Including Centrifuge Patents (Class 422/72)
  • Patent number: 8420026
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
  • Patent number: 8415169
    Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 8409447
    Abstract: A separation chip for separating an insoluble component from a suspension using centrifugal force by rotation, includes a suspension holding tank, a separation liquid holding tank, and an insoluble component holding tank arranged in order from an inner circumferential side during rotation, wherein the suspension holding tank and the insoluble component holding tank are connected to each other, the insoluble component holding tank and the separation liquid holding tank are connected to each other by a narrow portion, and in the insoluble component holding tank, a connecting portion with the suspension holding tank is positioned further toward an outer circumferential side than the narrow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Ishii, Masashi Higasa, Shingo Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20130078149
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Theranos, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth Holmes, John Kent Frankovich
  • Patent number: 8377395
    Abstract: A blood specimen processor by means of which blood specimens are collected into a collection tube containing an anticoagulant and a molded buoy of predetermined density between 1.045 and 1.084 with an embedded water swellable o-ring that expands to form a robust seal in a leucocyte density gradient between the buoy's outer surface and tube's inner surface. The buoy is made of a first resin and a second resin, the first resin having a lower density than the second resin, the first resin and the second resin being present in such amounts and relative proportions so that the body has an overall density between 1.045 and 1.084 and preferably, a center of gravity below a geometric center of the body. When the blood specimen contained in the processor is centrifuged, the buoy is thrust through the separating blood and the developing interface of erythrocytes, leucocytes, and plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Charles M. Coleman
  • Patent number: 8372357
    Abstract: A rotatable microfluidic device that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a) an upstream microcavity I with a liquid outlet I, b) a microconduit I connected to liquid outlet I, and c) a capillary valve I associated with microconduit I. The inlet end of the microconduit is closer to the spin axis than the outlet end of the microconduit. The difference in radial distance between the inlet end and the outlet end of microconduit I is typically ?5%, such as ?10% or ?100% or ?500%, of the difference in radial distance between the uppermost part of the upstream microcavity and liquid outlet I.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gyros Patent AB
    Inventors: Per Andersson, Gunnar Ekstrand, GĂ©rald Jesson
  • Patent number: 8357296
    Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Bonhomme, John Doyle, Kurt Greenizen, George Gagne, Sean Devin, Gerard Lombard, Vincent Smith, Mark Kavonian
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8343428
    Abstract: A microchip including a first substrate with a groove formed on a substrate surface or a pass-through hole passing in a thickness direction of the substrate, and one or more second substrates laminated on a surface of the first substrate; the microchip including an optical measurement cuvette consisting of a space configured by the groove or the pass-through hole, and a substrate surface of the second substrate; wherein a side wall surface of the second substrate is positioned on an inner side than a side wall surface of the first substrate in at least one part of a side wall surface of the microchip, and a method of using the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Yokogawa, Toshihiro Mori
  • Patent number: 8337711
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to separate, enrich, and/or purify a cellular population from a biological tissue, such as a tissue sample. For example, an adipose tissue sample can be acquired and disrupted. The disrupted tissue sample can then be separated and purified. The separated components can include multipotent, pluripotent, or other cell populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach, Richard W. Storrs, Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 8333935
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device including a microfluidic structure formed in a platform in which various examinations, such as an immune serum examination, can be automatically performed using the biomolecule microarray chip. The biomolecule microarray chip-type microfluidic device using a biomolecule microarray chip comprises: a platform which is rotatable; a microfluidic structure disposed in the platform, comprising: a plurality of chambers; a plurality of channels connecting the chambers each other; and a plurality of valves controlling flow of fluids through the channels, wherein the microfluidic structure controls flow of a fluid sample using rotation of the platform and the valves; and a biomolecule microarray chip mounted in the platform such that biomolecule capture probes bound to the biomolecule microarray chip contact the fluid sample in the microfluidic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Beom-seok Lee, Jeong-gun Lee, Jong-myeon Park, Yoon-kyoung Cho
  • Patent number: 8327726
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dogyoon Kim, Yoonkyoung Cho, Hansang Kim, Yangui Lee
  • Publication number: 20120309636
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ian Gibbons, Anthony J. Nugent, Anthony Delacruz, Daniel Young, Elizabeth Holmes, Andrew Drake, Timothy Michael Kemp, Sunny Balwani, Chinmay Pangarkar
  • Patent number: 8313954
    Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 8307988
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-myeon Park, Byung-chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8303908
