Condition Responsive Control Process Patents (Class 435/3)
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Publication number: 20130224728Abstract: A method for the production of 2-butanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: BUTAMAX(TM) ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLCInventor: BUTAMAX(TM) ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
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Publication number: 20130209986Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing a butyrate production by Clostridium tyrobutyricum strains, comprising adding an electron transfer mediator on a medium of Clostridium tyrobutyricum strains and fermenting the same; or providing electrons to the Clostridium tyrobutyricum strains with the aid of a reduction electrode (cathode) and fermenting the same for thereby enhancing the production of butyrate, by way of which it is possible to enhance the production of clostridium tyrobutyricum.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventor: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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Publication number: 20130189671Abstract: The present invention is based in part on the discovery of significant improvements to cell culture systems and methods in terms of utility and range of application. The system allows for culture of cells in one or more defined spaces within a culture chamber defined by one or more spaced opposing surfaces to provide significant advantages over previously described culture methods. The system includes a chamber for receiving a fluid culture medium; a first surface and one or more second surfaces defining one or more spaces in the chamber; and one or more cells constrained within the one or more spaces. The second surface includes at least one opening for passage of a substance into the culture space.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Jan H. Hoh, Jeffrey L. Werbin, William F. Heintz
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Patent number: 8489240Abstract: A control system for industrial water systems that utilizes multiple measurements of information and models to decide optimal control actions to maximize corrosion/scaling/fouling inhibition and particulate dispersancy performance and minimize cost of water and treatment chemicals. This system is capable of automatic operation for a wide range of process conditions, ensures multiple performance objectives, achieves robust operation under a variety or un-measurable disturbances and achieves the least costly solution delivery.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Zhaoyang Wan, Gary E. Geiger, Yong Zhang, Yu Zhang
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Publication number: 20130171617Abstract: A device for the automated isolation and transfer of at least one microscopic sample from a sample carrier to a collecting system for subsequent automatic analysis is provided. The device comprises a selection unit for selecting at least one sample located on the sample carrier, a controllable isolation unit for the automated isolation of the at least one selected sample, a controllable transfer unit, which has carrier means for the defined receiving and deposition of the at least one selected isolated sample, for an automated and defined transfer of the at least one selected isolated sample from the sample carrier to the collecting system, and a control unit, which has a data link to the selection unit, the isolation unit and the transfer unit, for an automated isolation and transfer operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Deutsches Forschungszen- trum fur Gesundheit und Umwelt GmbHInventor: Stefan Thalhammer
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Publication number: 20130171616Abstract: Pressurized hermetically sealed bags disposed inside a cylindrical support and containing a septum with variable density of porosity and dividing the bag into two chambers are used to provide optimal mixing and gasification of nutrient media to grow a variety of biological cultures, particularly the cell cultures to produce a multitude of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in a disposable system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Sarfaraz K. Niazi
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Patent number: 8470246Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.Inventor: Collin A. Rich
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Publication number: 20130149693Abstract: A process is provided for management of ethanol concentration during syngas fermentation. A process for fermentation of syngas includes inoculating a medium to provide an inoculated medium. Inoculated medium is contacted with syngas and cells and medium are removed and separated to provide concentrated cells and permeate. Ethanol is separated from the permeate to provide ethanol and a reduced ethanol aqueous stream. The reduced ethanol aqueous stream is returned to the fermentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: INEOS BIO SAInventor: INEOS BIO SA
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Publication number: 20130143200Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated, computer-controlled, tracking and manipulation of motile specimen. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited for tracking and manipulating sperm, particularly for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures. The present invention also relates also to devices for holding motile cells, such as sperm, and non-motile cells, such as oocytes. The device of the present invention comprises a sealed chamber having an air outlet, one well for the motile cells, and another well for non-motile cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Yu Sun, Zhe Lu, Clement Leung, Xuping Zhang
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Publication number: 20130143199Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventor: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
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Patent number: 8451138Abstract: A method for operating a cryostorage device (100), especially for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample carrier (10) to receive at least one sample (11) and a data storage (20), wherein data are inductively transmitted from the data storage device (20) into a wireless transmission channel (40) and/or conversely using a resonant circuit (30) connected to the data storage device (20).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Guenter R. Fuhr, Rolf Hagedorn
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Publication number: 20130130229Abstract: A device for detecting nucleic acid amplification in a sample, comprising: a loading unit (thermoregulation unit) which is provided with a plurality of holes for loading reaction containers and capable of arbitrarily controlling a measurement unit for measuring samples in the containers that are loaded in the holes. The loading unit and the measurement unit, which are placed opposite to each other, can be operated independently from each other. In a transfer operation, the operation speeds of the thermoregulation unit and measurement unit are controlled so that the sum of these speeds amounts to an arbitrary constant value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Kimikazu Sugiyama, Masato Ishizawa, Yoshiyuki Shoji, Minoru Sano
