Housing Patents (Class 422/565)
  • Patent number: 11327072
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, kits, and methods for performing analyte detection immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Nidhi Nath, Rod Flemming, Marjeta Urh
  • Patent number: 10634673
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for determining whether an analyte is present in a sample is provided. The microfluidic device includes an elongated flow path having a polymeric medium, where the polymeric medium includes a first analyte detection domain having a first immobilized capture member that specifically binds to a first analyte and a second analyte detection domain having a second immobilized capture member that specifically binds to a second analyte. Also provided are methods, systems and kits in which the subject microfluidic devices find use, as well as methods of producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: M. Kursad Araz, Akwasi A. Apori, Amy E. Herr
  • Patent number: 9726680
    Abstract: The present invention related to a reaction vessel and an assay device. A reaction vessel for analysis a sample containing an analyte to be determined, which includes a casing, a first reagent and at least one independent individual element. The casing includes an opening and a detection zone. The opening may be formed on the edge of the casing and used to introduce the sample. The detection zone is disposed at a corner of the casing and used to detect the analyte. The reagent is interacted with the sample. The independent individual element is individually separating from the casing and providing a space and a flow channel for mixing the sample and the first reagent. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the independent individual element so as to determine the analyte in the detection zone, and thereby increasing accuracy of analyte detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TAIDOC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hui-Sheng Hou, Pin-Hsun Huang, Chia-Chi Wu
  • Patent number: 9028754
    Abstract: A rack robot lifts and transfers sample tube storage racks or plates with a refrigerated enclosure maintained, e.g., at ?20° C. The samples are normally held in ultra-low temperature, e.g., ?80° C., or cryogenic freezers. From time to time, the racks or plates need to be roved from the ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezers for processing and the rack robot transfers the racks or plates to the various processing stations within the refrigerated enclosure, such as tube picking, barcode reading, or frost removal stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Storage Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabian Winter, Halvard Solberg, Julian Warhurst, Frank Hunt, Behrouz Zandi
  • 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: 8992866
    Abstract: An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) to hold sealed and/or opened sample/specimen tubes and/or containers that can be in the pre-analytical, in-process, or post-analytical phase of processing. The ARSIMS ensures that each sample/specimen tube, whether it is sealed, capped, closed or open, can be stored at an ideal storage temperature according to the particular phase of processing and as appropriate for the combination of sample/specimen type and analyte(s) to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Gelbman, Mark Edwards, Matthew Rosmarin, Ilya Malyarov, Benjamin Pollack, Elizabeth Bononno
  • Patent number: 8986611
    Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Koo Lee, Tae Soo Kim, In Duk Hwang, Seock Woo Jang, Chul Ho Yun
  • Publication number: 20150079614
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: POREX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guoqiang Mao, James P. Wingo
  • Patent number: 8920725
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus for sample analysis. The apparatus employs an assay component containing a membrane having one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes through said membrane into said means for absorbing liquid. The apparatus is configured to be portable and provide a detector for detecting binding of an analyte to an analyte-specific binding agent, a plurality of data acquisition components, and a computer for integrating, analyzing and storing the detected analyte specific binding and acquired data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Montecito Bio-Sciences, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward W. Withrow, III, Jorn Gorlach
  • Patent number: 8906229
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Cirou, Rene Reinbigler, Virginie Buisson, Jean-Louis Weissenbach
  • Patent number: 8900514
    Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tommy Forsell
  • Patent number: 8900534
    Abstract: A biological sample-processing apparatus has a sample-processing chamber, which has a door with space for receiving reagent tanks. The reagent supply tanks have conduits in fluid communication with reagent buffer tanks in the sample-processing chamber. The door has a pivot with a hollow interior. At least one conduit connects the reagent supply tanks to the reagent buffer tanks through the hollow interior of the pivot. The present invention provides a modification of the door of a biological sample-processing apparatus so that the door is equipped with reagent supply tanks that contain reagents for processing biological samples and that facilitate the operation of the processing and increase convenience, and further, enable more of the apparatuses to be allocated in the same space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Taigen Bioscience Corporation
    Inventor: David Daf
  • Patent number: 8871161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction plate holding device and system associated therewith for controlling the environment surrounding a reaction plate, and in particular, to a bench-top reaction plate holder providing a controllable environment that fully surrounds a reaction plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Haim Guttman, Raz Zarivach
  • Patent number: 8852535
