Fluorescence Patents (Class 422/82.07)
  • Patent number: 8501093
    Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Rutkowski, Robert G. Davies, Mark Mears
  • Patent number: 8501098
    Abstract: A detection device and a method of detection are disclosed. The device may have a sensor array, a detector array, and a sensor controller. The sensor array may have a plurality of sensors, each sensor being responsive to a different analyte of interest. Each sensor may also be able to emit electromagnetic energy. For example, one or more of the sensors may include an LED. One or more of the sensors may include a sensing compound within a xerogel, which is responsive to an analyte of interest. In the method, one of the sensors is turned on, and one or more of the detectors are activated to receive electromagnetic energy emitted from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Albert H. Titus, Frank V. Bright, Alexander N. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 8496889
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Michael Woods
  • Patent number: 8492162
    Abstract: An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland C. Kippenhan, Steven S. Kirckof, Philip A. Bolea, Richard M. Rumble, Rodney K. Hehenberger, Ramon T. Ignacio
  • Publication number: 20130177993
    Abstract: An optic light guide test sensor comprises a light guide, a reagent-coated membrane, and a mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and the mesh layer are attached to the light guide at an output end of the light guide. The light guide test sensor is adapted to be used to test the level of an analyte in a biological fluid sample when used with a readhead. A method of manufacturing the light guide test sensor involves providing a plurality of light guides, providing a strip of reagent-coated membrane, and providing a strip of mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer are attached to the light guides by ultrasonic welding. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer may also be attached to the light guides by adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Reynolds, Steven C. Charlton, Sung-Kwon Jung, Suny J. George
  • Patent number: 8480958
    Abstract: A metal nanoantenna for use in a biosensing device is disclosed. The metal nanoantenna is arranged to exhibit at least two particle plasmon resonances or surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). The nanoantenna is for use in a sensor and allows detection at low concentration of biological components. In one aspect, the nanoantenna can have an asymmetric structural configuration and spectrally separated resonances. In one aspect, there is a location in its structure providing local electromagnetic field enhancement at all of the SPRs. The metal nanoantenna can be used for background free measuring of a quantity of a biological component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Stichting IMEC Nederland
    Inventors: Jaime Gomez Rivas, Ruth W. I. De Boer, Olaf Janssen, Arun Narayanaswamy, Erik M. H. P. Van Dijk, Marcus Verschuuren
  • Patent number: 8480975
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: David Steinmiller, Vincent Linder
  • Patent number: 8460608
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael S. Strano, Daniel A. Heller, George W. Pratt, Jingqing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8455265
    Abstract: A surface grafted conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) is formed by coupling a CPE by a coupling moiety to the surface of a substrate. The substrate can be of any shape and size, and for many uses of the surface grafted CPE, it is advantageous that the substrate is a nanoparticle or microparticle. Surface grafted CPEs are presented that use silica particles as the substrate, where a modified silane coupling agent connects the surface to the CPE by a series of covalent bonds. Two methods of preparing the surface grafted CPEs are presented. One method involves the inclusion of the surface being modified by the coupling agent and condensed with monomers that form the CPE in a grafted state to the substrate. A second method involves the formation of a CPE with terminal groups that are complimentary to functionality that has been placed on the surface of the substrate by reaction with a coupling agent. The surface grafted CPEs are also described for use as biosensors and biocides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: David G. Whitten, Sireesha Chemburu, Thomas Corbitt, Linnea Ista, Gabriel Lopez, Kirk S. Schanze, Motokatsu Ogawa, Eunkyung Ji
  • Patent number: 8431403
    Abstract: Provided is method for detecting an analyte, wherein the analyte is labelled with one or more labels relatable to the analyte which are suitable for optical detection, which method comprises: a) applying an oscillating voltage having a first frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; b) applying an oscillating voltage having a second frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; c) determining the identity and/or quantity of the analyte from the data obtained in step (a) and step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited
    Inventor: Andy Mount
  • Patent number: 8425845
    Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, hybridization chambers containing probes that each have a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, a fluorophore and a quencher configured such that the fluorophore emits a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light and the quencher quenches the fluorescence signal when the probe is not hybridized, but fails to quench the fluorescence signal from the probe-target hybrid, and, a calibration chamber with no fluorophore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8426217
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Todd A. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8414755
