Plater, Streaker, Or Spreader Patents (Class 435/286.3)
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Patent number: 12144327Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting and imaging insects, including egg and larval life stages, useful for automated high throughput bioassays.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Freeman, Kathleen Marie Harding, Jingtong Hou, Bumshik Robert Pak, Phillip A. Patten, Lindsey Della Wiemer, Takashi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11231344Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for picking a target analyte of a suspension. A picker introduces at least one force, such as by a magnetic gradient and/or by a pressure gradient, to extract the target analyte from a sample.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: RareCyte, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Nordberg, Steve Quarre, Ronald C. Seubert
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Patent number: 10656111Abstract: A device for electrical measurement of a target chemical substance includes: an electrode array element including a base, an electrode array section in which electrodes which are disposed on the base and to each of which a test substance is fixed or can be fixed are arrayed, and a terminal array section in which terminals disposed on the base so as to correspond to the electrodes and electrically connected to the electrodes are arrayed; a processing head having an electrode array element support section supporting the electrode array element detachably to make electrical connection to the terminals possible; a container group including a liquid storing section and a measurement container; a support section moving mechanism; and a measurement section capable of measuring a signal generated by applying a predetermined voltage to a test substance fixed to each of the electrodes in the measurement container.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideji Tajima
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Patent number: 9983308Abstract: A method for locating the surface of a solid growth culture medium in a plate in a plate work position, the plate work position including a sensor and having a datum level fixed in one dimension (z), the method including: placing the plate in the plate work position; using the sensor to sense the medium surface for the positioned plate and measuring the distance to the medium surface; and referencing the measured distance to the datum level to determine a surface positional reference, relative to the datum level, in one dimension (z) for the surface of the medium in the positioned plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: LBT Innovations LimitedInventors: Chong Kean Ooi, Michael John Tomlinson, Leon Raj, Graeme John Cross
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Patent number: 9914953Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating and streaking a solid growth culture medium in a plate, the streaking using a streaking applicator having a line of resiliently and flexibly supported spaced apart contact surfaces, the apparatus including: (a) an inoculating and streaking station including: a plate work position having a notional action line fixed in two dimensions (x,y) in a predetermined position; and a plate rotation device for rotating a positioned plate to cause streaking; (b) a sensor capable of locating the surface of the medium in a positioned plate to thereby determine for that plate, prior to inoculation and streaking of that plate, the third dimension (z) of the action line; (c) an inoculating device capable of dispensing inoculum, along the action line, on the surface of the medium in the positioned plate; and (d) a streaking device capable of moving the streaking applicator such that its line of spaced apart contact surfaces contacts, along the action line, the surface of the medium in the positiType: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: LABTECH SYSTEMS LTDInventors: Rajiv Gupta, Stephen Lewis Leckenby, Phillip James Duncan, Ryan Andrew Annear, Daniel Patrick Torpy, Chong Kean Ooi, Michael John Tomlinson, Leon Raj, Graeme John Cross, Kenneth Andrew Nicoll, Wayne Richard Cheetham, Michael Craig Lovett, Colin William Potter
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Patent number: 9404837Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grünwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grünwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Abe S. Mamaghani, Koshy T. Chacko, Rupa Rao, Rene Nieves Alicea
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Patent number: 9207156Abstract: A hardness tester that measures a size of an indent to determine the hardness of a sample. The hardness tester includes an imaging unit, a display unit, a pointing device and a position adjustment unit. The imaging unit takes an image of a surface of the sample. The display unit displays a surface image of the sample and a cursor. The pointing device receives a first instruction instructing a movement of the surface image of the sample appearing on the display unit through a movement of the cursor, and a second instruction instructing a change in a height of the sample stage through a movement of the cursor. The position adjustment unit moves the sample stage in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Kozo Ariga, Masaru Kawazoe
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Patent number: 9029129Abstract: A cartridge for holding and dispensing streaking applicators for an automated streaking apparatus having a cartridge holder, the cartridge including: a case with a dispensing end, a longitudinal axis and an elongate slot generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the dispensing end including an applicator dispensing position where one applicator can be at least partially accessible from outside the case; and an applicator support member constrained within the case for longitudinal movement therein and being able to carry a stack of applicators; the elongate slot being capable of operatively receiving a biasing member when the cartridge is in the cartridge holder to urge the support member towards the dispensing end and an applicator into the dispensing position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: LBT Innovations LimitedInventors: Rajiv Gupta, Stephen Lewis Leckenby, Phillip James Duncan, Ryan Andrew Annear, Colin William Potter
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Patent number: 8926903Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Makoto Nogami, Katsuhiro Kanda, Izumi Waki