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line. The device may include: an access fitting detachably connectable with the gas line, the access fitting having a first end and a second end; a probe detachably connectable to at least one end of the access fitting and adapted for insertion into a gas flow stream from the gas line to recover condensed components on the probe's outer surface; and a piping partially disposed within the probe for providing a cooling medium to the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ihsan Al-Taie, Abdulaziz A. Al-Mathami, Helal M. Al-Mutairi
  • Patent number: 8852536
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cold storage system for biological samples has one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers. In addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag. Control electronics in each box energize reader coils to query individual RFID tags. Control electronics in each rack communicate with and provide power to the control electronics of each corresponding box, and control electronics in each freezer communicate with and provide power to the control electronics of each corresponding rack, and a host computer communicates with the control electronics in each freezer. In each instance, communication and power provisioning is implemented using magnetic inductive coupling. The system is able to determine the identity of each sample container in the system and maintain that information in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BioTillion, LLC
    Inventors: Hananel Davidowitz, Thomas Coradetti, Yair Talmi
  • Publication number: 20140286124
    Abstract: A reagent manager for a diagnostic analyzer system includes a reagent manager housing, a high-speed reagent bottle spinning device, a processor, and a memory. The reagent manager housing is for housing reagent bottles. The high-speed reagent bottle spinning device is disposed within the reagent manager housing for spinning at least one of the reagent bottles. The processor is in electronic communication with the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to spin the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device to spin the at least one reagent bottle to remove microparticles from a bottom surface of a septum of the at least one reagent bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph P. Donohue, Surya Pratap Rai
  • Publication number: 20140241955
    Abstract: A liquid injecting jig is provided. The liquid injecting jig includes a jig configuration including a plurality of parts adapted to be in cooperative engagement so as to position a channel within the jig configuration, wherein the jig configuration is adapted to fit an opening through which the channel is adapted to be received so as to expose the channel from the jig configuration. A jig set, a microchip case, and a microchip set are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Toshio Watanabe, Kensuke Kojima, Yuji Segawa, Hidetoshi Watanabe, Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 8808646
    Abstract: A system collects data relating to a process performed within an autoclave, and wirelessly transmits the data to a receiver located outside the autoclave for processing. One or more sensors inside the autoclave sense process parameters such as temperature or pressure. The transmitter is housed in a protective container that protects the transmitter against the effects of autoclave heat and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Karl M. Nelson, Anoshiravan Poursartip
  • Patent number: 8802038
    Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a first chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a first chamber interior adapted to receive a sample holder therein. The container also includes a second chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a second chamber interior adapted to subsequently receive the sample holder therein. The second chamber interior is in fluid isolation from the first chamber interior. A removable closure encloses at least one of the open end of the first chamber and the open end of the second chamber while the sample holder is disposed within one of the first chamber interior and the second chamber interior. A first fluid may be disposed within the first chamber interior, and a second different fluid may be disposed within the second chamber interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Bradley M. Wilkinson, C. Mark Newby, Clinton A. Haynes, Robert G. States, III
  • Patent number: 8796010
    Abstract: An isolator for cultivating cells including a working chamber having a plurality of gloves arranged side by side into which operator's hands are inserted to operate cells, the working chamber being sectioned into at least an operation area for operating the cells, and an auxiliary working area for opening a packaged auxiliary instrument used to operate the cells, a gas supply unit that supplies gas into the working chamber so that the gas flows downwardly from an upper side in the working chamber, and a gas flow control unit for controlling the flow of the downwardly flowing gas so that the gas flows from the operation area to the auxiliary working area around the gloves, wherein the gas flow control unit has an exhaust hole portion that has an opened area for passing the gas therethrough and is provided at a lower portion of at least the auxiliary working area, and through which the gas in the auxiliary working area is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd., Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yokoi, Akifumi Iwama, Shinji Fukui, Atsushi Nakao, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Jirou Ohnishi, Hironobu Sunayama, Kanjun Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140212345
    Abstract: An isolator includes: a working chamber for conducting work on cells, the working chamber including an opening on a front face thereof; a transparent plate member, made of a resin, through which an interior of the working chamber can be viewed, the plate member being mounted to the working chamber so as to close the opening; and a working chamber sterilization device configured to sterilize the interior of the working chamber by supplying hydrogen peroxide gas into the working chamber, and thereafter discharge the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber, the plate member having at least a face, facing the working chamber, formed to have a water absorption rate equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji KOUNO, Hironobu SEKINE, Yasuhiko YOKOI, Koichi KOBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 8790600
