Used With Centrifuge Equipment Patents (Class 422/548)
  • Patent number: 8216516
    Abstract: An analytical system for performing centrifugal analysis on a working fluid with different components includes a uniform-dividing unit with a reduced cross section to divide the working fluid, a separating unit connected to the uniform-dividing unit, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a detection compartment and a constant-quantity region connected to the separating unit through a separation channel. When rotating the uniform-dividing unit, the working fluid located at the uniform-dividing unit is transmitted to and separated by the separating unit, thereby causing one component of the working fluid to be separated from the other component and transmitted to the detection compartment through the constant-quantity region. With constant-quantity region, the detection compartment can be prevented from flushing by the excess of the separated component, and thus yield of product detection can be increased and different assays detection is carried out with a small sample volume at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shaw-Hwa Parng, Chung-Hsien Tsai, Fu-Chun Huang, Chih-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 8211003
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a swing-out unit for a centrifuge, with the swing-out unit comprising sample vessel recesses and being insertable in a centrifuge rotor head to be swivelable about a swing-out axis, with the axes of at least two sample vessel recesses being arranged in a skewed manner with respect to one another. As a result, more sample vessels can be inserted in a swing-out unit than was previously possible with limited overall space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventor: Viktor Betke
  • Patent number: 8211002
    Abstract: A bucket is provided for use with a centrifuge rotor. The bucket includes a bucket body that has a side wall and a bottom wall. A pair of projections extend from the side wall on opposing sides of the bucket body and are configured for engagement with the centrifuge rotor. The bucket also includes reinforcing material coupled to the projections for restricting movement of the bucket body relative to the projections during centrifugation on the centrifuge rotor. The projections may include bushings that extend outwardly from the side wall for engaging corresponding pins on the centrifuge rotor. The projection may alternatively or additionally include pins for engaging corresponding journals on the centrifuge rotor. The bucket body may include a pair of diametrically opposed apertures, with each of the projections extending through one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fiberlite Centrifuge, LLC
    Inventors: Sina Piramoon, Alireza Piramoon
  • Publication number: 20120142514
    Abstract: A syringe for fat tissue components distinction including a specific gravity distinction member, and a fat tissue components separating method using the syringe. The syringe for distinguishing crude fat tissue components extracted from the human body into several fat tissue layers by specific gravity includes: a syringe main body in a cylindrical shape for storing the crude fat tissue components extracted from the human body, the syringe main body having a fat intake hole at a front end and an opening at a rear end; and a specific gravity distinction member disposed in the syringe main body and having a specific gravity smaller than about 1.0, wherein the specific gravity distinction member is movable into one of the fat tissue layers that has the same specific gravity as that of the specific gravity distinction member, thereby enabling fat tissue components distinction by specific gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MEDIKAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hee Young LEE
  • Publication number: 20120128552
    Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8182769
    Abstract: A transportation system for transporting a biological material container between a sterile field and a nonsterile field and substantially maintaining sterility of the biological material container includes a housing assembly that removably houses the biological material container. The system also includes a port defined by the housing assembly, and the port provides communication into the biological material container from outside the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first member that covers a first portion of the biological material container such that a second portion of the biological material container extends from the first member. The housing assembly also includes a second member that covers the second portion of the biological material container. The second member is removably coupled to the first member to expose the second portion of the biological material container. A keying member that keys the transportation system in a centrifuge is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 8177072
    Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Publication number: 20120087847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spin baskets or columns used in the preparation and purification of small sample volumes. The spin baskets of the invention are particularly designed to be used with microtubes and are adapted to connect with such microtubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Roy Garvin, Alasdair Burns, Andrea Ciaston