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Publication number: 20130130227Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a zone. Information is obtained about an environment in the zone with a sensor system. A determination is made by an analyzer system as to whether a contagious condition is present in the zone using the information from the sensor system. An action is performed by a management system in response to the contagious condition being present.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Leora Peltz, Shawn Hyunsoo Park
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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
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Patent number: 8440452Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Broadley-James CorporationInventor: Larry Eugene West
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Publication number: 20130115588Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for culturing and purifying target substance(s), such as selected proteins, viruses, pathogenic bacteria, antibodies, antigens, clotting factors, glycoproteins, and hormones, from source liquids wherein the culturing and purification is effected in an integrated system including a bioreactor and at least one separation unit that functions under the control of a single operating system and provides for disposable components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicants: G & G TECHNOLOGIES, INC., SMARTFLOW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Kim Davis, Guenko Guenev, Todd Benson, James Kacmar, John Moll, Derrick Marconi
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Publication number: 20130109008Abstract: A biological cultivation system for the culture of photosynthetic organisms including at least one cultivation chamber permitting exposure of the culture medium to natural and/or artificial light and including; a light transmissive wall or walls defining a gas space; and a culture medium containment area below the gas space; one or more fluid inlets positioned within the culture medium containment area; and one or more gas outlets in communication with the gas space; a control unit operatively connected to a gas flow control device, the gas flow control device controlling the flow of gas in through the fluid inlets and out through the fluid outlets to control the conditions within the cultivation chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: MBD ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Marc Rene Stammbach, Rocky De Nys, Kirsten Heimann, Arnold Mangott, Howard Kneebone
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Publication number: 20130109007Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor (12) for creating and/or conditioning biological tissues and in particular artificial heart valves, vascular grafts and/or cardiovascular patches. The bioreactor (12) comprises a bioreactor housing (30, 32) having a first section (42) and a second section (54), said first section (42) being adapted to receive a nutrition solution, and said second section (54) being adapted to receive said biological tissue, and means (38; 56, 58, 66, 76, 84) for generating and directing a flow of said nutrition solution from said first section (42) to said second section (54) along a first flow path such as to flow along or through at least a portion of said biological tissue, and for directing a back flow of said nutrition solution from said second section (54) to said first section (42) along a second flow path. The flow directing means (56, 58, 66, 76, 84) and said second flow path are contained in said bioreactor housing (30, 32).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHENInventor: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Publication number: 20130101982Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing, the flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An impeller is disposed within the chamber of the flexible bag. A drive shaft is coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the draft shaft and is adapted to rotate the drive shaft. An adjustable arm assembly is coupled with the drive motor assembly and is adapted to move the drive motor assembly which in turn moves the position of the drive shaft and impeller. An electrical controller can control movement of the adjustable arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: HYCLONE LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones
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Publication number: 20130101983Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non contact real time micro Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] system comprises; a chip having a reaction chamber for holding a sample and an embedded metal heater below the reaction chamber for heating the sample; an optical unit comprising associated LED driver and photo detector amplifier placed above the chip to detect the fluorescence; an induction heater mounted around the chip and is inductively coupled to the metal heater; an infrared temperature sensor mounted below the chip for measuring a temperature of the metal heater, wherein said infrared temperature sensor is interfaced with a signal conditioner; and a controller interfaced with the signal conditioner and the induction heater for regulating the power to the induction heater based on feedback received from the infrared temperature sensor through the signal conditioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: BIGTEC PRIVATE LIMITEDInventors: Swetha Chandra, Sudip Mondal, Venkataraman Venkatakrishnan, Sathyadeep Viswanathan, Renjith Mahiladevi Radhakrishnan, Raviprakash Jayaraman, Chandrasekhar Bhaskaran Nair, Pillarisetti Venkata Subbarao
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Publication number: 20130095469Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing one or more cells or particles confined in a free flying droplet has a droplet generating device configured to eject out of an orifice a free flying droplet of a suspension of cells or particles. The droplet generating device has a branch-less one-way channel having the orifice at one end thereof. A device for detecting information on cells or particles located in an observation volume of the suspension within the branch-less one-way channel is provided. An ejected droplet is directed to a first position or a second position depending on the detected information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: ALBERT-LUDWIGS-UNIVERSITAET FREIBURGInventor: ALBERT-LUDWIGS-UNIVERSITAET FREIBURG
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Publication number: 20130095468Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air and nitrogen-fixing bacteria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The apparatus also includes a second evaporation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia. The present invention relates to a method for producing ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer using nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including providing a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air, and nitrogen-fixing bactieria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The method also includes providing a second evaporation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: BASWOOD, INC.Inventor: Baswood, Inc.
