Measuring Electrical Property Patents (Class 422/82.01)
  • Patent number: 8877130
    Abstract: A partition wall is provided between a display section and a sensor mount inside a main case. A control board housing chamber is disposed on the display unit side of the partition wall, and a measurement board housing chamber is disposed on the sensor mount side of the partition wall. A control board is housed in the control board housing chamber, and a measurement board and a temperature sensor are housed in the measurement board housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Takeuchi, Toshiki Matsumoto, Eiji Okuda, Kiyohiro Horikawa, Takahiro Watanabe, Kaoru Shigematsu, Yoshinori Amano, Shinichi Kojima
  • Publication number: 20140323352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer in a subject, a method for identifying whether a subject is in need for a therapy of pancreatic cancer or a method for determining whether a pancreatic cancer therapy is successful. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: METANOMICS HEALTH GMBH
    Inventors: Regina Reszka, Beate Kamlage, Holger Kalthoff, Bodo Schniewind, Julia Mayerle, Markus M. Lerch, Christian Pilarsky, Robert Grützmann
  • Patent number: 8871079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The use of linear, cyclic, or acyclic voltammetric scans and/or semi-integral, derivative, or semi-derivative data treatment may provide for increased accuracy when determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. Hematocrit compensation in combination with the data treatments may reduce the hematocrit effect with regard to a glucose analysis in whole blood. In another aspect, fast scan rates may reduce the hematocrit effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Huan-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 8865071
    Abstract: A test tape device is disclosed herein for use with a replaceable analytical tape cassette, where the device includes a housing having a cassette compartment covered by a cassette door and a housing opening for sample application, a protective cover that can be moved between a closed position covering the housing opening and a release position allowing access to the housing opening and a door lock for retaining the cassette door in the closed position, wherein the protective cover is coupled with the door lock via an interlocking mechanism, such that the door lock can only be unlocked in the release position of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hao-Chih Lin, Wen Tsung Wang
  • Patent number: 8864970
    Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of a plurality of molecular analytes having different isoelectric points (pIs). The method comprises placing a solution containing a mixture of a plurality of molecular analytes in a separation volume, generating a pH profile having a plurality of pH zones across an axis of the separation volume, and adjusting a profile of the pH profile to induce a migration of a first molecular analyte along the axis apart from a second molecular analyte. The first and second molecular analytes having different pIs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited
    Inventors: Uri Sivan, Elad Brod
  • Patent number: 8865075
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as a modular, multi-task immunoaffinity device secured to a peripheral box and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. In one embodiment, two devices are coupled in-tandem to perform separately and sequentially microreactions and concentrations of proteins. In this embodiment, biological samples containing proteins can be subjected to proteolytic processing in the first device, and the resulting peptides subjected to selective purification and concentration in the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Princeton Biochemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Norberto A. Guzman
  • Patent number: 8868151
    Abstract: The use of electrical impedance spectroscopy to adjust calibration settings in an in vivo monitoring system, such as an in vivo continuous glucose monitoring sensor. The adjustments can compensate for the condition of the sensor membrane in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Stanley A. Telson, Raeann Gifford, Jiangfeng Fei, Jeffery S. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8865402
    Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are nanostructured surfaces that include a substrate; and an array of metallic nanopillar islands on the substrate, wherein each metallic nanopillar island includes a metal base layer on the substrate and a plurality of metallic nanopillars on the metal base layer, and wherein portions of the substrate between adjacent metallic nanopillar islands are free of the metal base layer. Also provided according to some embodiments of the invention are nanostructured surfaces that include a non-conductive substrate; and at least one nanoelectrode defined within the non-conductive substrate, wherein the at least one nanoelectrode is sized and/or shaped to immobilize an analyte or a probe molecule. Also provided are apparatuses and methods for SERS and detection of analytes or biological binding by EDL capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Clemson University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Guigen Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140308169
