Including Multiple Internal Compartments Or Baffles Patents (Class 422/559)
  • Patent number: 8535622
    Abstract: The present invention provides a naturally based Sperm Separation System (SSS) for separation of at least a portion of sperm cell populations (SCP) within an original semen sample, such that an enriched SCP sample is obtained, comprising a a sperm separation device, comprising ?) a first chamber adapted to contain at least a portion of said original semen sample, said first chamber is characterized by predetermined 3D shape and volume, V, said first chamber is bounded by a rim such that said orginal sample is kept below said rim, n) a second chamber in physical communication with said first chamber and said nm, said second chamber is characterized by predetermined 3D shape and volume, V1, said second chamber is adapted to reside said enriched SCP sample, b incubation means, adapted to socket at least one of said cell separation device and to homogeneously thermoregulate the temperature within the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lotus Bio (Nymphaea) Ltd
    Inventors: Vered Shany, Isaac Tavori
  • Publication number: 20130224089
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes: a mixing container with a discharge port for discharging mixed liquid; a filter paper covering the discharge port to temporarily retain the liquid; a receiving unit with a waste liquid collecting portion for receiving a first liquid discharged from the discharge port through the filter paper, and a measuring portion for receiving a second liquid subjected to treatment different from treatment for the first liquid; and an operation portion for enabling selection between a first receiving state in which the waste liquid collecting portion receives the first liquid and a second receiving state in which the measuring portion receives the second liquid, and also for controlling the movement of the first liquid or the second liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Takashige TANAKA, Junichi OKA, Daisuke MATSUMOTO, Hitoshi OKAI
  • Patent number: 8511480
    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: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8511479
    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: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8506823
    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: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8492157
    Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei University
    Inventors: Jong Myeon Park, Won Yong Lee, Han Nim Choi, Jung Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8491851
    Abstract: A detection system in a portable assay reader device is enabled or activated after a user applies a manual force to a portion of the reader device, to an object supporting the assay test strip, or to the assay test strip itself. The movement moves a switch from an open state to a closed state. The closed state enables a detection system to monitor one or more test regions in the assay test strip for a reaction. The detection system can include one or more imagers, one or more electrical detectors, one or more magnetic detectors, or one or more optical detectors that monitor the one or more test regions for applicable visible, electrical, magnetic, or optical reactions, respectively. The one or more imagers or detectors transmit data to a processing device to determine the results of a test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton A. Baugh, Robert Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 8486655
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining whether a test compound solution induces cell activity, an embodiment of the method of the present invention comprising placing a test compound solution in contact with a cell suspension media containing cells, diffusing the test compound solution into the cell suspension from a point source, and detecting activity in the cells with respect to their distance from the point source. Detecting activity in the cells can involve detecting activity in a first group of the cells proximate to the point source, and detecting activity in a second group of the cells farther from the point source than the first group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Neuro Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard H. Goodwin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130171045
    Abstract: A device is provided for receiving a fluid sample. The device includes a fitment having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is provided under vacuum. The fitment also includes a port having a seal. The port is configured to provide fluid connection from an exterior surface of the fitment to the cavity upon opening of the seal. The device optionally includes a collapsible compartment coupled to the fitment and in fluid communication with the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BioFire Diagnostics, Inc. f/k/a Idaho Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: BioFire Diagnostics, Inc. f/k/a Idaho Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8445265
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel and a reaction controller, wherein temperature control of a liquid stored within the vessel can be performed with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction container and the reaction controller comprise one or a plurality of reaction chambers in which liquid is storable, and a wall that surrounds the reaction chamber, and the entirety or a part of the wall is formed by a temperature raising and lowering body that can raise or lower the temperature thereof according to a signal from an instructing part provided outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideji Tajima, Yoshinao Hirahara, Osamu Segawa