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Patent number: 8927258Abstract: An integrated device for diagnostic analyzes used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Alifax Holding SpAInventors: Paolo Galiano, Gian Piero Spezzotti
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Publication number: 20140186932Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating and streaking a solid growth culture medium in a plate, the streaking using a streaking applicator having a line of resiliently and flexibly supported spaced apart contact surfaces, the apparatus including: (a) an inoculating and streaking station including: a plate work position having a notional action line fixed in two dimensions (x,y) in a predetermined position; and a plate rotation device for rotating a positioned plate to cause streaking; (b) a sensor capable of locating the surface of the medium in a positioned plate to thereby determine for that plate, prior to inoculation and streaking of that plate, the third dimension (z) of the action line; (c) an inoculating device capable of dispensing inoculum, along the action line, on the surface of the medium in the positioned plate; and (d) a streaking device capable of moving the streaking applicator such that its line of spaced apart contact surfaces contacts, along the action line, the surface of the medium in the positiType: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: LBT INNOVATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Rajiv Gupta, Stephen Lewis Leckenby, Phillip James Duncan, Ryan Andrew Annear, Daniel Patrick Torpy, Chong Kean Ooi, Michael John Tomlinson, Leon Raj, Graeme John Cross, Kenneth Andrew Nicoll, Wayne Richard Cheetham, Michael Craig Lovett, Colin William Potter
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Patent number: 8691558Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating and streaking a solid growth culture medium in a plate, the streaking using a streaking applicator having a line of resiliently and flexibly supported spaced apart contact surfaces, the apparatus including: (a) an inoculating and streaking station including: a plate work position having a notional action line fixed in two dimensions (x,y) in a predetermined position; and a plate rotation device for rotating a positioned plate to cause streaking; (b) a sensor capable of locating the surface of the medium in a positioned plate to thereby determine for that plate, prior to inoculation and streaking of that plate, the third dimension (z) of the action line; (c) an inoculating device capable of dispensing inoculum, along the action line, on the surface of the medium in the positioned plate; and (d) a streaking device capable of moving the streaking applicator such that its line of spaced apart contact surfaces contacts, along the action line, the surface of the medium in the positionedType: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: LBT Innovations LimitedInventors: Rajiv Gupta, Stephen Lewis Leckenby, Phillip James Duncan, Ryan Andrew Annear, Daniel Patrick Torpy, Chong Kean Ooi, Michael John Tomlinson, Leon Raj, Graeme John Cross, Kenneth Andrew Nicoll, Wayne Richard Cheetham, Michael Craig Lovett, Colin William Potter
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Publication number: 20140093932Abstract: Described herein are bioprinters comprising: one or more printer heads, wherein a printer head comprises a means for receiving and holding at least one cartridge, and wherein said cartridge comprises contents selected from one or more of: bio-ink, and support material; a UV light module for optionally exposing the contents of at least one cartridge to UV light; a means for calibrating the position of at least one cartridge; and a means for dispensing the contents of at least one cartridge. Also described herein are methods of using and bioprinting cartridges for such bioprinters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: ORGANOVO, INC.Inventors: Keith Murphy, Scott Dorfman, Richard Jin Law, Vivian Anne Le
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Patent number: 8597938Abstract: Provided are methods and oligonucleotides useful as primers and templates for internal controls designed for use in Real Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reactions. Use of the present methods and oligonucleotides allows validation of assay parameters and of the results that an assay set.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: QIAGEN Sciences LLCInventors: Jingping Yang, Li Shen
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Patent number: 8551771Abstract: A gel molding apparatus is adapted to be used in combination with a vessel that has a plurality of solution chambers, and includes a lid plate and a plurality of columns that project from a top surface of the lid plate. Each of the columns has a bottom side connected to the top surface of the lid plate, a top side opposite to the bottom side, and a well recessed from the top side for receiving a gel suspension and having a depth from the top side. A method for gel molding is conducted via the gel molding apparatus. A culture apparatus includes the vessel and the gel molding apparatus. A method for culture is performed through the culture apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Chung Gung UniversityInventors: Min-Hsien Wu, Wan-Chen Tsai
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Patent number: 8554372Abstract: A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond
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Patent number: 8481305Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotation driving device for cell culturing, comprising: a power supplying unit operated by receiving an electric power from an outside; a rotational part rotated by the power supplying unit; and a driving part which is provided at an upper side of the rotational part and maintained in a stopped state during the rotation of the rotational part, and of which an inclination is changed according to a rotational direction of the rotational part. According to the present invention, there is provided a rotation driving device a rotation driving device which enables cells to be uniformly grown by equally distributing a culture solution with help of inclination control, of which a rotational speed is also controlled and which has a firm structure with a strong durability.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Corestem Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung Suk Kim, Jai Jun Choung
