Including Condition Or Time Responsive Control Means Patents (Class 435/286.1)
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Patent number: 8277752Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus is provided for conducting a test by efficiently reading color development of a reagent after reaction by optical measurement. To the above end, an optical measurement apparatus is provided which is to be used with at least one test instrument mounted to the apparatus. The test instrument includes a carrier provided with at least one reagent retaining portion which retains a reagent, and a sample is applied to the carrier. The optical measurement apparatus includes a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for performing driving control of the reader and determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing data obtained by a reading operation P to read the color development of the reagent performed after the lapse of a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 from the mounting of the test instrument, and the reaction completion period depends on the reagent.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Shinya Nakajima, Tokuo Kasai, Kazuhiro Ohmiya
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Publication number: 20120244605Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for regulating the temperature of a chemical and/or biological sample and a method of using the same. The apparatus includes at least one temperature control module. The temperature control module includes a heater, a conductor of caloric, and a temperature sensor. The heater of the temperature control module is adapted to thermally communicate with a removable substrate, on which said chemical and/or biological sample is placed, via the conductor of caloric. The temperature sensor of the temperature control module is adapted to detect and control the temperature of the substrate via the conductor of caloric. The apparatus is designed such that the substrate is situated above said temperature control module to entirely cover said temperature control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCHInventors: Pavel Neuzil, Tseng-Ming Hsieh, Juergen Pipper
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Publication number: 20120244604Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system includes a mixture chamber, a denature chamber, an annealing chamber, an extension chamber, and a product chamber, that are fluidically coupled to one another through a plurality of microfluidic channels. An inertial pump is associated with each microfluidic channel, and each inertial pump includes a fluid actuator integrated asymmetrically within its associated microfluidic channel. The fluid actuators are capable of selective activation to circulate fluid between the chambers in a controlled cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventors: Pavel Kornilovich, Erik D. Torniainen, Alexander Govyadinov, David P. Markel
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Patent number: 8273532Abstract: In a molecular analysis system, there is provided a structure including a nanopore and first and second fluidic reservoirs. The two reservoirs are fluidically connected via the nanopore. A detector is connected to detect molecular species translocation of the nanopore, from one of the two fluidic reservoirs to the other of the two fluidic reservoirs. A controller is connected to generate a control signal to produce conditions at the nanopore to induce the molecular species to re-translocate the nanopore at least once after translocating the nanopore. This enables a method for molecular analysis in which a molecular species is translocated a plurality of times through a nanopore in a structure between two fluidic reservoirs separated by the structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Marc H. Gershow, Jene A. Golovchenko, Daniel Branton
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Patent number: 8273567Abstract: There is provided a portable measuring system having a biophotonic sensor. The portable measuring system also includes a tunable light source, an output intensity detector and an output wavelength detector, which are mounted therein. The portable measuring system can precisely measure a variation in the reflectivity spectrum and/or the transmittance spectrum of the biophotonic sensor before and after an antigen-antibody reaction by varying the wavelength of the tunable light source. Thus, the concentration of the antigen is precisely measured.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Hyun Sung Ko, Chul Huh, Kyung Hyun Kim, Jong Cheol Hong, Wan Joong Kim, Gun Yong Sung, Seon Hee Park
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Patent number: 8273566Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Meso Scale Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark A. Billadeau, Jeff D. Debad, Eli N. Glezer, Jonathan K. Leland, Charles A. Wijayawardhana
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Publication number: 20120231504Abstract: A septum is positioned within a disposable vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes a plurality of apertures that provide fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. Compressed gas is introduced in the lower chamber to produce fine bubbles rising up throughout the vessel to produce a mixing and gasification needed for the growth of a biological culture and manufacture of a biological product in a nutrient medium. Adding a binding resin to the upper chamber allows harvesting, separation and purification of biological products in the reactor as a single unit operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Therapeutic Proteins Inc.Inventor: Sarfaraz K. Niazi
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Patent number: 8251907Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method of maintaining health of a patient uses an analyte detection system. The analyte detection system is coupled to the patient such that a bodily fluid of the patient is accessible to the analyte detection system. The method includes automatically initiating and conducting a measurement of an analyte in the bodily fluid using the analyte detection system. The method further includes determining a treatment dose for the patient based on the measurement using the analyte detection system.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: OptiScan Biomedical CorporationInventors: Bernhard B. Sterling, James R. Braig, Peter Rule, Richard A. King
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Patent number: 8247217Abstract: A thermal cycling instrument for PCR and other reactions performed on multiple samples with temperature changes between sequential stages in the reaction procedure is supplied with a thermal block to provide rapid changes and close control over the temperature in each sample vessel and a pressure plate incorporated into a motorized lid that detects anomalies in the reaction vessels or in their positioning over the thermal block, and automatically adjusts the plate position to achieve an even force distribution over the sample vessels.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jeffry M. Ceremony, Daniel Y. Chu, Deepak K. Doshi, Rhoel Rumbaoa, Dennis W. Loring, Paul J. Patt, Cliff Baldwin
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Publication number: 20120208254Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, components, methods directed to generating energy and output products from biomass in a biorefinery system. The systems, components, and methods can be used alone or in combination as part of an integrated biorefinery system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: Algae Aqua-Culture Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Francis Smith, James Michael Rockwell, JR.