  • Patent number: 8440151
    Abstract: A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a top (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the top (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the top, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Voit
  • Patent number: 8435465
    Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for isolating biological molecules having a capture chamber containing functionalized solid supports maintained in a fluidized state provides reduced pressure drops and bubble formation during microfluidic extraction. The cartridge may include an electric field lysis chamber and/or a chemical lysis chamber. The electric-field lysis chamber may comprise an electrically insulating structure arranged between two opposing planar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: CFD Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shivshankar Sundaram, Balabhaskar Prabhakarpandian, Kapil Pant, Yi Wang
  • Patent number: 8425864
    Abstract: A container assembly for storing, treating, transporting and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a cap and a sample holder removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a platform-like device dimensioned to be supported on a ledge formed in the side wall of the container. The sample holder includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the stabilizing agent in the container. In another embodiment, the sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity. The container includes a liquid reagent in an amount sufficient to treat the biological sample. The biological sample is retained in a predetermined containment area of the container to maintain the biological sample immersed in the reagent without regard to the orientation of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Bruce C. Haywood, Jamieson William Maclean Crawford, Bradley M. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8404489
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Akashi, Ryoichi Asai
  • Patent number: 8397762
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluidic system that includes a body structure having a chamber disposed therein. The fluidic system includes at least one fluid input at a first end of the chamber and at least one fluid output at a second end of the chamber. The fluidic system also includes a sensor device (e.g., an acoustic device) having a surface defining a portion of a surface of the chamber. The fluidic system also includes a first surface at the first end of the chamber oriented at an oblique or arcuate (e.g., curved) angle relative to the surface of the sensor device to direct fluid through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Masters, Peter Wight Falb, Michael F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8349612
    Abstract: A guided structured testing kit which may include a test strip container, a test strip meter, a testing protocol advisor, and at least one of diagnostic test strip is presented. The diagnostic test strip includes a support element, a glucose reagent provided on the support element, and a glycemic context code provided on the support element. The glycemic context code can be machine-readable. The glycemic context code signals a glycemic context to a test strip meter, either upon insertion of the diagnostic test strip or by a user manually inputting the glycemic context into the test strip meter. A method for performing a guided structured test is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wiegel, Colleen Csavas, Ulrich Porsch
  • Patent number: 8343426
    Abstract: The present invention includes a separable test tube for use in a centrifugal separator that does not need to separately transfer separation liquid to another test tube for a second separation after a first separation. The separable test tube includes a first tube including a first coupling portion, a second coupling portion, and an adjustment portion. A second tube includes a first body part, a first space portion, a first packing fastener, a third coupling portion which engages the first coupling portion, and an adjustment groove into which the adjustment portion is inserted. A third tube includes a second body part having a second space portion, a second packing fastener, and a fourth coupling portion which engages the second coupling portion. First and second watertight members are coupled to the first and second coupling portions, respectively. First and second packings are coupled to the first and second packing fasteners, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Hyo Seop Song
  • Publication number: 20120329143
    Abstract: A chilled reagent container comprises a reagent vessel containing part for containing therein a plurality of reagent vessels, a container lid including a container lid hole through which the reagent vessels contained by the reagent vessel containing part are accessible, and a cooling block for cooling the reagent vessels contained by the reagent vessel containing part, wherein the container lid slides to be changeable between an opened situation wherein the reagent is accessible from an outside and a closed situation wherein the reagent is prevented from being accessed from the outside, wherein the chilled reagent container further comprises a reagent container packing including another hole through which the reagent vessels are accessible and arranged between the container lid and the reagent vessel containing part to be pressed against the container lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Motohiro Yamazaki, Ryoji Inaba, Shuhei Yamamoto, Takuya Matsui, Kohshi Maeda, Yuichiro Ota, Hiroyuki Higashino
  • Patent number: 8337785
    Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Provost, Fellows and Scholars of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth, Near Dublin
