Means Is Turntable (circular) Patents (Class 422/64)
  • Patent number: 7273591
    Abstract: A slide cartridge for use with a chemical analyzer includes an upper ring and a lower ring secured together but rotatable with respect to each other. The upper and lower rings define a plurality of reaction chambers between them, which receive dry analyte test slides. A gear track formed in the underside of the lower ring engages a pinion gear attached to a stepping motor of the chemical analyzer in order to rotate the slide cartridge. The slide cartridge is rotated under a sample fluid metering device, which deposits a sample fluid on the test slides through a plurality of spotter ports formed in the upper ring, and above a reflectometer, which performs a colorimetric measurement on the spotted test slides through viewing windows formed in the lower ring of the slide cartridge. A chemical analyzer with which the slide cartridge may be used includes a reflectometer, a sample fluid metering device and a stepping motor for rotating the slide cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Sellers, Haydn B. Taylor, Lawrence M. Kuba
  • Patent number: 7270783
    Abstract: An analysis system which permits sample pretreatment which comprises: a sample rack; a sample container supply, a sample dispenser, a solvent-removing evaporator, a solvent dispenser for dispensing a second solvent, a sample-stirring means, a sample aspirating-and-transferring means, a sample recovery means, a sample container recovery means, and a control means for controlling the aforementioned various means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Takase, Keiji Eguchi, Toshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 7271006
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and dispensing coverglasses over specimens on slides for the purpose of viewing specimens through a microscope. The selecting device contains a suctioning mechanism for picking up a coverglass from a stack of coverglasses. It also contains the ability to bend the coverglass to assist in separating the coverglasses. The apparatus further contains a matched barrier to eliminate any coverglasses that may stick to the selected coverglass. The selecting device also contains spring members which aid in the dispensing of the coverglass. After the suctioning mechanism releases the coverglass, the spring members exert a force onto the coverglass to insure that it is released from the selecting device and placed onto the slide. After placement of the coverglass onto the slide, capillary action pushes air bubbles out from underneath the coverglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Anthony Ford, Mirek Holubec
  • Patent number: 7270785
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
  • Publication number: 20070212260
    Abstract: A parts supply device for supplying disposable part selected from a cuvette and pipette chip, comprising: a storage section for storing a plurality of disposable parts; a sort section for sorting the disposable parts supplied from the storage section, the sort section including a push-up plate to be capable of pushing up the disposable part in the supplied parts and a wall section arranged at the downstream side of the push-up plate so as to be adjacent to the push-up plate, wherein the push-up plate is configured to vertically move along the wall section between a first position and a second position that is above the first position; and a transfer section for transferring one by one the disposable part supplied by the push-up plate over the wall section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuya Fukuda, Toshihiro Ootani, Kazunori Mototsu, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7267795
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7267801
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for loading tips onto a pipettor. A means for applying removal force on the pipette tip box is provided so as to ensure that the box is dislodged from the pipette tips after the pipette tips have been forced onto the dispense head mandrels. In the preferred embodiment, the shuck arms are modified to incorporate springs such that when the engagement force is removed from the pipette tip box, the shuck arms are forced by the springs against the pipette tip box thereby displacing the pipette tip box from the pipette tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonn Hitch, Rick A. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7262022
    Abstract: Methods of fixing and processing tissue and samples on a membrane by using ultrasound radiation as a part of the method are presented. Ultrasound of a frequency in the range of 0.1-50 MHz is used and the sample or tissue receives 0.1-200 W/cm2 of ultrasound intensity. The use of ultrasound allows much shorter times in the methods. Also presented are apparati comprising transducers of one or of multiple heads for producing the ultrasound radiation and further comprising a central processing unit and optionally comprising one or more sensors. Sensors can include those to measure and monitor ultrasound and temperature. This monitoring system allows one to achieve accurate and optimum tissue fixation and processing without overfixation and tissue damage. The system also allows the performance of antigen-antibody reactions or nucleic acid hybridizations to be completed in a very short time while being highly specific and with a very low or no background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: American Registry of Pathology
