least a portion of the respective well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AXION BIOSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Perry Clements, Amanda Jervis Preyer, Swaminathan Rajaraman, Daniel Christopher Millard, James David Ross
  • Patent number: 9279801
    Abstract: Electrophysiology culture plates are provided and are formed from a transparent microelectrode array (MEA) plate. The MEA plate comprises a substrate, a first layer and a first insulating layer. The substrate has a plurality of vias extending from an upper to a lower surface, each via being in electrical contact with each of a plurality of contact pads disposed on the lower surface. The first layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and has a plurality of MEA arrays in in electrical communication with at least a first routing layer. Each MEA array comprises a plurality of reference electrodes and a plurality of microelectrodes and the first routing layer is in electrical communication with a select number of the plurality of vias. A first insulating layer is disposed on the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AXION BIOSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Swaminathan Rajaraman, James D. Ross, Amanda Preyer
  • Patent number: 9267931
    Abstract: A method for identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of an automated hematology analyzer and the detection of the light scattered, absorbed, and fluorescently emitted by each cell. More particularly, the aforementioned method involves identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of a light source having a wavelength ranging from about 400 nm to about 450 nm and multiple in-flow optical measurements and staining without the need for lysing red blood cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Martin Krockenberger, Jiong Wu, Bodo Roemer, Giacomo Vacca
  • Patent number: 9261495
    Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Martin Krockenberger, Richard Bordenkircher, Diana Garrett, John Glazier, James Bearden, Bodo Roemer, Giacomo Vacca
  • Patent number: 9261515
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for determining the volume or hemoglobin content of an individual red blood cell in a sample containing a population of red blood cells. The method may be performed on a hematology analyzer. Also provided are a hematology analyzer for performing the method and a computer-readable medium containing programming for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Giacomo Vacca, Martin Krockenberger, Diana Garrett
  • Patent number: 9242246
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sample container, comprising a housing which forms a sample space for receiving a sample and has at least one circular opening which extends in a channel-shaped manner into the sample space, and further comprising a spherical closing element, wherein the diameter of the closing element only exceeds the diameter of the opening channel in at least one (closing) portion to such an extent that the closing element can be fixed in a force-locked manner by its largest circumference in the closing portion, wherein the spherical closing element is in contact with the housing, and the opening channel between the closing portion and the inner opening forms a protrusion which reduces the opening cross section of the opening channel with respect to the opening cross section in the closing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: QIAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Simons, Dirk Leber, Harald Quintel, Sasa Lazevski, Bruno Walder, Andreas Bretscher, Thomas Voit
  • Patent number: 9234884
    Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Siyang Zheng, Jeffrey Chun-Hui Lin, Harvey L. Kasdan
  • Patent number: 9222935
    Abstract: A fluid analysis system may include a stage configured to receive a sample holder including a fluid sample to be analyzed. The fluid analysis system may also include a fluid analyzer configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the fluid sample to be analyzed; and an inclined rail; wherein the stage is configured to move along the inclined rail to cause the sample holder to move with a first component of motion along an analysis axis of the fluid analyzer and simultaneously with a second component of motion orthogonal to the analysis axis of the fluid analyzer, wherein the first component of motion affects a focus of the fluid analyzer relative to at least one constituent of the fluid sample to be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Pixcell Medical Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Avishay Bransky, Liron Shlomo
  • Patent number: 9211537
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a plurality of reaction chambers in fluid communication with a flow channel formed in an elastomeric substrate, a vapor barrier for preventing evaporation from the plurality of reaction chambers, and a continuous phase fluid for isolation of each of the plurality of reaction chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Carl Lars Genghis Hansen, Carolina Tropini
  • Patent number: 9205433
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may 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. The redistributing of the magnetically responsive beads may cause target analyte to bind to the magnetically responsive beads. In some cases, the droplet may include unbound substances in a wash buffer. The redistributing of the magnetically responsive beads causes unbound substances to be freed from interstices of an aggregated set or subset of the magnetically responsive beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasanna Thwar, Vamsee K. Pamula, Arjun Sudarsan, Ramakrishna Sista
  • Patent number: 9207235
    Abstract: Provided is a reaction device for nucleic acid analysis wherein microparticles, which carry a nucleic acid to be detected having been immobilized thereon, are aligned in a lattice form on a substrate according to the pixel size of a two-dimensional sensor. By this reaction device for nucleic acid analysis which is provided with a channel-forming reaction chamber on the substrate (101), the nucleic acid having been immobilized on the microparticles (103) on the substrate (101) is detected. The microparticles (103), which carry the nucleic acid to be detected having been immobilized thereon, are arranged by microstructures (102) aligned on the substrate (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Sugimura, Masatoshi Narahara, Kazumichi Imai, Toshiro Saito, Ryoji Inaba, Takuya Matsui
