Incubator Patents (Class 435/303.1)
-
Publication number: 20090081752Abstract: A bioreactor, kit, a method of using the device to promoting growing and/or culture of a cell, and a method for regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells. The bioreactor includes a controlling circuit coupled to magnetic field emitter that emits relatively steep and short-lived magnetic field pulses during these an active ephemeral period. The bioreactor also provides a relatively long-term inactive phase in which no magnetic field pulses are imposed. The kit includes the unassembled components of the bioreactor. The method of using the bioreactor and of regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells includes the step of applying a time variant magnetic field through the cell to promote growing and/or culturing, and then introducing the cells to a mammal to regenerate cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Robert G. DENNIS, David A. WOLF, Donnie RUDD
-
Patent number: 7507579Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of microscale bioreactors (microfermentors) and microscale bioreactor arrays for use in culturing cells. The microfermentors include a vessel for culturing cells and means for providing oxygen to the interior of the vessel at a concentration sufficient to support cell growth, e.g., growth of bacterial cells. Depending on the embodiment, the microfermentor vessel may have various interior volumes less than approximately 1 ml. The microfermentors may include an aeration membrane and optionally a variety of sensing devices. The invention further provides a chamber to contain the microfermentors and microfermentor arrays and to provide environmental control. Certain of the microfermentors include a second chamber that may be used, e.g., to provide oxygen, nutrients, pH control, etc., to the culture vessel and/or to remove metabolites, etc. Various methods of using the microfermentors, e.g., to select optimum cell strains or bioprocess parameters are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Paolo Boccazzi, Angela Y. Chen, Klavs F. Jensen, Nicolas Szita, Andrea Zanzotto, Zhiyu Zhang
-
Publication number: 20090075365Abstract: A culture device containing a culture vessel for culturing a cell, in which the culture device includes a thermostatic vessel having a stacker containing a plurality of culture vessels for culturing a cell, and an observation portion arranged to be isolated from an atmosphere at inside of the thermostatic vessel and having an object lens, an object lens drive portion, and a camera portion to observe a cell at inside of the culture vessel installed at an observation position at inside of the thermostatic vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2006Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Yasujiro Kiyota, Takayuki Uozumi, Hirofumi Shiono, Nobuhiko Maiya
-
Publication number: 20090071833Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems having components with specially designed and fabricated areas of enhanced and/or reduced capillarity (flow guides). The methods and devices of the present invention permit the bubble-less dispensing and mixing of small volumes of different liquids for subsequent incubation and/or detection of products of various biological reactions. Thus present invention is well-suited to applications such as polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Vera Gorfinkel, Evgeni A. Kabotyanski
-
Patent number: 7504241Abstract: A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John Girdner Atwood, Albert Carmelo Mossa, Lisa May Goven, Fenton Williams, Timothy M. Woudenberg, Marcel Margulies, Robert P. Ragusa, Richard Leath, Clive Miles
-
Publication number: 20090068728Abstract: A cell incubator having an observation unit to observe a cell incubation process comprises: a focus detecting unit to detect a focus position of an imaging optical system of the observation unit; an optimum focus selecting unit to select an optimum focus position based upon a plurality of images taken by moving the imaging optical system stepwise at a fine pitch along an optical axis direction from the focus position, based upon the focus position detected by the focus detecting unit; and a fluorescence observation unit to shoot a fluorescence image of the cells by moving the imaging optical system to the optimum focus position thus detected by the optimum focus selecting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Yasujiro KIYOTA, Takayuki Uozumi
-
Publication number: 20090069201Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a culture of subterranean microorganisms, said method comprising: obtaining a sample of pressurized fluid from a subterranean reservoir; while maintaining said sample under pressure transferring it into a fermentation reactor; and incubating said sample in said reactor under elevated pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2006Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: StatoilHydro ASAInventors: Hans Kristian Kotlar, Odd Gunnar Brakstad, Asgeir Winnberg, Sidsel Markussen
-
Patent number: 7498164Abstract: An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplifications reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: Mark F. Oldham, Eugene F. Young
-
Publication number: 20090053810Abstract: The invention relates to a method of introducing a substance into a multi-layered cell factory. A substance is poured into a substance transferring device e.g. a funnel and a tube connected to the cell factory, which directly transfers the substance into the cell factory arranged with its layers extending substantially vertically. The invention also relates to a cell-cultivation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2006Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: ASTRAZENECA ABInventors: Laura Sander, Annika Sundberg
