Measuring Optical Property By Using Ultraviolet, Infrared, Or Visible Light Patents (Class 422/82.05)
  • Patent number: 9630182
    Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes one or more reaction chambers to hold fluids for chemical or biochemical reactions, such as PCR. A non-contact heat source heats the reaction chamber and the fluid, such that the heat source does not contact the reaction chamber or the fluid. The heat source can heat the reaction chamber and the fluid separately, where the reaction chamber and the fluid separately absorb heat radiation from the heat source. A temperature sensor acquires a temperature of the reaction chamber and/or the fluid. Control circuitry controls the heat source according to a cycling profile for the reaction in the fluid to cycle the heat source between heating and not heating the reaction chamber and the fluid based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor. Cooling can be provided passively or actively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Edward Egan, Peter Karl Trost, James Landers, Brian Root, Orion Scott
  • Patent number: 9618452
    Abstract: A fluorescence hyperspectral microscopy system featuring structured illumination and parallel recording includes a light projection sub-system, a detection sub-system, and an electrical controller. The light projection sub-system includes a digital light processing (DLP) module for generating linear excitation light, a first lens set, an optical path allocation element, and an objective lens. The detection sub-system includes a second lens set, a frequency-dividing reflection element, a two-dimensional light detector, and a light collection element. With the detection sub-system performing detection in conjunction with the light projection sub-system, and the electrical controller controlling the DLP module, a two-dimensional moving platform, and the two-dimensional light detector, the fluorescence hyperspectral microscopy system provides increased resolution and can obtain accurate information in spatial and spectral dimensions and hence a four-dimensional hyperspectral image of the object under detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Szu-Yu Chen, Poyu Su, Chiao-Sheng Lu, Yu John Hsu
  • Patent number: 9588048
    Abstract: A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor, system and method employ nanorods and independent nanoparticles that interact. The sensor includes at least two spaced apart nanorods attached at first ends to a substrate and an independent nanoparticle. Second ends of the nanorods are movable into close proximity to one another and include a Raman active surface. The nanoparticle has a functionalized surface that includes a Raman signal generator. An interaction between the nanoparticle and the nanorod second ends in close proximity is detectable. The system includes the SERS sensor, an illumination source and a Raman signal detector. The method includes illuminating the interaction of the nanoparticle and the nanorods with an analyte, and detecting an effect on a Raman signal caused by the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ansoon Kim, Zhiyong Li
  • Patent number: 9574989
    Abstract: A lens-free imaging system for detecting particles in a sample deposited on image sensor includes a fluidic chamber for holding a sample and an image sensor for imaging the sample, wherein the image sensor has a light receiving surface and a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed underneath the light receiving surface, and wherein the fluidic chamber formed at least in part by the light receiving surface. A method for detecting particles of interest in a sample deposited on an image sensor, through lens-free imaging using the image sensor, includes (ii) generating an image of the sample, deposited on a light receiving surface of the image sensor, by illuminating the sample, and (ii) detecting the particles of interest in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Junzhao Lei
  • Patent number: 9568424
    Abstract: Cartridge and method for the detection of the presence, absence and/or amount of a target nucleotide sequence in a sample comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences. The cartridge comprises a one or more nucleic acid sequences, and the cartridge includes a generic part and one or more separate application-specific parts, which are connectable to the generic part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: BIOCARTIS NV
    Inventors: Chris Van Haag, Michiel Johannes Jongerius, Danny Genius Aldegonda Schaefer, Adrianus Wilhelmus Dionisius Maria Van Den Bijgaart, Ronald De Gier, Michiel De Jong, Gerhard Pross, Johannes Bacher, Andreas Boos, Gerd Luedke, Jens-Peter Seher
  • Patent number: 9528937
    Abstract: A clinical examination apparatus is equipped with a measurement unit which measures a patient's clinical specimen, an output unit which outputs the measurement result by this measurement unit and a storage unit which stores determination criteria of the measurement result by the measurement unit according to a medical organization. Moreover, the clinical examination apparatus determines whether or not the measurement result corresponds to a predetermined state based on the measurement result by the measurement unit and the determination criteria stored in the storage unit, for each medical organization, and upon determination that the measurement result corresponds to a predetermined state, allows the output unit to output information indicating the predetermined state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yousuke Tanaka, Takamichi Naito, Toru Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 9488622