  • Patent number: 9199235
    Abstract: A test chip includes a substrate, a lid member, a separation portion, a first flow path, and a first holding portion. The substrate includes a surface on which a flow path is formed. The lid member covers the surface of the substrate. By centrifugal force, the separation portion separates components of a test object liquid into a separated component and a residual component having a larger specific gravity than a specific gravity of the separated component. The first flow path guides the separated component from the separation portion to a receiving portion. The first holding portion holds at least part of the residual component overflowing from the separation portion in a case where the separated component separated in the separation portion is moved from the separation portion to the receiving portion. The first holding portion is connected to at least one of the separation portion and the first flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yumiko Oshika, Chisato Yoshimura, Chie Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9180449
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a cuvette apparatus including: a lid and a body, the body including a fluid channel disposed therein; and the lid including at least one opening aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thereby providing access to the fluid channel in the body. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Jim Duncan, Aria Farjam, Jim Harbridge, Brian Harmon, Ulrich Lundgreen, Darren MacFarland, Leon Moore, Perry Palumbo, William Louis Pherigo, Jr., Robert Stoughton, Luke Waaler
  • Patent number: 9168525
    Abstract: A method for producing a microfluidic device includes: a) forming a carrier plate in an injection compression molding tool; b) arranging at least one functional element on one side of the carrier plate; c) forming a cover plate in an injection compression molding tool, wherein the injection compression molding tool is the same or different than that used to form the carrier plate; and d) arranging the cover plate on the carrier plate to cover the at least one functional element and to seal the fluidic device in an airtight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Geise
  • Patent number: 9170247
    Abstract: A concentration measuring device with which the concentration measurement of a test substance can be facilitated as compared to a conventional technique is provided. The concentration measuring device includes: first to third pipes together forming a circulation path through which a gas can circulate; a pump for flowing the gas in a circulating direction in the circulation path; a sample disposed in the circulation path; and a concentration measuring mechanism for measuring a concentration of a target substance from the sample in the circulation path. The concentration measuring mechanism includes, for example, a sample heater, a catalyst, a catalyst heater, a detection chamber, a concentration sensor, and a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: DAIKI RIKA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masayuki Oishi
  • Patent number: 9138744
    Abstract: An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Tsao, Hiroshi Inoue, Shulin Zeng, Brian Murphy, Kenton C. Hasson
  • Patent number: 9140713
    Abstract: A method of operating the automated sample workcell for processing one or more biological samples is presented. The method comprises receiving one or more biological samples. Each biological sample is contained in a sample tube. Each sample tube is a tube type. If a test order was received for at least one of the biological samples, the test order being indicative of one or more first processing steps, the workcell can automatically execute the one or more first processing steps. If the test order was not received, one or more second processing steps can be determined based on the tube type of the sample tube that contains the at least one biological sample and the one or more second processing steps can then be executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Furrer, Joerg Haechler, Andrzej Knafel
  • Patent number: 9115395
    Abstract: An apparatus for photometric measurement of biological liquids and a method of simultaneously measuring the presence or quantity of an analyte in a sample region are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced apart sample regions; a light source adapted to emit light including at least one frequency; a lens system including a light coupling system, wherein the light coupling system is disposed between the light source and the plurality of sample regions. A method is also disclosed including illuminating the sample region with a light beam emitted from a light source, wherein said light beam passes a light coupling system, the light coupling system including a telecentric element and a plurality of light mixing rods, wherein the light coupling system is disposed between the light source and the sample region such that the light beam is directed into the sample region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Joachim Wietzorrek
  • Patent number: 9108220
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a device for fragmenting molecules in a sample by ultrasound is provided. The device comprises a planar-shaped cartridge and a fragmentation instrument that has a vessel-like shape. By means of applying under-pressure in the fragmentation instrument the cartridge is pulled towards the fragmentation instrument and therefore spatially closes a fluid compartment that is comprised by the fragmentation instrument. Afterwards, an ultrasound treatment of the sample, which is comprised in a sample compartment of the cartridge, may be processed. A sealing layer is provided in between the cartridge and the fragmentation instrument in order to hold the fixation of the cartridge tightly and in order to provide for leakage prevention out of the fluid compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Cristian Bogdan Craus, Jacob Marinus Jan Den Toonder, Roel Penterman, Pieter Jan Van Der Zaag