    Abstract: A micro-laboratory system for performing chemical, mechanical and electrical experiments includes a set of experiment chips and a test system. Each experiment chip includes chemical, mechanical, or electrical experiments and the test system is configured to receive the experiment chips and to perform the chemical, mechanical, or electrical experiments comprised in the experiment chips. The system also includes fluidic and electrical interfaces connecting the experiment chips and the test system. A computing unit connects and communicates with the test system, and runs applications that provide instructions for selecting, designing and performing experiments, analyzing experimental results and explaining relevant principles of the experiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Chemicro LLC
    Inventor: ALEKS FRANZ
  • Patent number: 8858770
    Abstract: Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NetBio, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tan, Cheuk Wai Kan, Heung Chuan Lam
  • Patent number: 8858771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrophoresis and more specifically to a gel or strip for separating peptide components by isoelectric focusing by producing IPG (immobilized pH gradient) gels or strips in a novel way before focusing. More closely, the peptides are focused in a novel IPG gel including an uneven or non-linear pH gradient having at least three separate stepwise arranged pH-intervals. After focusing the peptide resolution is high and the peptides are evenly distributed along the gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Bengt Bjellqvist, Kristina Uhlen
  • Patent number: 8858883
    Abstract: A biosensor comprising an electrically conductive substrate coated with a modified chitosan biopolymer that has been electrodeposited on the substrate, wherein said modified chitosan biopolymer comprises at least one vesicle binding molecule. The biosensor is manufactured by a method where a modified chitosan biopolymer is electrodeposited on a substrate. The method is also used to manufacture a modified chitosan biopolymer film by electrodeposition of the chitosan on the substrate and later removing the film from the substrate after electrodeposition. The resulting film can be used in bandages to treat various types of wounds. The biosensor can also be used to detect various analytes in samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: University of Maryland, College Park, Wichita State University
    Inventors: Matthew Dowling, Srinivasa R. Raghavan, Neeraja Dashaputre, Douglas Stephen English, Vishal Javvaji, Gregory F. Payne, Philip R. DeShong
  • Patent number: 8858884
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Tricia A. Cregger
  • Patent number: 8862272
    Abstract: A reagent preparation apparatus for supplying a reagent, prepared by mixing a high concentration reagent and purified water supplied from a purified water production device, to a sample measurement device for measuring a sample using the prepared reagent, the reagent preparation apparatus comprising: a reagent preparation unit for preparing the reagent by mixing the high concentration reagent and the purified water supplied from the purified water production device; and a controller, communicably connected to the purified water production device, for controlling the purified water production device to continue producing the purified water until a predetermined time has elapsed from when the purified water production device starts the production of the purified water. Also, a reagent preparation system and a reagent preparation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Ikeda, Noriyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8859293
    Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Roche Operations Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, James Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8859292
    Abstract: A sensor chip is configured to measure the temperature of a blood sample and includes a capillary section and an electrode unit. The capillary section allows the blood sample to be introduced therein. The electrode unit is configured to measure the temperature of the blood sample and includes a working electrode and a counter electrode. The working electrode and the counter electrode respectively include a reaction reagent layer containing an electrolyte. Further, the electrode unit is configured to receive a predetermined voltage to be applied in measuring the temperature of the blood sample for allowing a result of the measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in a glucose concentration and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8850869
    Abstract: A sensor element for a sensor or measuring device for measuring fluids, with a housing, the interior of which is sealed toward the outside and through which the fluid to measured can flow, and with at least one electrode arrangement in the housing interior, the electrode arrangement having at least one electrode and forming at least one measuring path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BC Tech Holding AG
    Inventor: Helmut Hartl
  • Patent number: 8852413