    Abstract: This invention relates to technology for analyzing a specific component in a sample liquid, and provides an analyzing tool and an analyzing apparatus. Analyzing tool (Y) includes a liquid inlet (61) at a central portion of the tool and a plurality of channels (51) which communicate with liquid inlet (61) and move the sample liquid introduced through liquid inlet (61) by capillary action from the central portion towards a peripheral portion of the tool. Each channel (51) extends linearly for example from the central portion towards the peripheral portion, and the plurality of channels (51) are arranged radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Takayuki Taguchi, Shigeru Kitamura, Yuichiro Noda, Toshihiko Harada
  • Patent number: 8304203
    Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Zaugg, Renee Tobias, Silvia McManus-Munoz, Peter Kernen, Laurence Ruiz-Taylor, Peter Wagner
  • Patent number: 8298498
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Scott Safar, Stephen Herchenbach
  • Patent number: 8273310
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
  • Patent number: 8262909
    Abstract: A fluid separation method for performing fluid analysis of an unfiltered fluid. The fluid separation method includes providing a structure with a fluid analyzer and a power supply. Using a substrate for receiving a fluid flow stream of a multiphase mixture through a fluid sample inlet, wherein the substrate interconnects with the structure. Providing a membrane disposed across the fluid sample inlet for separating a fluid of interest from the multiphase mixture, wherein the fluid flow stream of the multiphase mixture has a shear rate that prevents a fouling of the membrane. Finally, the fluid separation method includes the substrate having fabricated channels, such that the fabricated channels are arranged substantially tangent to the fluid stream downstream of the porous membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Eugen Angelescu, Philippe Salamitou, Joyce Wong, Bhavani Raghuraman, Brian Oliver Clark, Christopher Harrison, Matthew Sullivan, Andreas Hausot, Florence Le Gallic de Kerizouet
  • Patent number: 8258461
    Abstract: An apparatus of generating an optical tweezers with momentum and method thereof and an optical tweezers photo-image for guiding particles are provided. The apparatus generates at least one optical tweezers on an examined object that carries at least one particle. The apparatus includes a laser source, a diffractive optical element and a convergent lens. The laser beam from the laser source passes through the diffractive optical element to produce a diffractive pattern. The laser beam is then received by the convergent lens and then to be focused on a plane of the examined object. The optic axis of the convergent lens is substantially not perpendicular to the plane of the examined object, so that the laser beam is projected onto the plane of the examined object in a skewed manner for providing a lateral momentum to move the particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Long Hsu, Cheng-Hsien Liu, Sheng-Yang Tseng, William Wang, Chung-Cheng Chou, Fung-Hsu Wu, Chen Peng, Ta-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 8226908
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components allowing volumetric quantitation of fluids. Using the perforation of the material functionality such as metering and multiplexing are achieved on a microscale. This functionality is achieved through basic operations, like dosimeters filling, dosimeters purging, dosimeters extraction, dosimeters ventilation and channels routing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Spinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Piero Zucchelli, Bart Van de Vyver
  • Patent number: 8226826
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disk based system for separating at least two types of particulates contained in a sample fluid. The system includes a disk-like carrier board and a magnetic attraction unit. The disk-like carrier board forms at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, at least one separation chamber, and at least one outer reservoir arranged in sequence from a geometric center of the disk-like carrier board to an outer circumferential rim of the disk-like carrier board. A method of separation carried out with the system includes introducing the sample fluid into the inner reservoir and then rotating the disk-like carrier board to induce a centrifugal force. The sample fluid contains particulates that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads and the labeled particulates are attracted by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic attraction unit to retain in the inner reservoir or the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Andrew M. Wo, Chen-Lin Chen, Ken-Chao Chen, Yu-Cheng Pan
  • Patent number: 8221704
    Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device and microfluidic system with the device. The microfluidic device includes a substrate; a channel formed in the substrate and in which a fluid can move; a valve controlling flow of a fluid flowing along the channel and including a phase transition material which can be melted by energy such as electromagnetic wave energy; and a lens disposed on the substrate and adjusting an irradiating region of the valve, onto which the energy is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-myeon Park, Jeong-gun Lee, Jung-suk Yoo
  • Patent number: 8221701
    Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device that can automatically perform various types of biological blood analysis. In the microfluidic device, a specimen is centrifugally separated and the centrifugally separated specimen is diluted into various dilution ratios. Also, at least two reagents that are required for one reaction and that need to be separately stored are stored in separate chambers, and they are mixed when a reaction is needed. Thus, various conventional blood analyzing reagents can be used as they are or after being minimally processed in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Do-gyoon Kim, Jung-nam Lee, Hee-kyun Lim
  • Patent number: 8216516
