Methods Of Sampling Or Inoculating Or Spreading A Sample; Methods Of Physically Isolating An Intact Micro-organism Patents (Class 435/30)
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Patent number: 5134064Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of microbe concentrations by means of a plating method, wherein a sample and a medium are plated in a dish, the medium is allowed to solidify and the solidified plate is incubated, wherein the colonies in the plate are counted. According to the method the microbes are inoculated to a medium solidifying in a dish and in such a manner that its layer thickness varies in a controlled manner. Also disclosed is a dish which is suitable for the determination of microbe concentrations by means of a plating method and the bottom part of which has such a shape that a solidified layer is formed in the dish after the plating of the sample and the medium, the thickness of the layer varying in a controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Assignee: Valio Meijerien KeskusosuusliikeInventor: Viljo Tapio J. Nordlund
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Patent number: 5128255Abstract: The invention provides methods and products equal in a selection system for determining the presence or absence of a vector in a mammlian cell. The vector of the invention carries and is capable of expressing a gene encoding a protein capable of effecting the conversion of a precursor to an essential amino acid. A mammalian cell line is created with conditions capable of causing the vector to be introduced into the mammalian cell line. Then, the created mammalian cell line is grown in medium containing a precursors to the essential amino acid but not containing the growth-supporting amount of the essential amino acid and those cells capable of growing are selected.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1988Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Gentest CorporationInventor: Charles L. Crespi
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Patent number: 5116724Abstract: The invention relates to a product to permit separation of cells in the domain of immunopurification and consisting of a finely divided carrier of a density lower than that of the medium from which such cells must be extracted, such carrier being covered with macromolecules capable of being specifically fixed to the cells to be extracted to which a privileged orientation was given to enable fixation of such macromolecules.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1988Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: ImmunotechInventors: Michel Delaage, Jean-Louis Drocourt, Joelle Hirn, Andreas van Agthoven
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Patent number: 5098830Abstract: A method for the detection of a fungal infection within 1-2 hours comprises the steps of: (a) contacting a sample suspected of containing a peroxidase-containing fungus with a mixture which comprises (i) a peroxide from hydrogen peroxide and addition compounds thereof containing latent hydrogen peroxide; (ii) a scavenger to remove heavy metals which may potentially decompose said peroxide catalytically; (iii) an alkaline buffer solution having the capacity to maintain the pH at a value within the range of 9.5 to 14; and (iv) a colorless oxidizable substrate (such as tyrosine, .beta.-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-.alpha.-alamine (DOPA) or caffeic acid), which on reaction with oxygen at said pH value gives a visibly colored oxidation product; and (b) observing whether a color develops indicating the presence of peroxidase-containing fungus in the sample. Also included is a test kit for carrying out the method of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Diagnostic Markers, Inc.Inventors: David Bar-or, Clive Solomons
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Patent number: 5098842Abstract: A sintered hydroxycalcium apatite body having an average particle size of 50-2,000 .mu.m is used to form a packing in a cell separating column for use in separating groups or populations of cells from a suspension of animal cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1988Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo K.K.Inventors: Toru Nakajima, Masahiro Sato, Katsuhiko Nishimura, Sumiaki Tsuru
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Patent number: 5091307Abstract: This process is essentially characterized by enzymatic reactions which are carried out under anaerobic conditions between a liquid growth medium for mycoplasms containing a dilution medium of the sample of fluid to be analyzed and, on the one hand, a first substrate comprising dehydrated urea or glucose in the presence of a color pH indicator also in dehydrated form and, on the other hand, a second substrate comprising arginine also in dehydrated form or glucose in the presence of a color pH indicator and that the speed of the enzymatic response is followed while noting the time corresponding to the color change of the indicators, the respective quantities of urea and arginine or of glucose, on the one hand, and the concentration and the nutrient composition of the said growth and dilution medium, on the other hand, being first selected and standardized in such a way that for Ureaplasma urealyticum present at a supra or sub-pathological rate, the color change of the indicator is or is not obtained after a givType: GrantFiled: May 30, 1989Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Diffusion Bacteriologie du Var-D.B.V.Inventors: Claude Escarguel, Marie-Helene Grosso, Patrick Laconi
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Patent number: 5089413Abstract: A device useful for growing aerobic microorganisms, particularly molds. The device employs a relatively small amount of water-reconstitutable medium that can be sealed in order to prevent desiccation and contamination of the medium yet still provide an adequate supply of air to the medium, by the use of a membrane underlying the medium, to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1989Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert L. Nelson, Paul E.L. Hansen
