Including Liquid Flow, Level, Or Volume Control Patents (Class 435/286.5)
-
Patent number: 8772017Abstract: Integrated microfluidic cartridges for nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection from clinical samples are disclosed. The devices are single-entry, sanitary, and disposable. The devices enable simplex or multiplex nucleic acid target detection, as for example: assay panels for multiple infectious agents, or assay panels for cancerous cell types. Methods for use of microfluidic cartridges in a fully automated, pneumatically controlled apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Micronics, Inc.Inventors: C. Frederick Battrell, John Gerdes, John R. Williford, Denise Maxine Hoekstra, Wayne L. Breidford, Stephen Mordue, John Clemmens, Melud Nabavi, Mark Kokoris
-
Patent number: 8765391Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.Inventors: Frank Zaugg, Renee Tobias, Silvia McManus-Munoz, Peter Kernen, Laurence Ruiz-Taylor, Peter Wagner
-
Patent number: 8748166Abstract: A system (10) for forming and maintaining a biological tissue by which a biological tissue can be artificially formed by culturing cells, which comprises a pulse pump (12), a circulation pathway (13) having such a circuit structure as allowing a liquid cell culture medium discharged from the pulse pump (12) to return into the pulse pump (12), and a cell culture section (14A) and a gas exchange section (14B) provided along the circulation pathway (13). The cell culture section (14A) holds a cell holder (H) in such a manner to form a first channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes through the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway (13) and a second channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes outside the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway thereby bringing about a difference in pressure between the liquid cell culture medium passing through the respective channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Waseda UniversityInventors: Kiyotaka Iwasaki, Mitsuo Umezu, Koji Kojima, Charles Alfred Vacanti
-
Patent number: 8735103Abstract: Provided is a natural convection-driven polymerase chain reaction (PCR) apparatus and method, which can periodically change temperature of a sample to make a natural convection-driven flow in a loop-shaped channel on a disposable polymer chip and contacting heating metal members maintained at different temperatures with channels. The natural convection-driven PCR apparatus includes: a polymer chip having a plurality of channels connected together to form a loop-shaped microchannel, a sample being filled inside the channels; a plurality of heating metal members contacting the loop-shaped microchannel of the polymer chip and transferring heat; a temperature controller connected to the heating metal members to maintain the heating metal members at different temperatures; a plurality of heaters connected to the heating metal members and the temperature controller to supply heat to the heating metal members; and temperature sensors connected to the heating metal members and the temperature controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Kwang-Hyo Chung, Dae-Sik Lee, Hyeon-Bong Pyo, Seon-Hee Park
-
Patent number: 8728784Abstract: A method is provided for fluid flow containment in an open liquid environment at least partially defined by a surface. The method includes the step of positioning a microfluidic device over the surface. The microfluidic device defines a chamber having a height. A flow of fluid is applied in the chamber. The pressure of the flow of fluid is monitored and the height of the chamber is determined from the measured pressure of the flow of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Kevin T. Turner, Kevin V. Christ, Justin Willians, Pedro J. Resto
-
Patent number: 8722419Abstract: Mass cytometry method. In one aspect, the method includes providing a sample having at least one cell type and mixing the sample with material such as nanoparticles functionalized with affinity molecules for the at least one cell type. The sample is transported through a suspended microchannel resonator to record a mass histogram and a cell count for the at least one cell type is determined from the histogram.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Scott R. Manalis, Thomas P. Burg, Michel Godin, Kenneth Babcock
-
Patent number: 8709817Abstract: A flow cytometry system and method for sorting a mixture of particles, such as a fluid switching sorting system for sorting selected particles which includes a control having a microprocessor programmed with instructions for implementing a control strategy for controlling the fluid delivery to the system to vary the rate at which fluid is delivered as a function of the purity or yield of a sub-population of particles.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Inguran, LLCInventors: Gary Durack, Jeffrey D. Wallace, Gary P. Vandre, Lon A. Westfall, Jeremy T. Hatcher, Niraj V. Nayak
-