    Abstract: The invention discloses a sample-support element for ultra-high vacuums comprising a main chamber and a supplementary chamber for the sample holder and the heating/cooling elements, which is pumped by a related pump line. This enables the reduction or total elimination of the negative effect related to the alteration of the residual atmosphere in ultra-high vacuums resulting from heating or cooling the surfaces of the sample holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fundacion Tekniker
    Inventors: Roman Nevshupa, Marcello Conte, Andoni Delgado Castillo, Camillus Petrus Domi Van Rijn
  • Patent number: 8715594
    Abstract: A histology tissue embedding apparatus having an outlet for embedding medium and a generally horizontal working area beneath the outlet for supporting a cassette. The working area includes a generally horizontal trimming surface having corrugations and being substantially flush with the remainder of the working area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Thermo Shandon Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Goerner, Caroline Breen, Roger Harrington Smith, Sheila Christine Dandy, Alan Harold Bridge
  • Publication number: 20140106445
    Abstract: A method for transferring a quantity of analytes comprising at least stages of: predisposing a substantially homogeneous mixture of a predetermined initial quantity of at least an analyte and a liquid, obtaining a known concentration value or known amount of the analyte in the mixture; introducing into the mixture at least a collecting portion (3) of a sampling device (1) having a support body (2), the collecting portion (3) comprising a plurality of fibers (6) attached to and arranged on a first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by means of flocking, in order to define a flocked collecting portion (3) or a flocked tampon, such as to collect a part of the mixture on the collecting portion (3); and extracting the collecting portion (3) of the sampling device (1) of the mixture, retaining on the sampling portion (3) a predetermined known quantity of the mixture to be transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Copan Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Triva
  • Patent number: 8697013
    Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: J. Keith Harris, David A. Hayes, Linda A. Moore, Jessica L. Bell
  • Patent number: 8679424
    Abstract: A biotip according to an embodiment of the invention moves a reaction mixture along a longitudinal direction under the force of gravity. The biotip includes a chamber formed of a transparent material and filled with a liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and immiscible with the reaction mixture, and a seal that seals the chamber. The liquid has a volume resistivity of greater than 0 ?·cm and 5×1013 ?·cm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Koeda
  • Patent number: 8663979
    Abstract: A culture apparatus comprising: an inner box configured to form a culture chamber; an outer box configured to cover the inner box; a fan configured to circulate gas inside the culture chamber through an air passage provided in the inner box within the culture chamber; a first through hole configured to penetrate a wall configuring a part of the air passage in the inner box; a second through hole configured to penetrate the wall and disposed at a position at which a flow velocity of the gas circulated through the air passage by the fan is lower than a flow velocity of the gas around the first through hole; a connecting pipe configured to connect the first through hole and the second through hole outside of the inner box; and a sensor configured to detect a concentration of the gas flowing in the culture chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniyoshi Kobayashi, Hiroki Busujima, Yasuhiro Kikuchi, Yuichi Tamaoki, Shinji Sugimoto, Tetsuo Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20140050622
    Abstract: Each of a first measurement unit and a second measurement unit (sample analyzer) includes: a reagent storage section in which a plurality of holder parts are arranged side by side, each of the holder parts including a setting part in which a reagent container having an RFID tag attached thereto is set, and an antenna part which transmits/receives a radio wave to/from the RFID tag of the reagent container set in the setting part; and a left face part and a right face part which block a radio wave communication path between the antenna part of one of the holder parts and the RFID tag of the reagent container set in another one, of the holder parts, adjacent to the one of the holder parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro KITAGAWA, Yuichi HAMADA, Takaaki NAGAI
  • Patent number: 8632735
    Abstract: A system for titrating liquids, with a syringe or tip, comprising a holding device and at least one tag and a metering equipment, comprising an additional holding device for holding the syringe or tip on the holding device, a reading device for reading the tag of the syringe or tip held by the additional holding device, a driving device having a motor, which is detachably coupled with a plunger of the syringe when the same is held by the additional holding device, or which is coupled with a plunger which is arranged in a cylinder which is coupled with the tip via a fluid conduit, when the same is held by the additional holding device, an operating device for operating the metering equipment and a control device, connected with the operating device, the reading device and the driving device, which controls the movement of the plunger depending of the tag of the inserted syringe or tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Heinz-Gerhard Kohn, Karl-Friedrich Andres
  • Publication number: 20140018701
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: POREX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guoqiang Mao, James P. Wingo
  • Patent number: 8628732
