Including Liquid Dispenser Means Patents (Class 435/286.4)
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Patent number: 6684161Abstract: An experimental space comprising levels of factors is designed according to an incomplete block design and an experimental space comprising levels of factors is designed by random selection. Separate combinatorial high throughput screening experiments are effected on each experimental space to produce sets of results and best results are selected from the sets. A system for conducting an experiment includes a reactor for effecting a combinatorial high throughput screening method on an experimental space to produce results and a programmed controller that defines an experimental space comprising levels of factors according to an incomplete block design and defines an experimental space comprising levels of factors by random selection.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: James Norman Cawse
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Patent number: 6656724Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatic implementation of chemical or biological methods in sample vessels, more particularly for sequencing and amplifying nucleic acid sequences, including a pipette apparatus and a thermocycler, the pipette apparatus comprising a pipette arm for pipetting sample substances and/or chemicals. The invention is characterized in that the pipette apparatus and the thermocycler are configured as spatially separated workstations and that a handling arm for moving at least one sample vessel containing sample substances or chemicals and configured separate from the workstations is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: MWG-Biotech AGInventors: Wolfgang Heimberg, Michael Weichselgartner, Martin Greber, Peter Kutsch
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Patent number: 6607662Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for purifying nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA or proteins such as enzymes and antibodies from microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria or animal and plant tissues, the apparatus being capable of fast processing of a plurality of samples.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsunori Ikeda, Yoshiaki Nishiya, Masahiro Kusumoto, Masahiro Suzuki, Yoshihisa Kawamura
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Patent number: 6593129Abstract: An apparatus for microinjection of samples into amphibian oocytes, comprising a tray for holding a plurality of the amphibian oocytes, an injection needle for injecting a sample into the said amphibian oocytes, a driving means for moving a relative position between the said tray and the said injection needle and a controlling means for controlling the said movement by imputing a depth of the said injection needle for the said tray or the said amphibian oocytes in the injection of the sample, and injecting the sample into the said amphibian oocytes at the said depth. According to the present invention, the sample can be injected into the amphibian oocyte with constant depth.precisely and quality of oocyte or a positional site of needle injection can be recorded as the information.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tomoko Takeshita, Jun Otomo, Sayuri Nomura, Shokichi Matsunami, Noboru Moriya, Sakae Saito
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Patent number: 6573088Abstract: A random access microbiological analyzer for performing AST and ID tests on samples using on-board inventories of different AST test arrays and different ID test rotors within separate AST and ID incubation and analysis chambers.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Dade Microscan Inc.Inventors: Bruce McLean Gemmell, John Charles Mazza, Peter Louis Gebrian, Nicholas Michael Shmel, Jr., Edward Francis Farina, Hemant Vaidya
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Publication number: 20030087444Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing biochips Accordingly, the invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a biochip from a substrate. The apparatus comprises a conveying device and a series of dispensers positioned at a series of dispensing positions above the conveying device. At least one substrate is disposed on the conveying device, and the conveying device successively moves each substrate below the series of dispensers. Each of the dispensers has a plurality of nozzles facing the substrate. Each of the nozzles dispenses a predetermined reagent at a predetermined position of the substrate; thereby, an array of reagents is dispensed on the substrate at each dispensing position. The successive movement of the substrate below the series of dispensers obtains a biochip with a high-density array of reagents disposed thereupon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chung-Fan Chiou, Shyh-Haur Su, Je-Ping Hu, Ying-Chi Chen
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Patent number: 6548788Abstract: This system provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the system provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the system are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho, Gene A. Davis, John P. Willis, Ted Minior, Laura L. Chapman, Mikayla Kob, Sarah D. Oeltjen, Shari Ommert, Alec Mian