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Patent number: 8241892Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for determining the state of the cells. The determining mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for holding cells. The method comprises the steps of incubating the cells in a dynamically controlled environment which is maintained in a desired condition and in which the cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. Additionally, there is the step of determining the state of the cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: University of PittsburghInventors: Joel S. Greenberger, Paul A. DiMilla, Michael M. Domach, Raymond K. Houck
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Patent number: 8241914Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting stained particles in a fluid stream, each of the method and apparatus including an epi-illumination optics system with a focusing lens. The optics system being operable to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the focusing lens in a forward direction along a beam axis intersecting particles in the fluid stream at the first location so that the particles pass through the beam, resulting in the fluorescence emissions from the particles being directed along the beam axis in a rearward direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Inguran LLCInventors: Gary Durack, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Gary P. Vandre, Lon A. Westfall, Jeremy T. Hatcher, Niraj V. Nayak
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Patent number: 8241590Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tohru Harada, Akihiko Yabuki, Kiyoshi Taninaka
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Publication number: 20120196271Abstract: A system and a method for optimizing an iris setting, used in combination with a lamp, for each excitation wavelength for each carousel run in an apparatus for identifying and measuring bacteria in biological samples. The system includes a feedback control loop positioned between a filter wheel and an optical cup for measuring the intensity level of the excitation wavelength, and feeding this information to an iris having an iris setting control device such that the iris setting may be adjusted based upon the measured intensity level to control and optimize the level of light fed to the filter wheel from the lamp. The iris setting can be adjusted so that the level of light fed to the filter wheel remains constant during the lifetime of the lamp and to ensure that the level of light fed to the sample remains below the level at which photo-bleaching occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: POCARED DIAGNOSTICS LTD.Inventor: Gal Ingber
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Patent number: 8227239Abstract: A culture apparatus comprising: a housing including a culture chamber inside, culture being cultured in the culture chamber; a door configured to seal the culture chamber; an ultraviolet lamp configured to generate an ultraviolet ray for disinfecting air in the culture chamber; a lighting device configured to allow the ultraviolet lamp to be on for a predetermined time period, when the air in the culture chamber is disinfected; a detecting device configured to detect deterioration of disinfection capability of the ultraviolet lamp; and a controller configured to correct the predetermined time period, during which the ultraviolet lamp is on, so as to be longer according to the deterioration of the disinfection capability of the ultraviolet lamp detected by the detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Busujima, Yasuhiro Kikuchi, Kenichi Ito, Kuniyoshi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20120178123Abstract: A method for stimulating enhanced lipid accumulation by algae includes growing algae in a bioreactor medium including nutrients. The algae have an average lipid content that averages a first % of total cell biomass. A stress inducing environmental condition is initiated that keeps the algae alive, stops cell reproduction, and induces the algae to accumulate additional lipids resulting in a second average lipid content that is at least 50% more than the first %. The method can include measuring a lipid concentration of the algae while under the stress inducing environmental condition, harvesting lipids from more than 50% but not all of the algae when the lipid concentration is above a predetermined lipid limit, adding fresh medium to the bioreactor medium having algae not involved in the harvesting therein, and repeating the method, wherein the algae not involved in harvesting serves as a source for new algae growth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventor: Barry Rosen
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Publication number: 20120178150Abstract: System for fluid perfusion of biological matter that includes tissue. According to one embodiment, the system may include a storage container for storing the biological matter, a thermal control device for cooling the contents of the storage container, a gas generator for generating a preserving gas, a fluid conduit coupled to the gas generator and insertable into tissue for delivering the preserving gas to the biological matter, and a process controller for controlling the operation of the gas generator and the thermal control device. The gas generator, in turn, may include an electrochemical oxygen concentrator and/or a water electrolyzer for generating the preserving gas. The system may further include a liquid perfusion system that includes a reservoir of liquid perfusate, a fluid delivery conduit for delivering liquid perfusate from the reservoir to the biological matter, and a fluid draining conduit for draining liquid perfusate from the biological matter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Linda A. Tempelman, Simon G. Stone
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Publication number: 20120171756Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Robert W. Doebler, II, Christopher Cooney, Anna Hickerson, James D. Sterling, Ali Nadim