    Abstract: Provided is an immobilization device for fitting a connecting member of a chip and a connecting member of a cover together, where a spatial clearance between the chip and cover is small. The immobilization device includes a substrate (102), a cover means (101) including a fitting means to fit with a chip (103) placed on the substrate (102), a rotating arm means (201) rotatably joined to a first joining means (301) of the substrate (102) and to a second joining means (302) of the cover means (101), and a parallel maintaining means (203) for fitting the fitting means and the chip (103) together with the fitting means and the chip (103) maintained in substantially parallel by the first joining means (301) or the second joining means (302) moving along a chip surface or a plane parallel to the chip surface. The fitting means rotates freely against the chip (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Asogawa, Hayataro Kochi
  • Publication number: 20130303355
    Abstract: A reagent vessel insert includes an insert housing formed in such a way that the reagent vessel insert is configured to be inserted in a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying device. The reagent vessel insert further includes at least one magnet arranged non-adjustably with respect to the insert housing and at least one adjusting element arranged in an interior volume of the reagent vessel insert. The at least one adjusting element is at least partially formed from a magnetically attractable material such that a magnetic force of attraction exerted by the at least one magnet on the at least one adjusting element is at least greater than a force of the weight of the at least one adjusting element. A method includes one or more of centrifuging and pressure treating a material using the reagent vessel insert or a reagent vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Martina Daub, Guenter Roth, Juergen Steigert, Nils Paust
  • Patent number: 8574510
    Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Robert S. Sams
  • Patent number: 8545698
    Abstract: Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid, The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Jason A. Demers, Kevin L. Grant, Brian D. Tracey, James D. Dale
  • Patent number: 8545760
    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: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 8506798
    Abstract: Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Beulay, Virginie Buisson, Sebastien Cirou, Cecile Delbos, Marc Hlavacek, Frans Mels, Rene Reinbigler, Jean-Louis Weissenbach
  • Publication number: 20130203611
    Abstract: An automatic slide loading device for microarray scanner comprises slide holders (1), a carrier device (2) and a positioning chamber (3), wherein the slide holder (1) can hold microarray slides (6) and the slide holder (1) is placed out of the scanning platform of the microarray scanner when the microarray scanner is in off work state, wherein the carrier device (2) is connected to the positioning chamber (3) and the carrier device (2) can load the slide holder (1) into the positioning chamber (3), wherein the positioning chamber (3) is placed above the scanning platform of the microarray scanner and is used to precisely locate the working surface of the microarray slides (6) in the slide holder (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: Tsinghua University, CapitalBio Corporation
    Inventors: Hang Li, Huihui Teng, Danyang Mei, Wenjun Wang, Gang Li, Xiaokun Qin, Zhengde Feng, Dong Wang, Jing Cheng
  • Patent number: 8501115
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automating laboratory protocols utilizing modular processing components to allow systems to be reconfigured for processing a wide variety of disparate laboratory protocols are provided. In one aspect, a sample processing module is provided, including a housing configured to accommodate a pre-identified sample process, a standardized temperature input capable of interfacing with a temperature controller, a standardized fluid input capable of interfacing with an input fluid controller, and a standardized agitation connector capable of interfacing with an agitator. These standardized components provide interchangeability of the module with a module having a housing configured to accommodate a different pre-identified sample process in a sample processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Statspin, Inc.
    Inventors: Nils Adey, Rob Parry
  • Patent number: 8419939
    Abstract: A spherical dialysis chamber with a heavier cap (the density of cap material is higher than that of the dialyzer) or the distribution of weight is such that it is higher weight distribution is towards the cap, so that it tilts always towards the bottom of the container containing the dialysis buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Ashok Kumar Shukla, Mukta Misra Shukla, Kavita Misra Shukla
  • Publication number: 20130040333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for visual detection of hemolysis in a whole blood sample, comprising at least one visible detection compartment and a transfer passage connected to said visible detection compartment, said transfer passage being arranged to permit transfer of a volume of plasma from said sample to said detection compartment and wherein said transfer passage further is arranged with a separation device (4) for separating plasma from blood cells within said whole blood sample before said plasma reaches the detection compartment, wherein said device is arranged with subpressure means providing a subpressure inside said detection compartment for generating a force urging said volume of plasma to be transferred from said whole blood sample to said detection compartment through said transfer passage and via said separation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HEMCHECK SWEDEN AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Mathias Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8372341
    Abstract: Assay device processing apparatus includes a rotatably mounted assay device vessel support; and a drive for rotating the support. The support is rotatable about a substantially horizontal first axis so that, upon rotation, an assay device vessel attached to the support can be inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Randox Laboratories Ltd.