    Inventors: Anthony Davies, Slobhan Mitchell, Dermot Kelleher, Yuri Volkov
  • Publication number: 20120308449
    Abstract: There is provided a biochip including: a hydrophilic first substrate including a plurality of micro wells formed therein at predetermined intervals; a hydrophobic barrier layer formed on a surface of the hydrophilic first substrate; and a hydrophobic second substrate including biomaterials formed thereon, the biomaterials being inserted into the micro wells by joining the hydrophilic first substrate and the hydrophobic second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jeong Suong YANG, Bo Sung Ku
  • Patent number: 8323583
    Abstract: A detection device and a detection method are disclosed. The detection device comprises a sample inlet (132) that allows liquid samples flowing from a collection chamber (20) to a detection chamber (10), which comprises a through hole (135) that allows gases circulation between the detection chamber and the collection chamber, and a sheath (140) that prevents liquid samples from entering into the detection chamber from the collection chamber via the through hole. The detection chamber contains test reagent strips (120) to detect whether samples contain interested analytes. The detection device further comprises a protrusion (131) that enables the detection device standing tilted in the traverse direction. The detection method comprises collecting liquid samples as the first step, followed by standing the device tilted in its traverse direction through a protrusion support, and detecting whether samples contain the analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Lijian Gou, Haipeng Hu
  • Patent number: 8303902
    Abstract: Provided is a slide processing apparatus for processing a plurality of slides to which a bio probe is attached. The slide processing apparatus includes a reaction chamber of which side walls are sealed, and a plurality of reaction heating plates disposed in parallel in the reaction chamber at a first distance from each other. The slides are mounted adjacent to the reaction heating plates in the reaction chamber and in parallel to the reaction heating plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8277762
    Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tioga Research, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Newsam, Ilya Feygin, Samir Mitragotri, Robert Dominic King-Smith
  • Patent number: 8273312
    Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Association for Public Health
    Inventors: Gadi Porat, Joel Stern, Boaz Rimon, Yoram Cohen
  • Patent number: 8252603
    Abstract: Fluid containers are disclosed which have fluid reservoirs in their closures. These reservoirs are advantageous to hold sacrificial fluid which lessens the loss of the fluid of interest to the outside through evaporation. The reservoirs may have openings to the inside or outside of the container, or to both. Reservoirs with openings to the outside serve to reduce evaporative loss by raising the partial pressure of fluid in the vicinity of the contact between the closure and the remainder of the container. The reservoirs may be refillable without opening the container. In one embodiment a fluid reservoir allows the zone of contact between the closure and the remainder of the container to be immersed in fluid, so that gases seeking to escape the interior of the container must pass through fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Labcyte Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Ellson, Michael F. Miller, Arlen Mark Bramwell
  • Patent number: 8241592
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Endocellutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil F. Duffy, Jr., Jeffrey R. Chabot, Edward H. Kislauskis
  • Patent number: 8241591
    Abstract: A method comprising obtaining a preparation unit comprising a filter module and a collection for each liquid coming from the filter module, with the filter module comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter and collection modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other; disposing the filter and collection modules in a first position; passing a liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module; disposing the filter and collection modules relative to each other in a second position, and passing another liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Ribault, Gael Waiche, Emmanuelle Simon, Luc Felden
  • Patent number: 8211367
    Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: James Wyatt, Matthew Scott, Vijay Mahant
  • Patent number: 8211365
    Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Chiapperi, Mary Kay Golisano
  • Patent number: 8197776
    Abstract: A cuvette (10) for an automatic analyzing apparatus according to the invention includes at least two positions (20), for each position pair one separating wall (22) connecting the positions (20), and brackets (24), which are at the outermost positions (20) and which guide the cuvette (10) into a curved shape. In a handling method of a cuvette (10) according to the invention a cuvette (10) is transported from its brackets (24) to an incubator (30) and bent into a curved shape. In the method the cuvette (10) is then loaded into an opening (34) of the incubator (30), in which opening (34) it remains by its own spring back factor, until the cuvette (10) is removed from the opening (34) after the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy
    Inventors: Vesa Nuotio, Juhani Makunen
  • Publication number: 20120134898
    Abstract: The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: LICONIC AG
    Inventor: Cosmas G. MALIN
  • Patent number: 8187460
    Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: BioMerieux, B.V.