Publication number: 20140113840Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting analytes using a sensor element having a cleaning cycle and renewable liquid material with an affinity for the analytes are described. An analyte detection system may include a controller in communication with a sensor element and a liquid dispensing assembly. The liquid dispensing assembly, such as an inkjet dispensing device, may deposit the liquid material on or adjacent to the sensor element. The controller may be operative to monitor at least one property associated with the liquid material deposited on the sensor element. In addition, the controller may be configured to generate at least one control signal based on the at least one property. The liquid dispensing assembly may be configured to deposit the at least one liquid material on the sensor element based on the at least one control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Mordehai Margalit, Gil Perlberg
-
Patent number: 8691164Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Celula, Inc.Inventors: William Frank Butler, Haichuan Zhang, Philippe Marchand, Keunho Ahn, Yi Zhang, John Francis, Benjamin Lai, Eugene Tu
-
Patent number: 8691561Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus includes a fluidic device including at least one channel, a first temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of a fluid in part of the channel, and a second temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of the fluid in another part of the channel. The temperature changes by the first and second temperature-changing units cause at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid in the respective parts of the channel, and the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the first temperature-changing unit is offset by the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the second temperature-changing unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eishi Igata
-
Patent number: 8679778Abstract: A method for improving productivity in microbial fermentations and mammalian cell culture bioreactors.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: CMC Biologics A/SInventor: Mads Laustsen
-
Patent number: 8663909Abstract: This invention describes a device consisting of a micro channel plate, filter, and porous holder for filter, which is substituted by a pure agar block during method performance, and supportive structural elements. The device is intended for rapid detection and/or identification of microorganisms. Microorganisms are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides and attached to a filter from one side. A micro channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro channels (possible diameter of each channel=1-30 ?m, length 100-1000 ?m, and number on centimeter2=100,000-1,000,000). The micro channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to an agar block impregnated by artificial substrate(s) so that the molecules of the artificial substrates will fill all micro channels. Trapped cells produce colored or fluorescent molecules from artificial substrates.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Nanologix, Inc.Inventor: Sergey Gazenko
-
Publication number: 20140057338Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for staining samples of biological material for accurate analysis of the sample. Biological material is applied to a substrate, such as a microscope slide. The biological specimen is then stained with a selected staining composition, which may be gentian violet for a Gram's Stain analysis. The stained biological material is at least partially decolorized and the level of decolorization is analyzed optically. If necessary, the decolorizing step and the optical analysis steps are repeated until a selected level of decolorization is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: DCB TrustInventors: Walden Lewis GIBBS, Jeffrey Dwight GIBBS
-
Publication number: 20140051114Abstract: Provided are a cell analyzer, and a cell analysis method. A cell analyzer 1 includes a measurement device 2 for detecting information of each cell from a measurement specimen containing cells harvested from an epithelial tissue, and a data processing device 3 for determining appropriateness of the cell harvesting of parabasal cells and acquiring information related to canceration of the cell based on the information detected by the measurement device 2. The data processing device 3 displays on a display section a dialogue showing “cell harvesting inappropriate” when determined that the harvesting of parabasal cells is inappropriate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Ryuichiro EBI, Yousuke TANAKA, Junya INOUE, Shigeki ABE
-
Patent number: 8637301Abstract: A microfluidic device for a confocal fluorescence detection system has an input channel defined by a body of the microfluidic device, a sample concentration section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the input channel, a mixing section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the concentration section, and a detection region that is at least partially transparent to illumination light of the confocal fluorescence detection system and at least partially transparent to fluorescent light when emitted from a sample under observation as the sample flows through the detection region.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Jeff Tza-Huei Wang, Kelvin J. Liu, Christopher M. Puleo, Tushar D. Rane
-
Publication number: 20140024012Abstract: An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: DARRELL PAUL PAGE, ROBERT J. WOJCIECHOWSKI, MARTIN PEDER CREP
-