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Publication number: 20130137137Abstract: A method of creating a layer of cells on a surface. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of engaging a smear tool against the surface with an engagement force; flexing a portion of the smear tool to change an orientation of the smear tool with respect to the surface; moving the smear tool along the surface through a sample comprising cells suspended in a liquid; and adhering the sample to the surface to thereby create a layer of cells. Another method according to the invention creates a layer of cells on a surface by mixing the sample prior to and/or during the smear. The invention also includes systems for implementing the methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Michael D. Brody, Jonathan D. Halderman, Bhairavi Parikh, James Stone
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Patent number: 8293520Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8293526Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8293525Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8293527Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8034612Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Genetix LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 8030088Abstract: A sample collection apparatus which measures biological samples and can be used to provide the early detection of respiratory diseases, for example tuberculosis induced by the pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sample collection apparatus has a sample collection unit and a corresponding complementary reader unit. The collection unit collects a sample exhaled from the user through a collection vessel with an optical interrogation region. The sample is spread on the inside of the vessel over the interrogation region and subsequently analyzed. The test results are displayed via the reader unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Rapid Biosensor Systems LimitedInventors: Elaine Marie McCash, Nicol John Murray
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Patent number: 8030058Abstract: Advanced islet separation technology incorporates an automated method, automated control methodology, process control interface, and automated apparatus to separate (isolate) and process pancreatic islets in a tissue suspension in physiologic process solution, utilizing microprocessor control and/or microprocessor computer control and software programming (code) to interface and control the process temperature, fluid flow rate, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, endotoxin concentration, dissolved nitric oxide concentration, nitric oxide synthase activity, proteolytic enzyme activity, and/or pressure of the islet containing physiologic process solution, the extent of islet separation, including real-time data acquisition and recording of process variables.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventors: Daniel J. Benedict, Lorna S. Mosse
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Patent number: 7902121Abstract: T cells are profiled with respect to their expression of antigen receptor. The cells are arrayed on a planar or three-dimensional substrate through binding to immobilized or partially diffused MHC-antigen complexes. The cells may further be characterized with respect to their ability to respond to external stimulus in the microenvironment. External stimuli include cell-cell interactions, response to factors, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Daniel Shin-Yu Chen, Yoav Soen, Daniel Lewis Kraft, Patrick O. Brown, Mark Davis
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Patent number: 7863034Abstract: A streaker device for streaking a microbial inoculum for single colonies on the surface of a solid growth medium. The streaking device has a row of spaced apart contact surfaces for contact with the surface of the solid growth medium. The spaced apart contact surfaces are resiliently flexibly supported by a common support member so as to accommodate variations in depth of growth medium. The spaced apart contact surfaces may be provided on lowermost part of axially curved portions of plastics straps, that are angled backwardly. It is found that formation of a single band can give separation into single colonies. Also provided is an automatic streaking apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Medvet Science Pty LtdInventors: John Glasson, Lachlan Smith
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Patent number: 7842236Abstract: A selecting apparatus for selecting cell/tissue mass includes a base, a feeding mechanism and a dividing mechanism. The base has a platform for placing the cell/tissue mass. The feeding mechanism, disposed on the base, moves relative to the platform. The dividing mechanism, disposed on the feeding mechanism, includes a first cutting set and a second cutting set connected therewith. The second cutting set reciprocally moves between a first position and a second position, toward the first cutting set. The feeding mechanism moves the dividing mechanism above the platform, aligning the dividing mechanism with a portion of the cell/tissue mass, and moves the first cutting set toward the cell/tissue mass, cutting into the portion of the cell/tissue mass. The second cutting set moves from the first position to the second position, limiting the portion of the cell/tissue mass between the first cutting set and the second cutting set.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Wannhsin Chen, Lih-Tao Hsu, Yeou-Bin Guu, Yu Mei Chen
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Patent number: 7816128Abstract: An automatic cell cultivation apparatus is provided which is capable of conveying the culture container, exchanging the culture medium, and operating other jobs promptly by a robot. The automatic cell cultivation apparatus has a cultivation apparatus main body for cultivating cells in a culture container, and the cultivation apparatus main body is equipped with one or more incubator accommodating the culture container, a chemical suction machine for sucking chemicals in the culture container, and a multijoint robot for conveying the culture container, the multijoint robot having functions of conveying the culture container, detaching and attaching the lid of the culture container, and inclining the container when sucking chemicals in the culture container, so that cell cultivation operations can be promptly carried out by only one robot.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsumi Nakashima, Toshihisa Doi, Yohichi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7776584Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Genetix LimitedInventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
