Waveguides Patents (Class 422/82.11)
  • Patent number: 8431408
    Abstract: A handheld diabetes management device for providing enhanced illumination includes a housing with an access port and a light aperture. The housing further includes a coupling member on an inner surface thereof. Furthermore, the device includes a measurement engine housed within the housing and communicating with the access port for analyzing body fluid disposed on a dosing area of a diabetes test element. Also, the device includes a circuit board communicating with the measurement engine. The device further includes a light source mounted to the circuit board and a light pipe coupled to the housing via the coupling member. The light pipe is disposed adjacent the light source to receive light from the light source travelling in a first direction. The light pipe redirects the light along a second direction to be emitted out of the housing through the light aperture toward the dosing area of the diabetes test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Lewis, Michael F DeRossi, Blaine Edward Ramey
  • Publication number: 20130087328
    Abstract: A disclosed downhole optical sensor system includes at least one optical sensor positioned in a borehole and coupled to an interface via a fiber optic cable. Each of the optical sensors includes a waveguide for conducting light, and a reagent region positioned between the waveguide and a fluid in the borehole to absorb a portion of the light from the waveguide, the portion being dependent upon a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid. A described method for operating a well includes deploying one or more downhole optical sensors in a fluid flow path in the well, probing the one or more downhole optical sensors from a surface interface to detect concentrations of one or more chemical species, and deriving a rate of scale buildup or corrosion based at least in part on the detected concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Maida, JR., Etienne M. Samsom, Rory D. Daussin, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 8415170
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for continuously detecting glucose concentration in a sample, including: (a) providing a biosensor comprising a transducer and a polysaccharide covered on the surface of the transducer; (b) providing a carbohydrate binding protein solution, wherein the carbohydrate binding protein has at least one receptor, and the receptor is capable of binding to the polysaccharide and glucose; (c) mixing a sample and the carbohydrate binding protein solution to form a mixture; (d) contacting the mixture with the biosensor; (e) detecting the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide by the biosensor, wherein glucose concentration of the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide; and (f) refreshing the surface of the biosensor with a high concentration glucose solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kun-Feng Lee, Chien-An Chen, Hong-Wen Chang, Yuh-Jiuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8409509
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing particulates. A liquid having a plurality of particulates substantially linearly ordered in a streamline can be externally controlled to provide flow in first and second directions, where, generally, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A target particulate can be measured from the plurality of particulates at or near a measurement area while the liquid flows in the first flow direction. The flow direction can be reversed and measured at the measurement area while flowing in the second direction. The particulates substantially retain the same linear order during at least one cycle, a cycle being defined by movement in the first direction followed by movement in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Friedrich Srienc, Greg Sitton
  • 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: 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: 8394648
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the fabrication of photonic biosensor arrays and applications of arrays produced by the method in the biomedical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Attomarker Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Shaw, Rouslan Vladimir Olkhov
  • 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: 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: 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: 8389299
    Abstract: This invention relates to photonic biosensor arrays in particular employing plasmon resonance based sensing, and to methods and apparatus for reading such arrays. A biosensor array for plasmon resonance-based sensing of a plurality of different biological targets simultaneously, the array comprising a transparent substrate having a surface bearing a plurality of assay spots for plasmon resonance sensing, each of said assay spots comprising a discrete metallic island, a said metallic island comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles to which are attached functionalizing molecules for binding to a said biological target, different said islands bearing different said functionalizing molecules for binding to different ones of said biological targets, and wherein total internal reflection of light at said surface at a wavelength at or near a said plasmon resonance results in scattering of said light away from said surface, said scattering being modulated by said binding of said biological targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Attomarker Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Shaw, Rouslan Vladamir Olkhov, William Leslie Barnes
  • Patent number: 8389293
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in competitive analyte immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads opsonized for leukocytes; and (b) performing a competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: John Lewis Emerson Campbell, Graham Davis
  • 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: 8383416
    Abstract: An optical sensor and method for use with a visible-light laser excitation beam and a Raman spectroscopy detector, for detecting the presence chemical groups in an analyte applied to the sensor are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a plasmon resonance mirror formed on a sensor surface of the substrate, a plasmon resonance particle layer disposed over the mirror, and an optically transparent dielectric layer about 2-40 nm thick separating the mirror and particle layer. The particle layer is composed of a periodic array of plasmon resonance particles having (i) a coating effective to binding analyte molecules, (ii) substantially uniform particle sizes and shapes in a selected size range between 50-200 nm (ii) a regular periodic particle-to-particle spacing less than the wavelength of the laser excitation beam. The device is capable of detecting analyte with an amplification factor of up to 1012-1014, allowing detection of single analyte molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Vladimir Poponin