-
Publication number: 20090053772Abstract: Methods and devices for performing chemical reactions under controlled temperatures are described. In one embodiment, the devices provided by the invention comprise a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing. The reaction chamber has thermally conductive interior and exterior surfaces defining an internal volume therein at a first temperature. The device also includes at least one thermally conductive temperature-control bladder disposed therein, which bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control substance at a second temperature into said bladder and expel said temperature-control substance from said bladder. The bladder is further configured such that upon receiving the temperature-control substance, the bladder expands to abut substantially at least a portion of said exterior surfaces of said reaction chamber to enable thermal exchange between said temperature-control substance the said internal volume of reaction chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Akonni BiosystemsInventor: Phil Belgrader
-
Publication number: 20090037031Abstract: A system comprised of a number of incubators each having a housing, a sample chamber placed inside the housing, a temperature control unit, and control electronics that control the temperature control unit. The sample chambers of the incubators can be heated and/or cooled. The housings of the incubators each have a closeable access opening for loading and unloading the sample chamber. The housings permit the incubators to be vertically stacked. The incubators each have a bus system that interacts with its control electronics. The bus systems of the incubators are interconnected via corresponding connecting elements, and the system comprises a central control unit that is connected to the bus system of one of the incubators of the system (master incubator). Over the bus system architecture, an individual controlling of the control electronics of all incubators of the system is made possible by a central control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: INHECO INDUSTRIAL HEATING AND COOLING GMBHInventors: Christian GEORGE, Michel MOMBOISSE, Torsten BURDACK, Ralf PUKLOWSKY, Giuseppe MARINO, Guenter TENZLER
-
Publication number: 20090029454Abstract: A thermal cycling device for thermally cycling samples of biological material contained in a microcard having a top and bottom surface. The thermal cycling device can include a sample block having an upper surface configured for engaging the bottom surface of a microcard, a vacuum device, and a temperature control system operatively connected with the sample block. The upper surface of the sample block may include a plurality of channels, the channels defining spaces between the sample block and the bottom surface of a microcard that may be positioned thereon. The vacuum device may be in fluid communication with the sample block for drawing gas out of the spaces defined by the channels in the sample block. The vacuum device may be configured for substantially maintaining a vacuum between the sample block and microcard so that a retention force is imparted on the microcard to urge the microcard toward the sample block.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATIONInventor: Adrian Fawcett
-
Publication number: 20090029462Abstract: The invention concerns methods for automated culture of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) such as human ESCs. In some aspects, methods of the invention employ optimized culture media and limited proteolytic treatment of cells to separate cell clusters for expansion. Automated systems for passage and expansion of ESCs are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Nathaniel Beardsley, Veit Bergendahl, Megan Fitzgerald, Christine Daigh
-
Publication number: 20090029447Abstract: The present invention provides for the removal of mercury utilizing Mer proteins. After the Mer proteins have been expressed and isolated, or alternatively using the native Mer protein complex, either can be used as a chelating agent to remove mercury from any aqueous mercury containing environment. The Mer protein may be used in a solution to bind mercury where the solution contains a Mer proteins may be reversibly attached to a removal apparatus as a Mer ligand. The Mer complex may also be used within a bioreactor to bind and reduce Hg(2+). The bioreactor may have any competent bacteria capable of producing a Mer complex attached within the bioreactor also containing an inlet and an outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Richard Huffman Squire, Jay Michael Wiedermann, Ranjith Arachchige Munasinghe, Milson Jude Luce, Richard C. Schoening
-
Publication number: 20090029427Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for integrating gas-to-liquids (GTL) processing with biofuels production. In some embodiments of the present invention, carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by GTL processing is used to support grovel (via photosynthesis) of microalgae. In some such embodiments, the microalgae can be further processed to yield a diesel fuel that can be used either by itself, or mixed with fuel produced by the GTL processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Stephen Joseph Miller
-