    Abstract: A biosensor, comprising an insulating base plate, an electrode system containing at least a working electrode and a counter electrode and formed on the insulating base plate, and a sample-supplying section formed on the electrode system, wherein the sample-supplying section has a reaction layer comprising: a first reaction layer formed on the electrode system and containing at least a redox enzyme into which pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), or flavin mononucleotide (FMN) is incorporated as a prosthetic group; and a second reaction layer formed by applying, onto the first reaction layer, a solution including a lipid decomposing enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: CCI Corporation, Ultizyme International Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohide Nishiwaki, Shoichi Miyamoto, Akitsugu Inagawa, Hironobu Murase
  • Patent number: 8845965
    Abstract: The present application relates to a sensor (1) for use in detecting an analyte comprising: a transducer (10) composed of a pyroelectric or piezoelectric polymer substrate e.g. PVDF (3) and a transparent electrode layer (4) on a surface of the substrate; a layer of parylene (12) on the transparent electrode layer; and a reagent (17) immobilised on the transducer, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vivacta Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross, Timothy Stuart Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8845914
    Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Hany Nassef, Geoffrey Richard Facer, Marc Unger
  • Patent number: 8845968
    Abstract: The present application provides apparatus (300, 400) and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator (108, 109, 110). Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Highland Biosciences Limited
    Inventor: Richard Day
  • Patent number: 8845879
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the metabolic state of an organelle in the presence of a potential organelle modulating agent is disclosed. A first organelle-modified bioelectrode is provided that is electrically coupled to a second electrode of opposite polarity in a circuit. The first bioelectrode is contacted with an aqueous carrier containing a biologically acceptable electrolyte and an effective amount of a potential organelle modulating agent and an effective amount of an organelle substrate. The substrate is reacted at the bioelectrode to form an ionic product that is released into the aqueous carrier-containing electrolyte to thereby provide a current at the second electrode when the circuit is closed. A metabolic flux data set is obtained during the reaction and is compared to a control metabolic flux data set obtained under the same conditions in the absence of the organelle modulating agent, thereby determining the metabolic state of the organelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Saint Louis Univesrity
    Inventors: Shelley Minteer, Abdul Waheed
  • Patent number: 8846406
    Abstract: The sensitivity of a chemiresistor sensor can be dynamically tuned using mechanical strain. The increase in sensitivity is a smooth, continuous function of the applied strain, and the effect can be reversible. Sensitivity tuning enables the response curve of the sensor to be dynamically optimized for sensing analytes, such as volatile organic compounds, over a wide concentration range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Martin, Douglas H. Read
  • Patent number: 8845966
    Abstract: The measurement device comprises a sensor holder to which is removable to a biosensor. The sensor holder has measurement-use connection terminals that are in contact with the electrode system in the biosensor and are used to take off signals required for measuring the specific component, and thermocouple-use connection terminals that are in contact with the thermocouple in the biosensor and are used to take off the thermoelectromotive force signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Fujii, Yoshifumi Takahara, Noriyoshi Terashima
  • Publication number: 20140287524
    Abstract: A microfluidic device and a control method, the microfluidic device including a platform including a chamber configured to accommodate a sample, a channel connected to the chamber, and a metering unit connected to the chamber by the channel and configured to meter an amount of the sample, wherein the metering unit includes a metering chamber configured to measure the amount of the sample, and an accommodation chamber connected to the metering chamber and configured to accommodate the sample to prevent the sample from overflowing out of the metering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Gun LEE, Na Hui KIM, Hyun Ju JUNG
  • Patent number: 8840776
    Abstract: A method for estimation of hematocrit of a sample having an analyte includes: bringing the sample into contact with a sensor strip including a reference electrode coated with a reference layer nonreactive to the analyte, and a working electrode coated with a working layer including a biorecognition element reactive to the analyte; applying a voltage between the reference and working electrodes, and recording information of a reaction current flowing through the sample within a time period of not greater than 5 seconds from beginning of application of the voltage; and estimating the hematocrit of the sample by analyzing the recorded information using a predetermined current-hematocrit function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bionime Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8840774