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Patent number: 5089386Abstract: Nucleic acid fragment capable of hybridizing to rRNA of Listeria monocytogenes and not to rRNA of Bacillus subtilis.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1987Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Gene-Trak SystemsInventors: Erko Stackebrandt, Michael Curiale
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Patent number: 5081011Abstract: A method and test kit for detecting and treating inherited substance abuse dependency by counting viable T-cell suppressor cells (CD8) is described. In the preferred form the T-cell suppressor cells are isolated and then counted. The method and test kit are important for distinguishing a genetic deficiency with a tendency towards alcoholism as opposed to a psychological dependency on drugs.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1990Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State UniversityInventor: Ronald H. Bradley
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Patent number: 5081017Abstract: A bacterial staining composition, process and apparatus for detection and quantitation of gram negative and gram positive bacteria in fluid samples are disclosed. The composition comprises a net negatively charged filter onto which bacteria are adsorbed and concentrated, an acid diluent which alters the electrostatic charge of the bacteria, thus enabling adsorption of the bacteria to the filter, a bacterial stain operative at about pH 8 to 12, and a washing reagent which enhances the diffusion of free dye away from the immobilized, stained bacterial. The color intensity at the center of the filter surface manifests the stained bacteria. It is compared to a standard color guide to determine the number of bacterial present in the fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1989Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Texas BioResource CorporationInventor: Claude C. Longoria
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Patent number: 5079144Abstract: A test for microbial growth is carried out by culturing a microorgnism to be tested in a lliquid culture medium containing an enzymatically hydrolyzable fluorogenic substrate for a period of less than about 7 hours, measuring fluorescence of the culture medium resulting from hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate by growth of the microorganism, continuing culturing of the microorganism in the culture medium for an additional period, and measuring microorganism growth by a non-fluorescent method as a confirmatory test of growth determined from fluorescence. Preferably, the additional culture period is overnight and the non-fluorescent method is by visual inspection. The culture medium may be in the wall of a microtitre plate, and the culture medium can contain an antibiotic to test for sensitivity of a microorganism to the antibiotic or to test for minimum inhibitory concentration of the antibiotic.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Radiometer Corporate Development Ltd.Inventors: Anthony H. Carr, Robert A. Badley, Ian Jobling, Thomas J. Sands
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Patent number: 5063026Abstract: A collecting apparatus for the collection of pinworm eggs incorporates a shaft surrounded by an adhesive strip. A tab is disposed at the free end of the adhesive strip. The shaft is attached to a gripping member by a connecting member.The gripping member is preferably a threaded screw cap suitable for use with a storage tube. The shaft and connecting member are placed within the tube and the tube is sealed with the gripping member for transportation and storage of collected eggs. Once a specimen is collected, the tab of the adhesive strip is used as an anchor. Using the gripping member as a tool in a rotating fashion, the entire adhesive strip is rolled onto a microscope slide without disturbing any specimens on the strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Assignee: Evergreen Industries, Inc.Inventor: Johnson N. S. Wong
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Patent number: 5060823Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering one or more aliquots of a sterile solution into a sterile receptacle without contamination of the sterile solution, the method including the steps of: a) providing a packaged solution held within a gas-pressurized or pressure-activated container, the container having a valve with a first inner conduit, an actuator which cooperates with the valve to allow opening and closing of the valve, and a delivery conduit having a second inner channel, wherein the valve and actuator are positioned between the container and the delivery conduit, the actuator cooperating with the valve and conduit to connect the first and second inner channels, b) sterilizing the solution, and at least the inside part of the container and a portion of the outside of the container including the valve, the actuator, and the delivery conduit, c) positioning the delivery conduit in relationship to the receptacle to cause liquid from the second inner channel to enter the receptacle when the valve is opened, aType: GrantFiled: September 15, 1988Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Brandeis UniversityInventor: Daniel Perlman
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Patent number: 5061621Abstract: Device for replica plating of living cells. The device includes a rigid base having a side wall connecting a first upper surface and first lower surface, and a water absorbing fabric free from dye and preservatives having a second upper surface and a second lower surface. The second lower surface is fixedly bonded to the first upper surface in a manner which prevents any horizontal or vertical movement of the fabric which would cause inaccurate transfer of the cells by the device. The base further includes an adhesive tab positioned on the first lower surface. The tab is configured and arranged to fixedly secure the base to a flat surface and thereby fixedly secure the fabric in a positioned raised above the flat surface and accessible for replica plating of the cells. The device may also contain integral marking element and bumper guards.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1989Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Brandeis UniversityInventor: Daniel Perlman