Patent number: 7476543Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for moistening objects with a liquid by means of a system (1) for carrying a specimen slide that is disposed at a distance from a platform (7). To reduce liquid consumption, the specimen slide is raised or lowered relative to the platform (7) by means of a system (44).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Texogene International GmbHInventors: Horst Dieter Becker, Xaver Einsle
-
Publication number: 20090011495Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location whilst the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Philipp Steinmann, Gabriela Juarez Martinez
-
Publication number: 20090011425Abstract: This application relates to an incubation device for serology or histology supports. It also relates to any apparatus comprising one such device, and to the use of said apparatuses and/or devices in analysis or diagnosis methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2005Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: INODIAGInventors: Michel Delaage, Gilles Nicolai, Georges Szekeres
-
Publication number: 20090012022Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid interfering RNA molecule comprising a duplex RNA and a single stranded DNA molecule and its use in the ablation of mRNA and in polymerase chain reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Josephine Anne Milner, Michael Gait, Ming Jiang, Andrei Arzumanov
-
Publication number: 20090004732Abstract: Exothermic and/or endothermic chemical reactions in combination with phase change materials can produce output temperature(s) within strict tolerances without requiring expensive and complicated external equipment to generate and maintain an output temperature. Similarly, an exothermic phase change material, which generates heat as a consequence of crystallizing a supercooled liquid, can generate heat at a constant temperature, without requiring expensive and complicated external equipment, as a consequence of the liquid form of the exothermic phase change material being in equilibrium with the solid form of the exothermic phase change material. Numerous biological and chemical processes and/or diagnostic devices require a constant temperature or temperatures for set periods of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Paul Donald LaBarre, Jay Lewis Gerlach, Bernhard Hans Weigl, Gonzalo Jose Domingo-Villegas
-
Publication number: 20080318280Abstract: The present invention relates to means for covering one or more sample(s) that are suitable to avoid or minimize evaporation and/or condensation of any vaporizable substance that may be present in the sample(s) or reaction mixture(s), in particular evaporation of substance at the fringes of a vessel or an array of vessels or condensation of said substance on the lid of a reaction vessel or a plate/block containing the sample(s) and/or the means for covering. This is achieved by providing a device comprising, among others, a means for positioning a covering means and a means for guiding at least one lid of the covering means.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventors: Arne Schafrinski, Henner Tasch, Lutz Timmann, Stefan Roth, Rudiger Huhn, Thomas Uschkureit
-
Publication number: 20080311646Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carbon supply device for supplying carbon dioxide during large scale cultivation of micro-algae in open pond, and its application method and use. The device comprises a trap container in which a partition plate is installed vertically and has a 10-50 cm gap from the container bottom, and the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap container; and a gas distributor is positioned at the bottom of the container. In use, the trap carbon supply device is embedded in bottom of an open pond, wherein the partition plate is above the liquid level of the culture solution in the open pond such that the culture solution driven by a stirrer flows into the trap carbon supply device from one side thereof, and flows out of the device from the other side thereof, wherein the culture solution is mixed with carbon dioxide at the bottom of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: INSTITUTE OF PROCESS ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCESInventors: Wei Cong, Zhenfeng Su, Ruijuan Kang, Chengyan Yang, Zhaoling Cai
-
Publication number: 20080311638Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ethanol production use shock waves to increase the conversion of starch and/or cellulosic material into sugar. The shock waves may also control bacteria levels in the ethanol production facility. The shock waves may be generated by a shock wave generator that includes a pulsed electric field generator such as a Marx generator, which may have one or more semiconductor switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Tajchai Navapanich, David Giorgi
-
Publication number: 20080299624Abstract: The present invention includes a method for the continuous fermentation of a desired product by the establishment of a steady state condition in a reactor followed by the nonsequential discharge of nutrient media through a plurality of intake ports. The nonsequential discharge of a plug of nutrient media causes a localized segment of the fermentation microorganisms to mix with the media while the remainder of the bed of microorganisms remains quiescent. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Edward Heslop
-
Publication number: 20080299651Abstract: A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Applera CorporationInventors: John Girdner Atwood, Albert Carmelo Mossa, Lisa May Goven, Fenton Williams, Timothy M. Woudenberg, Marcel Margulies, Robert P. Ragusa, Richard Leath, Clive Miles
-