    Inventor: Wei-Sing Chu
  • Patent number: 7261858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detector arrangement in an instrument for analysis of discrete liquid sample volumes in the microliter and/or nanoliter range contained in microchannel structures that are present in a disc shaped microfluidic device. The suggested detector arrangement comprises a detector head, supported to be driven and controlled for linear displacement and positioning in a first radial plane through a central axis of an associated rotary drive. A rotary member is carried for rotation about said central axis in a second radial plane in parallelism with said first radial plane. A vacuum source is connected with the rotary member and in air flow communication with a planar top surface of the rotary member for a wide area distribution of sub-pressure over said top surface, the rotary member carrying the disc shaped substrate in adhering contact with the top surface for spinning the substrate in equidistant and equiangular relation to the detector head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Gyros AB
    Inventor: Tomas {dot over (A)}gren
  • Patent number: 7256045
    Abstract: A system for detecting and analyzing patient sample quality and/or analytes, while the sample is in the metering tip used to aspirate the sample liquid from an original patient sample container, and also to dispense the liquid onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis may be done on the sample liquid while it is still in the tip which has been converted into a cuvette. One technique for such analysis is by scanning the cuvette for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure. Near-infrared and adjacent visible radiation may be used, and the absorption spectra of the liquid detected and analyzed. A possible aspect of the present invention relates to enhancing throughput of an analyzer by conducting a sample quality measurement in a process that is parallel to the main analyzer timing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrit N. Jacobs, James D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7256046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of photometric analysis, particularly to photometric analysis apparatuses which use disk-shaped rotors, in which the rotors are loaded automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Nebuloni, Elena Lattuada
  • Patent number: 7250301
    Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Lee Angros
  • Publication number: 20070172390
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus is described, a representative one of which includes: rotatable table arranged with a plurality of holes for accommodating the reaction container which includes a specimen and a reagent; and a container transferring section, arranged on the rotatable table, for transferring the reaction container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ootani, Kazuya Fukuda, Kazunori Mototsu, Toshikatsu Fukuju
  • Patent number: 7235215
    Abstract: A capillary filling system automatically plucks capillaries from a capillary roll, and transports them to a filling station where the capillaries are filled with compounds. The filled capillaries are then fixed on a template where they are then ready to be used for experimentation. A method of filling the capillaries is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Tibotec BVBA
    Inventors: Franck Velghe, Werner René Irène De Beukeleer, Ignace Maria S. M. Van De Maele
  • Patent number: 7232546
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for tissue preparation for the tissue embedding, having a transport plate (15) that is surrounded by a housing (5). The housing defines an inner upper side (8a), a heating and cooling device (3), that is provided on the inner upper side (8a) of the housing (5) and a mechanic module (24) for turning the transport plate (15) and for raising and lowering the transport plate (15). The mechanic module (24) comprises a first motor (42) exclusively for turning the transport plate (15) around an axle (18) and a second motor (44) exclusively for raising and lowering the transport plate (15) in the direction of the axle (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Lihl, Guenther Bock, Ian Lamswood, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7229592
    Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: William Jackson Devlin, Sr., Stephen Lawrence Frye, David Jeffrey Miller, Thomas John Pankratz
  • Patent number: 7223369
    Abstract: An automatic tip changer for an automatic multichannel pipettor comprises a plurality of pipettes arranged in a pipetting head. Each of the pipettes arranged in the pipetting head is directly connected to a tip. A magazine which is outfitted with tips and lying in a magazine frame is pressed against the pipetting head. A supply carousel is provided for storing a plurality of stacking boxes in which magazines outfitted with tips are deposited. A lifting group which is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the supply carousel and the magazines are positioned successively in a mounting plane which is determined by the position of the magazine frame. A sliding group is included which is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the lifting group and by which the magazines are displaceable back and forth successively between the stacking box and the magazine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: CyBio AG