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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: 6524845Abstract: An apparatus for determining microorganisms in liquid test specimens includes a specimen providing station (10) with a transport apparatus (32, 36) for the continuous provision of cuvettes (26) containing specimens to be investigated, a dosing station (12) with a pipetting apparatus (14) for removing specimens from cuvettes (26) and for filling the specimens into measuring chambers formed in a measuring chamber plate (86) in matrix arrangement, a measuring station (16) with a measuring apparatus (146) for optically measuring the specimens in the measuring chambers and an endless conveyor (18) for serially receiving the measuring chamber plates (86) and for transporting the same through a dosing station (12), a measuring station (16) and through a temperature controllable waiting zone (22).Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: LRE Technology Partner GmbHInventors: Ernst Markart, Michael Voigt, Genrich Siris, Klaus Deuter
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Publication number: 20030027345Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid handling system capable of automated dispensing and reformatting operations by virtue of a quick-release cannula array mounting system that permits cannula arrays to be changed automatically by the system or manually by a user. Automated changing of the cannula array is carried out by relative movement of the dispensing head and the sample support surface to deliver the attached cannula array to a storage location, releasing the array from the dispensing head, and attaching a new cannula array. Relative movement between the dispensing head and sample support surface in at least two dimensions increases flexibility of the system and makes self-loading of the cannula array practical. The system provides advantages in time and accuracy of cannula array changeover procedures. The automated cannula array changeover capability permits automated wellplate reformatting procedures, which can be performed quickly and accurately.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: David R. Friswell, Raymond Dunlap, George Grubner, Enrique Bernal
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Publication number: 20020159921Abstract: A method and apparatus therefor for depositing a flattened droplet on a partially absorbent surface comprising the steps of providing a narrow bore transfer tube having a proximal end and a distal end and containing a microvolume of liquid, the proximal end connected to a pneumatic system adapted for issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas into the tube and drawing an incoming flow of displacement gas therefrom; and issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet towards the end of its discharge for flattening the droplet on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: A.R.T. Medical Instruments Ltd.Inventors: Abraham Berger, Ben Zion Haim, Baruch Meirovich, Avri Hazan
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Patent number: 6468736Abstract: A system which can analyze compounds with high efficiency, such as in a high throughput drug screening system. The high throughput drug screening system which can test the action of a drug candidate upon a group of cells in a monolayer. A microspace corresponding to a microscopic field area, for example on the order of 100-200 microns in diameter, is isolated from the other cells on the monolayer by creating a seal between a drug delivery perfusion unit and the cells to create the microspace for analysis. A drug candidate is then provided into the isolated microspace. The interaction between the drug candidate and the cells in the isolated microspace can then be evaluated. With the high throughput drug screening system the vast majority of cells on a monolayer can be used for drug testing. The high throughput drug system also makes it more readily available to use primary cells in addition to immortal cells as the cell layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Atto Instruments, LLC.Inventor: Gary Brooker
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Patent number: 6455325Abstract: Technological preposition of the present invention is a liquid processing method making use of a pipette device which sucks a liquid containing a target high molecular substance from inside of a vessel through a chip detachably set on a sucking port or a discharging port of a liquid sucking/discharging line and transfers this liquid or target high molecular substance to the next target processing position for the purpose to execute such works as quantifying, separating, taking out, pipetting, clarifying condensing, and diluting a liquid or a target high molecular substance contained in a liquid and also such works as extracting, recovering, and isolating the target high molecular substance by means of sucking and discharging a liquid with a pipette device and controls by a magnetic body over magnetic particles and/or a filter combined according to the necessity, and the chip can isolate the target high molecular substance by having the substance attracted onto magnetic particles or with a filter set on each cType: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Precision System Science Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideji Tajima
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Publication number: 20020110900Abstract: A method and device for preparing nanoscale reactions. An automated system utilizes an array of reaction chambers. The ends of the chambers are temporarily sealed with deformable membranes and reactions effected by incubation of temperature cycling. Reaction mixtures may be assembled by using the reaction containers to meter reaction components. After the reaction is finished, the reaction containers may be dispensed onto a substrate and the reaction products analyzed. An automated transfer device may be used for automated transport of the reaction container array or other transportable elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Stevan B. Jovanovich, David J. Roach