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the detection sensitivity of a piezoelectric microcantilever sensor. The method may involve providing a piezoelectric microcantilever and inducing a change in the Young's modulus during detection of a species of interest. The change in the Young's modulus may be induced or enhanced by the application of a DC bias electric field to the piezoelectric layer that enhances non-180° polarization domain switching of the piezoelectric layer. The change in the Young's modulus may also result from binding of the species of interest to the piezoelectric microcantilever sensor or a combination of binding and application of a DC bias electric field. Significantly enhanced detection sensitivity results from the changed Young's modulus of the piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Qing Zhu
  • Patent number: 9476813
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the collection and analysis of analytes from samples. In one embodiment an extraction chamber is provided that includes a sample holder and an extraction lid that allows for simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample held in the sample holder. Methods of collection and analysis include using simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: George Mason University
    Inventor: Robin Couch
  • Patent number: 9464988
    Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance fluorescence analysis device emits a light beam to a prism in which a metal film is formed on a prescribed surface while changing an angle of incidence relative to the metal film in a state in which the light beam is totally reflected, measures light generated on a surface of the metal film, determines an angle at which the light beam enters the metal film based on a change in intensity of the measured light, adjusts the emitting direction of the light beam so that the light beam enters the metal film at the determined angle of incidence, and measures fluorescence generated on the surface of the metal film in a state in which the light beam is emitted the adjusted direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sando, Takahiro Mohri, Gou Yanagihara, Kenichi Miyata, Masataka Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9435639
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light source, a characteristic light-guiding member, a characteristic changing part which changes the optical characteristic of light, and a detecting unit which detects the light having the optical characteristic changed by the characteristic changing part and guided by the characteristic light-guiding member. The optical sensor includes a control member which inhibits at least the twisting of the characteristic light-guiding member, and controls a bending state of the characteristic light-guiding member, and a positioning mechanism which positions the characteristic changing part with respect to at least a circumferential direction of the characteristic light-guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiromasa Fujita
  • Patent number: 9417181
    Abstract: A method of determining a density of a roller compacted ribbon is disclosed. The method comprises compacting dry pharmaceutical powder between press rollers of a roller compactor to produce a compact ribbon. The method also comprises determining a thickness at a point on the compact ribbon in a non-invasive manner after it has rolled out from in between the press rollers. Further, the method comprises passing the compact ribbon through a gap in between the terahertz emitter and the terahertz detector. Next, the method comprises determining a refractive index at the point on the compact ribbon using a measurement value from the terahertz emitter and the terahertz detector and a measured value for the thickness at the point. Finally, the method comprises computing a density of the compact ribbon at the point using a value of the refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward King, David Heaps, Mark Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9410884
    Abstract: A component measurement device, namely a blood-glucose measurement device, that has a measurement unit that focuses measurement light on a test paper through an illumination lens and receives reflected light from the test paper. The blood-glucose measurement device measures blood components on the basis of results from detecting the reflected light. The illumination lens is provided in the measurement unit such that the focal point of the measurement light is beyond the test paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Morita, Yasushi Nagasawa, Masami Murayama, Yoshio Nagaoka, Eiki Izumi
  • Patent number: 9404865
    Abstract: Judgment as to whether an analyte is present is performed before a washing step in which a washing liquid for washing a test area and the vicinity of the test area is supplied to a test strip. If the analyte is detected, the judgment ends, but if the analyte is not detected, judgment is performed again after the test area and the vicinity of the test area are washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Watanabe, Tomonori Nishio