Patent number: 7459302Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for preventing condensation on the interior surfaces of sample tubes which are being exposed to temperature cycles, such as during a PCR amplification reaction. In particular, the invention relates to apparatus comprising a sample block comprising a plurality of sample wells for receiving sample tubes and heating elements disposed in the sample wells for heating at least a portion of the sides of sample tubes (e.g., at least the portion which forms the head space after a tube is filled with a PCR reaction mixture). In a preferred aspect, the sample block is part of a thermocycling device for performing PCR and the side-wall heater is used to enhance uniformity and speed of amplification reactions. For example, by decreasing or eliminating condensation, signal strength jumps in a real-time PCR assay can be minimized as can reaction non-homogeneity.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Stratagene CaliforniaInventors: Taylor Reid, Roger Taylor, Larry Brown
-
Patent number: 7455815Abstract: A sample support, which is configured in the form of a titre plate or chip. has a plastic support plate and several recesses for receiving samples. Said recesses are sealed with a glass plate. According to the present disclosure, a support core surrounding the recesses is embedded in the support plate in order to prevent contraction during the process for producing the support plate. The support core is preferably a metal plate with areas which have not been extrusion-coated, for use as contact surfaces. Heat can be introduced into the titre plate through these contact surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Evotec AGInventors: Olaf Sollboehmer, Ahmet Kabakci
-
Patent number: 7452713Abstract: A process for manufacturing a microfluidic device, including the steps of: forming at least one channel in a semiconductor material body; forming a dielectric diaphragm above the channel, for closing the channel; and forming heating elements for providing thermal energy inside the channel. The heating elements are formed directly on said dielectric diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Gabriele Barlocchi, Pietro Corona, Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Flavio Villa
-
Patent number: 7452712Abstract: A thermal cycling device for thermally cycling samples of biological material contained in a microcard having a top and bottom surface. The thermal cycling device can include a sample block having an upper surface configured for engaging the bottom surface of a microcard, a vacuum device, and a temperature control system operatively connected with the sample block. The upper surface of the sample block may include a plurality of channels, the channels defining spaces between the sample block and the bottom surface of a microcard that may be positioned thereon. The vacuum device may be in fluid communication with the sample block for drawing gas out of the spaces defined by the channels in the sample block. The vacuum device may be configured for substantially maintaining a vacuum between the sample block and microcard so that a retention force is imparted on the microcard to urge the microcard toward the sample block.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Applied Biosystems Inc.Inventor: Adrian Fawcett
-
Publication number: 20080280330Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the temperature of at least one sample. The device comprises at least the following means: (a) means for accommodating at least one sample; (b) means for heating and/or cooling at least one sample; (c) means for covering at least one sample. These means for covering at least one sample comprise at least one movable contact area and first and second means for fixating said at least one movable contact area in at least one defined direction relative to the sample. Therein said first means for fixating matingly engages with a corresponding second means for fixating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventors: Holger Link, Jens Peter Kroog, Lutz Timmann
-
Publication number: 20080280349Abstract: The present invention has an object to selectively culture either one of mold and yeast, both of which are fungi, with priority. In order to attaint the object, a cell parts group 101 is heated by a heating mechanism 102 and cooled by a cooling mechanism 103. These operations are controlled by a heating-and-cooling control unit 104, and for instance, approximately 27° C. and 30 to 32° C. are switched to be adopted to a culturing temperature. Such temperature is set by a temperature-setting unit 105. By setting the culturing temperature to approximately 27° C. and 30 to 32° C., respectively, fungi and yeast will easily be selectively cultured with priority, respectively, in culture media provided in the cell parts group 101.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2004Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTDInventor: Seiichiro Miyahara
-
Publication number: 20080274511Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out of chemical or biological reactions with a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a heating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel. The invention is characterized by the fact that the reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments. The individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which may be actuated independently of the others. By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Lim Hi TAN, Jew Kween Ngui, Hon Siu Shin, Ui Leng Soh, Yang Hooi Kee, Hock Lai Khoo, Mark T. Reed, Ching Ong Lau, Wolfgang Heimberg
-