    Abstract: An analytical system for performing centrifugal analysis on a working fluid with different components includes a uniform-dividing unit with a reduced cross section to divide the working fluid, a separating unit connected to the uniform-dividing unit, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a detection compartment and a constant-quantity region connected to the separating unit through a separation channel. When rotating the uniform-dividing unit, the working fluid located at the uniform-dividing unit is transmitted to and separated by the separating unit, thereby causing one component of the working fluid to be separated from the other component and transmitted to the detection compartment through the constant-quantity region. With constant-quantity region, the detection compartment can be prevented from flushing by the excess of the separated component, and thus yield of product detection can be increased and different assays detection is carried out with a small sample volume at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shaw-Hwa Parng, Chung-Hsien Tsai, Fu-Chun Huang, Chih-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 8205353
    Abstract: Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Frank Ramhold, Klaas Van Den Berghe, Bert-Olaf Grimm, Wolfgang Goemann, Rebecca Hess, Felix Francke
  • Patent number: 8191715
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee
  • Patent number: 8187863
    Abstract: Provided are a cell chip and a system thereof that are capable of detecting optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation by mechanical stimuli. The cell chip for cell differentiation experimentation includes a plurality of cell chambers for storing cells and culture media, cell and culture medium injection ports for transferring the cells and culture media to corresponding cell chambers, fine passages for moving the cells and the culture media injected into the cell and culture medium injection ports to the cell chambers, pneumatic injection ports for injecting pneumatic pressures applied to the cell chambers, and apertures having circular films for transferring the pneumatic pressures injected through the pneumatic injection ports to corresponding cell chambers. Here, at least two of the apertures may have different areas to vary the magnitude of pneumatic pressure applied to corresponding cell chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Ajou University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Woo Young Sim, Sang Sik Yang
  • Patent number: 8163184
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 8158079
    Abstract: Provided is a panel (3) for analysis having a chamber inside for transferring a sample liquid dispensed as a drop on an injection port (14). The injection port (14) is formed to protrude in a direction away from the chamber, a recessed section (12) is formed around the injection port (14), and the injection port (14) is arranged on the side of a rotating axis center (11) of a holding member (101) for the panel for analysis in an analyzer. Thus, even when a sample liquid is adhered around the injection port, contamination and shortage of the sample liquid can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sugimoto, Masaaki Kito, Masakazu Mori, Shinichi Ninomiya, Noriyuki Shinohara, Hiroshi Takano
  • Patent number: 8119079
    Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus having a substrate including a channel through which a fluid is conveyed, a fluid container in which at least one kind of fluid is accommodated and which is disposed on the substrate so as to allow the fluid to flow toward the channel, and a fluid flow controller which controls a flow of the fluid toward the channel from the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee, Jeong-gun Lee
  • Patent number: 8114680
    Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 8105551
    Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of fabricating the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including an upper substrate and a lower substrate that are bonded to face each other; a microfluidic structure obtained by forming grooves in the lower substrate; a lower substrate protrusion pattern including an outline protrusion that protrudes from the lower substrate toward the upper substrate along an outline of the microfluidic structure; and an adhesive layer disposed between the lower substrate protrusion pattern and the upper substrate in order to bond the upper substrate and the lower substrate to each other. The lower substrate protrusion pattern only supports the upper substrate, and remaining portions of the lower substrate except for the lower substrate protrusion pattern do not have structures for supporting the upper substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jongmyeon Park, Jeonggun Lee
  • Patent number: 8101138
    Abstract: A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-gun Lee, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
  • Patent number: 8097450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thin film chemical analysis apparatus and an analysis method using the same, which can solve the sealing problem caused by environmental factors (e.g. impact, temperature) for long circulation and storage periods, as well as can detect an analyte quickly and easily. The thin film chemical analysis apparatus includes at least one chamber adapted to store a fluid necessary for biological or biochemical analysis or to conduct a biological or biochemical reaction; channels for fluid-connection of the chambers; holes arranged between or inside the channels and connected to the channels; a rotatable body having the chambers, the channels, and the holes integrated into the body; and a burst valve having a sealing means for closing the hole and sealing a fluid in the chamber, the sealing means being torn away from the hole by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the body and opening the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-chern Yoo
  • 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: 8048320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, James M. McKale
  • Patent number: 8048321
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 8048387
    Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal microfluidic device having a sample distribution structure and a centrifugal microfluidic system including the centrifugal microfluidic device. The centrifugal microfluidic device includes: a rotatable platform; a sample chamber which is disposed in the rotatable platform and houses a fluid sample; a distribution channel connected to an outlet of the sample chamber; a valve which is disposed in the outlet of the sample chamber; a plurality of non-vented reaction chambers which are disposed in the rotatable platform outside of the distribution channel in the radial direction; and a plurality of inlet channels connecting the distribution channel with the reaction chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Beom-seok Lee, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jong-myeon Park, Jung-nam Lee