  • Patent number: 9096899
    Abstract: Biosensor cartridge includes a flow cell having inlet and outlet ports and a flow channel that extends therebetween. The flow cell includes a substrate field having a plurality of reaction chambers. The reaction chambers have apertures that open onto the flow channel. The biosensor cartridge also includes an activity detector that is coupled to the flow cell and has an array of pixels that has a fixed position relative to the substrate field of the flow cell. The pixels are assigned to select reaction chambers such that activity detected by the pixels indicates that a desired reaction has occurred within the select reaction chamber. The biosensor cartridge also includes an exterior side surface having a plurality of electrical contacts thereon that are communicatively coupled to the pixels. The electrical contacts of the side surface are configured to engage corresponding mating contacts of a bioassay system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Tarun Khurana, Behnam Javanmardi, Poorya Sabounchi, Majid Aghababazadeh
  • Patent number: 9075047
    Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Linder, David Steinmiller, Samuel K. Sia
  • Patent number: 9068967
    Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring prothrombin time (PT) and hematocrit (HCT) by analyzing the change in reactance in a sample are presented. A diagnostic device for measuring HCT and PT of a fluid includes a relative electrode-type sensor device and a blood test card assembly including one or more pairs of electrodes, wherein alternating current (AC) provided by the sensor device is used to measure and calculate HCT and PT of blood test using the reactance analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Apex Biotechnology Corp.
    Inventors: Sz-Hau Chen, Yueh-Hui Lin, Ching-Yuan Chu, Chu-Ming Cheng, Guan-Ting Chen, Yi-Chen Lu, Thomas Y. S. Shen
  • Patent number: 9062342
    Abstract: A system that includes a cartridge housing and a hollow transfer module, according to an embodiment is described herein. The cartridge housing further includes at least one sample inlet, a plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of reaction chambers, and a fluidic network. The fluidic network is designed to connect the at least one sample inlet, a portion of the plurality of storage chambers and the portion of the plurality of reaction chambers to a first plurality of ports located on an inner surface of the cartridge housing. The hollow transfer module includes a second plurality of ports along an outer surface of the transfer module that lead to a central chamber within the transfer module. The transfer module is designed to move laterally within the cartridge housing. The lateral movement of the transfer module aligns at least a portion of the first plurality of ports with at least a portion of the second plurality of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: STAT-Diagnostica & Innovation, S.L.
    Inventors: Jordi Carrera Fabra, Anna Comengés Casas, Rafael Bru Gibert
  • Patent number: 9063057
    Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
  • Patent number: 9057721
    Abstract: An assay device may include a first cylinder that includes a first end that is closed and a second, opposite end that is open. The first cylinder may include one or more reservoirs that are compressible and store one or more reagents. The device may include a test chamber to which the reservoirs are connected, and in which the sample can be inserted to perform the assay; and a second cylinder that includes a third end that is closed and a fourth, opposite end that is open. The fourth end may fit within the second end to enable the second cylinder to be attached to, and rotate within, the first cylinder. The third end may include a member that compresses the reservoirs, in a predetermined order, as the second cylinder is rotated within the first cylinder to cause the reagents to flow, to the test chamber, in the predetermined order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Point of Care Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Francis Marion, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9039976
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes at least one closed nodal anchor along a predetermined closed nodal path on at least one surface of a resonant mass. The resonant mass may be configured to resonate substantially in an in-plane contour mode. Drive and/or sense electrodes may be disposed within a cavity formed at least in part by the resonant mass, the closed nodal anchor, and a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Sparks, William D. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 9039994
    Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for determining if a subject has myocardial ischemia, comprising (a) providing a blood sample obtained from a subject suspected of having myocardial ischemia; (b) determining in the sample the amount of one or more of the following proteins: (i) Lumican and/or (ii) Extracellular matrix protein 1 and/or (iii) Carboxypeptidase N; and (c) comparing the amount(s) of the protein(s) to a baseline value that is indicative of the amount of the protein in a subject that does not have myocardial ischemia, wherein a statistically significantly increased amount of the protein(s) compared to the baseline value is indicative of myocardial ischemia. Other proteins indicative of myocardial ischemia are also described, as are methods for treating a subject based on a diagnostic procedure of the invention, and kits for carrying out a method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jennifer Van Eyk, Simon Sheng, Qin Fu
  • Patent number: 9041419