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Publication number: 20120171659Abstract: A particle analyzer may include a sampling unit configured to collect samples containing particles; a sample preparing unit configured to prepare different sub-samples; a reaction unit configured to incubate the sub-samples and one or more corresponding reagents respectively and provide them to the injecting unit; an injecting unit configured to inject the sub-samples to the optical unit; an optical unit configured to irradiate the sub-samples to obtain particle information; a processing unit configured to process and output the particle information; and a threshold value unit configured to compare a total number of particles with a pre-determined threshold value and to output a result of the comparison to the injecting unit to control subsequent injection of one or more sub-samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Wenheng Guo, Jin Teng, Yingjian Zhan, Shuang Zhou, Huilin Shi
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Patent number: 8202722Abstract: For heating or cooling a sample contained in a vessel portion through a heat transfer member held in contact with the vessel portion, there is used the vessel portion, which has a part formed of an elastic member, expands and contracts for injection and discharge of the sample, is closed other than a connecting port with a channel connected to the vessel, and expands and contracts for injection and discharge of the sample. The vessel portion expands correspondingly to the injection when the sample is injected through an inflow path serving as the channel into the vessel portion contracting in a non-contacting state with the heat transfer member. A predetermined amount of sample is injected into the vessel portion so as to expand the vessel portion, and the vessel portion comes into contact with the heat transfer member. The vessel portion is heated or cooled through the heat transfer member.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Minoru Asogawa, Hisashi Hagiwara, Tohru Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 8202720Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for evaluating a drug effect enabling on-chip evaluation of the effect of a drug while the drug is acting on hERG-expressing cells. The present invention also provides a myocardial toxicity test apparatus and method therefor enabling in vitro myocardial toxicity testing that has previously been performed in vivo. A pulsating cell population and hERG-expressing cells (target model cells) are suitably isolated and arranged on a transparent substrate so that the two form gap junctions. The hERG-expressing cells are arranged on transparent electrodes provided on the transparent substrate. The hERG-expressing cells are exposed to a flow of a liquid containing a drug such that the drug acts thereon. The difference between the normal pulsation of hERG-expressing cells and the pulsation when a drug is acting thereon is captured via electric signals obtained from electrodes, and the properties of the change in potential are evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignees: Mitsubishi Chemical Medience Corporation, National University Corporation Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityInventors: Kenji Yasuda, Atsushi Sugiyama, Kentaro Ando, Fumimasa Nomura, Hideyuki Terazono, Tomoyuki Kaneko, Mamoru Fukushima
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Publication number: 20120149005Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reaction treatment device including a temperature control section which includes a first temperature control section disposed at an outer peripheral edge part of a group of reaction regions and a planar second temperature control section, wherein the first temperature control section and the second temperature control section are disposed opposite to each other, with the reaction region group therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Kensuke Kojima, Hiroshi Katayama, Akira Shinozaki, Akira Toda, Yoshiaki Kato, Hidetoshi Watanabe, Tasuku Yotoriyama, Junji Kajihara, Toshio Watanabe, Masahiro Miyachi, Takanori Anaguchi
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Patent number: 8198092Abstract: A system and method for sorting a mixture of stained particles including a digital signal processor for analyzing and classifying the digital information generated from the particles and providing a sorting signal to a sorting system as a function of the analyzed and classified digital information.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Inguran, LLCInventors: Gary Durack, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Gary P. Vandre, Lon A. Westfall, Jeremy T. Hatcher, Niraj V. Nayak
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Patent number: 8198074Abstract: A reaction device including: a plurality of reaction areas; and a plurality of heating parts configured to be each provided for a respective one of the reaction areas, wherein each of the heating parts includes: a heat source; a scan line for selecting the heating part; a data line that transmits heating amount information used for heating to the heat source; a writer that acquires the heating amount information transmitted from the data line; a holder that stores the heating amount information also after the scan line is turned to a non-selected state; and a heat generation controller that controls heat generation of the heat source based on the heating amount information.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Toshiki Moriwaki, Akira Yumoto