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Patent number: 5055390Abstract: A process for the chemical manipulation of liquid and gel microdroplets is disclosed. The process involves providing first microdroplets having aqueous interiors, such that the first microdroplets are surrounded by a non-aqueous fluid. The aqueous interior chemical composition of the first microdroplets is then manipulated by exposure to compounds soluble in both the non-aqueous and aqueous phases, or by exposure to emulsions or suspensions of second microdroplets such that contact between the first and second microdroplets is made. This allows chemical manipulation to be accomplished without removing the first microdroplets from a non-aqueous fluid environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1988Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: James C. Weaver, Gregory B. Williams, Jonathan G. Bliss
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Patent number: 5049492Abstract: An apparatus and method for biofilm monitoring of a water distribution system which includes the mounting of at least one fitting 61 in a wall port 65 of a manifold 19 in the water distribution system with a passage 62 through the fitting in communication with the manifold flow stream and the insertion of a biofilm sampling member 77 through the fitting with planar sampling surfaces 91,92 of different surface treatment provided on linearly arrayed sample couplons of the sampling member disposed in the flow stream in edge-on parallel relation to the direction of the flow stream of the manifold under fluid-tight sealed conditions. The sampling member 77 is adapted to be aseptically removed from or inserted in the fitting and manifold under a positive pressure condition and the fitting passage 62 sealed immediately thereafter by appropriate closure device 60 so as to preclude contamination of the water distribution system through the fitting 61.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Richard L. Sauer, David T. Flanagan
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Patent number: 5047331Abstract: A method of testing for the growth of bacteria in a sample comprises introducing the sample into a sterile bacterial growth medium in a closed vessel incubating the vessel, and observing a pressure change within the vessel which indicates the growth of bacteria in the sample. A device for doing this comprises a bottle 10 with a pierceable closure 12; and a syringe comprising a cylinder 16 and a piston 18 connected to a hypodermic needle 20 which passes through the closure 12 and preferably extends below the surface of the growth medium in the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1987Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: Oxoid LimitedInventors: Derwent Swaine, Eric Y. Bridson, Deepak Sawhney
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Patent number: 5034119Abstract: Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are produced from reduced hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such non-carcinogenic products are produced by establishing a functional relationship between mutagenicity index and a physical property correlative of hydrocarbon type for the bright stock extract or deasphalted oil and determining a critical physical property level which, when achieved, results in a product having a mutagenicity index of less than about 1.0. Process conditions are established so that a product stream achieving the desired physical property level can be produced. Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are then processed utilizing the conditions so established. A bright stock extract and a deasphalted oil substantilly free from mutagenic activity, as well as processes for their production are also provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1989Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Mobil Oil CorporationInventors: Gary R. Blackburn, Carl R. Mackerer, Nigel Searle, Arshavir E. Mekitarian, Edward N. Ladov
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Patent number: 5030562Abstract: A method for screening bacteria to select strains which inhibit the weed downy brome in small grain crops under field conditions and method for field application of the bacteria to inhibit downy brome in small grain crops in a commercial setting are described. Three Pseudomonas strains initially determined as non-fluorescent which passed the screen test are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1988Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Lloyd F. Elliott, Ann C. Kennedy
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Patent number: 5028529Abstract: A method and a device for producing predetermined and defined varying concentration patterns of chemically or biologically active substances in chemical or biological qualitative or quantitative determinative methods, the method comprising application of the substance(s) within part of or the whole of a rectangular area of a medium in a concentration pattern having at least one concentration maximum and one concentration minimum: the device comprising a rectangular carrier on which the substance(s) have been applied so that the concentration pattern(s) thereof exhibit at least one concentration maximum and one concentration minimum.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1989Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: AB BiodiskInventors: Magnus Ericcson, Anne Bolmstrom