Publication number: 20130330708Abstract: A sorter for separating cells and particles comprises a Raman spectrum collection and analysis system, a microfluidic system and a cell/particle sorting system. The microfluidic system is connected with the Raman spectrum collection and analysis system, the Raman spectrum collection and analysis system is connected with the cell/particle sorting system, and the cell/particle sorting system is connected with the microfluidic system. Also disclosed is a sorting method for separating cells and particles. The sorter can effectively identify and sort cells, nano-materials, particles and cell inclusions with a size from nanometers to micrometers, and as compared with methods such as fluorescence or radioisotope labelling, etc., it can provide a greater abundance of characteristic information about cells or particles in the same amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: BEIJING WELLSENS BIOTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Wei Huang, Mengqiu Li, Dayi Zhang
-
Publication number: 20130323824Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for a food waste disposal apparatus. The control device is comprised of a touch screen, a memory device to perform a specific function to control the food waste disposal apparatus. The touch screen of the control device displays a plurality of input button images so that a user can click them by fingers to prosecute. The main menu of the touch screen is comprised of auto working mode, total monitoring mode, manual working mode, time setting mode, alarm message mode and function setting mode. The sub-menu of function setting mode further includes cumulative weight setting and part replacement cycle setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: CHUN IL KOH
-
Publication number: 20130324406Abstract: A system and method for the production of microbial consortiums and by-product material is provided. A physical containment system comprising phase spaces arranged in a discrete order to favor specific biological reactions is also provided. Phase profiles and phase data sets include the pre-determined physical and biological parameters for the phase space transitions. Movement of material from one phase to the next is hydraulically balanced enabling working fluid to continuously move in a fixed direction and rate of flow. Continuous monitoring of phase profiles and phase data sets provide feedback to the system enabling alteration of the conditions in the system to control reactions therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Robert Chisholm, Michael LaMontagne, Robert N. Ames, David P. Lanciault, John R. Coyne
-
Patent number: 8592201Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent produced via a genetically-altered chondrocyte are provided. More specifically, the device includes a housing which defines a cell chamber configured to retain a large volume of chondrocytes while selectively releasing therapeutic agents produced via these entrapped cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the cell chamber can be configured such that a portion of cells can be positioned at least about 1.5 mm from an external wall of the device (i.e., about 1.5 mm away from an external nutrient supply). For example, the cell chamber can have a tubular configuration having a length and a diameter wherein each of these dimensions is at least about 3 mm (thereby the central core to the chamber is at least about 1.5 mm from the outer wall of the device).Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventors: Brooks J. Story, Francois Binette, M. E. Liesbeth Brown
-
Publication number: 20130309758Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conducting a microbiological process on a bulk material in which a quantity of the bulk material is loaded onto a waterproof lining forming part of a bio cell with a heat transfer arrangement below the quantity of bulk material or within its volume, or both. The moisture content of the bulk material is controlled by periodic or intermittent distribution of water into the bulk material in order to promote microbiological activity within the bulk material by means of microbes that may be either naturally occurring within the bulk material or may be selected and introduced into the bulk material according to a desired result. A leachate recovery installation collects leachate draining from the bulk material. The temperature within the bulk material is monitored and the temperature controlled in order to elevate or decrease the temperature thereof to approach a target temperature associated with enhanced microbial activity of microbes present within the bulk material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: University of the Free StateInventors: Johan Erasmus, Estariethe Van Heerden
-
Publication number: 20130302882Abstract: A method of sterilizing a separation membrane module reduces damage of a ceramic separation membrane, a sterilization process device achieves the method of sterilizing, and an apparatus produces chemicals. The method of sterilizing the separation membrane module includes a ceramic-containing separation membrane including a temperature raise step of raising the temperature of the separation membrane module to a predetermined sterilization temperature by feeding sterilization water having a controlled temperature and pressure so that a rate of temperature change of the separation membrane module is 6.0° C. or less per minute, and a sterilization step of sterilizing the separation membrane module at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INCInventors: Makoto Nishida, Masahiro Henmi, Norihiro Takeuchi, Satoko Kanamori, Jihoon Cheon