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Patent number: 8192983Abstract: An incubator including a temperature-controlled room adjusted to a predetermined environment condition for culturing a sample of an incubation container at inside of the temperature-controlled room, the incubator including a shifting mechanism for moving a position of the incubation container at inside of the temperature-controlled room by a motor, a temperature adjusting section for adjusting a temperature at inside of the temperature-controlled room, an operating information generating section for generating operating information with regard to a position of operating and a time period of operating the motor prior to operating the motor, an estimated variation outputting section for outputting an estimation variation of a temperature state by operating the motor based on the operating information, and a controlling section for controlling the temperature adjusting section to cancel a temperature change of an amount of the estimated variation in synchronism with operating the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Yasujiro Kiyota, Takayuki Uozumi, Nobuhiko Maiya, Hirofumi Shiono
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Publication number: 20120135458Abstract: A closed loop automated method for staining of a biological sample is provided. The method comprises providing a biological sample, staining at least a portion of the biological sample by flowing in a reagent, monitoring one or more optical characteristics of the biological sample, and calculating a figure of merit based on at least one of the optical characteristics. An automated device for iterative staining of a biological sample is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Alex David Corwin, Robert John Filkins, Jun Xie, Christopher James Sevinsky, Kashan Ali Shaikh
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Publication number: 20120135392Abstract: Ultrasound stimulation devices and related techniques are disclosed. An ultrasound transducer for generating ultrasound energy is carried by a transducer housing that seals the transducer and may also include a positioning element for positioning the transducer proximate an application area to which generated ultrasound energy is to be applied. The transducer housing may also carry such components as a battery, a wireless receiver, and a controller. The same housing or a separate sensor housing may include an ultrasound sensor that provides feedback to the ultrasound transducer or its controller, illustratively through a wireless transmitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTAInventors: Tarek Hessin Ahmed EL-BIALY, Jie CHEN, Ying Yin TSUI
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Publication number: 20120129247Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample with a liquid in a container is disclosed. The sample analyzer comprises: a reader that reads an information of a liquid in a container, the information of the liquid being stored in a storage medium; a display; and a controller including a processor and a memory under control of the processor, the memory storing instruction causing the processor to carry out operations comprising: determining whether the sample analyzer is ready to read the information of the liquid by the reader; and causing, when the sample analyzer is determined to be ready, the display to display an indication that indicates the sample analyzer is ready to read the information of the liquid by the reader.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Eiji Tanoshima, Naohiko Matsuo, Eiji Hama
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Publication number: 20120122075Abstract: A multi-tier approach for use in a detecting harmful agents conveyed by the air. In a first tier procedure, the air (in a structure or a predefined area) is continuously automatically screened at a plurality of different predefined locations by air sensors distributed in the area to be monitored. Each air sensor is configured to detect a potentially harmful substance that is carried by the air proximate the predefined location, to determine if a potentially harmful substance might be present, but need not identify a specific harmful substance. When a potentially harmful agent is identified by an air sensor in the first tier screening, a sample of the potential threat is collected, and a second tier procedure is initiated. The second tier procedure uses a manual test, such as a nucleic acid amplification and detection assay to detect any of a plurality of different specific threats in the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: MesoSystems, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Call, Ezra Merrill
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Patent number: 8178318Abstract: Methods for controlling the level of dissolved carbon dioxide and limiting osmolality in a mammalian cell culture process to enhance cell growth, viability and density, and increase biologic product concentration and yield are provided. Such control of the level of dissolved carbon dioxide and pH as well as the resulting ability to limit osmolality in a mammalian cell culture process is achieved by adopting alternative pH control strategies and CO2 stripping techniques during a mammalian cell culture process. Such pH control techniques and carbon dioxide stripping occur without foam and with little or no damage to the mammalian cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Alan T. Y. Cheng, Ying Zhou, Amitabh Gupta, Balazs Hunek, Nigel Grinter
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Patent number: 8173407Abstract: An improved method for the design and development of high performance hybrid devices having biological and nonbiological components. The biological component is used in hybrid constructs that may be nanostructures, given the small size of the biological parts. In one specific embodiment, chlorosomes of Chloroflexus aurantiacus (C. aurantiacus) enhance performance of a silicon photovoltaic cell. C. aurantiacus, strain J-10-f1, has the A.T.C.C. designation number 29366, having been deposited in July, 1976. Its chlorosomes are harvested and positioned in light communicating relation to a photoactive semiconductor. The chlorosomes react to light of a first wavelength by emitting light at a second wavelength to which the semiconductor electrically responds.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey T. LaBelle, Vincent B. Pizziconi