    Abstract: Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for monitoring aging of an item. A solid-state structure is located within, adjacent to, or otherwise proximate the item, the solid-state structure including nanostructures. The electrical resistance and/or magnetization of the solid-state structure is determined to determine the degree of aging of the item. In representative examples, the solid-state structure includes nanostructures of a metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal, within a non-magnetic matrix, such as a semimetal, semiconductor, or insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Gregory G. Kenning
  • Patent number: 9039992
    Abstract: A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventor: Patrick P. Fritchie
  • Patent number: 9034651
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determination of ion concentrations, particularly in downhole water from hydrocarbon wells, aquifers etc. It is useful in a wide range of applications, including predicting the formation of scale and fingerprinting waters from different sources. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of ligands whose electronic configuration is altered by the binding of the scaling ions within a water sample. These alterations are detected electrochemically by applying varying potential to electrodes and measuring current flow as potential is varied, from which is derived the concentration of scaling ions in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Andrew Meredith, Markus Pagels, Amilra Prasanna De Silva
  • Patent number: 9034660
    Abstract: A first set of antibodies are bonded to a substrate, and are exposed to and bonded with target antigens. A second set of antibodies are bonded to nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle labeled antibodies are exposed to the targeted antigens. An electromagnetic write-head magnetizes the nanoparticles, and then a read-sensor detects the freshly magnetized nanoparticles. The substrate comprises a flexible film or a Peltier material to allow selective heating and cooling of the antigens and antibodies. Nanoparticles of different magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Lee Curtis Randall, Stephen Leonard Schwartz, Anna W. Topol, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 9034259
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting cell particles in a liquid flow, which comprises a flow-defining block including a flow chamber receiving a sample conduit and a flow cell having a flow channel. The system also comprises a strobe block including a imaging device for taking an image of a jet flow ejected from the flow-defining block and a plurality of droplets in a given image area. The flow-defining block and the strobe block are detachably connected each other. Further the strobe block includes a nozzle plate having a nozzle channel between a receiving end and a nozzle. The flow-defining block includes a discharge end opposite to the receiving end and a channel enlarged portion of which cross section taken along a predetermined plane perpendicular to a flow direction has an area increasing towards the discharge end. The discharge end and the receiving end have substantially the same open distance in the predetermined plane perpendicular to the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BAY BIOSCIENCE KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiko Kanda
  • Patent number: 9034258
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a molecularly imprinted structure for detection of a pentraxin protein and a method for preparing the same by synthesizing a reactive group-pentraxin protein ligand complex specifically reacting with the pentraxin protein and being polymerizable with a crosslink agent to detect a pentraxin protein by using the complex. The present disclosure also provides a chip for detection of a C-reactive protein and a method for preparing the same, the chip including a molecularly imprinted layer having excellent sensitivity to a C-reactive protein and an improved binding force to a metal substrate by using click chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sang Won Jeong, Eun Joo Kim, Hyun-Chul Kim, Se Geun Lee, Sung Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 9034262
    Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor including a substrate, two or more electrodes, a conductive layer applied to the substrate and a molecularly imprinted polymer layer applied to the conductive layer is disclosed herein The MIP sensor may form part of an MIP sensor system that can be used to detect and quantify target molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Joseph J. Belbruno, Ursula J. Gibson, Jane E. G. Lipson, Martin N. Wybourne
  • Patent number: 9029158
    Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Siyang Zheng, Jeffrey Chun-Hui Lin, Harvey Kasdan
  • Patent number: 9028757
    Abstract: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Super Resolution Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Alexeevich Klimov, Dmitry Andreevich Klimov, Evgeniy Andreevich Klimov, Tatiana Vitalyevna Klimova
  • Patent number: 9031701
    Abstract: An integrated system for determining a hemostasis and oxygen transport parameter of a blood sample, such as blood, is disclosed. The system includes a measurement system, such as an ultrasonic sensor, configured to determine data characterizing the blood sample. For example, the data could be displacement of the blood sample in response to ultrasonic pulses. An integrated aspect of the system may be a common sensor, sample portion or data for fast and efficient determination of both parameters. The parameters can also be used to correct or improve measured parameters. For example, physiological adjustments may be applied to the hemostatic parameters using a HCT measurement. Also, physical adjustments may be applied, such as through calibration using a speed or attenuation of the sound pulse through or by the blood sample. These parameters may be displayed on a GUI to guide treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: HemoSonics LLC
    Inventors: Francesco Viola, William F. Walker
  • Patent number: 9028772
    Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Huanfen Yao, Jeffrey George Linhardt, Babak Parviz
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9023654