    Inventor: Vladimir Poponin
  • 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: 8377669
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay, and in particular in non-competitive immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads; and (b) performing a non-competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: John Lewis Emerson Campbell, Adam Roger Moss, Graham Davis
  • Patent number: 8377381
    Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes. The optical format is comprised of an illumination light guide, a read window upon which a sample is placed, a sample collection needle or capillary, and a detection guide. Light redirecting facets are provided within the format itself such that the format serves as a unitary component for accepting light, directing light through a sample, and emitting light for detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Dosmann, Frank W. Wogoman
  • Patent number: 8377380
    Abstract: To provide a sensing device using a piezoelectric sensor having an oscillation area for detection and an oscillation area for reference and capable of achieving a high measurement sensitivity by improving shapes of excitation electrodes. On a quartz-crystal piece 20a, there are provided strip-shaped left side area and right side area which are formed symmetrically to be separated from each other into left and right with respect to a center of a circle 53 being a contour of a planar shape of a reaction channel 52 and extend in a longitudinal direction in a parallel manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Yorita, Shunichi Wakamatsu, Shigenori Watanabe, Takeru Mutoh
  • Patent number: 8372592
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: X-Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance G. Laing, Rafael Fernandez, Rick Wagner
  • Patent number: 8372630
    Abstract: An optical glucose sensor chip includes a substrate, a pair of optical elements formed on a surface of the substrate for introducing light into the substrate and for emitting the light from the substrate, and a glucose sensing membrane formed on the surface of the substrate at a position between the optical elements. The sensing membrane includes a color reagent substrate, a first enzyme which oxidizes or reduces glucose, a second enzyme that generates a material which makes the color reagent substrate exhibit color by a reaction with a product obtained by oxidation or reduction of glucose, a nonionic cellulose derivative, and an ionic polymer into which a buffer is incorporated. At least one of the first and second enzymes is coated with the ionic polymer, and the color reagent substrate. The first and second enzymes, the buffer and the ionic polymer are supported by the nonionic cellulose derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ikuo Uematsu, Masaaki Hirakawa, Kayoko Oomiya
  • Patent number: 8367159
    Abstract: The application relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures. Islands of functionality can be produced by growing an aperture constriction layer from the walls, functionalizing the exposed base of the aperture, then removing the aperture constriction layer. The aperture constriction layer can be produced, for example, by anodically growing an oxide layer onto a cladding through which the aperture extends. The islands of functionality can be used to bind a single molecule of interest, such as an enzyme within the nanoscale aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Gray, Ronald L. Cicero, Annette Grot, Natasha Popovich, Stephen Dudek
  • 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: 8343778
    Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Hua Zhong Yu, Meenakshinathan Parameswaren, Paul Chi Hang Li, Xing Yue Peng, Hong Chen, Wa Lok Chou
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120301914
    Abstract: An optical sensor for label-independent detection, having improved spatial resolution and reduced angular sensitivity, the sensor including: a substrate; a waveguide grating adjacent the substrate; and a waveguide coat layer adjacent or over the waveguide grating, the waveguide coat layer having a thickness (W) of from 30 nm to 300 nm, the waveguide grating having a teeth height (H) of from 0.2×W to 1×W, and for example, a waveguide core thickness (Wcore=W?H) from 5 nm to 50 nm. Also disclosed is a well-plate article, a well-plate reader system, and methods of using the well-plate and sensor articles, as defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: John Stephen Peanasky, Vitor Marino Schneider, Elizabeth Tran, Qi Wu
  • Patent number: 8318099
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the REID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, William Guy Morris, Kenneth Brakeley Welles, II, Andrew Michael Leach, Andrew David Pris
  • Patent number: 8304231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor, comprising a reactor vessel (2) with a housing support (20,20a), extending into the vessel interior (14), with a medium seal against the vessel interior (14) with a transparent sensor piece (34,34a) and an indicator tile (38,38a), arranged in the vessel interior (14), in contact with the vessel contents, which may be scanned by a fiber optic which may itself be introduced into the housing support (20,20a) and connected to a display device (24). In order that the reactor may be embodied as a bag, the housing support (20,20a) is arranged on the upper side of the reactor bag and provided with a flange piece (26) tightly sealed to the vessel wall (28). The flange piece is connected to the sensor piece (34,34a) by means of a preferably tubular connector piece (32,23a), whereby the length of the connector piece is such that the sensor piece (34,34a) permanently reaches into the reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Marcel Röll
  • Patent number: 8298780
    Abstract: Methods are provided to detect changes in cells without the use of detection labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: X-Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Wagner, Rafael Fernandez, Brian T. Cunningham, Lance Laing
  • Publication number: 20120269683
    Abstract: A device, a method of fabricating the device and a sample analysis system that includes the device are provided. The device includes an optical waveguide having a plurality of nanofeatures integrated thereon to influence at least one of evanescence and coupling of an optical field of the optical waveguide. The sample analysis system includes a fluidic actuation system for introducing sample specimen fluid into a microfluidic channel of the device for evanescence based detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: VALORBEC, S.E.C.