    Inventors: Aiden John Walsh, Stephen Peter Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20130034476
    Abstract: A biological sample-processing apparatus has a sample-processing chamber, which has a door with space for receiving reagent tanks. The reagent supply tanks have conduits in fluid communication with reagent buffer tanks in the sample-processing chamber. The door has a pivot with a hollow interior. At least one conduit connects the reagent supply tanks to the reagent buffer tanks through the hollow interior of the pivot. The present invention provides a modification of the door of a biological sample-processing apparatus so that the door is equipped with reagent supply tanks that contain reagents for processing biological samples and that facilitate the operation of the processing and increase convenience, and further, enable more of the apparatuses to be allocated in the same space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: TAIGEN BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: David DAF
  • Publication number: 20130004388
    Abstract: Described is a self-sealing thermal enclosure. In various embodiments, the self-sealing thermal enclosure includes an enclosure having a wall with an opening. The enclosure is configured to surround a temperature-controlled environment. The self-sealing thermal enclosure also includes a porous seal disposed adjacent to the wall at the opening. The porous seal is compressible and is fabricated from an open cell foam material. When the porous seal has absorbed a fluid such as a condensate, the temperature-controlled environment is sealed from an ambient environment such that the flow of air into or out of the enclosure is substantially reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gagne, Joshua A. Shreve, James E. Usowicz
  • Patent number: 8337786
    Abstract: A cover for a substrate including: a body defining a cavity, for positioning over the substrate to form a reaction chamber; and a projection extending from the body to define a fluid reservoir, when the cover is fitted to the substrate, the fluid reservoir being in fluid communication with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew McLellan, George Goris, Chester Henderson, Jonathan McKinlay
  • Patent number: 8333939
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing a substrate in a high temperature environment are provided. The invention includes a support frame having one or more apertures; one or more optical devices positioned in and aligned by the one or more apertures and adapted to detect an edge of a substrate. The invention may also include a controller secured adjacent an end of the support frame, coupled to the one or more optical devices, and adapted to receive information from the optical devices, process the information, and determine a center of a substrate based on the processed information. The support frame may be adapted to thermally shield the one or more optical devices and the controller. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Vern Schauer
  • Publication number: 20120231528
    Abstract: “A reaction casing for a photosynthetic reactor designed firstly to float on a body of water and secondly to delimit a biphasic flow pathway for gas/liquid culture medium between a first and a second opening of the casing, where the casing includes two claddings, respectively outer and inner, made at least in part of a material transparent to light rays, the inner cladding extending inside the outer cladding so that the claddings delimit between them an inter-cladding space in fluid connection with the first opening of the casing, the outer cladding has an open proximal end and a closed distal end and in the inner cladding has an open proximal end in fluid connection with the second opening of the casing and a distal end provided with at least one communication orifice between the inside of the inner cladding and the inter-cladding space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MICROPHYT
    Inventors: Arnaud Muller-Feuga, Michel Lemar
  • Publication number: 20120220024
    Abstract: A reaction vessel assembly for use with thermal cyclers is described. The assembly includes a reaction vessel and a casing defining a cavity. In a first configuration, the casing receives the reaction vessel within the cavity, to act as a protective casing for the reaction vessel. In a second configuration, the casing engages with a mouth of the reaction vessel, to close the vessel. In this configuration, the casing may also act as a handle. In preferred embodiments, the reaction vessel is in the form of a capillary tube, and/or may include an integrated collimating lens. Certain embodiments also include an RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Epistem Limited
    Inventor: Ben Cobb
  • Patent number: 8241568
    Abstract: A reaction tank for causing a reaction for analyzing a specimen in a humidity-applied atmosphere in a storage vessel, includes a humidifying unit that includes a water reservoir reserving water and a humidifier releasing moisture of the water reservoir to an inside of the storage vessel, the humidifying unit humidifying the inside of the storage vessel, and a humidity detector that detects humidity inside the storage vessel. An operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned ON when the humidity inside the storage vessel becomes lower than a predetermined suitable humidity whereas the operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned OFF when the humidity inside the storage vessel exceeds the predetermined suitable humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8236242
    Abstract: A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Drucker, Charles T. Liamos, Fredric C. Colman, Mark Lortz, Kelley Lipman, Feng Jiang, Henrik Bacho
  • Patent number: RE44595
    Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative means for efficient and secure component assembly and for ensuring secure electrical connections in a small diagnostics device where available space for fasteners is limited. In one embodiment, principles of leverage are employed to produce a force at a location where space is available. The force is transferred to a different location of the assembly where it is used to maintain secure connections between components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Cadio, Bryan Rolfs, Aleksey Pirkhalo, James Wolford