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell that employs a capacitive counter electrode and a faradaic working electrode. The capacitive counter electrode reduces the amount of redox products generated at the counter electrode while enabling the working electrode to generate redox products. The electrochemical cell is useful for controlling the redox products generated and/or the timing of the redox product generation. The electrochemical cell is useful in assay methods, including those using electrochemiluminescence. The electrochemical cell can be combined with additional hardware to form instrumentation for assay methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Allen J. Bard, Chong-Yang Liu
  • Patent number: 8841133
    Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Huan-Ping Wu, Christine D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8841070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for processing an analyte and to a method of processing and/or detecting an analyte using said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Harnack, Ingeborg Hospach, Claire Basquin, Akio Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20140274804
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for detecting, speciating, and measuring a concentration of organic analytes in a fluid stream. The assembly includes a housing for containing elements of the sensor assembly; a sensor array configured to detect and measure the concentration of the organic analytes in the fluid sample and produce an electrical output signal indicative of a type and concentration of the organic analytes detected; an inlet channel through which a sample is drawn into the housing and into contact with the sensor array; an outlet channel through which the sample is expelled from the housing; and a sampler located within the housing for drawing the fluid sample into the housing via the inlet channel and expelling the sample via the outlet channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: David Glynn Thomas, Rachel Ellen Mohler, Karen Ann Synowiec, Elaine Mae Bild
  • Publication number: 20140273005
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample of liquid having an NMR signal in response to a magnetic field for the presence of an analyte. Included is an NMR device having a testing section that is adapted to contain a liquid and apply a magnetic field to the liquid. A complex comprised of a conjugate having a field gradient bound to the analyte that is of sufficient magnitude to quench the NMR signal of the liquid when in the test section whereby the presence of the complex is determined by the absence of the NMR signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Laurel Sillerud
  • Patent number: 8834794
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides the description of an inexpensive and disposable handheld device for detecting Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood called a handheld CTC detector (HCTCD). The HCTCD is capable of detecting less than 1 CTC per milliliter. The HCTCD consists of a dense array of high aspect ratio freestanding metallic nanoneedles, functionalized with antibodies that integrated within a microfluidic device and selectively capture and count (using electrical signal detection) the CTCs. By selecting a right functionalization protocol for the nanoneedles array, the HCTCD can be used for selective capturing a variety of rare cells that are mixed in human fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Mehdi M Yazdanpanah, Romaneh Jalilian
  • Patent number: 8835180
    Abstract: Applicant discloses a sensing element for sensing an organic chemical analyte, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, and a microporous, hydrophobic, analyte-responsive dielectric material disposed at least in proximity to the first and second electrodes. The analyte-responsive dielectric material may be a polymer of intrinsic microporosity. An electrical property of the sensing element, such as capacitance, can be monitored in order to sense an organic chemical analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stefan H. Gryska, Nelson B. O'Bryan, Neal A. Rakow, Michael S. Wendland
  • Patent number: 8834691
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to enhance measurement accuracy in a device for measuring a biological sample. To attain this objective, the invention is provided with a main case (2) having a sensor insertion section (1), a measurement section (7) connected to the sensor insertion section (1), a controller (8) connected to the measurement section (7), and a display (3) connected to the controller (8). An acceleration sensor (5) is furnished for detecting a shock applied to the sensor insertion section (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Reiko Kondo, Takashi Miki, Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8834697