-
Patent number: 8580559Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: CepheidInventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
-
Patent number: 8574859Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Charles P. Lin, Alicia L. Carlson, Clemens Alt, David P. Biss, Costas M. Pitsillides, Chunqiang Li
-
Publication number: 20130266932Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection of potentially pathogenic agents and/or capable of causing deterioration in a plant sample, representative of one or several batches of plant product, characterized in that it comprises the concentration of a plant sample by centrifugation and the analysis of the presence or amount of potentially pathogenic agents and/or capable of causing deterioration in the concentrated sample obtained. Likewise, the present invention relates to a system for detection and analysis of potentially pathogenic agents and/or capable of causing deterioration in a plant sample to carry out said method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: María Isabel Gil Muñoz, Victoria Selma García, Francisco López-Galvez, Ana Allende Prieto, David Beltrán Riquelme
-
Publication number: 20130266929Abstract: An apparatus, system and method providing a fluid flow suitable to grow and maintain living cells in the fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid displacement apparatus capable of providing at least one of positive and negative displacement of the fluid and configured to indirectly displace the fluid, an in-line flow sensor configured to directly measure the fluid flow, and a feed-back control in communication with the fluid displacement apparatus and the in-line flow sensor, wherein the feed-back control is configured to continuously control the fluid flow in response to the flow sensor measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: CorSolutions LLCInventors: Thomas N. Corso, Colleen K. Van Pelt
-
Patent number: 8551761Abstract: The cartridge according to the invention for analysing biological samples comprises: a reaction chamber and a biochip mounted in the reaction chamber, a filling nozzle connected so as to communicate with the reaction chamber, and a compensation chamber connected so as to communicate with the reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber, the compensation chamber and all lines connected thereto form a chamber sealed as far as the filling nozzle, wherein the filling nozzle forms a free passage to the reaction chamber from outside the cartridge, and a stopper is provided which fits positively and tightly in the filling nozzle in such a way that, when pressed in over a certain distance, fluid is displaced from the filling nozzle towards the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Zenteris GmbHInventors: Jens Göhring, Stefan Heydenhauss, Friedrich Menges, Reiner Spolaczyk, Jana Lepschi
-
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
-
Patent number: 8551763Abstract: In a method and system for forming concentrated volumes of microbeads, a polymer solution and/or suspension includes a polymer dissolved and/or dispersed in a medium. Streams of a focusing fluid and of the polymer solution and/or suspension flow towards a fluid bath, and into intersection with one another, so &s to focus the polymer solution and/or suspension. The polymer solution and/or suspension stream forms microbeads in the fluid bath. Some of the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath, so as to concentrate the microbeads in die fluid bath. The system includes a flow focusing apparatus and a liquid-containing cell. The focusing apparatus includes polymer and focusing nozzles. The cell contains the fluid bath and has an outlet port, through which the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: FIO CorporationInventors: Sebastien Fournier-Bidoz, Warren Che Wor Chan
-
Patent number: 8551762Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: NCH CorporationInventors: Wayne Anthony Fleming, William Pierre Boesch-Deveze, Jose Eduardo G. Evaro, Robert Clarence Pearce, III, Michael Eugene Rushing, Michael Joseph Trevino
-
Publication number: 20130252283Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a fluid medium and a saccharifying agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: XYLECO, INC.Inventors: Marshall Medoff, Thomas Craig Masterman
-
Patent number: 8535934Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and solutions using an organ ex vivo.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: TransMedics, Inc.Inventors: Waleed Hassanein, Tamer Khayal, Robert Havener, Stanley Kyi, Ihab Abdel Fattah, Hesham Saleh, Jon Trachtenberg
-
Patent number: 8527102Abstract: According to various embodiments, a biofuel production system includes a plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, a cooling tower water system configured to supply cooling water to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, a chiller water system configured to supply chiller water to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, and a cooling system coupled to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, the cooling tower water system, and the chiller water system. The cooling system controls the flow rates of the cooling water and the chiller water to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters based upon temperatures of fermentation products of the fermenters.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Patrick D. Noll, James F. Bartee