  • Publication number: 20120065047
    Abstract: The centrifugation vessel includes an outer wall containing an interior space. A dam defines a barrier which divides the interior space into at least two regions including a catch basin defining a higher gee region and a reservoir defining a lower gee region. These regions are joined together over the dam. The dam includes a face which is preferably tapered to enable optimization of speed of separation of a sample placed within the vessel. The vessel is usable in a biological sample processing method by having the higher gee region of the vessel configured to have an elongate form and the volume optimized for collection of a higher density fraction of the sample. Supply and withdrawal tubes extend into the regions for reliable extraction and separate collection of differing density fractions after separation by centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Rodney Sparks, Philip H. Coelho
  • Patent number: 8114680
    Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 8105556
    Abstract: An adapter for taking up a sample container and for use in a laboratory centrifuge rotor, the adapter including a closed end, an opened end and closure assembly that releasably seals the opened end. The closed end and the opened end can be of a certain diameter. The adapter can also be a certain shape. The closure assembly can also include a handle, flange, a hold down ring, a sealing ring and bottom support for the sealing ring, hold down ring, flange and handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventors: William A. Romanauskas, Edward T. Sheeran, Frank Eigemeier
  • Publication number: 20110319247
    Abstract: A centrifuge sample container includes: a body portion configured to contain a sample; and a cap portion configured to be engaged with and attached on the body portion. The body portion has a substantially triangular external shape defining three apex portions and three side portions between two of the apex portions when viewed from above and has a circular opening portion in an upper portion of the body portion. Distances between centers of the apex portions are equal to one another. Each of the apex portions is formed with a first radius of curvature when viewed from above. Each of the side portions is formed into a outwardly curved arc-like shape with a second radius of curvature when viewed from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu KITAZAWA, Masaharu AIZAWA, Kenichi NEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110313684
    Abstract: A g-force-sensitive label for detecting and indicating the application of a g-force is provided, the g-force sensitive label comprising an area for detecting and indicating an application of a g-force above a threshold value on the g-force sensitive label and an attachment area for attaching the g-force sensitive label on an object. At least one physical property of the area measurably changes its state upon applying a g-force above the threshold value, thereby altering a displayed pattern such that a machine-readable 1D or 2D or alphanumeric code is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Frederic Furrer, Mark James Simmons
  • Patent number: 8021630
    Abstract: An anticoagulant-coated dipstick is selectively receivable by the central fill port of a rotor of a blood centrifuge. The dipstick includes an elongated, rod-like member having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, and a cap affixed to the second axial end. At least a portion of a surface of the rod-like member is coated with an anticoagulant. The elongated rod-like member of the dipstick is dimensioned in length and diameter to be receivable through the central fill port of the rotor to contact a blood sample contained therein. The cap is circular in shape, with a diameter that is greater than that of the rotor fill port to entirely cover and seal the fill port to prevent leakage therethrough of a blood sample contained in the rotor, especially when the rotor is gently agitated or inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Alyssa J. Dassa
  • Patent number: 8002995
    Abstract: A fluid analytical device is provided including a body, a reservoir, an inlet channel and a separation unit. The reservoir is formed on the body. The inlet channel is formed on the body connected to the reservoir. The separation unit is formed on the body connected to the inlet channel, which includes a pile area, a collecting area and a spacer. The collecting area is located between the pile area and the reservoir. The spacer is formed between the pile area and the collecting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Tsai, Cheng-Shiu Chung, Wen-Pin Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110195502
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a centrifugal rotor for delivering and analyzing biological sample. Chambers within the centrifugal rotor is used to split a biological sample, which comprises biological cellular components and biological fluids, into separate parts under centrifugal force after the biological sample being diluted, metered and distributed by the centrifugal rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MEDI MEDICAL ENGINEERING CORP.