Publication number: 20080268528Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
-
Patent number: 7442542Abstract: Disposable units in current use for performing PCR are limited by their heat block ramping rates and by the thermal diffusion delay time through the plastic wall as well as by the sample itself. This limitation has been overcome by forming a disposable plastic chip using a simple deformation process wherein one or more plastic sheets are caused, through hydrostatic pressure, to conform to the surface of a suitable mold. After a given disposable chip has been filled with liquid samples, it is brought into close contact with an array of heating blocks that seals each sample within its own chamber, allowing each sample to then be heat treated as desired.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignees: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, National University of SingaporeInventors: Yubo Miao, Yu Chen, Tit Meng Lim, Chew Kiat Heng
-
Publication number: 20080248157Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermenter, a microwave oven including the fermenter, and a method of controlling the fermenter and microwave oven. The fermenter of the present invention comprises a fermenter casing having one open side and defining a fermenting chamber; a fermenter door for selectively opening or closing the fermenting chamber; a thermoelectric element for applying heat to the fermenting chamber or absorbing heat from the fermenting chamber; and a current switching device for converting current supplied to the thermoelectric element such that the thermoelectric element can absorb or generate heat. According to the present invention, the fermenter can be very conveniently employed and a microwave oven with various functions can also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Sung-Ho Choi
-
Patent number: 7431832Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Sam Houston State UniversityInventors: Gordon Alf Plishker, Robert Gavin Jones, Ralph Edward Holm, Joshua Richard Quinn
-
Patent number: 7419819Abstract: Apparatus for cell culture occupying little space, providing economical efficiency, reducing working labor, faulty manipulation, and promoting the prevention of contamination, which is suitable for small scale cell culture . The apparatus permits the execution of at least a medium replacement process and a passage culture process, and includes an aspirator unit for drawing a liquid, a chemical liquid supply unit for supplying a medium, a liquid for detachment, a washing liquid, a pipetting unit for quantitatively aspirating and discharging the liquid, a centrifugal unit for separating cells from the cell suspension in a centrifuge tube, and a handling unit for moving a culture vessel and the centrifuge tube to each unit. All units being constructed for storage in a clean bench. The apparatus may include a clean bench having a sterile operation space, and the aforementioned units may be removably stored within the sterile operation space.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Mitsutech Co., Ltd., Gene Medicine Japan Inc.Inventors: Takahiro Nishimoto, Yoshiaki Hamada, Seiichi Sakuramoto, Keiichi Yokouchi, Akinobu Goto, Toshiro Shirakawa
-
Publication number: 20080206215Abstract: A method of reducing undesirable microorganism concentration, promoting desirable microorganism propagation/conditioning, and increasing desirable microorganism efficiency in an aqueous fluid stream includes (a) introducing a quantity of fermentable carbohydrate or cellulose to an aqueous fluid stream, (b) introducing a quantity of desirable microorganism to the aqueous fluid stream, (c) generating ClO2 gas, (d) dissolving the ClO2 gas to form a ClO2 solution, and (e) introducing an aqueous ClO2 solution into the aqueous fluid stream. Another method includes (a) introducing a quantity of fermentable carbohydrate or cellulose to an aqueous fluid stream, (b) introducing a quantity of desirable microorganism to the aqueous fluid stream, and (c) introducing ClO2 having an efficiency as ClO2 of at least about 90% into the aqueous fluid stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Allen Michael Ziegler
-
Publication number: 20080206845Abstract: A bioreactor analysis system for incubating and analysis of a bioreactive material. The system comprises at least one bioreactor, preferably controlled environment bioreactors. The bioreactor may be held in a sleeve, and multiple sleeves may form a series that moving bioreactors into various storage and interventional positions. At least one interventional assembly interacts with the bioreactor while in the sleeve, and alternately, additional interventional assemblies may interact with the bioreactor while out of the sleeve. A jacket with an access port may surround the bioreactor, which may include a temperature management system. Alternately, a plurality of bioreactors may be joined to a storage array by the cooperation of intrinsic structures in the bioreactors and array. A control system allows for multiple individualized commands to be directed to any one or many of the bioreactors, and may utilize programs resident in the system or in remote locations far from the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Emilio Barbera-Guillem
-