    Inventors: Hermannus Johannes Maria Kreuwel, Emiel Gerebern Maria Verwimp, Bernardus Jozef Maria Beerling, Franciscus Gerardus Spee
  • Publication number: 20120122227
    Abstract: A guided structured testing kit comprising a test strip container, a test strip meter, a testing protocol advisor, and at least one of diagnostic test strip is presented. The diagnostic test strip comprising a support element, a glucose reagent provided on the support element, and a glycemic context code provided on the support element. The glycemic context code can be machine-readable. The glycemic context code signals a glycemic context to a test strip meter, either upon insertion of the diagnostic test strip or by a user manually inputting the glycemic context into the test strip meter. A method for performing a guided structured test is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Wiegel, Colleen Csavas, Ulrich Porsch
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8163257
    Abstract: A cartridge (10) for dispensing a reagent contained in a reagent reservoir (32). The reservoir (32) is in fluid communication with a deformable dispense tube (26) that is a least partially compressible, in use, to dispense a volume of reagent from the tube (26). The reservoir (32) defines an enclosed gas space (46) above the reagent, and the cartridge (10) includes a gas vent (40) that, in use, admits gas to the gas space (46) in response to dispense of reagent from the tube (26) that serves to control the reservoir pressure as the reservoir (32) is depleted by subsequent dispensing of reagent. A dispenser employing the cartridge (10) and a method of dispensing a volume of reagent are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: IMI Vision Limited
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Wallace, Hugh Christopher Bramley, Mark John Jervis
  • Patent number: 8133721
    Abstract: A new design for a static diffusion cell for use in a diffusion sampling apparatus to be used in conjunction with automated or manual sampling is disclosed. The diffusion cell of present invention provides to an improved and efficient diffusion assay system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Hua Yang, Delphine Caroline Imbert
  • Patent number: 8133457
    Abstract: The unit comprises a filter membrane filter module and a collection module for liquid coming from the filter module, with the filter module comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter and collection modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other. The method comprises the step of obtaining such a unit, of disposing the filter and collection modules in a first position, of passing a liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module, of disposing the filter and collection modules relative to each other in a second position, and the step of passing another liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Ribault, Gael Waiche, Emmanuelle Simon, Luc Felden
  • Patent number: 8129175
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining whether a test compound solution induces cell activity, an embodiment of the method of the present invention comprising placing a test compound solution in contact with a cell suspension media containing cells, diffusing the test compound solution into the cell suspension from a point source, and detecting activity in the cells with respect to their distance from the point source. Detecting activity in the cells can involve detecting activity in a first group of the cells proximate to the point source, and detecting activity in a second group of the cells farther from the point source than the first group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Neuro Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard H. Goodwin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8124010
    Abstract: A reusable container for the sterile transfer of pharmaceutical recipients, in particular of syringe bodies. The container comprises an outer case and a sterilizable interior, wherein the interior is microbially isolated from the environment of the container. The interior has at least one holder for accommodating at least one nest for storing a plurality of pharmaceutical recipients. The nest can be removably accommodated in the holder. The container further has at least one container door for removing or introducing the nest into the interior and at least one lock for coupling the container to a sterile space. The lock is configured in such a way that, after coupling to the sterile space, it is possible to open the container door without substantially suspending sterility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: F. Hoffman-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Gabel, Martin Knierim
  • Patent number: 8071058
    Abstract: A container assembly for storing, treating, transporting and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a cap and a sample holder removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a platform-like device dimensioned to be supported on a ledge formed in the side wall of the container. The sample holder includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the stabilizing agent in the container. In another embodiment, the sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity. The container includes a liquid reagent in an amount sufficient to treat the biological sample. The biological sample is retained in a predetermined containment area of the container to maintain the biological sample immersed in the reagent without regard to the orientation of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Bruce C. Haywood, Jamieson William Maclean Crawford, Bradley M. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8062607
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lens care kit for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses. The lens care kit of the invention allows customers to visually identify when their lenses are disinfected, clean, and ready to wear. The invention is relied on color change to indicate the readiness of disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Jennifer Dawn Lane, Stephen Raymond Perreault, Elizabeth Hickson Beaullieu
  • Patent number: 8058073
    Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Chiapperi, Mary Kay Golisano
  • Patent number: 8057377
    Abstract: A bag loader for loading and unloading at least one satellite bag into and from the central compartment of a rotor of an apparatus for separating a composite liquid into at least two components comprises an upper part for removably securing an upper portion of at least one satellite bag; a lower part comprising a receptacle; and an intermediate part connecting the upper part to the lower part and exposing an intermediate portion of a satellite bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Charles L. Hake
  • Patent number: 8057760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a reaction vessel liquid introducing device, a liquid introducing and reaction measuring device, and a liquid introducing device, and is directed to being able to perform temperature control of a liquid stored within the reaction vessel with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction vessel comprises: a storage chamber in which a liquid is storable, that has an opening part; a reaction chamber that is formed thinner or narrower than the storage chamber; and at least one flow passage that communicates between the storage chamber or the exterior and the reaction chamber. The reaction vessel is formed such that it is connectable to a liquid introducing section provided externally, and the liquid can be introduced into the reaction chamber by connecting to the liquid introducing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 8053230
    Abstract: A device for culturing cells or tissue includes a culture dish with a bottom wall and at least one sidewall to define an interior cavity, at least one channel formed on the bottom wall to minimize the effect of fluid movement on biologics in the dish and, optionally, at least one barrier wall for partitioning the interior cavity into a plurality of compartments. The barrier wall maintains a biologic in one compartment separate from a biologic in another compartment. The barrier wall may also provide fluid communication between compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Owen Whittlinger
  • Patent number: 8001857
    Abstract: A sample chamber of plastics has at least one receiving area for receiving a liquid, and includes an oleophobic layer in a predetermined surface area. The sample chamber includes a base plate and a cover plate firmly connected thereto. The oleophobic layer is disposed on a side of the base plate and the cover plate facing away from the receiving areas, and/or the sample chamber consists of a plastic body and the oleophobic layer is disposed on a side of the plastic body facing away from the receiving areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ibidi GmbH
    Inventor: Valentin Kahl
  • Patent number: 7968062
    Abstract: A drug disposal and verification device includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has an injection port for receiving wasted drug solution and a disposal volume. A positive displacement flow measuring device positioned between the injection port and the disposal volume is used to measure the volume of wasted drug solution injected into the device. The positive displacement flow measuring device is also adapted to divert a small portion of the wasted drug solution to the second chamber. The second chamber holds a breakable test reagent ampule for quantitative testing of the wasted drug solution. The disposal volume of the first chamber may include at least one test strip for qualitative testing of the wasted drug solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Carle Putnam
  • Patent number: 7943086
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing and disinfecting an endoscope is provided. First and second chemicals and dilution water, which dilutes the chemicals to be used for disinfecting the endoscope, are charged into a tank. The tank includes a first portion, a second portion having an area of base smaller than that of the first portion, a first sensor detecting that the dilution water is charged into the first portion up to a first level, a second sensor detecting that the first chemical is charged into the second portion up to a second level, and a third sensor detecting that the second chemical is charged into the second portion up to a third level. A unit measures a first volume of the first chemical based on a result of the second sensor and measures a second volume of the second chemical based on results of the third sensor and the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kawachi, Eiri Suzuki, Shintaro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20110076755
    Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus comprising: a storage chamber that can store therein a liquid sample including an analysis target to be analyzed; a concentrated sample storage chamber that is provided to communicate with the storage chamber and that stores therein concentrated liquid having an analysis target having a higher concentration than that of the liquid sample; and an analysis target transportation section for transporting the analysis target included in the liquid sample stored in the storage chamber to the concentrated sample storage chamber. A cell analyzer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuichiro EBI, Koki Tajima
  • Patent number: 7897123
    Abstract: A reagent vessel cap includes a sealing member for sealing the opening of a vessel body; an pressurizing member linked to a retaining part for sealing the sealing member, for bringing the sealing member in close contact with the opening all the time, wherein when pressure is applied, the pressurizing member lifts the sealing member against the biasing force of itself to open the vessel and, when the pressure is eliminated, the pressurizing member returns to position by the biasing force to close the vessel by the sealing member; and a cap body capable of mounting the sealing member and the pressurizing member to the opening of the vessel body containing a reagent. The reagent is collected using the cap structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fujirebio Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Eiichiro Tanaka, Hiroyuki Nakamura