    Inventors: Muthukumaran Packirisamy, Arvind Chandrasekaran
  • Patent number: 8293177
    Abstract: Methods and systems for label-free multiple analyte sensing, biosensing and diagnostic assay chips consisting of an array of photonic crystal microcavities along a single photonic crystal waveguide are disclosed. The invention comprises an on-chip integrated microarray device that enables detection and identification of multiple species to be performed simultaneously using optical techniques leading to a high throughput device for chemical sensing, biosensing and medical diagnostics. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Swapnajit Chakravarty, Ray T Chen
  • Patent number: 8293542
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting interactions between phage and antigen or antigen and antibody using biosensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: X-Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Lara Madison, John Gerstenmaier
  • 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: 8288157
    Abstract: A scanning sensor system, methods of use and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte are provided. The scanning sensor system includes a light source, a detector, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, and at least one adapter configured to couple with the substrate and provide optical communication between the light source, the waveguides of the substrate, and the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: PLC Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: Reuven Duer
  • Patent number: 8282896
    Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Richard Facer, Hany Ramaz Nassef
  • Patent number: 8283156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting analytes in a medium, and more particularly the present invention relates to an assay based on light diffraction which appears or changes upon the binding of analytes to their specific receptors laid out in patterns on a substrate, which has high sensitivity due to the appropriate choice of such patterns. The present invention is based on the principle that the pattern of recognition elements, which gives rise to the diffraction of the incident light in a diffraction-based assay, can be chosen in such a way so as to facilitate detection, and to enhance the signal to be detected compared to known gratings such as parallel straight lines. In one aspect the substrate itself has a surface topography designed to enhance the diffraction pattern signals. In another aspect the substrate is a diffractive optic element having the analyte-specific receptors affixed to the optic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Axela Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Goh, Richard Loo, Jane B. Goh, Richard McAloney
  • Patent number: 8282882
    Abstract: Methods and systems for label-free on-chip optical absorption spectrometer consisting of a photonic crystal slot waveguide are disclosed. The invention comprises an on-chip integrated optical absorption spectroscopy device that combines the slow light effect in photonic crystal waveguide and optical field enhancement in a slot waveguide and enables detection and identification of multiple analytes to be performed simultaneously using optical absorption techniques leading to a device for chemical and biological sensing, trace detection, and identification via unique analyte absorption spectral signatures. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Swapnajit Chakravarty, Ray T Chen
  • Patent number: 8268613
    Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus is provided with a dielectric block, a metal film formed on a surface of the dielectric block, a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical system for making the light beam enter the dielectric block at various angles of incidence so that a condition for total internal reflection is satisfied at an interface between the dielectric block and the thin film layer, and a photodetector for detecting the intensity of the light beam satisfying total internal reflection at the interface. In the measurement chip to be utilized in the surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus, the dielectric block is formed from a synthetic resin in which, when said light beam is p-polarized outside said dielectric block and then strikes the interface, the intensity of a s-polarized component at the interface is 50% or less of the intensity of the light beam at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Fujinon Corporation, FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Naya, Takashi Kubo, Takashi Ito, Yoshimitsu Nomura
  • 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: 8270781
    Abstract: A number of fluidic-photonic devices for allowing optical detection, systems employing such devices, and related methods of operation and fabrication of such devices are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the devices can serve as flow cytometry devices and/or employ microfluidic channels. Also, in at least some embodiments, the devices are fluidic-photonic integrated circuit (FPIC) devices that employ both fluidic channels and one or more waveguides capable of receiving and/or delivering light, and that can be fabricated using polymeric materials. The fluidic-photonic devices in at least some embodiments are capable of functionality such as on-chip excitation, time-of-flight measurement, and can experience enhanced fluorescence detection sensitivity. In at least some embodiments, the devices employ detection waveguides that are joined by way of a waveguide demultiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yu-Hwa Lo, Victor Jie Lien, Chun Hao Randy Chen