    Abstract: A microfluidic separation device is provided that includes a sample channel having a first sample channel region and a second sample channel region, where a cross-section of the first sample channel region is smaller than a cross-section of the second sample channel region. The invention further includes a detection region having a first detection region and a second detection region, where a cross-section of the first detection region is larger than a cross-section of the second detection region and the second sample channel region is connected to the first detection region. Additionally, the invention includes a marker input channel disposed to input markers into the second sample channel region, where the markers are larger than the cross-section of the first sample channel region and the cross-section of the second detection region, where the markers collect in the first detection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: OndaVia, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Peterman
  • Patent number: 8398940
    Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8398922
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor comprising an oxygen sensing compound and configured to substantially mitigate leaching of the oxygen sensing compound from the oxygen sensor to an outer surface thereof is provided. The oxygen sensor may comprise one or more layers. A first portion of the oxygen sensor is configured to be permeable to gas and comprises an oxygen sensing material. A second portion is disposed with or on the first portion and is configured to be permeable to gas and substantially impermeable to the oxygen sensing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Inventors: Samuel P. Forry, Peter C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8398939
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8394340
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8394329
    Abstract: An agent sensing system may comprise an emitter optical resonator, a functionalized optical resonator, and a reference optical resonator. The emitter optical resonator may be configured to emit light at one or more system peak wavelengths. The functionalized optical resonator may be optically coupled to the emitter optical resonator and configured to propagate the emitted light in the absence of a particular agent, and filter the emitted light in the presence of the particular agent. The reference optical resonator may be optically coupled to at least one of the emitter optical resonator and the functionalized optical resonator such that an intensity of light propagated by the reference optical resonator is based at least on whether light emitted by the emitter optical resonator is filtered or propagated by the functionalized optical resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Raytheon Company, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Frank B. Jaworski, Anuradha M. Agarwal
  • Patent number: 8388893
    Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Kazuaki Sawada, Junichi Matsuo, Hirokazu Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8388910
    Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini
  • Patent number: 8383046
    Abstract: Analyzer apparatus for measuring amounts of a specific analyte dissolved in a liquid includes a measurement cavity block defining a measurement cavity and an analyte inlet in communication with the measurement cavity, an analyte sensor assembly selected to sense the specific analyte being affixed to the block in communication with the measurement cavity and sealing the measurement cavity from environment outside the measurement cavity, and a semipermeable membrane affixed to the measurement cavity block over the analyte inlet with the measurement cavity being sealed from environment outside the measurement cavity except for analyte entering the measurement cavity through the semipermeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Murthy Tata
  • Patent number: 8383414
    Abstract: An optic light guide test sensor comprises a light guide, a reagent-coated membrane, and a mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and the mesh layer are attached to the light guide at an output end of the light guide. The light guide test sensor is adapted to be used to test the level of an analyte in a biological fluid sample when used with a readhead. A method of manufacturing the light guide test sensor involves providing a plurality of light guides, providing a strip of reagent-coated membrane, and providing a strip of mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer are attached to the light guides by ultrasonic welding. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer may also be attached to the light guides by adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Reynolds, Steven C. Charlton, Sung-Kwon Jung, Suny J. George
  • Patent number: 8383065
    Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8377398
    Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, LabNow, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Nicolaos J. Christodoulides, Pierre N. Floriano, Gary N. Douglas, Patrick E. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8377686
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: R. Stephen Brown, Samir P. Tabash, Igor S. Kozin, Eric J. P. Marcotte, Arthur N. Ley, Kevin R. Hall, Moe Hussain, Peter V. Hodson, Raymond J. Bowers, Robin A. Wynne-Edwards, John G. St. Marseille
  • Patent number: 8367424
    Abstract: A microchip includes fluid circuits therein, formed by uniting together at least a first substrate that is a transparent substrate and a second substrate having grooves provided at the substrate surface and/or through holes penetrating in a thickness direction. The fluid circuits include a liquid reagent receptacle unit to store a liquid reagent, a quantification unit to quantify the liquid reagent or specimen, and an overflow liquid storage unit connected to the quantification unit to store the liquid reagent or specimen overflowing from the quantification unit during quantification. There is also provided a method of using the microchip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun Momose, Akinori Yokogawa, Toshihiro Mori
  • Patent number: 8367001