    Inventors: Torsten Schoeppe, Frank Tempel
  • Patent number: 7220384
    Abstract: Apparatus and washing and extracting head for an apparatus designed to wash microplates. The head is mobile above the microplate(s) in treating position and comprises an alignment of dispensing needles or tubes and suction needles or tubes associated in pairs, the number of the two types of needle pairs being equal to the number of wells per column or per row and the spacing between two adjacent pairs being equal to the spacing between two adjacent wells of the same column or row. The suction needles, and the parts of the consecutive suction and/or recovery circuit, have a passage cross sectional diameter not less than the largest transverse dimension of the sample supports present in the wells and the head comprises or co-operates with elements retaining the microplate to be washed or preventing it from being lifted, at least during the suction extraction phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Pasteur
    Inventor: Franck Muller
  • Patent number: 7220385
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Blecka, Larry Seamer, Sachi Rastogi, Chris Tsai, Nasser Jafari, Ken Lafredo
  • Patent number: 7220589
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the fluid on a slide are provided. Fluid reduction is accomplished by directing stream(s) of fluid at an edge of the slide, the streams of fluid being at an angle with the slide of less than 90°. The surface tension at the edge of the slide is broken by the stream(s). And, the fluid which is on the slide is drawn or pulled by the streams of liquid, thereby reducing the fluid on the slide to a reproducible, consistent level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Richards, Devon C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7217392
    Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: CytoLogix Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Bogen, Herbert H. Loeffler, John A. Purbrick
  • Patent number: 7217394
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling biopsy specimens comprises a transfer part, a slide displaceable in a groove of said transfer part, preparation plates for the reception of biopsy specimens, and a shifter part that serves to introduce the biopsy specimens into the preparation plates. The empty preparation plates are positioned at a predetermined point in the groove of the transfer part, and the shifter part is placed onto the transfer part above the preparation plates. The biopsy specimens are then introduced into the specimen well of a preparation plate by manually actuated instruments or by means of a stream of fluid. The filled preparation plate is displaced back in the groove of the transfer part using the slide, and is transferred into a specimen holder prepared for it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Studer
  • Patent number: 7217391
    Abstract: A rotary incubation station for an automated analyzer is provided. The rotary incubation station includes a platform, a circular ring-shaped outside rotary wheel having a plurality of nesting locations for washing and reading vessels, and a circular disc-shaped inside rotary wheel having a plurality of nesting locations for incubation and storage of vessels. The rotary incubation station also includes a spur gear mechanism for rotating the outside and inside rotary wheels, including spur gear drivers respectively engaged with spur gear teeth of the outside and inside rotary wheel, providing accurate control of the rotation of the outside and inside rotary wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gjerdingen, Humayun Qureshi, Peter G. Werness, Brian D. Wilson, Mark J. Kittock
  • Patent number: 7201881
    Abstract: A combination is provided that includes a microfluidic device and a pivoting actuator. Methods of using the combination are also provided. The microfluidic device can include deformable valves that can be opened, for example, by the pivoting actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Cox, Zbigniew T. Bryning
  • Patent number: 7186378
    Abstract: A sampling aliquotter for aspirating aliquot portions of sample fluid from a closed container and for dispensing aliquot portions into a vessel using horizontal and vertical drives to drive a probe into the closed container, to position the probe above the vessel, and to lower the probe into a cleansing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventor: William David Dunfee
  • Patent number: 7186384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sample entry device for delivering medical samples, preferably blood samples, from diverse sample containers to an analyzer, wherein sample transfer between sample intake and measuring cells of the analyzer taking place via gas-tight sample lines. According to the invention a fixed intake needle is provided at the entry side of the analyzer, which includes an elastic intake element that is axially slideable on the intake needle and has a conical intake opening. In addition, a holding element is provided, which is axially slideable parallel to the intake needle and can be shifted relative to the intake element. In a first position the holding element exposes the intake element and in a second position places a conical opening above the intake element to accommodate a syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Horst Rüther, Michael Kraker