  • Patent number: 9382473
    Abstract: The present invention provides, among other aspects, stabilized chromophoric nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are rationally functionalized with a pre-determined number of functional groups. In certain embodiments, the stable chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are modified with a low density of functional groups. In yet other embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are conjugated to one or more molecules. Also provided herein are methods for making rationally functionalized chromophoric nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: University of Washington Through Its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Daniel T. Chiu, Changfeng Wu, Xuanjun Zhang, Jiangbo Yu, Fangmao Ye
  • Patent number: 9335295
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Premium Genetics (UK) LTD
    Inventors: Daniel Mueth, Joseph Plewa, Jessica Shireman, Amy Anderson, Lewis Gruber, Neil Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 9335333
    Abstract: A test tape cassette is disclosed that includes a cassette housing and an analytical test tape. The test tape includes a plurality of analytical test elements, a spreading fabric for applying a body fluid, and an underlying reagent layer for detecting an analyte in the body fluid. The cassette housing has an application tip that has a guide path extending longitudinally to the test tape in an arched-shape and is uncurved at right angles thereto for supporting the test tape in a kink-free manner. The guide path has an apex area with a central opening that delimits a measuring window for an optical measurement on the test elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Dreibholz, Christian Freitag, Thomas Jaeck, Ingrid Keth, Rudolf Pachl, Elke Schmidtchen, Wolfgang Schwoebel, Peter Seelig
  • Patent number: 9334520
    Abstract: Mycoplasma contamination of a known cell line is detected by collecting a Raman spectrum of a targeted volume within a sample, the targeted volume containing a known cell line of interest, obtaining a reference spectrum uniquely associated with the known cell line where the obtained reference spectrum is known to be free of mycoplasma and comparing, using a processing device, the reference spectrum to the collected spectrum. Mycoplasma is further detected by identifying whether there are unnatural molecular compositions within the collected spectrum based upon the comparison of the reference spectrum to the collected spectrum and providing an indication as to whether mycoplasma is detected in the collected Raman spectrum based upon whether unnatural molecular compositions are identified within the collected spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Andrew P. Bartko
  • Patent number: 9313917
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal plate assembly and method for cooling an electronic display. The thermal plate may contain a first portion which is in thermal communication with the electronic display. A second portion of the thermal plate may be in thermal communication with the housing. Apertures may be placed within the plate and a fan may be positioned to draw air through the apertures. A gap may be located between the electronic display and a transparent plate assembly, where the fan may be further positioned to force air through the gap as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: William Dunn, Don Le, Ware Bedell
  • Patent number: 9272470
    Abstract: The method of fabricating an aircraft part comprises the steps of placing in a stack comprising a preform at least one layer of a material that presents permeability to a predetermined resin that is less than the permeability of a portion of the preform that is the closest to the layer; and placing a resin presence sensor on a side of the layer that is remote from the preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Philippe Blot, Benoit Hochart, Stephane Bechtel
  • Patent number: 9255245
    Abstract: A sample probe includes a tip including a distal end for penetrating a cellular membrane, an opening located at or proximal to the distal end, and tip microchannels extending through the tip and communicating with the opening; and a body adjoining the tip and including body microchannels, wherein at least one of the body microchannels communicates with at least one of the tip microchannels. A method for sampling intracellular material includes inserting a probe tip through a cellular membrane; aspirating intracellular material from the cell, through an opening of the tip, and into a first microchannel of the tip; flowing isolator fluid from a second microchannel of the tip into the first microchannel to form a plug of intracellular material; and aspirating the plug and the isolator fluid through the first microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin Briana Bernick, Nicholas M. Sampas
  • Patent number: 9244268
    Abstract: Optical devices that include one or more structures fabricated from polar-dielectric materials that exhibit surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs), where the SPhPs alter the optical properties of the structure. The optical properties lent to these structures by the SPhPs are altered by introducing charge carriers directly into the structures. The carriers can be introduced into these structures, and the carrier concentration thereby controlled, through optical pumping or the application of an appropriate electrical bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Peter Long, Joshua D. Caldwell, Jeffrey C. Owrutsky, Orest J. Glembocki