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Patent number: 5026638Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the antibiotic sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms present in milk obtained from mammals afflicted with mastitis, an apparatus for use with the same and an antibiotic sensitivity test kit containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1988Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Inventor: George Saperstein
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Patent number: 5023172Abstract: An in vitro method for determining clonogenicity of and measuring the effect of physical (such as radiation or heat) or chemical treatment on mammalian test cells, including normal and tumor test cells. The method comprises encasing the test cells in agglomerates of non-proliferating, but metabolically active, feeder cells which are capable of forming spheroids. The resulting mixed (hybrid) multicellular spheroids provide an in vivo-like environment for the entrapped test cells. Test cells are subjected to treatment either before or after incorporation into spheroids, and the effect of such treatment is then evaluated from the colony forming ability of spheroids containing test cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1988Date of Patent: June 11, 1991Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New YorkInventor: Bozidar Djordjevic
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Patent number: 5004682Abstract: A water monitoring system, and more particularly a method and kit for detecting the presence of live undesirable or indicator microorganisms in water after treatment of the water with chlorine or bromine.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1987Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Assignee: Olin CorporationInventors: Katherine P. Roberts, Jon R. Geiger, Jayne F. Carney
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Patent number: 4988619Abstract: An obstruction across the flow chamber creates a one dimensional convergence of a sheath fluid. A passageway in the construction directs flat cells near to the area of one dimensional convergence in the sheath fluid to provide proper orientation of flat cells at fast rates.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1987Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: United States Department of EnergyInventor: Daniel Pinkel
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Patent number: 4983516Abstract: Microbial activity in an aqueous medium is measured in a bioelectrochemical cell in which the working electrode comprises an electrically conductive carbon-bearing porous material; suitably a graphitized carbon felt or cloth. This enhances the BEC response by increasing the surface area and by absorbing microbes onto the surface; and the electrode material can also be used to preconcentrate the microbes prior to use as an electrode in the cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1986Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: Paul De La Pena LimitedInventors: Anthony P. F. Turner, Alan P. Hodges, Ann Franklin, Graham Ramsay, Davina Steel
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Patent number: 4981787Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the presence of periodontal disease in mammals. The methods include the steps of (1) sampling gingival crevicular fluid, (2) assaying the crevicular fluid sample by colorimetric or other means to determine levels of alanine aminotransferase present, and (3) correlating the levels of L-alanine aminotransferase present in the crevicular fluid sample with a standard which is indicative of the presence of periodontal disease.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Xytronyx, Inc.Inventor: Peter Baram
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Patent number: 4981802Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for streaking a sample on a Petri plate. The objective is to provide a method and apparatus in which the inoculum is sequentially streaked in a series of dilutions in a manner closely simulating previous manual practice but with a consistency, safety and accuracy which is not manually achieved. A sequential series of spreader heads are brought into contact with the culture medium on a Petri plate and swept back and forth over the medium surface to streak the inoculated sample in a segment of the plate. The paths of the second and subsequent spreading heads are angularly displaced from the path of the preceding spreading head, so that the segment of the plate in which the second and subsequent spreading heads streak the sample will partially overlap the respective preceding segment. This is best achieved by oscillating the support of the Petri plate and sequentially moving a spreading head radially during such oscillation.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1987Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Vista Laboratories Ltd.Inventors: Colin Wylie, Aimo Pitkanen
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Patent number: 4976951Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing bacterial growth on a surface comprising the steps of:(a) applying a solid substrate to the surface;(b) removing said substrate from said surface and incubating said substrate for purposes of facilitating ultimate visualization of selective bacterial growth; and(c) observing the locus of bacterial growth on the substrate.The method is particularly effective in detecting and localizing cariogenic activity in the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1985Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Inventors: Melvyn Rosenberg, Ilana Eli, Ervin Weiss