  • Patent number: 8043562
    Abstract: An analyzer, preferably a desktop analyzer, includes: a component transport system; a liquid dispense or aspirating station; a member removably located on the transport system. The removable holder includes: a probe tip dispenser; a fluid supply section for holding a sample; a test element recess for holding one or more test elements or test element holders, wherein the removable holder is configured to contain the test element recess such that a test element can be acted upon by the liquid dispense or aspirating station, while the test element is in the recess; and a measurement device to analyze a sample. Another aspect provides a removable centrifuge model on the transport system, which separates samples, such as whole blood before analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Angelo Tomasso, Raymond Francis Jakubowicz, James Vanselow Barry
  • Patent number: 8038942
    Abstract: A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wing S. Pang, Mark Gross, Hendra Tanumihardja, Ruediger F. Rauskolb, G. Andrea Pedrazzini, Santiago F. Allen
  • Patent number: 8040505
    Abstract: A device for separating at least part of the liquid component of a blood sample and methods thereof are disclosed. Generally, the device includes a container body for receiving the blood sample, a layer of retaining porous material, a layer of separating permeable material. The retaining porous material retains non-liquid components of the blood sample after the non-liquid components have been subjected to centrifugal force which forces them through the separating permeable material into the retaining porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudius Burkhardt, Hans-Peter Wahl
  • Patent number: 8030062
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a base plate supporting a plurality of micro-channel elements, each micro-channel element comprising a cell growth chamber, an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a cover plate positioned over the base plate to define the chambers and connecting channels. Means are incorporated in the cell growth chambers, for cell attachment and cell growth. In particular, the invention provides a rotatable disc microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays. The apparatus and method can be used for the growth of cells and the detection and measurement of variety of biochemical processes and products using non-invasive techniques, that is techniques which do not compromise the integrity or viability of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Gyros Patent AB
    Inventors: Nicholas Thomas, Per Andersson
  • Patent number: 8021884
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Charles H. Wick
  • Publication number: 20110218411
    Abstract: A fluid handling system for use in bodily fluid analysis. The system comprises a first fluid handling module configured to interface with a main instrument. The first fluid handling module has a first fluid handling network and the first fluid handling network includes an infusate passage and an infusion fluid pressure member suitable for moving fluid within the infusate passage. The fluid handling system also has a second fluid handling module separate from the first module which is configured to interface with the main instrument. The second fluid handling module has a second fluid handling network and at least one sample analysis cell which is accessible via the second fluid handling network. The first and second modules are configured to interconnect and provide fluid communication between the first and second fluid handling network and the sample cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: OptiScan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Keenan, Jeff Chiou, Jennifer Gable, Ken Li, Roger Tong, Mike Recknor, James R. Braig
  • Patent number: 8003051
    Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 8003049
    Abstract: In an analyzer for analyzing a sample that reacts with a reagent 25, an analyzing tool 10, an infrared sensor 1 and a temperature controlling part 5 are provided. Inside the analyzing tool 10, a reaction cell 24 in which the sample and the reagent 25 react with each other and a heating element 33 that is heated by electrification are provided. The infrared sensor 1 is disposed outside the analyzing tool 10 so as to photoreceive an infrared ray 9 that is emitted from the reaction cell 24, and outputs a signal that is in accordance with an amount of the photoreceived infrared ray 9 to the temperature controlling part 5. The temperature controlling part 5 adjusts a heat value of the heating element 33 based on the signal from the infrared sensor 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Koji Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20110201101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic structure and a microfluidic device comprising the microfluidic device, which is suitable for detecting a target material. The microfluidic structure mixes the beads, biological samples, and the detection probe to react and washes and separates the beads after the reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Beom Seok LEE, Yoon Kyoung CHO, Jeong Gun LEE, Jong Myeon PARK
  • Patent number: 7998411
    Abstract: The present invention provides centrifugal rotors for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid to a chamber in the rotor. In particular the rotors comprise siphons for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid between a first and a second chamber in the rotor. The siphons of the invention are designed such that the inlet of the siphon on the first chamber is radially outward of the siphon outlet on the second chamber. The first chamber is emptied to a level equivalent to the radial position of the siphon outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ABAXIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Carol T. Schembri