-
Publication number: 20130224726Abstract: A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: INGURAN, LLCInventor: INGURAN, LLC
-
Patent number: 8506903Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical-based test sensor for use in the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample is disclosed. The test sensor includes a base, a polymer carrier, and a test membrane. The base has a capillary channel formed in a surface of the base that is adapted to move a liquid sample from an inlet to a reaction area formed in the base. The polymer carrier has a lower surface adhered to the surface of the base and is disposed over at least a portion of the capillary channel. The test membrane, which contains a reagent, is adhered to the lower surface of the polymer carrier and extends from the polymer carrier into the reaction area.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLCInventor: Rex J. Kuriger
-
Publication number: 20130203157Abstract: A particle counter for analyzing blood has features which provide for automatic operation and preferably, also provide for portable use in a low resource setting. In a preferred embodiment, preferred embodiment, the device is used to obtain CD4 counts for AIDS diagnosis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventor: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
-
Patent number: 8492136Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic assay device for assaying at least one property of a liquid sample comprising: a liquid sample application region; at least one test flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; a reference flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; and a junction region, at which the test flow path and the reference flow path contact one another, the junction region typically comprising an outlet, conduit, chamber or other portion which permits the onward flow of liquid; wherein a liquid flowing along the reference flow path, upon reaching the junction region, has the effect of preventing the flow of liquid along the test flow path. The invention relates to a fluidic device for the passage of a liquid and an assay device suitable for measurement of the amount and/or presence of an analyte in, or property of, a fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbHInventors: Stephen John Carlisle, David Tolley
-
Patent number: 8486690Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the ideal time for and outcome of reproductive health procedures including in vitro fertilization by establishing a correlation between the successful outcome of said procedure and the spectra of a body fluid obtained using a chosen analytical modality for a population of patients, acquiring for a patient a spectrum of the body fluid of the patient using said chosen modality.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: McGill UniversityInventor: David Hugh Burns
-
Patent number: 8481301Abstract: Disclosed are a centrifugal micro-fluidic structure for measuring glycated hemoglobin, a centrifugal micro-fluidic device for measuring glycated hemoglobin, and a method for measuring glycated hemoglobin. According to the disclosure, immunosorbent assay and affinity measurements are simultaneously conducted using only a single device in order to detect hemoglobin variants or interfering substances and, therefore, the detected results are applied to analysis of measurement results so as to eliminate and/or compensate for, or calibrate errors in measurement of, glycated hemoglobin, thereby more accurately measuring the glycated hemoglobin.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: In Wook Kim, Na Hui Kim
-
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
-
Publication number: 20130143307Abstract: In order to uniformly sow cells on the culture surface of a cartridge-type closed culture vessel and remove bubbles contaminating in liquid culture medium in the course of automatic culture, an automatic culture equipment is provided with a flow-controlling mechanism section for solving the non-uniformity in cell distribution by, after filling up a culture space in the cartridge-type closed culture vessel, said cartridge-type closed culture vessel being in an upright position, with cell suspension, turning the cartridge-type closed culture vessel into a horizontal position, and then repeatedly supplying the cell suspension and sucking the same multiple times to thereby create a mixing flow in the cell suspension.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Takayuki Nozaki, Toyoshige Kobayashi, Shizu Matsuoka, Ryota Nakajima
-
Publication number: 20130133386Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for producing organic fertilizer. The method may, for example, yield nutrient-rich fertilizer that may have various agricultural and other industrial uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: WISErg CorporationInventor: WISErg Corporation
-