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Patent number: 4962036Abstract: Determination of microorganisms in body fluids for diagnosis is carried out by passing a body fluid through a column packed with a sorbent which traps microorganisms contained by the body fluid. A culture medium is added to the column, and after culturing the presence of microorganisms is determined. The column is a substantially cylindrical body and is connected via a porous partition to a conical terminal at each end. One conical terminal is an inlet and the other is an outlet. A sorbent porous material is positioned between the partitions and the partitions have different porosities. Total inner volume of the column is about 30 to 300 ml, and volume ratio of the cylindrical body to the conic terminals is about 1:0.3 to 1:5. Preferably, the volume of the cylindrical body is about 10 to 100 ml and the total volume of the both conic terminals is about 20 to 200 ml.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1987Date of Patent: October 9, 1990Assignee: Ceskoslovenska akademie vedInventors: Pavel Cermak, Vaclay Monhart, Jire,acu/i Horak, Marie Tlustakova, Miroslav Paroubek
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Patent number: 4959301Abstract: A process for rapidly enumerating viable biological entities is disclosed, wherein viability is determined by the critierion of growth of biological entities contained in microdroplets. Alternatively, in some cases, viability is determined by use of vital staining of biological entities contained in microdroplets. The process involves formation of microdroplets, which are very small volume liquid or gel particles, such that some of the microdroplets contain biololgical entities, followed by measurements of biological entities and of microdroplet volumes, such that use of statistical analysis can be used self-consistently to determine the number of viable entities per volume of a sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1988Date of Patent: September 25, 1990Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: James C. Weaver, Jonathan G. Bliss, Gregory B. Williams, Kevin T. Powell, Gail I. Harrison
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Patent number: 4956278Abstract: Anaplasma marginale antigen, antigen compositions, vaccine and process for the production of said antigen, antigen composition and vaccine are disclosed. The Anaplasma marginale is free of the erythrocyte antigens that cause neonatal isoerythrolysis, and effective as a vaccinate which will not only protect the vaccinate against bovine anaplasmosis, but does not induce neonatal isoerythrolysis in offspring of vaccinates.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1988Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: Louisiana State UniversityInventors: Lewis T. Hart, Donald G. Luther, William J. Todd
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Patent number: 4939096Abstract: A method of assaying a sample of whole blood for one member of a specific binding pair, the method involving treating the sample with salt to alter the red blood cells in the sample to decrease their ability to pass through filter media, exposing the resulting sample to a filter which retains the red blood cells but allows the passage therethrough of filtrate of the sample containing the member of the specific binding pair, and measuring the member of the filtrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1986Date of Patent: July 3, 1990Assignee: Idexx, Corp.Inventor: Quentin J. Tonelli
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Patent number: 4939081Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles by means of a contra-flow centrifuge, wherein a monitor system is used to analyze or control the separation process. The monitor system used impinges a monochromatic light beam on a sample of the separated particles, and measures the light scattering not only in the beam-forward direction, but also in the beam-reverse and beam-lateral directions. This reduces the processing time and increases the reliabiity of output data.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1987Date of Patent: July 3, 1990Assignee: The Netherlands Cancer InstituteInventors: Carl G. Figdor, Peter Sloot
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Patent number: 4937187Abstract: Fragments of a biopsy sample on the order of about 50 to 5000 cells are preferred for establishing viable tumor cell cultures for purposes such as establishing cell lines, chemotherapeutic assays and the like. Such fragments retain the three-dimensional cellular structure or organization of the original tumor and, therefore, can be cultured more readily. To obtain such fragments suitable for culturing, the biopsy sample can be enzymatically digested in a proteolytic or nucleolytic enzyme, such as collagenase, or by mechanical dissociation, or both where necessary. The fragments can then be suspended in an aqueous medium so that non-aggregated cells (e.g., red blood cells, lymphocytes, macrophages) and cellular debris will form a supernatant while the remaining fragments containing aggregated tumor cells are deposited in a sediment layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1987Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Brown University Research FoundationInventor: M. Boris Rotman
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Patent number: 4932081Abstract: A system is provided for easing the placement of the final screw cap onto a sputum collection container so as to avoid dropping the cap or spilling the specimen in the container onto the hands of the user. An opening is provided in the side wall of the outer protective body of the system so as to gain access to the cap held wedged therein. The wedging action holds the screw cap in place while the user rotates the specimen container to cause cooperation between the screw threads of the screw cap and the associated sputum collection container.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventor: James A. Burns