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to luminescent and/or optically absorbing compositions and/or precursors to those compositions, including solid films incorporating these compositions/precursors, exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields, enhanced stabilities and/or amplified emissions. The present invention also relates to sensors and methods for sensing analytes through luminescent and/or optically absorbing properties of these compositions and/or precursors. Examples of analytes detectable by the invention include electrophiles, alkylating agents, thionyl halides, and phosphate ester groups including phosphoryl halides, cyanides and thioates such as those found in certain chemical warfare agents. The present invention additionally relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions, such as those produced using the above-described compositions and/or precursors, by incorporating the composition and/or precursor within a polymer having an energy migration pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy M. Swager, Shi-Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8361392
    Abstract: A biochip having an image sensor with a back side illumination photodiode structure includes: a biochip layer; and an image sensor layer attached to one surface of the biochip layer and configured to sense light with biochemical reaction information, which is emitted from the biochip layer, wherein the image sensor layer includes a plurality of light sensing parts which receive the light directed toward a back side of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siliconfile Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Byoung Su Lee, Do Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8354073
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection chip using light, which is able to provide an irradiation of light at a high precision. The present invention further provides an inspection chip capable of carrying out the inspection of a sample in a simple manner by using a plurality of lights. The inspection chip of the present invention comprises a light amplifier element and a sample holding section for holding a sample, in which the light amplifier element is oriented so as to face to the sample holding section, so that the light emitted from the light amplifier element can irradiate the sample held in the sample holding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kyushu University, National University Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Oki, Satoru Kuhara
  • Patent number: 8349277
    Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • 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: 8323982
    Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer
  • Patent number: 8323576
    Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Aker, Colin J. Cumming, Mark E. Fisher, Michael J. Fox, Marcus J. laGrone, Dennis K. Reust, Mark G. Rockley, Eric S. Towers
  • Patent number: 8313957
    Abstract: Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Preston T. Snee, Rebecca C. Somers, Daniel G. Nocera, Moungi G. Bawendi
  • Patent number: 8313698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided made using a first substrate including a fluorescing material and including a detection region for detecting a fluorescence signal from a droplet, which detection region is coated with a light absorbing, low fluorescence or non-fluorescing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Advanced Liquid Logic Inc, Duke University
    Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Philip Y. Paik, Vamsee K. Pamula
  • Patent number: 8287811
    Abstract: The current invention provides a passive sampling device suitable for collecting and detecting the presence of target analytes. In particular, the passive sampling device is suitable for detecting nitro-aromatic compounds. The current invention further provides a passive sampling device reader suitable for determining the collection of target analytes. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for detecting target analytes using the passive sampling device and the passive sampling device reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross James Harper, Marcus la Grone, Mark Fisher
  • Patent number: 8268247
    Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Princeton Biochemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Norberto A. Guzman
  • Patent number: 8268249
    Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Carson, Joel R. Dufresne, Patrick R. Fleming, Michael C. Lea, Nicholas A. Lee, John Shigeura
  • Patent number: 8262998
    Abstract: The invention describes a detection device that comprise nanostructures and which detection mechanism is based on the quantum confinement effects. The analyte species are sensed by measuring charge or/and energy transfer between the species and the nanostructures, which will be proportional to the overlap between the density of states distribution in the nanostructures and the density of states distribution in the targeted analyte species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Branislav Vlahovic, Vanja Vlahovic
  • Patent number: 8263000
    Abstract: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
    Inventor: Ezzat M. Hegazi
  • Patent number: 8264680
    Abstract: A biochip reader wherein spectroscopic information of a sample under analysis is arranged in spaces between images of the sample arranged on a biochip. The reader comprises a confocal microscope and the biochip comprises a transparent substrate to allow passage of the excitation light and fluorescent light from the sample with the excitation light being applied from the side opposite that on which the samples are arranged so that noise from dust and the like is avoided by the transmitted light avoiding contact with the dust. Another aspect is an electrophoresis system wherein different coloring material are used for each of a variety of target substances, so that the same lane and area are utilizable to concurrently detect a polychrome fluorescent pattern of the different targets. A confocal scanner or fluorescence imaging system is used with a plurality of filters to detect the multi-colored fluorescences of the target substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Tanaami
  • Patent number: 8246912