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Patent number: 6423536Abstract: A method and device for preparing nanoscale reactions. An automated system utilizes an array of reaction chambers. The ends of the chambers are temporarily sealed with deformable membranes and reactions effected by incubation or temperature cycling. Reaction mixtures may be assembled by using the reaction containers to meter reaction components. After the reaction is finished, the reaction containers may be dispensed onto a substrate and the reaction products analyzed. An automated transfer device may be used for automated transport of the reaction container array or other transportable elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Molecular Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Stevan B. Jovanovich, David J. Roach, Andrew G. Hadd, Bo E. R. Hellman
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Patent number: 6420186Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for depositing a flattened droplet on a surface. The method includes the steps of providing a tube with a distal end that contains a microvolume of liquid, issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface, and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet for flattening the droplet on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: A.R.T. Medical Instruments Ltd.Inventors: Abraham Berger, Ben Zion Haim, Baruch Meirovich, Avri Hazan
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Patent number: 6399395Abstract: A device for applying microdroplets to a substrate includes a dosing head having a nozzle orifice and a liquid storage area in fluid communication with the orifice. A drive applies an acceleration to the dosing head. A quantity of liquid in the storage area cannot follow the acceleration due to its inertia. This inertia causes microdroplets to be driven out of the nozzle onto the substrate. In one embodiment, the dosing head includes a plurality of nozzle orifices each having an associated liquid storage area, so that a plurality of different analytes are deposited on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V.Inventors: Roland Zengerle, Nicolaus Hey, Holger Gruhler, Michael Freygang, Martin Müller
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Patent number: 6399361Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Ian Brotherston, Michael B. Truelove
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Patent number: 6375903Abstract: The synthesis of arrays of DNA probes sequences, polypeptides, and the like is carried out using a patterning process on an active surface of a substrate. An image is projected onto the active surface of the substrate utilizing an image former that includes a light source that provides light to a micromirror device comprising an array of electronically addressable micromirrors, each of which can be selectively tilted between one of at least two positions. Projection optics receives the light reflected from the micromirrors along an optical axis and precisely images the micromirrors onto the active surface of the substrate, which may be used to activate the surface of the substrate. The first level of bases may then be applied to the substrate, followed by development steps, and subsequent exposure of the substrate utilizing a different pattern of micromirrors, with further repeats until the elements of a two dimensional array on the substrate surface have an appropriate base bound thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Francesco Cerrina, Michael R. Sussman, Frederick R. Blattner, Sangeet Singh-Gasson, Roland Green
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Patent number: 6358474Abstract: An apparatus for isolating cell material from a tissue system and/or a liquid includes (1) a vessel open at the top, into which the cell material to be isolated can be introduced in the tissue system and/or the liquid; and (2) a separating device having a stamp-shaped configuration and including a flat separating disk having a peripheral edge fitting with the inner walls of the vessel in a fluid-tight manner and presenting at least one passage opening which is covered by a filter membrane, and which device can be inserted from the top into the vessel. The isolating disk pressurises the cell material inclusive of the tissue system and/or the liquid and acts thereupon with shearing forces by rotation. The cells and/or cell systems pass through the pores of the filter membrane whereas the residual tissue material is retained.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Hannes Dobler, Claus Kuhn, Hans Lindner, Stefan Kiesewetter, Jürgen Bernhagen, Gabriele Tolle, Günter Tovar
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Patent number: 6312943Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus for preparing a sample to be used for detecting specimens such as microorganisms isolated on a filter so as to enumerate microorganisms in the sample has a turntable on which multiple sample bases are formed, a filter insertion unit, an extractant spray apparatus, a luminescent reagent spray apparatus and a filter removal unit, disposed in order along a periphery of the turntable in a direction of rotation of the turntable. By eliminating the need to move filters between processing operations as well as any special skill required in the spraying of the extractant and reagent, the sample preparation apparatus can provide accurate microorganism counts quickly and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignees: Sapporo Breweries Ltd., Nihon Mykrolis K.K.Inventors: Toshihiro Takahashi, Yoshio Monji