    Abstract: A channel (12) is formed inside a transparent substrate (11), and the two ends are respectively connected to a sample inlet (13) and a separation medium filling port (14) both open to outside, and a sample outlet (15) which is open to outside is provided on the channel (12). The portion between the sample inlet (13) and the sample outlet (15) is a separation channel portion (12a), and the portion between the sample outlet (15) and the separation medium filling port (14) is a separation medium introduction channel portion (12b). A separation medium supplier is connected to the separation medium filling port (14) and the separation medium introduction channel portion (12b) is filled with a separation medium. Then a sample is dropped to the sample inlet (13), with the sample medium supplier still connected, to introduce the sample to the separation channel portion (12a). And then, buffer liquid is poured in buffer reservoirs (16) and (17) and a migration voltage is applied to perform a migration analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Kaji
  • Patent number: 8828738
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from heterophile antibodies in an analyte immunoassay. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with non-human IgM or fragments thereof by dissolving into said sample a dry reagent to yield a non-human IgM concentration of at least about 20 ?g/mL or equivalent fragment concentration; and (b) performing an electrochemical immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG or fragments thereof in addition to the IgM of fragments thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: John Lewis Emerson Campbell, John Emegbero Omakor
  • Patent number: 8828208
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing of an interaction of a molecular entity with a membrane protein in a lipid bilayer comprises an array of sensor elements (21) arranged to output an electrical signal that is dependant on occurrences of the interaction. A detection circuit (3) comprised detection channels (30) capable of amplifying an electrical signal from a sensor element. More sensor elements (21) are provided than detection channels (30), and detection channels (30) are selectively connected to sensor elements (21) that have acceptable quality of performance in that a lipid bilayer is formed and that an acceptable number of membrane proteins are inserted, on the basis of the amplified electrical signals that are output from the detection channels. This improves the efficiency of utilization of the detection channels, due to inefficiency in the utilization of the sensor elements, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the apparatus and the ability to perform sensing using relatively small samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Antonio Canas, Simon Adrian Wells
  • Patent number: 8828321
    Abstract: A reactor comprises a main body having a flow path substrate and a crystal substrate chemically bonded to the flow path substrate to form a flow path for running a sample to be measured and a reactor tank connected to the flow path. An adsorption film is disposed in the reactor tank for adsorbing a specific substance contained in the sample to be measured. A measuring device measures a physical quantity of the specific substance contained in the sample and adsorbed by the adsorption film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Yoko Shinohara, Minao Yamamoto, Masataka Shinogi, Haruki Kato
  • Patent number: 8828330
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor port configured to receive a plurality of analyte sensors having different sizes, shapes and/or electrode configurations. Also provided are analyte meters, analyte monitoring devices and/or systems and drug delivery devices and/or systems utilizing the disclosed sensor ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Galasso, Matthew Simmons, Gary Ashley Stafford, Cherie Bulala, Christopher Myles, Philip Justus Wunderle, III, Bonita Song, Richard G. Ries, Morvarid G. Shafie
  • Patent number: 8828713
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include sensors comprising high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with capture reagents on a gate region of the HEMTs. Example sensors include HEMTs with a thin gold layer on the gate region and bound antibodies; a thin gold layer on the gate region and chelating agents; a non-native gate dielectric on the gate region; and nanorods of a non-native dielectric with an immobilized enzyme on the gate region. Embodiments including antibodies or enzymes can have the antibodies or enzymes bound to the Au-gate via a binding group. Other embodiments of the invention are methods of using the sensors for detecting breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney injury, glucose, metals or pH where a signal is generated by the HEMT when a solution is contacted with the sensor. The solution can be blood, saliva, urine, breath condensate, or any solution suspected of containing any specific analyte for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Ren, Stephen John Pearton, Tanmay Lele
  • Patent number: 8828322
    Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring prothrombin time (PT) and hematocrit (HCT) by analyzing the change in reactance in a sample are presented. A diagnostic device for measuring HCT and PT of a fluid includes a relative electrode-type sensor device and a blood test card assembly including one or more pairs of electrodes, wherein alternating current (AC) provided by the sensor device is used to measure and calculate HCT and PT of blood test using the reactance analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apex Biotechnology Corp.