  • Patent number: 7182912
    Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Carey, Scott C. Lewis, Mary Beth Whitesel, Frank C. Klingshirn
  • Patent number: 7182911
    Abstract: A chemical analysis system includes a spotting mechanism for spotting a sample liquid onto a first chemical analysis element for measuring the concentration of a specific component contained in the sample liquid, and for spotting a sample liquid and a reference liquid onto a second chemical analysis element for measuring the activity of a specific ion contained in the sample liquid. The first chemical analysis element spotted with the sample liquid and the second chemical analysis element spotted with the sample liquid and the reference liquid are placed in an incubator and is incubated at a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7179651
    Abstract: A sample holder is described, for use in centrifugal evaporators, which permits accelerated evaporation of solvents from samples while ensuring that samples from which evaporation is complete are not damaged by overheating. The sample holder is radiantly heated and has sample containers mounted either directly in it, or in intermediate holders themselves mounted in it. The sample holder imparts heat to the samples and has a cross-sectional area chosen such that no appreciable temperature gradient exists between the radiantly or otherwise heated surfaces of the holder and the sample containers. The sample containers are mounted in the holder at an angle between 35° and 65° to the vertical and orientated such that centrifugal force tends to retain the sample material in the containers. The sample holder may be combined with other holders in a stack, the joints between adjacent holders in the stack being adapted to minimize the temperature difference across them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Genevac Limited
    Inventor: Michael Cole
  • Patent number: 7169356
    Abstract: A random access reagent container handling system using a reagent container shuttle to move reagent containers between a loading tray and at least one linear reagent container tray and at least one circular reagent carousel. The reagent container tray is positioned as needed beneath the reagent container shuttle by a reagent tray shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Louis Gebrian, Timothy Patrick Evers
  • Patent number: 7169357
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic chemical analyzer which is capable of conducting investigation of the influence of contamination regardless of the knowledge or technical skill of the user, and can prevent the occurrence of errors of determination by letting the user know that a problem has arisen in the function of inhibiting the generation of contamination. The combination of items which has been judged to involve contamination is extracted (step S7-1), and it is decided whether or not the result of judgement is the same as those of the previous judgements (step S7-2). In the step S7-2, if the results disagree, it is judged that trouble arises in the mechanism for preventing the generation of contamination, i.e., cleaning mechanism in this case, and an alarm of “trouble in cleaning mechanism” is given on the alarm display of a CRT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Science Systems, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoya Motegi, Kiyotaka Saito, Tomonori Mimura
  • Patent number: 7160512
    Abstract: A biochip manufacturing method can densely align spots of a plurality of samples in predetermined locations on a substrate using a discharge head equipped with one or more discharge modules composed of one or more discharge units, and a first moving table on which one or more trays with one or more substrates fixed thereon are detachably mounted. According to the biochip manufacturing method, the high precision in the operation for densely aligning and fixing droplets with a minute volume on a predetermined substrate (micro spot-forming operation) can be attained, and the time required for the micro spot-forming operation can be shortened as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Hirota, Takao Ohnishi, Hiroyuki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7157285
    Abstract: The automated sample-on-solid-support processing system of the present invention comprises a computer-based control unit and a main unit comprising a variable-speed centrifuge having an openable vacuum-tight chamber and a centrifuge rotor with a plurality of multi-sample holding positions, a liquid solvent supply subsystem which feeds solvent to a plurality of dispensing stations in the centrifuge chamber, a temperature control subsystem, and a vacuum subsystem. A sample/collection container includes a plurality of wells, each for separating a sample from its solid support when solvent is dispensed into the wells and the centrifuge is activated at a low speed. Operation of the centrifuge at high speed concentrates the cleaved sample in collection wells. In the preferred embodiment bar code reader or other identification means, preferably a non-contact reader, can be included in the chamber to allow sample carriers to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nexus Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Neeper, John Lillig