  • Patent number: 8268637
    Abstract: A biosensor based upon a vertically emitting, distributed feedback (DFB) laser is disclosed. In one configuration, the DFB laser comprises a replica-molded, one- or two-dimensional dielectric grating coated with a laser dye-doped-polymer as the gain medium. A sensor is also described in which the grating layer and the active layer are combined into a single layer. DFB lasers using an inorganic or organic thin film with alternating regions of high and low index of refraction as the active layer are also disclosed. The sensor actively generates its own narrowband high intensity light output without stringent requirements for coupling alignment, thereby resulting in a simple, robust illumination and detection configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, Meng Lu
  • Publication number: 20120231532
    Abstract: An optical scanning system including a switchable light source, a detector, a substrate and a plurality of optical sensing sites, as well as methods and kits for use thereof are provided. The substrate is coupled to and in optical communication with the switchable light source and the detector. Additionally, the substrate includes a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides, the excitation waveguides and collection waveguides crossing to form a two-dimensional array of intersection regions where an excitation waveguide and a collection waveguide cross and provide optical communication with the intersection region at each crossing. The plurality of optical sensing sites are each in optical communication with an intersection region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Reuven Duer
  • Patent number: 8263001
    Abstract: An integrated bio-chip includes a substrate and one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides disposed in the substrate. The substrate includes one or more reaction regions on which samples are disposed. An end portion of each of the one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides is exposed from the substrate at an upper surface thereof, another end portion of each of the one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides is exposed from the substrate at a lower surface thereof, and the one or more reaction regions are disposed at a upper surface of the substrate. The one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides absorbs excitation light incident to the samples, and transmits fluorescent light emitted from the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8257651
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a blood analyte meter that is user-friendly and easy to use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an analyte measurement device, for use with a test strip for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample, displays a hierarchy of information or options to a user. The hierarchy of information or options may include, among other information or options, subroutines that are performable by the processor of the device, stored data related to past tests performed by the user, and alarm features of the device. A user scrolls through and selects individual options or pieces of information by rotating and translating a rotatable user interface around and along an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Flaherty, Timothy Golnik
  • Patent number: 8252607
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a simple and effective way of synthesizing robust organic-inorganic hybrid gels and ultra-thin films using vaporization of a gel precursor. The gels are synthesized at relatively low temperature allowing the activity of the immobilized species to be maintained. The disclosure provides robust, synthetic, selective, active and/or passive transport systems in the form of functional biologically active species and mechanisms for forming them. These systems allow selective and passive or active transport of ionic, molecular and biological species through the incorporation of functional biological molecules and biomolecular assemblies in a rigid matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Gautam Gupta, Gabriel Lopez, Plamen Atanassov
  • 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: 8247216
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in analyzing discrete reactions at ultra high multiplex with reduced optical noise, and increased system flexibility. Apparatus include substrates having integrated optical components that increase multiplex capability by one or more of increasing density of reaction regions, improving transmission of light to or collection of light from discrete reactions regions. Integrated optical components include reflective optical elements which re-direct illumination light and light emitted from the discrete regions to more efficiently collect emitted light. Particularly preferred applications include single molecule reaction analysis, such as polymerase mediated template dependent nucleic acid synthesis and sequence determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Zaccarin, Paul Lundquist, Peiqian Zhao, Cheng Frank Zhong, Stephen Turner, Yanqiao Huang, Pezhman Monadgemi, Ravi Saxena, Annette Grot, Aaron Rulison