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Patent number: 7666614Abstract: A method to determine the presence or absence of Streptococcus Group A antigen in a sample, comprising the following steps: extracting the antigen from the sample in an assay chamber with two or less extraction reagents, wherein the two reagents may be added to the assay chamber in no particular sequence; introducing a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device into the extraction reagents containing the extracted antigen without further addition of reagents or manipulation of the sample; forming an antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex; and determining the presence or absence of the antigen in the sample by the presence or absence of a signal formed by the binding of the antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex to an indicator capture reagent specific for said antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Genzyme CorporationInventors: Shu-Ching Cheng, Ching Huang, Ming-Shian Wu, Michael J. Willrodt, Herbert Bradfield Cunningham, Eugene Fan
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Patent number: 7645608Abstract: A device for storing, rehydrating, transferring, and streaking a stored freeze dried specimen comprises a three piece construction including a collection vial used to store a freeze dried specimen, a capsule including a reservoir with hydrating fluid retained by a frangible membrane, and an adapter fluidly linking the capsule to the collection vial. The adapter is configured to fluidly link to the capsule to the collection vial via leak-proof couplings to create a closed system of specimen, hydrating fluid, and a small quantity of trapped air. The fluid communication between the vial and the capsule is accomplished through the adapter via an internal lumen longitudinally traversing the adapter. The adapter and capsule combination can also serve as a transfer pipette once the hydration operation is complete to withdraw the specimen from the collection vial and transfer the specimen to a petri dish or other culture medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: PML Microbiologicals, Inc.Inventor: Nathan Greene
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Patent number: 7597846Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one receiver block (1) and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. The donor block (2) comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being provided. For positioning of the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1) and/or the donor block (2), a positioning array (11) having predefined markings, as well as a movably mounted lever, are provided for transferring the position of the markings onto a corresponding position on the donor block (2) and/or onto a corresponding position on the receiver block (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
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Patent number: 7595024Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. A marked tissue section of the tissue (3) to be investigated is arranged on a specimen slide (22), a hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) being present. A sighting device (12) is provided for positioning the hollow needle (5) above the donor block (2).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
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Patent number: 7595025Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
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Patent number: 7572410Abstract: A core sampling device includes a core sampling punch, a core excision punch that makes a recess in a receiver body, and an ejector that expels a sample core into the receiver body. The core excision punch is mounted inside the core sampling punch and is substantially coaxial with the core sampling punch. Both punches are able to move in translation and/or rotation with respect to one another, and the ejector is arranged so as to expel cores from each punch.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: AlphelysInventor: Pierre Chaumat
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Publication number: 20090162862Abstract: An automatically operating apparatus designed as a table-top apparatus for the reproducible production of cell or tissue samples to be examined and arranged on specimen slides comprises, located its center, a rotatably supported, advance device having arranged on its periphery a plurality of modular processing stations at a distance from the advance device. Receiving devices provided in the peripheral region of the advance device are disposed to receive specimen slides on which automatically segmented cell and tissue segments can be positioned in a reproducible and correctly aligned manner. The cell and tissue segments are durably fixed in position on the specimen slides with the use of a curable adhesive, and the specimen slides, after being delivered, are subjected to further treatment processes in a further treatment device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventor: Hartmut Merz
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Publication number: 20080274538Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: Picoliter Inc.Inventors: Mitchell W. Mutz, Richard N. Ellson
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Patent number: 7405072Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Picoliter Inc.Inventors: Mitchell W. Mutz, Richard N. Ellson
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Patent number: 7303729Abstract: An apparatus and a method for immunological labeling of thin tissue sections are disclosed. The treatment fluid is applied in the form of liquid droplets onto at least one slide, the arrangement of liquid droplets corresponding to the arrangement of the thin tissue sections on the carrier plate. Each slide is retained in a transport container, the transport container being embodied in the form of a trough which comprises a peripheral delimiting wall that is closed off by a base. The base of one transport containers constitutes the cover of a transport container arranged beneath it. The transport containers are stacked in a first and a second station.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbHInventor: Heinz Plank
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Patent number: 7105338Abstract: Improvements to turntables that facilitate inoculation of petri dishes. In one embodiment, the present invention is a motorized turntable for a petri dish that allows the user to use both hands for inoculation of the petri dish. In another embodiment, the present invention features an improved upper plate for a petri dish turntable that allows the user to more easily remove the petri dish from the upper plate after inoculation. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for rotating a conventional turntable for petri dishes.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventors: Richard Holmes, Richard G. Halstead, Richard G. Malmquist, Douglass M. Nolte