  • Patent number: 9241644
    Abstract: A biological information detector includes a wristband, a light-emitting part, a reflecting part, a light-receiving part, a protecting part, an acceleration sensor and a processing part. The wristband is adapted to be attached to a body of a user. The light-emitting part is configured to emit green light. The reflecting part is configured to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting part. The light-receiving part is configured to receive reflected light reflected at a detection site of the body of the user. The protecting part is configured to protect the light-emitting part, the protecting part having a contact surface configured to contact with the detection site. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect acceleration generated by the user. The processing part is configured to process a light reception signal outputted from the light-receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Yamashita, Yoshitaka Iijima
  • Patent number: 9238791
    Abstract: A cancer cell separating apparatus includes: a flow channel including an antibody fixation area having antibodies which bind specifically to cancer cells fixed thereon, wherein the cancer cells and non-cancer cells are separated using a difference in velocity of movement between the cancer cells and the non-cancer cells in cell slurry introduced into the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satomi Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9234827
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the relative content of a first rock species and of a second rock species in a rock sample extracted from a wellbore. The method comprises adding a reactant to the rock sample, measuring a first information (PT1) relative to a first amount of compound produced at a first instant (T1) and a second information (PT2) relative to a second amount of compound produced at a second instant (T2). The method also comprises calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample from the first information (PT1) and calculating the relative content of the second species in the rock sample from the second information PT2). The method comprises determining a corrected amount (Cv) of compound generated by the reaction of the second species with the reactant at the first instant (T1), and calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample and the relative content of the second species in the rock sample based on the corrected amount (Cv).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GEOSERVICES EQUIPEMENTS
    Inventors: Farouk Kimour, Eric Villard, Pawel Kasprzykowski
  • Patent number: 9202835
    Abstract: A lensfree imaging and sensing device includes an image sensor comprising an array of pixels and a substantially optically transparent layer disposed above the image sensor. Nano-sized features that support surface plasmon waves are populated on the substantially optically transparent layer separating the image sensor from the nano-sized features. The nano-sized features may include apertures through a substantially optically opaque layer (e.g., metal layer) or they may include antennas. An illumination source is provided that is configured to illuminate a sample. At least one processor is operatively coupled to the image sensor. Changes to the detected transmission pattern at the image sensor are used to sense conditions at or near the surface containing the nano-sized features. Conditions may include binding events or other changes to the index of refraction occurring near the surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Aydogan Ozcan
  • Patent number: 9201030
    Abstract: A method to determine a distribution profile of an element in a film. The method comprises exciting an electron energy of an element deposited in a first film, obtaining a first spectrum associating with the electron energy, and removing a background spectrum from the first spectrum. Removing the background value generates a processed spectrum. The method further includes matching the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum with a known simulated distribution profile for the element in a film comparable to the first film. A distribution profile is obtained for the element in the first film based on the matching of the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum selected from the set of simulated spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ReVera, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paola deCecco, Bruno Schueler, David Reed, Michael Kwan, David Stephen Ballance
  • Patent number: 9188531
    Abstract: A gold detection apparatus capable of detecting gold in field mineral samples such as rock or soil with little or no preparation. Light in red, green and violet wavelengths is directed at a surface of a mineral sample and the reflected light intensity is measured by an array of sensors or photosites. Based on the characteristic reflectance properties of gold, the reflected light intensity in each wavelength is used to determine the presence of gold particles and the gold concentration of the mineral sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kendall Technology Inc.