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Publication number: 20120107921Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include model-based controls to control photobioreactor operation and the growth of algae for use as a biofuels feedstock. In some embodiments, the model-based control can accounts for future conditions such as weather, product pricing, customer demands and/or other variables to operate the reactors in a manner that optimizes product revenues, minimizes costs or energy, maximizes photosynthetic or energy balance efficiency, and/or any combination of the aforementioned factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicants: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, SOLIX BIOFUELS, INC.Inventors: Bryan Dennis Willson, Michael R. Buehner, Peter Michael Young, David Jacob Rausen, Guy Robert Babbitt, Rich Schoonover, Kristina Weyer-Geigel, David Eli Sherman
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Publication number: 20120107793Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a transporting device that transports a sample; a plurality of sample processing devices that are arranged along a transport path for the sample transported by the transporting device and configured to process the sample transported by the transporting device based on a processing order; a controller configured to receive a first processing order for the sample and control the transporting device to transport the sample based on the received first processing order, and configured to receive a second processing order for the sample additionally and control the transporting device to transport the sample based on the received second processing order; and a display, wherein the controller is configured to prompt the display to show progress information indicating a progress status of processing the sample with respect to each of the first and second processing orders. A method of processing sample in a sample processing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventor: Hiroo Tatsutani
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Publication number: 20120100572Abstract: Bioreactors are provided that include a vessel and a jet mixer disposed in the vessel. Methods that utilize the bioreactors are provided, involving placing a microorganism or cells and a fluid medium in the bioreactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: XYLECO, INC.Inventors: Marshall Medoff, Thomas Craig Masterman
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Patent number: 8163536Abstract: A device for preparing an undifferentiated cell, the device comprises means for contacting a more committed cell with an agent that causes the more committed cell to retrodifferentiate into an undifferentiated cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tristem Trading (Cyprus) LimitedInventor: Ilham Mohamed Saleh Saeed Abuljadayel
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Publication number: 20120094366Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Lester F. LUDWIG
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Patent number: 8158348Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for pharmaceutical grade manufacture extrachromosomal nucleic acids from cell lysates using flotation to separate and eliminate undesired insoluble cellular debris including chromosomal DNA from the lysates. A gas is introduced to controllably generate bubbles that reduce the density of the cell debris and create a buoyant flocculent phase that can be readily separated from, and thus provide, a substantially clarified fluid lysate phase that is enriched in extrachromosomal DNA but substantially depleted of cellular proteins and chromosomal DNA.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventors: Kwok-Leung (Jacky) Au-Yeung, Lee B. Bussey
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Publication number: 20120077256Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Keith Fife
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Publication number: 20120070884Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays includes multiple modules in which aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, pre-heating the sample, incubating the sample, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. A receptacle transporting system moves reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for pre-heating and incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the analyte after the separation step and before incubation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Kelly G. AMMANN, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Publication number: 20120070817Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for irradiating one or more targets within a sample with electromagnetic (EM) radiation. One or more targets within the sample are controllably defined with an acoustic field. The sample is irradiated with input EM radiation having an input wavefront. An amount of frequency shifted EM radiation is detected, wherein at least some of the input EM radiation that passes through the acoustic field at the targets is shifted in frequency to form the frequency shifted EM radiation. The input wavefront is modified, using feedback comprising the amount of the frequency shifted EM radiation that is detected, into a modified wavefront. The sample is irradiated using the input EM radiation comprising the modified wavefront, and the process is repeated as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Ying Min Wang, Changhuei Yang
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Publication number: 20120064507Abstract: A technique related to a fermentation process; where a signal processor receives a signal containing information about an amount of entrained air in a mixture forming part of a fermentation process in a tank; and determines a level of foam in the tank based at least partly on the amount of entrained air in the mixture. The signal processor may also provide a control signal for controlling an amount of defoamer (or antiforming agent) added to the mixture in the tank so as to control the production of foam within the tank by controlling the amount of defoamer added to the mixture in the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.Inventor: John Biesak