    Inventor: Ying-Lan TSAI
  • Patent number: 7993610
    Abstract: A spinnable rotor for a high speed centrifuge includes a housing which defines a chamber interiorly thereof for receiving a whole blood sample and for containing a predetermined amount of red blood cell absorbent gel. The housing includes an upper portion and a bottom portion, the upper portion having a port formed through the thickness thereof. The upper portion has at least a portion thereof formed from a light transmissible material. A light pipe is joined to the upper portion and light transmissively communicates with the light transmissive portion of the upper portion. The light pipe extends at least partially into the chamber and has an open, lower free end. When whole blood filling the rotor chamber contacts the lower free end of the light pipe, the red color of the blood is transmissively communicated to the upper portion of the rotor housing where it is viewable by the user of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: Carl Russell Rich
  • Publication number: 20110189064
    Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Michael Rosiello
  • Patent number: 7976796
    Abstract: A centrifuge tube assembly includes an elongate tubular receptacle having a capped upper end. The capped upper end includes a single inlet/outlet port formed therethrough for communication with an interior of the tubular receptacle. A flexible aspiration pipe is communicably engaged with the inlet/outlet port for extending longitudinally through the cylindrical receptacle. A sealing diaphragm is attached to a distal end of the pipe. The diaphragm is longitudinally movable within the tubular receptacle and sealably interengages an interior wall of the receptacle. Biological products are introduced into and aspirated from the receptacle below the diaphragm by the fluid conducting pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Emcyte Corp.
    Inventors: Emery Smith, Patrick Pennie, David K. Buzenius
  • Patent number: 7947235
    Abstract: A microfluidic device (1) comprising a hydrophilic microchannel structure (2) in which there is a functional unit that comprises a microconduit I (17) in which there is an inlet end (16), an outlet end (18), and a capillary stop function I (24) in the form of a local non-wettable surface area (44). The capillary stop function (24) defines a segment of microconduit I (17). Microconduit I (17) is within at least a part of this segment (46) divided into two or more microchannels (42). A part of the non-wettable surface area (44a,b) is associated with an inner wall of each of the microchannels (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Gyros AB
    Inventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Ekstrand, Gerald Jesson
  • Publication number: 20110107855
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are sample preparation devices, such as pipette tips useful for associating and releasing biological molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: PELICAN GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Arta Motadel
  • Patent number: 7935319
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a functional unit that comprises a microconduit which a) is intended for the transportation of liquid aliquots, and b) has an inlet end and an outlet end between which there is a capillary valve I, which preferably is based on the presence of a local non-wettable surface area. Microconduit I further comprises one or more additional capillary valves, typically one. At least one of the additional valves is upstream of capillary valve I, such as at the inlet end of the microconduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Gyros AB
    Inventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Ekstrand, GĂ©rald Jesson
  • Publication number: 20110092686
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are sample preparation devices, such as pipette tips and pipette tip extenders, for example, useful for associating and releasing analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: PELICAN GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Arta Motadel
  • Patent number: 7927563
    Abstract: For containing a biological fluid and draining a constituent of the biological fluid, a kit includes a barrel, a piston assembly, a removable element, which is configured to move the piston assembly, a drainage element, which interacts with the piston assembly, and an interacting element, which interacts with the piston assembly. The kit allows for fluid separation without risk of contamination from the biological fluid itself or contamination of the biological fluid itself. Further, the kit offers the advantage of involving no needles or other sharp elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cytomedix, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilad Lavi
  • Publication number: 20110064629
    Abstract: A support device for a cytocentrifuge sample container includes a support body including spaced edge fingers and a clip hinged to the support body. The clip has a latch for each spaced edge finger of the support body and edge members each including lugs engaging slotted ledges in the sample container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Stamas, Michael Faulkner
  • Publication number: 20100331163
    Abstract: A rotor includes a plurality of holding cavities for holding specimen containers, respectively. A transverse cross sectional shape of the holding cavity is a substantially triangular shape having one vertex on an inner circumference side of the rotor. Two vertices of the substantially triangular shape are arranged on an outer circumference side of the rotor so as to have equidistance from a rotary shaft of the rotor. Spacing between sides of the substantially triangular shape in a circumferential direction of the rotor gradually increase over 60% or more a radial length of the holding cavity from an innermost circumferential position to the outer circumference side of the rotor when viewed in its transverse plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu KITAZAWA, Masaharu AIZAWA, Kenichi NEMOTO, Jun SATO