Publication number: 20130130228Abstract: A method and device achieves identification on whether a colony on a cultivation container is differentiated or undifferentiated on an occasion of cultivation of multipotent stem cell, and a method and device achieves a rapid culture of undifferentiated multipotent stem cells. Undifferentiated colony containing only undifferentiated multipotent stem cells is identified from other types of colonies by means of the circularity C of the colony in an image-processed taken image of the inside of cultivation container of a multipotent stem cell. More specifically, when a first threshold of the circularity of the colony is C1, and a second predetermined threshold is C2 (C1<C2), a colony satisfying C2?C is determined as the undifferentiated colony, a colony satisfying C1?C<C2 is determined as an undefined colony, and a colony satisfying C<C1 is determined as the differentiated colony.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Keizo Watakabe, Takashi Sakurai, Osamu Ohji, Katsumi Nakashima
-
Patent number: 8440437Abstract: A combined installation is disclosed for the production of biogas and compost, including a dry fermentation fermenter for producing biogas in a batch mode, a biogas outlet, a purging gas inlet, a biogas line connected to the biogas outlet, a waste gas line, a waste gas chimney connected to the biogas outlet via a first biogas/waste gas line, a waste gas flare connected to the biogas outlet via a second biogas/waste gas line, a fresh air line connected to the purging gas inlet, a control means for connecting the biogas outlet to the biogas line or the biogas/waste gas chimney via the first biogas/waste gas line or the waste gas flare via the second biogas/waste gas line and for connecting the purging gas inlet to the waste gas line or the fresh air line, and a measurement means connected to the control means for detecting methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Bekon Energy Technologies GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Peter Lutz
-
Patent number: 8420381Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Lifeline Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Owen, David C. Kravitz, John Brassil, Kelvin G. M. Brockbank, Andrew Burroughs, Dickon Isaacs, Dennis J. Steibel, Richard Fraser, Stanley Harris, Douglas Schein
-
Patent number: 8415145Abstract: A cell processing apparatus 29 of the present invention includes a storage container 57 that can contain liquid L including a biological sample; a filter 60 that prevents a first cell C1 in the biological sample from passing therethrough and that allows a second cell C2 having a smaller diameter than that of the first cell C1 to pass therethrough; and a filtration cylinder 58 for separating, in the storage container 57 and via the filter 60, the liquid L into a first liquid L1 mainly including the first cell C1 and a second liquid L2 mainly including the second cell C2. A measurement target cell discriminated by the filter from the other cells can be easily collected.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Hironori Kobayashi, Junyi Ding, Ryuichiro Ebi, Koki Tajima
-
Patent number: 8415140Abstract: An analysis device includes: a separation cavity 18 for separating a test liquid into a solution component and a solid component by using a centrifugal force; a higher specific gravity component quantitative cavity 23 for holding a portion of the separated solid component which has been transferred; a sample solution overflow cavity 22 arranged between the higher specific gravity component quantitative cavity 23 and the separation cavity 18 and connected to a connecting channel 21 for transporting the sample liquid from the separation cavity 18; and a capillary cavity 19 formed in the separation cavity 18 for temporarily holding a separated solution component (blood plasma) in the separation cavity 18. A blood plasma component 57a remaining in the separation cavity 18 is trapped by the capillary cavity 19.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Saiki, Takashi Miki, Takuya Suzuki
-
Patent number: 8409509Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing particulates. A liquid having a plurality of particulates substantially linearly ordered in a streamline can be externally controlled to provide flow in first and second directions, where, generally, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A target particulate can be measured from the plurality of particulates at or near a measurement area while the liquid flows in the first flow direction. The flow direction can be reversed and measured at the measurement area while flowing in the second direction. The particulates substantially retain the same linear order during at least one cycle, a cycle being defined by movement in the first direction followed by movement in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Friedrich Srienc, Greg Sitton
-
Publication number: 20130071914Abstract: Disclosed is a method of studying floating living cell by confining the cells floating in an aqueous medium in picowells located on a bottom surface of a top wall of a chamber. Disclosed is also a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on a bottom surface of the chamber. Also disclosed is a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on an internal surface and at least one moveable wall, a force applicator configured to removeably apply a substantially uniformly distributed force around the periphery of the moveable wall in a direction to retain the moveable wall secured to the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: Seng Enterprises Ltd.Inventor: Seng Enterprises Ltd.
-
Patent number: 8398938Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Geneasys Pty LtdInventors: Mehdi Azimi, Matthew Taylor Worsman, Kia Silverbrook