    Abstract: An optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip, the optical detecting apparatus including: a light source system for illuminating a bio-chip with an excitation light; a fluorescent light detecting system for detecting a fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip; and a light path altering unit for directing the excitation light emitted by the light source system to a bio-chip and directing the fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip to the fluorescent light detecting system, wherein a cross-sectional area of the excitation light irradiated by the light source system onto the bio-chip is greater than an area of the bio-chip, and the fluorescent light detecting system detects a fluorescent image of the entire bio-chip with a single illumination of excitation light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8241575
    Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device for detecting the presence of a taggant molecular structure in a fluid is disclosed. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device comprises a molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked core and a plurality of polymer arms attached to the core, wherein the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator, said displacement molecule being selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer and replaced with the taggant molecular structure upon exposure to the fluid containing the taggant molecular structure therein, thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: George M. Murray, Andrew F. Mason, Edward W. Ott, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8232092
    Abstract: A micro bead having a digitally coded structure that is partially transmissive and opaque to light. The pattern of transmitted light is determined by to decode the bead. The coded bead may be structured a series of alternating light transmissive and opaque sections, with relative positions, widths and spacing resembling a 1D or 2D bar code image. To decode the image, the alternating transmissive and opaque sections of the body are scanned in analogous fashion to bar code scanning. The coded bead may be coated or immobilized with a capture or probe to effect a desired bioassay. The coded bead may include a paramagnetic material. A bioanalysis system conducts high throughput bioanalysis using the coded bead, including a reaction detection zone and a decoding zone. Alternative method for barcode determination is based on barcode pattern image processes. Microbeads can also be settled down to the bottom of the well in a microplate, so the barcode can be decoded by image processed directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Maxwell Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Winston Z. Ho, John Collins
  • Patent number: 8221700
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems. In some embodiments, the optical elements comprise triangular grooves formed on or in a surface of the device. The draft angle of the triangular grooves may be chosen such that incident light normal to the surface of the device is redirected at an angle dependent upon the indices of refraction of the external medium (e.g., air) and the device material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: David Steinmiller, Vincent Linder
  • Patent number: 8198098
    Abstract: An optical measurement method for determining a pH of a medium includes adding a fluorescent pH indicator to the medium. The pH indicator is based on naturally-obtained or synthesized ageladine A. The pH indicator is irradiated with light of at least one wavelength so as to provide fluorescence excitation of the pH indicator. An emitted fluorescence intensity of the pH indicator is detected as a measure for the pH of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut fuer Polar-und Meeresforschung
    Inventors: Ulf-Georg Bickmeyer, Karl-Walter Klings, Achim Grube, Matthias Koeck
  • Patent number: 8182748
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement of measuring acidity or other chemical or physical property of a gas. The invention comprises a membrane having optical indicator molecules bound to a microporous matrix arranged to be placed into contact with the gas to be measured, the optical indicator molecules changing their colour in response to the acidity or other chemical or physical property of the gas, a light source, and a detector. The light source is arranged to emit and direct light to the membrane, the light being transmitted through the membrane, whereby a part of the light is absorbed into the optical indicator molecules, and the rest of the light emitted is guided to the detector, where it is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Janesko Oy
    Inventors: Ville Voipio, Katri Vuokila
  • Patent number: 8163241
    Abstract: An optical probe for detecting luminescence emitted by a sample is disclosed. The optical probe includes a parabolic optical waveguide and an outer housing having a detachable component configured to hold a transparent sensor substrate that can be coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical probe also includes a sensing material for detection of at least one specified analyte. An excitation source is configured to excite the sensing material. The optical probe also incorporates a measuring photodetector that detects emitted luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Dublin City University DCU
    Inventors: Conor Stephen Burke, Thomas Ruckstuhl, John Moore
  • Patent number: 8147757
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony DiLeo
  • Patent number: 8137626
    Abstract: Microfluidic assay detectors and microfluidic assay detection methods are disclosed. A microfluidic chip is coupled to a light emitting device, emission filters and excitation filters. Excited fluorescent light is detected by a camera and a lens. The correspondent reading allows parallel detection of features such as antigens and biomarkers. A microfluidic filter and related methods are also disclosed. The filter can be used with on-chip fluid filtration such as whole blood filtration for microfluidic blood analysis. The filter is able to filter the necessary volume of fluid and in particular blood in an acceptable time frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, John Kim Lee, Axel Scherer, Emil Kartalov