    Inventors: James Douglas Kendall, John Henry Cole, Adam Joseph Bucek
  • Patent number: 9151745
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chip for inspecting toxicity and efficacy, including: a first substrate including fitting holes formed at corners thereof; and a second substrate including gap forming members formed at corners thereof corresponding to the fitting holes to form a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, and protrusions formed on the gap forming members corresponding to the fitting holes and fitted in the fitting holes. The chip for inspecting toxicity and efficacy is advantageous in that alignment of the chip can be easily performed, in that problems with the emission of fluorescence or the penetration of measuring light in the chip can be solved, and in that the cost of producing the chip can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Jin Kim, Jeong Suong Yang, Bo Sung Ku
  • Patent number: 9143702
    Abstract: Techniques for lens-free imaging using optical resonance, including providing a series of standing waves indexed by a wave vector to an optical resonator having a predetermined dispersion relation. The intensity of the wavelengths corresponding to the standing waves can be measured with a photodetector. A magnitude and shift of the wave vector corresponding to each of the standing waves can be determined, and spatial information in k-space can be determined from the magnitude and shift of the wave vector corresponding to each of the standing waves using an inversion relationship. A transform can be applied to the spatial information to generate an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventor: Dirk R. Englund
  • Patent number: 9123422
    Abstract: An retention flash controller reads assigned-level bits from a bad block/erase count table or from a page status table that indicate when flash memory cells operate as Triple-Level-Cell (TLC), Multi-Level-Cell (MLC), or Single-Level-Cell (SLC). Pages that fail as TLC or MLC are downgraded for use as SLC pages by changing the assigned-level bits. The level bits adjust truth tables used by translation logic that receives inputs from voltage comparators reading a bit line. The range of voltages for each logic level may be adjusted by the truth tables or by programmable registers. The programming voltage or programming pulses may be adjusted to increase endurance and the number of permitted program-erase cycles while reducing retention times before a refresh is needed of the flash cells. Mixed configurations of flash memory have MLC blocks and MLC as SLC blocks, or other combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Super Talent Technology, Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Yu, Abraham C. Ma, Shimon Chen, Yao-Tse Chang
  • Patent number: 9103794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assay format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: PLATYPUS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Abbott, Christopher Murphy, Barbara Israel
  • Patent number: 9082685
    Abstract: The optical-coupling semiconductor device includes: a primary support plate and a secondary support plate facing each other and spaced apart a predetermined distance; a light emitting device situated on the primary support plate; and a light receiving device including a light receiving surface to receive light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting device. The light emitting device is situated on a surface facing the secondary support plate of the primary support plate so that the light emitting surface is oriented toward the secondary support plate. The light receiving device is situated on a surface facing the primary support plate of the secondary support plate so that the light receiving surface faces the light emitting surface of the light emitting device. The light emitting device is on the light receiving surface of the light receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakasuji, Yuichi Niimura, Hideo Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 9074938
    Abstract: A substrate for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis (SERS) comprises a ferroelectric single crystal having polarization-inverted patterns of spontaneous polarizations including polarization-inverted portions and non-inverted polarization portions, and metallic dots positioned at only either one polarized surfaces of the polarization-inverted portions and the non-inverted polarization portions. The provided SERS substrate produces a high enhancement effect. A microfluidic device incorporating the SERS substrate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignees: University of Washington, National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Xiaoyan Liu, Kenji Kitamura, Minoru Osada, Takahiro Nagata, Guozhong Cao
  • Patent number: 9063091
    Abstract: A specimen test strip is provided to detect a characteristic of an analyte in a specimen sample. The specimen test strip includes a reaction area to receive the specimen sample and a color calibration area to determine a color, or a color and a color intensity, of the reaction area after receiving the specimen sample. The specimen test strip may further include a temperature indication area to correct a measurement of the characteristic of analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: IXENSOR INC.