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Patent number: 4923801Abstract: A method of enrichment and isolation of urease producing organisms from a contaminated specimen by first homogenizing the contaminated specimen in water, then introducing the homogenized contaminated specimen into a solution of urea in an acid, wherein some of the organisms are killed by the acidic medium and remaining organisms are protected from acid attack by creating a protective ammonia by breaking down the urea, and plating the remaining organisms onto a medium which contains antibiotics inhibitory to some of the remaining organisms, but not inhibitory to organisms to be isolated.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1987Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: The University of Virginia Alumni Patents FoundationInventors: Barry J. Marshall, Richard L. Guerrant
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Patent number: 4923804Abstract: The present invention provides a method which is specific to determining and is capable of enumerating Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a sample water or sewage specimen. The method comprises adding to a cultured specimen a chromogenic reagent which when subjected to in situ E. coli .beta.-glucuronidase activity produces clearly defined vivid colorization of any individual colonies derived from E. coli cells in the test specimen.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1987Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Queen's University at KingstonInventors: Arthur N. Ley, Neil E. Rickey, Michael J. Taylor
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Patent number: 4912037Abstract: A container for one or more micro-organism culture mediums has a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical casing open at both ends. A transverse perforated support grid is joined to an inside wall of the casing at its circular edge. A base is fitted to a lower end of the casing and a lid is fitted in a liquid-tight manner onto the upper end of the casing. A culture medium at a raised temperature can thus be poured into the container while it is resting upside down on its lid with the base removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1987Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Millipore S.A.Inventor: Jean Lemonnier
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Patent number: 4906566Abstract: A testing device allows field tests to determine the presence of microorganisms in a given fluid. A container may have a culture medium in dry form, and a floatable device in the container. When a liquid sample is placed into a container, the floatable device floats on the surface and intercedes the exchange of oxygen from the atmosphere to the liquid. An oxygen content sufficient for aerobes is provided at the surface of the liquid, a reduced oxygen content for microaerobes provided just below the intercedent device, and no-oxygen content for anaerobes is provided at the bottom of the container. Selection of the culture medium can assist in detecting specific organisms, and further information can be gained by observing colorations, gas bubbles, precipitates and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1988Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Inventors: D. Roy Cullimore, George W. Alford
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Patent number: 4892818Abstract: A bioreactor and method of its operation are described comprising a vertical column with a lower reaction section filled with column packing particles classifiable by means of their differential settling rates in a liquid, and an upper disengagement section, preferably of larger diameter and of equal or greater volume than the reaction section, the two sections desirably being connected by a transition section in the shape of an inverted, truncated cone. Following initial classification of the packing in the reaction section, the packing is inoculated with microorganisms, and the bioreaction commenced by introducing nutrient feed at one end of the column, and withdrawing product at the other end. The packing is periodically cleaned, as required, by dispersing it into the disengagement section by passing liquid at an increased velocity upward through the column until contaminants have been dislodged.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1987Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Inventor: Floyd Ramp
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Patent number: 4886744Abstract: Fluorescent compounds which are conjugates of a biologically active moiety and an arylidene dye moiety. The compounds have a large Stokes shift and are useful in applications such as biological diagnostic elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1986Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Polaroid CorporationInventors: Michael J. Arnost, Shai Inbar, Frank A. Meneghini, Paul S. Palumbo, Stephen G. Stroud, Charles M. Zepp
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Patent number: 4878312Abstract: In a method for culturing and cultivating fungi according to the present invention, the woods with the small diameter are used as the host woods. Into these woods with the small diameter, the fungi are inoculated through a cellulose sheet. The inoculated fungi are cultured and cultivated in a plastic bag having a porous site.According to the culture and cultivation method of the present invention, the mushroom of high quality can be harvested in a very short period.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1988Date of Patent: November 7, 1989Assignee: Compex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michitaka Shimizu
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Patent number: 4871662Abstract: The device, which is a multi-element tube, is adapted for receiving a water sample into a first chamber. The sample is then caused to pass through a relatively coarse filter into a second chamber, where the sample contacts a relatively fine second filter on which a portion of the sample is retained. A stabilizing agent is added to the second filter so that the sample is maintained for later testing. The device can then be sent, at ambient temperatures, intact and in a sterile, sealed condition, via common carrier to a central laboratory, where the portion of the second filter is removed for testing. Thus, the present device is a simple to use and inexpensive means for conducting microbiological testing of samples from remote sites.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1987Date of Patent: October 3, 1989Assignee: WaterTest CorporationInventor: Eugene Rosov