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Publication number: 20120064506Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for producing biogas having a high methane content from a feed or substrate. Feed material is injected into a reactor having anaerobic microorganisms to form a bulk liquid in the reactor. The oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature of the bulk liquid and the methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and flow of the biogas is monitored. The amount of the feed material (substrate) fed to the reactor is adjusted in response to the monitoring parameters of the bulk liquid and biogas. A biomass recycle is provided to the reactor, thus increasing the reactor biomass retention time, or solids retention time within the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Enos Loy Stover, Ted Ross Stover
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Publication number: 20120064563Abstract: The present disclosure describes cell-based sensors. Cell-based sensors can comprise cells coupled with a sensor for sensing change of configuration and/or movement of the cells. Such changes of configuration and/or movement of the cells can be sensed through changes to one or more parameters such as electrical, mechanical and/or optical parameters. By way of example, the sensors can be magnetic based sensors or electrochemical sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Alborz MAHDAVI, Hua WANG, David A. Tirrell, Seyed Ali HAJIMIRI
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Publication number: 20120064589Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of energy photoconverters which act in a continuous and closed manner for producing biofuels and other products of interest by means of the mass culturing of phytoplankton.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2007Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Bernard A. J. Stroïazzo-Mougin, Cristian Gomis Catala
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Publication number: 20120052560Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays. More particularly, the present invention provides for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Ivor T. Knight, Kenton C. Hasson, Johnathan S. Coursey, Hongye Liang, Sami Kanderian, Gregory H. Owen, Weidong Cao, Ying-Xin Wang, Scott Corey, Ben Lane, Conrad Laskowski, Alex Flamm, Brian Murphy, Eric Schneider, Takayoshi Hanagata, Hiroshi Inoue, Shulin Zeng, Brian Bean, Franklin Regan
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Publication number: 20120052559Abstract: A cell isolation apparatus includes: a chamber body which includes a chamber into which tissue is to be introduced; an isolation member which is moved in the chamber and which is to collide with the tissue to isolate a cell; and a controlling portion which controls an operation of the isolation member in the chamber body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicants: TOKYO WOMEN'S MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji HARAGUCHI, Tatsuya SHIMIZU, Teruo OKANO, Takahiro SHIOYAMA, Akane SUZUKI, Sunao TAKEDA
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Patent number: 8124031Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tohru Harada, Akihiko Yabuki, Kiyoshi Taninaka
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Publication number: 20120045824Abstract: Method of cancer treatment with direct contact between proteins secreted by cancer tumor and patient's blood T-lymphocytes including the stage of weakening during some time humoral system of immunity by medical preparation, in particular by immunodepressant against this system, without weakening cellular system of immunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: Lev Tovberg
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Patent number: 8119378Abstract: The invention relates to the production of alcohols by microbial fermentation, particularly to production of alcohols by microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to processes for the production of alcohols from their corresponding acids in the presence of a substrate comprising CO. In particular embodiments, a fermentation reaction producing acid(s) and optionally alcohol(s) is perturbed such that at least a portion one or more of acid(s) is converted to alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: LanzaTech New Zealand LimitedInventors: Sean Dennis Simpson, Christophe Collet, Phuong Loan Tran, Bakir Al-Sinawi, Richard Llewellyn Sydney Forster, Matthew James Rowe, Gary Chan, Kelly Marie Mahar, Jennifer Mon Yee Fung
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Publication number: 20120040330Abstract: A fluorescence-cued Raman identification system comprises a collection subsystem to collect samples, a reagent treatment subsystem to treat collected samples and a fluorescence imaging subsystem that automatically takes at least one image of the collected sample. The subsystems further include a Raman spectroscopy subsystem that measures the spectrum of viable organisms located from at least one collected image, a visible imaging microscope subsystem that provides a visual image of the particle analyzed by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem and a processor configured to perform image processing to locate viable organisms within the sample, which are targeted by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem. The processor further analyzes the spectrum recorded by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem to make a preliminary identification of the targeted organisms, which can be verified by an operator using the visible imaging microscope subsystem.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventor: Jeffrey P. Carpenter