    Inventors: Tungmeng Tsai, Chieh Hsiao Chen, Yenyu Chen
  • Patent number: 9063146
    Abstract: A device which supports identification of an integrated display and dynamic adjustments to operating parameters thereof includes: a port that receive a test strip having a reaction site for receiving a sample of fluid from a patient, a blood glucose (bG) meter cooperatively operable with a test strip inserted in the port to measure glucose in a sample of fluid on the test strip, and a display device having an electrically resistive component integrated therein and operable to display the glucose measurement in accordance with one or more operating parameters associated with the display device The system also includes a monitoring module electrically connected to the resistive component, wherein the monitoring module determines a type for the display device based on a resistance of the resistive component and a control module that selectively adjusts a given operating parameter of the display device in accordance with the type of display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Blackburn, Nathan E. Manlove, Paul S. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 9046470
    Abstract: An optical biosensor including a bio-sensing unit configured to receive an optical signal and generating a sensed optical signal, the wavelength of which varies according to a result of sensing a biomaterial; and a spectrometer including a plurality of ring resonators for dividing the sensed optical signal according to a wavelength and generating a plurality of output optical signals, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-dong Park, Kyoung-won Na, Sung Dong Suh, Dong-mo Im
  • Publication number: 20150147804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biochemical analysis cartridge having improved operability. More particularly, the present invention provides a biochemical analysis cartridge including an insertion-type sample cartridge and a reaction cartridge receiving the insertion-type sample cartridge, in which,as the sample cartridge is inserted into the reaction cartridge,a reaction solution chamber moves toward a broken part of a covertape so as to automatically supply the reaction solution stored in the chamber. The biochemical analysis cartridge having improved operability according to the present invention can induce the mixing between a sample and a reaction solution by simply inserting them into the reaction cartridge and a reaction thereafter, thereby minimizing the process of a measurer to intervene in the assay, and subsequently improving user convenience and operability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Geun Sig CHA, Hakhyun NAM, Dongxuan SHEN, Joo Young CHO, Jihoon KIM
  • Patent number: 9040304
    Abstract: A multi-channel system and methods for sorting particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles. The system includes multiple flow cytometry units, each unit can have a nozzle for producing a fluid stream containing a desired population of particles in a mixture of particles. Each of the units may be operable to sort said desired population of particles by interrogating the fluid stream with a beam of electromagnetic radiation and classifying particles based on one or more characteristics of the particles. The system also includes a common fluid delivery system for delivering sheath fluid to each flow cytometer unit for producing respective fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Inguran, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Durack, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Gary P. Vandre, Lon A. Westfall, Jeremy T. Hatcher, Niraj V. Nayak
  • Publication number: 20150139857
    Abstract: A biochip includes a substrate, where the substrate includes at least one hole extending from a first surface of the substrate to a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, and where the substrate comprises a microfluidic channel pattern. The biochip further includes a surface modification layer over the substrate. Additionally, the biochip includes a sensing wafer bonded to the substrate, where the sensing wafer has one or more modified surface patterns having different surface properties from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Yi-Shao LIU, Chun-Wen CHENG, Chun-Ren CHENG
  • Patent number: 9034639
    Abstract: A device is provided for use with a tissue penetrating system and/or a metering device for measuring analyte levels. The device comprises a cartridge and a plurality of analyte detecting members mounted on the cartridge. The cartridge may have a radial disc shape. The cartridge may also be sized to fit within the metering device. The analyte detecting members may be optical system using fluorescence lifetime to determine analyte levels. In one embodiment, the device may also include a fluid spreader positioned over at least a portion of the analyte detecting member to urge fluid toward one of the detecting members. A plurality of analyte detecting members may be used. Each analyte detecting member may be a low volume device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Dominique M. Freeman, Dirk Boccker, Robert Jones, David Cullen, Malcolm MacLood, William Carlson, Michael J. Owen, Christopher Dryer
  • Patent number: 9034259
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting cell particles in a liquid flow, which comprises a flow-defining block including a flow chamber receiving a sample conduit and a flow cell having a flow channel. The system also comprises a strobe block including a imaging device for taking an image of a jet flow ejected from the flow-defining block and a plurality of droplets in a given image area. The flow-defining block and the strobe block are detachably connected each other. Further the strobe block includes a nozzle plate having a nozzle channel between a receiving end and a nozzle. The flow-defining block includes a discharge end opposite to the receiving end and a channel enlarged portion of which cross section taken along a predetermined plane perpendicular to a flow direction has an area increasing towards the discharge end. The discharge end and the receiving end have substantially the same open distance in the predetermined plane perpendicular to the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BAY BIOSCIENCE KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiko Kanda