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Patent number: 4859586Abstract: There is provided a hermetically closed culture vessel in which miroorganisms are cultivated simultaneously or consecutively on a liquid culture medium and on one or more solid culture media.The culture vessel is transparent, and contains in its lower part a liquid culture medium. From the cap, closing the vessel, there extends downwardly an elongated support for the solid culture medium or media, which is essentially parallel with the central axis of the vessel, which terminates above the liquid culture medium.The growth on the solid culture medium is conveniently inspected from the side of the culture vessel.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1986Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Inventors: Eliahu Eisenberg, Reuven Padova, Avner Shenfeld, Tsvi Hirshfeld, Jacob Stein
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Patent number: 4855230Abstract: Plant host acceptable microorganisms, which are ice nucleation deficient and use at least one nutrient from the plant also used by ice nucleating native microorganisms, are applied to a plant part at an early stage in the growth cycle. The multiplication of the native ice nucleating microorganisms is inhibited, so that under normal frost conditions encountered in the field, frost damage is substantially diminished. The non-nucleating microorganisms may be obtained by special selection procedures, selecting from naturally occuring microorganisms or mutagenized microorganisms, where additionally the organisms may be transformed to provide for other desirable properties.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1987Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Steven E. Lindow
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Patent number: 4851210Abstract: A membrane structure is disclosed having controlled capillarity useful in detecting cells in a solution by promoting effective contacting between cells and the membrane surface bearing affinity for selected cell sites. Also disclosed is a mtehod of using such membrane structures to detect particles in solution. One embodiment of the invention is an improved blood-typing device and method. The device may be attached to a blood bag, clamp, stick or the like, to provide a permanent visual record of blood type.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1986Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: Genelabs IncorporatedInventor: Gary E. Hewett
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Patent number: 4829005Abstract: Apparatus for isolating and identifying microorganisms in blood or the like which comprises a tubular collection vessel which is sealed at both ends but includes means at one end for permitting the removal of fluid therein by the application of vacuum when the seal at that end is broken, a multisection filtration unit comprising a first section provided with means for receiving said one end of the collection vessel, means in said section for breaking the seal in said one end of the vessel when it is received by said first section, a second section of said filtration unit nested against the bottom of the first section, a filter membrane positioned between the nested first and second sections of said filtration unit, said filter membrane being in open communication with said one end of the collection vessel which is received by said first section, a third section of said filtration unit nested against the second section on the opposite side of the filter membrane from the nested first and second sections, and mType: GrantFiled: June 15, 1984Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Inventors: Michael P. Friedman, James Jablonsky, Ronald F. Schell
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Patent number: 4788137Abstract: A method of detecting activated T-cells in a population of cells, the method involving determining intracellular calcium ion concentration or intracellular pH in the cells, a calcium ion concentration two-fold or greater above that of resting T-cells, or a pH increase of over 0.2 pH units, indicating activation.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1985Date of Patent: November 29, 1988Assignee: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc.Inventors: Ellis L. Reinherz, Andres Alcover, Michael J. Weiss
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Patent number: 4761366Abstract: A sintered hydroxycalcium apatite body having an average particle size of 50-2,000 .mu.m is used to form a packing in a cell separating column for use in separating groups or populations of cells from a suspension of animal cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1986Date of Patent: August 2, 1988Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toru Nakajima, Masahiro Sato, Katsuhiko Nishimura, Sumiaki Tsuru
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Patent number: H831Abstract: A tubular connected series of biofilm samplers is provided for monitoring biofouling by microorganisms in a continuous flow stream. Tubular bypasses are provided around each sampler, so that each sampler is removable for inspection of biofouling without interruption of the continuous flow stream. In addition, each sampler has a contoured surface which is in contact with the continuous flow stream and which is flush with the inner surface of the tubulars connecting the samplers.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1987Date of Patent: October 2, 1990Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Joseph P. Salanitro, James S. Hokanson