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Patent number: 6281008Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for extracting nucleic acids from nucleic acid-containing samples. The nucleic acid extraction apparatus of the invention comprises (1) a group of extraction vessels each comprising a reactor tube in which a sample, a reagent solution, and a magnetic carrier are admixed and reacted, a drain cup for pooling an unwanted component solution, and a nucleic acid recovery tube all as secured to a support, (2) a distribution means for introducing a solution into each of the extraction vessels, (3) a stirring means for mixing the solution and magnetic carrier in the reactor tube, (4) a holding means for holding the magnetic carrier stationary within the vessel, (5) a discharging means for discharging the solution from the reactor tube while the magnetic carrier is held stationary, (6) a heating means for heating the solution and magnetic carrier in the reactor tube, and (7) a transfer means for serially transferring the vessels to the given positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeru Komai, Katsuya Daimon, Yutaka Takarada
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Patent number: 6268208Abstract: In a fully automated tissue-smear preparation system, a configuration is disclosed for rapidly drying the slide smears prior to the system staining procedure. Slides bearing smeared tissue samples are briefly immersed into methyl alcohol solution, forcing liquid components in the smear cells to pass out. The smear slides are withdrawn and fanned to evaporate and dry liquid components and alcohol solution on the tissue smears. The process of drying the smear slides is accordingly optimized for the subsequent staining procedure.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventor: Masakazu Kondo
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Patent number: 6261832Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating mammalian diseases using myoblasts, and/or their physical, genetic, chemical derivatives. Myogenic cells that are normal, or genetically or phenotypically altered are cultured and transplanted into malfunctioning and/or degenerative tissues or organs to alleviate conditions that are hereditary, degenerative, debilitating, undesirable, and/or fatal. Treatment of these conditions is not limited to the usage of mechanical, electrical or physical properties of these myogenic cells, but includes the usage of biochemicals secreted/released by the latter. The present invention discloses the use of normal myoblasts to deliver the complete normal genome to effect genetic repair, or to augment the size, or the function of tissues or organs. Certain conditions may be better served with genetically altered myogenic cells derived from gene transduction, whereas others may be better served with cytoclimes converter cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Peter K. Law
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Patent number: 6251659Abstract: A rectangular-shaped holder containing sample solution is moved within a temperature adjusting box by a feeder. Then, the holder is moved by another feeder to the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holder by a length equal to the width of the single holder. The holders thus sequentially fed within the temperature adjusting box are disposed within the box in a closely contacted state from one another. There are three holders within the temperature adjusting box in advance and four holders are stayed within the box. Rectangular-shaped four heaters are disposed within the temperature adjusting box such that the heating temperature thereof is controlled by a temperature adjusting controller. A compensation heater controlled by a temperature compensating controller compensates for a heat quantity shifted to the holder having been newly housed within the temperature adjusting box from the holders already housed within the temperature adjusting box.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Fukuzuno, Norie Maeuchihara, Toshinari Sakurai, Kenji Yasuda
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Patent number: 6235473Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for printing arrays of molecules and methods for printing these arrays. More particularly, the invention relates to a gene pen apparatus that may be used for delivering arrays of oligonucleotides on solid supports from a multiplicity of reagent reservoirs through flow controlling means. The flow controlling means may for example, be either a pin valve means or a wicking means.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Orchid BioSciences, Inc.Inventors: Mitchell Friedman, Yu-Hui Rogers, Michael Boyce-Jacino
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Patent number: 6225055Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the parallel alignment of macromolecules on the surface S of a solid support by displacement of a meniscus formed by the triple interface surface S/solution/air. The apparatus includes a container receiving a solution including the macromolecules to be aligned, a means for immersing the solid support into the solution, with the solid support surface configured to anchor macromolecules, and a means for the relative rectilinear displacement of the surface S and the surface of the solution to thereby cause motion of the meniscus and establish the parallel alignment of the macromolecules. The present invention also relates to a method for the parallel alignment of the macromolecules using the apparatus of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Institut PasteurInventors: Aaron Bensimon, David Bensimon
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Patent number: 6199605Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is which, even when a small amount of a medium is to be dispensed, can satisfactorily dispense the medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignees: Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd., Sankyo Company, LimitedInventors: Kazuhiro Inaba, Toshiyuki Wakasa, Mamoru Shiratori, Masato Ichikawa