  • Patent number: 7157049
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to optical bio-discs, methods, and optical disc drives for clinical diagnostics. The present invention is further directed to methods for determining the quantity of a specific type of blood cell in a biological sample including on-disc sample preparation and processing, providing a pre-processed sample onto a capture zone, removing portions of the sample that are not bound in the capture zone, and counting bound cells. Also disclosed are fluidic circuits for processing blood samples for use in a cluster designation marker assay in the optical bio-disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nagaoka & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramoncito Magpantay Valencia, YihFar Chen, Susan Newcomb Hurt, Joseph Roby Iringan Urcia, Gowri Pyapali Selvan
  • Patent number: 7150998
    Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: McLuen Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. McLuen, Richard J. Hanney, Daniel W. Hugens
  • Patent number: 7141416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical bio-disc systems and related methods and to immobilizing receptor molecules. When a sample is injected into a fluidic circuit, the target agent binds to a capture probe bound in a capture zone. A signal is generated from tags attached to a reporter probe that has specific affinity to the target agent. The assays and methods of the present invention are implemented on an optical bio-disc. The optical bio-disc includes a flow channel having capture zones and in fluid communications with a mixing chamber, and a peripheral waste reservoir. The optical bio-disc is implemented on an optical bio-disc that has information encoding format such as CD. An disc drive assembly is employed to rotate the optical bio-disc, read and process any encoded information, and analyze the samples in the flow channel of the optical bio-disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Burstein Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Siegfried Richard Krutzik
  • Patent number: 7142987
    Abstract: A sample archive method and system implement a plurality of sample carriers configured to support a plurality of sample nodes in a predetermined spatial relationship, sample storage devices for selectively placing the plurality of sample carriers in an archive, and sample node removal apparatus for locating and removing selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes. Alternative embodiments are disclosed wherein the sample node removal apparatus comprises a laser and a mechanical clipping tool, which may be manually operated or automated. An optical component may be operative to detect the location of selected sample carriers in the archive, selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes, or both. A positioning component may position the sample node removal apparatus responsive to signals transmitted by the optical component. Various apparatus and methods of archiving samples and preparing the same for analysis are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Genvault Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell D. Eggers
  • Patent number: 7138089
    Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the device comprising a plurality of test members arranged in at least one stack and electrodes for engaging with electrode tracks on a test member. A pusher pushes a single test member from the stack so that it can engage with the electrodes. An actuation member is connected to the pusher, and moves it when operated by a user. The at least one stack of test members is enclosed in a magazine which is initially sealed by a moisture impermeable seal. A cutter is provided for slitting the seal and permitting a test member to be pushed from the magazine by the pusher when the first test member from the magazine is to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hypoguard Limited
    Inventors: James Aitken, Andrew James Woodhead, Stuart Richard May, Murdo M. Black
  • Patent number: 7135145
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ernest V. Hansberry
  • Patent number: 7132293
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for treating samples, and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes processing apparatus (a) for treating the samples (e.g., plasma etching apparatus), (b) for removing residual corrosive compounds formed by the sample treatment, (c) for wet-processing of the samples and (d) for dry-processing the samples. A plurality of wet-processing treatments of a sample can be performed. The wet-processing apparatus can include a plurality of wet-processing stations. The samples can either be passed in series through the plurality of wet-processing stations, or can be passed in parallel through the wet-processing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Torii, Kazuo Nojiri, Yoshinao Kawasaki, Yoshiaki Sato, Ryooji Fukuyama, Hironobu Kawahara
  • Patent number: 7118916
    Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.