    Abstract: A method for measuring bromate ions includes: an adding step of adding a fluorescent substance whose fluorescence intensity changes by the coexistence of bromate ions to sample water; a measuring step of measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance; a difference calculating step of calculating a difference between the fluorescence intensity measured and a reference fluorescence intensity of reference sample water that contains no bromate ion; and a concentration calculating step of calculating bromate ion concentration from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference. The measuring step includes a step of measuring the fluorescence intensity at any one of a case where an excitation wavelength is 264 nm and an emission wavelength is 400 nm, a case where the excitation wavelength is 264 nm and the emission wavelength is 480 nm, and a case where the excitation wavelength is 300 nm and the emission wavelength is 400 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsumi Konishi, Eri Hasegawa, Yoshiharu Tanaka, Shukuro Igarashi, Takao Ohtomo
  • Patent number: 9023655
    Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: IBIS Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jared J. Drader, Jose R. Gutierrez, Paul J. Gleason, Rex O. Bare, Robert D. Miller, Jeffrey C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9023283
    Abstract: A separate excitation and high sensitive resonant type mass sensor is provided. The resonant type mass sensor 1 includes: an oscillator 3; an vibrator 2 placed on the oscillator 3; and a detecting unit 5 for detecting the resonant frequency of the vibrator 2, and is characterized in that the vibrator 2 and the oscillator 3 are not coupled mechanically and that the vibrator 2 is not mechanically coupled to any members. The vibration of the vibrator 2 is represented by a standing wave. The vibrator 2 includes a molecular recognition means for recognizing the molecules of a substance to be measured. The molecular recognition means may collect specific molecules by antigen-antibody reaction. The vibrator 2 may include at least a magnetizable part. To the magnetizable part, magnetic beads 26, to which an antibody or antigen is immobilized, may be adsorbed magnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Incorporated National University Iwate University
    Inventor: Masaki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9023279
    Abstract: A self-contained assay facility housed in a fixed-wing or rotary wing aircraft that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, in bullion, by wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots are securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: AOW Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Chris M. Noyes
  • Patent number: 9017941
    Abstract: A method for nucleic acid analysis including injecting a slight amount of nucleic acid sample for analysis, characterized in that most of a nucleic acid sample which is not used, excluding the slight amount of the nucleic acid sample which is used for analysis, can be obtained as a pure product which is not contaminated with a fluorescent material, and a microchip for analyzing nucleic acid which enables such method for nucleic acid analysis, are provided. The method for nucleic acid analysis may analyze at least two different nucleic acid samples in a continuous manner by sequentially injecting the at least two different nucleic acid samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Jong Hoon Hahn, Byoung Joo Kwak, Han-Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 9012234
    Abstract: A mobile water analyzing system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes a basic unit and a test element configured to be inserted into the basic unit. The test element includes a sample line with an inlet opening configured to receive the water sample, a measuring section forming a measuring track and configured to allow the determination of an analyte, a pump opening, and a key reagent disposed inside the sample line. The basic unit includes a test element receptacle configured to hold the inserted test element, an analyzer with an analyzer measuring track formed by the measuring section, and a pump actuator cooperatively connected with the pump opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hach Lange GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Lundgreen, Aria Farjam, Rolf Uthemann, Andreas Mitreiter, Isabel Huenig, Markus Lenhard, Rainer Froemel, Hans-Joachim Kumpch
  • Patent number: 9012206
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of performing a sizing analysis. In the methods, a sizing ladder used in performing the sizing analysis is corrected. In one method, the sizing ladder is corrected for batch-to-batch variations in a sieving gel. In another method, the sizing ladder is corrected for a sample concentration that is different from the archival sizing ladder concentration. Methods are also provided in which the sizing ladder is corrected using a standard marker in a sample and/or using a real-time standard sizing ladder. The methods may be used individually or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Camporese, Advit Bhatt, Josh Molho, Hui Xu, Ken Summers
  • Patent number: 9005523
    Abstract: A method of decontaminating a room or space, comprising the steps of providing a cold-mist decontamination device capable of generating an atomized mist comprised of a decontaminant and water, inputting into an internal processor the parameters of the room or space and the concentration of the decontaminant in the decontamination solution, measuring the temperature and humidity in the room or space, and determining the maximum amount of the decontamination solution that can be introduced into the room or space in atomized form without condensing the decontaminant on surfaces within the room or space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hill, Thaddeus J. Mielnik
  • Patent number: 9005545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence and/or the reaction of a biomolecule by monitoring changes of electrical property accurately according to the biological, biochemical or chemical reaction of the biomolecule, and a biochip provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Digital Genomics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae-Hoon Lee