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Patent number: 7097981Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to reaction vessels, to sets of such vessels for automatic immunological assay apparatuses, to automatic immunological assay apparatuses making use of such sets of vessels, and to a method implementing sets of such vessels. According to the present invention, photometric detection is implemented of the luminescence of a reaction mixture found in a reaction vessel, the apparatus and/or the vessel guaranteeing light-tightness so as to prevent entry of external light falsifying the measurement. Advantageously, sets of vessels in accordance with the present invention are made out of a material that is opaque. The present invention is particularly applicable to detecting the presence of a chemical or a biological substance in a sample. The present invention applies mainly to medical analysis and research.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: BiomerieuxInventors: Thierry Gicquel, Edouard Lentwojt
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Patent number: 7052858Abstract: This invention provides a novel Cryptosporidium parvum protein disulfide isomerase polypeptide, and nucleic acids that encode this polypeptide. The invention also provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by Cryptosporidium parvum. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the protein disulfide isomerase polypeptide of C. parvum.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: BIOSITE IncorporatedInventors: Jeff Gray, Gunars E. Valkirs, Joe Buechler
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Patent number: 7025937Abstract: An apparatus and a method for immunological labeling of thin tissue sections are disclosed. The treatment fluid is applied in the form of liquid droplets onto at least one slide, the arrangement of liquid droplets corresponding to the arrangement of the thin tissue sections on the carrier plate. Each slide is retained in a transport container, the transport container being embodied in the form of a trough which comprises a peripheral delimiting wall that is closed off by a base. The base of one transport containers constitutes the cover of a transport container arranged beneath it. The transport containers are stacked in a first and a second station.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbHInventor: Heinz Plank
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Patent number: 6998094Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handling assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails makes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be carried out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Genetix LimitedInventors: James Keith Haslam, Paul Noble, Keith Melvin Ebel
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Patent number: 6843962Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handing assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails rakes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be cared out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Genetix LimitedInventors: James Keith Haslam, Paul Noble
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Patent number: 6534053Abstract: The present invention discloses: (i) a non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (ii) a formulation comprising an aqueous solution of a volatile fraction (VF) prepared from the extract of at least one plant derived material and its therapeutic uses; (iii) a process of manufacturing the formulation from the plant derived material; (iv) a probiotic composition comprising the non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism of the invention and/or other probiotic microorganism(s) and the formulation of the invention, and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (v) a composition for industrial applications comprising the formulation of the invention and microorganism(s) of industrial applicability; and (vi) industrial processes and apparatuses in which the latter composition is used.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: The Bio Balance CorporationInventors: Mark Olshenitsky, Genadi Buchman
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Patent number: 6468783Abstract: Arrays of biological tissue can be created by removing cores from regions of interest in a series of donor blocks of embedded tissues. The cores removed are placed in a regular array in a recipient block. This is typically done with two different punches, one for obtaining the cores of interest and the other for creating the receiving holes in the recipient block. The present invention comprises such a system including a single z axis, with a mechanism for automatically changing two or more punches in and out of a holder on the z axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Beecher InstrumentsInventor: Stephen B. Leighton
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Publication number: 20020146813Abstract: Arrays of biological tissue can be created by removing cores from regions of interest in a series of donor blocks of embedded tissues. The cores removed are placed in a regular array in a recipient block. This is typically done with two different punches, one for obtaining the cores of interest and the other for creating the receiving holes in the recipient block. The present invention comprises such a system including a single z axis, with a mechanism for automatically changing two or more punches in and out of a holder on the z axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Stephen B. Leighton
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Publication number: 20020106626Abstract: A device particularly suited for constructing frozen tissue microarrays. The device comprises: a cooling chamber for receiving at least one frozen material and for maintaining the frozen material in a frozen condition; the cooling chamber moveable in an x and y direction relative to a horizontal surface; at least one coring needle comprising a cutting surface and a lumen for receiving a core of frozen material cut by the cutting surface; and at least one coring needle positioning element, for positioning the at least one coring needle over said frozen material for cutting said frozen material. Frozen tissue microarray blocks and methods of generating these are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventor: Patrick J. Muraca