Patent number: 7414724Abstract: An apparatus for photometrically testing several specimens each irradiated by a light source, the light altered by the specimens being detected by an optical device and analyzed, the apparatus including a light source, a plurality of sample holders configured adjacent to one another on a support, a detector that receives altered light from sample within the sample holders, the detector including a filter for eliminating interfering light, a sensor having a sensor face and a diffusing optical member located between the filter and the sensor, wherein light is diffused and shines on a greater portion of the sensor surface, and with a more homogeneous brightness as compared to when the light is not diffused.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventors: Gerd Eckert, Lutz Timmann, Markus Lapczyna, Arne Schafrinski
-
Patent number: 7410793Abstract: An optical instrument is provided for simultaneously illuminating two or more spaced-apart reaction regions with excitation beams generated by a light source. The light source can include an area light array of light emitting diodes, one or more solid state lasers, one or more micro-wire lasers, or a combination thereof. According to various embodiments, a Fresnel lens can be disposed along a beam bath between the light source and the reaction regions. Methods of analysis using the optical instrument are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Applera CorporationInventors: Steven J. Boege, Howard G. King, Eugene F. Young, Johannes P. Sluis, Mark F. Oldham
-
Publication number: 20080187967Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: MERZ PHARMA GMBH & CO. KGAAInventors: Bernd Doelle, Michael Pfeil
-
Publication number: 20080182301Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Sundaresh N. Brahmasandra, Karthik Ganesan, Jeff Williams
-
Publication number: 20080178306Abstract: A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agent is inactivated by exposing the TSE agent to a thermostable proteolytic enzyme at elevated temperature and at acid or alkaline pH. Following this step, or separately, presence of TSE infectivity is detected by detection of dimers of prion protein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Neil David Hammond Raven, John Mark Sutton
-
Publication number: 20080160599Abstract: A unit for processing microbiological samples has a conveyor for transporting samples, for example in microtitre plates. At a processing station, samples for processing are transferred in their sample containers from the transport device to a processing device, which can have several processing areas, of which only one is ever in a processing position. A manipulating device is associated with the processing position. A magazine dispenses sample containers for processing. An incubator accumulates and discharges sample containers using transport and storage arrangements with coupleable conveyors on multiple levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2005Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Klaus Weber-Matthiesen, Peter Ivan Sygall, Johannes Jansen
-
Publication number: 20080153155Abstract: A microchannel chip for introducing an inspected liquid, includes: a micro channel; and a reagent that is mixed with a heat soluble binder and is carried at a predetermined position in the micro channel, wherein dissolution of the reagent is promoted at the predetermined position as temperature of the inspected liquid rises from temperature when the inspected liquid is introduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Kota KATO, Yoshihide Iwaki, Akira Wakabayashi, Hideyuki Karaki
-
Publication number: 20080124766Abstract: To provide an implant material which exhibits relatively high mechanical binding with an osteoblast and also high strength. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A scaffold material (10) capable of inducing a biological hard tissue, which comprises a rod (11) having a trunk portion (21) and bride girders (22), a binding layer (13) formed on the periphery of the rod and a metal fiber layer (14) formed on the periphery of the binding layer, and which further has a reinforcing layer (15) formed on the periphery of the metal fiber layer (14). The binding layer (13) has pores having an average pore size of less than 100 m, and the metal fiber layer (14) has pores having an average pore size of 100 to 400 m.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2005Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Yoshinori Kuboki, Yasuo Seki, Hiroyuki Shiota
-
Publication number: 20080124722Abstract: A device for amplifying a nucleic acid sample may include a sample holder configured to receive a nucleic acid sample, a heating system configured to raise the temperature of the sample, a cooling system configured to lower the temperature of the sample, and a controller configured to operably control the heating system and the cooling system to cycle the device through a desired time-temperature profile. The cooling system may include at least one heat pipe and a heat sink and the at least one heat pipe may include a first portion disposed proximate to the sample holder and a second portion disposed proximate to the heat sink.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Applera CorporationInventors: Alexander Dromaretsky, Thomas C. Au
-
Publication number: 20080113400Abstract: Methods are described for the cultivation of stem cells (2, 3, 5), comprising the steps: Introduction of cell material comprising at least one stem cell (2, 3, 5) of a donor organism into a host egg (4) with a nutrient reservoir, and cultivation of the cell material in the host egg (4), a cell culture, and a cell culture device for carrying out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2005Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Charli Kruse, Gunter Fuhr
-
Patent number: RE40570Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Sophie Carpentier, Alain F. Carpentier, Lillian J. Quintero, Victor S. Packham, Jong H. Wang, Stefan G. Schreck