  • Publication number: 20150132855
    Abstract: Techniques described herein enable a mobile multifunction device to detect a disposable sensor card at an interface coupled to the mobile multifunction device, wherein the disposable sensor card is mounted inside an opening in the mobile multifunction device, detect analog information associated with the disposable sensor card, and convert analog information to digital information. Detecting analog information comprises detecting a non-transient change in at least a portion of the disposable sensor card, wherein at least a portion of the first disposable sensor card changes form in response to exposure to one or more stimuli from an environment of the first disposable sensor card. A non-transient change may include one or more of changing color, changing shape, changing chemical composition or changing electrical characteristics. Furthermore, the interface may be configured to receive disposable sensor cards with varying sensing capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Russel Allyn Martin, Ana Rangelova Londergan, Justin Phelps Black, Rihui He, Igor Tchertkov, Raghu Subramanian Srivatsa
  • Patent number: 9028770
    Abstract: This invention provides a cell made of polymers for spectra measurement while inhibiting a decrease in a molecular weight of resin caused by discharge treatment and having a stable hydrophilic modified surface. The hydrophilic resin cell is prepared by providing a polymeric resin cell between the two opposing electrodes, applying an electric field to a region between the above opposing electrodes under a nitrogen atmosphere with a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure to generate an electric discharge, and exposing the cell subjected to discharge treatment with a gas including oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Taniguchi, Yukimune Takahashi, Takashi Inoue, Hiroaki Ishizawa
  • Patent number: 9028757
    Abstract: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Super Resolution Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Alexeevich Klimov, Dmitry Andreevich Klimov, Evgeniy Andreevich Klimov, Tatiana Vitalyevna Klimova
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9029161
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dating a body sample, such as blood, includes taking at least one spectroscopic measurement of the sample at at least two predetermined positions in the spectrum having spectral characteristics corresponding to at least two predetermined substances present in the sample that have a time varying relationship with each other. A measured relative concentration of each of the predetermined substances is then determined from the measurement, and the measured relative concentrations of the two predetermined substances is compared with a known variation of the relative concentrations of the two predetermined substances over time. A good fit of the measured relative concentrations to the known variation of the relative concentrations is then determined, so as to provide an indication of the age of the sample. Alternatively, instead of measuring the relative concentrations of each of the predetermined substances, the rate of change of the relative concentrations is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Academisch Medisch Centrum
    Inventors: Maurice Aalders, Rolf Bremmer
  • Patent number: 9028772
    Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Huanfen Yao, Jeffrey George Linhardt, Babak Parviz
  • Patent number: 9023654
    Abstract: A method for measuring bromate ions includes: an adding step of adding a fluorescent substance whose fluorescence intensity changes by the coexistence of bromate ions to sample water; a measuring step of measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance; a difference calculating step of calculating a difference between the fluorescence intensity measured and a reference fluorescence intensity of reference sample water that contains no bromate ion; and a concentration calculating step of calculating bromate ion concentration from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference. The measuring step includes a step of measuring the fluorescence intensity at any one of a case where an excitation wavelength is 264 nm and an emission wavelength is 400 nm, a case where the excitation wavelength is 264 nm and the emission wavelength is 480 nm, and a case where the excitation wavelength is 300 nm and the emission wavelength is 400 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsumi Konishi, Eri Hasegawa, Yoshiharu Tanaka, Shukuro Igarashi, Takao Ohtomo
  • Patent number: 9023295
    Abstract: An adapter for use with a hand-held electronic device for use in detecting the optical properties of a sample. The adapter includes a backing plate having an integral surface that secures the adapter to the electronic device. The adapter also includes a sample housing having a sample holder and a cap. The sample holder is configured to receive the placement of a sample and/or a sample vessel. The backing plate includes an orifice that allows the passage of light from the sample to the detector of the electronic device. The backing plate may also include another orifice that allows for light emitted from an emitter of the electronic device to enter into the sample holder. The sample holder may also include reflective surfaces that direct light to/from the sample as well as filters that filter the wavelength of light sent to sample and/or detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Rob Chumanov, Julia Krueger, Steve Krueger, Sydnor T. Withers, III
  • Patent number: 9023282
    Abstract: To be adapted to various types of latex reagents for detecting scattered light and thereby measuring agglutination reactions with high sensitivity while sufficiently ensuring integration time. To be adapted to various types of latex particles of different particle sizes, a plurality of light receivers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of cell movement by rotation of a cell disk. To ensure sufficient integration time, the angle between the optical axis of the irradiation light and each of a plurality of optical axes of scattered light viewed from above the cell is made equal to or less than 17.7° including a mounting error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sakuichiro Adachi, Muneo Maeshima, Isao Yamazaki, Tomonori Mimura