    Inventor: David Matzinger
  • Patent number: 7115384
    Abstract: A diagnostic microbiological testing system and method for microorganism identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility determinations (AST). The system includes multiple-well test panels capable of performing ID and AST testing on the same test panel. Each test panel is inoculated with reagents, broth-suspended organisms, and placed into the instrument system. The instrument system includes a rotating carousel for incubation and indexing, multiple light sources each emitting different wavelength light, precision calorimetric and fluorometric detection, barcode test panel tracking and a control processor for making determinations based on measured test data. One light source includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a linear array. Each of the LEDs' junction currents are controllable to produce a predetermined illumination profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Alexander W. Clark, Paul Gladnick, Robert E. Armstrong, Nicholas Bachur, Klaus W. Berndt, Dwight Livingston
  • Patent number: 7105133
    Abstract: A fluid sampling apparatus and associated fluid analyzer sample process fluids used in semiconductor manufacturing at a plurality of measurement points. The fluid sampling apparatus includes a first nozzle assembly having a plurality of outlet nozzles. The plurality of outlet nozzles are connected to lines supplying the process fluids. A second nozzle assembly is installed above the first nozzle assembly and includes an inlet nozzle connected to an apparatus for measuring a contamination level of the process fluids. A motor is connected to the second nozzle assembly to align a selected outlet nozzle with the inlet nozzle. A pneumatic cylinder is coupled to the first nozzle assembly to connect the selected outlet nozzle with the inlet nozzle. In this manner, it is possible to measure the contamination level of process fluids supplied at a plurality of measurement points by using a single measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Hyun Kim, Do-Hyun Cho, Woo-Dong Sung, Jin-Suk Kim, Won-Suk Choi
  • Patent number: 7101715
    Abstract: A dual analyzer system comprising at least two analyzers where samples to be tested are partitioned into three groups in accord with the frequency the test assays are requested. One analyzer performs a portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a first subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The second analyzer performs a similar portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a second subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The first of the analyzers is not equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays and the second analyzer is not be equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: William Jackson Devlin, Sr., David R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7097808
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takehiko Onuma
  • Patent number: 7097981
    Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to reaction vessels, to sets of such vessels for automatic immunological assay apparatuses, to automatic immunological assay apparatuses making use of such sets of vessels, and to a method implementing sets of such vessels. According to the present invention, photometric detection is implemented of the luminescence of a reaction mixture found in a reaction vessel, the apparatus and/or the vessel guaranteeing light-tightness so as to prevent entry of external light falsifying the measurement. Advantageously, sets of vessels in accordance with the present invention are made out of a material that is opaque. The present invention is particularly applicable to detecting the presence of a chemical or a biological substance in a sample. The present invention applies mainly to medical analysis and research.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Biomerieux
    Inventors: Thierry Gicquel, Edouard Lentwojt
  • Patent number: 7083974
    Abstract: A rotatable sample disk configured for samples of biological material. The sample disk may include a fill chamber for storing a first biological material, a plurality of first sample chambers positioned in the sample disk farther from the rotational axis of the sample disk than the fill chamber, a plurality of second sample chambers, and a plurality of circumferential fill channels. Each of the second sample chambers may be configured to permit fluid communication with a respective first sample chamber. The plurality of circumferential fill conduits may be configured to permit transfer of the first biological material from the fill chamber to the plurality of first sample chambers upon a first rotation of the sample disk about the rotational axis. Methods of loading a plurality of sample chambers in a sample disk are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventor: Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 7077996
    Abstract: Optical bio-discs for biochemical analysis, bio-disc analysis systems and biochemical analysis methods are described herein. In one embodiment, the bio-disc includes a sample analysis circuit that includes a separation membrane for separating an investigational feature of a sample. The bio-disc also includes a conjugate release pad, and an analysis membrane containing analysis zones that may be analyzed for the presence of analytes. An analysis method includes providing a sample to a separation membrane in a bio-disc, separating an investigational feature from the sample using a separation membrane, mixing reagents that include signal elements for detecting an analyte with the investigational feature so as to form a reagent-investigational feature mixture and capturing an analyte with a signal element bound thereto in an analysis zone on an analysis membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Brandon L. Randall, Raveendra Pottathil, Shuguang Li
  • Patent number: 7067323
    Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive automated headspace analysis. The system includes a container conveyor that conveys a plurality of generally optically transparent sealed test containers through a pre-inspection region, an inspection region and a post-inspection region of the container conveyor, and that conveys at least one sealed reference container, through the inspection region. Also included is a zone including a laser emitter and a sensor located in the inspection region and arranged such that the laser source emits a laser beam such that it intersects with a container movement path. The conveyor alternatingly conveys test containers and reference containers through the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Lighthouse Instruments, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Veale, William R. Anderson, Warren M. Griffith, Glenn E. Edwards, George R. Howard
  • Patent number: 7052914
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automated method for carrying out reactions with high spatial resolution on libraries of different materials and for analysis of the products obtained using a simple robot system and an analyzer, for example a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: hte Aktiengesellschaft the high throughput experimentation company
    Inventors: Wilhelm Maier, Matthias Orschel, Jens Klein, Christian Lettmann, Hans Werner Schmidt