    Inventors: Sz-Hau Chen, Yueh-Hui Lin, Ching-Yuan Chu, Chu-Ming Cheng, Guan-Ting Chen, Yi-Chen Lu, Thomas Y.S. Shen
  • Publication number: 20140248711
    Abstract: Systems and methods for specific nucleic acid (NA) sequence detection that do not rely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for target sequence amplification and do not require any special reagents other than a complementary sequence capture probe conjugated to spherical beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Harold G. Monbouquette, Jacob J. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140248184
    Abstract: A method for recovering a metal, capable of recovering a metal easily without requiring the use of an organic medium, is provided. A first complex between a first chelating agent and a metal present in a sample is formed in a first mixture prepared by mixing the first chelating agent and the sample. Then, the first complex is recovered from the first mixture, and a second complex between the metal derived from the first complex and a second chelating agent is formed in a second mixture prepared by mixing the first complex and an aqueous solution of the second chelating agent. The aqueous solution is under the pH conditions where the first chelating agent can be insoluble in the aqueous solution. Then, a liquid fraction containing the second complex is recovered from the second mixture. Thus, the metal can be recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventor: Yuka Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20140248183
    Abstract: Devices for detecting an analyte are provided. Devices for voltage sensing of analytes may comprise a plurality of fluidic channels defined in a substrate, each channel having a pair of sensing electrodes disposed in or adjacent to the fluidic channel and defining a detection volume for sensing voltage therein. At least one pair of electromotive electrodes for applying potential along at least one fluidic channel is provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NABsys, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Oliver, Jing Tang
  • Patent number: 8821798
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a microwell in an array structure is disclosed herein. The array structure can include a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs), where each FET has a gate structure. The method can include disposing a titanium nitride (TiN) layer on at least one conductive layer coupled to the gate structure of at least one FET. A insulation layer can also be disposed on the array structure, where the insulation layer lies above the TiN layer. Further, an opening above the gate structure of the at least one FET can be etched to remove the insulation layer above the gate structure and to expose the TiN layer. A microwell with at least one sidewall formed from the insulation layer and with a bottom surface formed from the TiN layer is a result of the etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Bustillo, Todd Rearick, Wolfgang Hinz, Keith Fife
  • Patent number: 8821799
    Abstract: A method and system for using spatially modulated excitation/emission and relative movement between a particle (cell, molecule, aerosol, . . . ) and an excitation/emission pattern are provided. In at least one form, an interference pattern of the excitation light with submicron periodicity perpendicular to the particle flow is used. As the particle moves along the pattern, emission is modulated according to the speed of the particle and the periodicity of the stripe pattern. A single detector, which records the emission over a couple of stripes, can be used. The signal is recorded with a fast detector read-out in order to capture the “blinking” of the particles while they are moving through the excitation pattern. This concept enables light detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution without the need of expensive and bulky optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Bassler, Peter Kiesel, Oliver Schmidt, Noble M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8821793
    Abstract: A substrate with hermetically sealed vias extending from one side of the substrate to another and a method for fabricating same. The vias may be filled with a conductive material such as, for example, a fritless ink. The conductive path formed by the conductive material aids in sealing one side of the substrate from another. One side of the substrate may include a sensing element and another side of the substrate may include sensing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Pendo, Rajiv Shah, Edward Chernoff
  • Patent number: 8821794
    Abstract: A sensor chip (100) for detecting particles, the sensor chip (100) comprising a substrate (102), an electric connection structure (104) arranged in a surface portion of the substrate (102) and adapted for an electric connection to an electric connection element (106), a sensor active region (108) arranged in another surface portion of the substrate (102) and being sensitive to the presence of the particles to be detected, and a continuous dielectric layer (110) covering the substrate (102) including covering the electric connection structure (104) and the sensor active region (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Evelyne Gridelet, Franciscus Widdershoven, Pablo Garcia Tello, Magali Lambert
  • Publication number: 20140239986
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biosensor device wafer testing and processing methods, system and apparatus. The biosensor device wafer includes device areas separated by scribe lines. A number of test areas that allow fluidic electrical testing are embedded in scribe lines or in device areas. An integrated electro-microfluidic probe card includes a fluidic mount that may be transparent, a microfluidic channels in the fluidic mount in a testing portion, at least one microfluidic probe and a number of electronic probe tips at the bottom of the fluidic mount, fluidic and electronic input and output ports on the sides of the fluidic mount, and at least one handle lug on the fluidic mount. The method includes aligning a wafer, mounting the integrated electro-microfluidic probe card, flowing one or more test fluids in series, and measuring and analyzing electrical properties to determine process qualities and an acceptance level of the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8815160
    Abstract: A vapor sensor is constructed from a single glass filament less than 2 millimeters in diameter and greater than 1 millimeters in length, the filament having a first end and a second end separated by a long axis and comprising electrodes at each end, coated with a resilient material, and a first layer of conducting particles embedded in the resilient material and forming a conducting path between ends of the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Dolan