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Patent number: 8415107Abstract: The invention relates to thrombospondin fragments found in plasma, their use or use of portions thereof in diagnostic methods, as method calibrators, method indicators, and as immunogens, and as analytes for methods with substantial clinical utility; and their detection in plasma or other bodily fluids for purpose of diagnostic methods, especially for cancer.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: W2 Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Kevin J. Williams
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Publication number: 20130084559Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for sustaining a microbial culture during periods of limited substrate supply. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a microbial culture comprising carboxydotrophic bacteria can be sustained during periods of limited substrate supply by maintaining the temperature of the microbial culture at a temperature below an optimum operating temperature. Examples of periods of limited substrate supply include when the microbial culture is transported to a remote location or during time when it is stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: LANZATECH NEW ZEALAND LIMITEDInventor: LanzaTech New Zealand Limited
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Publication number: 20130078609Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier with at least one channel that carries at least one sample. The apparatus further includes a thermal control device configured to thermal cycle the sample carrier when the sample carrier is installed in the carrier receiving region, thereby thermal cycling the sample carried therein. The apparatus further includes a thermal control system configured to control the temperature control device based on a predetermined set of target sample temperatures and a temperature map, which maps the predetermined set of target sample temperatures to a set of temperatures of the temperature control device. The set of temperatures of the temperature control device is different from the predetermined set of target sample temperatures, and the set of temperatures of the temperature control device thermal cycle the sample carrier with the temperatures of the predetermined set of target sample temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: ANALOGIC CORPORATIONInventor: Mark Tverskoy
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Publication number: 20130078610Abstract: A thermal cycler for a microfluidic device includes a controller operable to provide a series of electrical signals, a heat sink, and a heating element in thermal communication with the heat sink and operable to receive the series of electrical signals from the controller. The thermal cycler also includes a thermal chuck in thermal communication with the heating element. The thermal chuck comprises a heating surface operable to make thermal contact with the microfluidic device. The heating surface is characterized by a temperature ramp rate between 2.5 degrees Celsius per second and 5.5 degrees Celsius per second and a temperature difference between a first portion of the heating surface supporting a first portion of the microfluidic device and a second portion of the heating surface supporting a second portion of the microfluidic device is less than 0.25° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Jake Kimball, Brandon Ripley, Gang Sun, Dominique Toppani, Myo Thu Maung
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Publication number: 20130065219Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Biogen Idec MA Inc.Inventor: Biogen Idec MA Inc.
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Patent number: 8394599Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for the simultaneous determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of potentiators of cellular activation allows for characterization of such pathways and cell populations.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Omar D. Perez, Garry P. Nolan, Jonathan M. Irish
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Publication number: 20130045473Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus for handling laboratory samples, in particular for adjusting the temperature of a biochemical sample arranged in a sample vessel element, having a carrier device for carrying the sample vessel element, an electrical control device set up for controlling an operating parameter of the laboratory apparatus that controls this handling, and a sensor device for recording a measured value, by which a geometrical property of the a sample vessel element can be determined, the a sensor device being signal-connected to the electrical control device, the electrical control device being set up for controlling the handling of the laboratory sample in dependence on the measured value and the set operating parameter by the control step; and a method for handling at least one laboratory sample by means of a laboratory apparatus and to a computer program product for performing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: Eppendorf AGInventors: Florian DUERR, Ruediger Huhn, Manuel Mayer, Janine Roehrs, Gerrit Walter, Wolf Wente
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Patent number: 8377635Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of an aqueous fluid in a microfluidic device, which makes use of a fluid gate comprising a UCST (upper critical solubility temperature) polymer and which allows fluid to flow by raising the temperature of the fluid gate above the USCT. Also provided is a device incorporating such a fluid gate and the use of such a device to detect an analyte in an aqueous fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbHInventors: Andrew Antony Brown, Omar Azzaroni, Wilhelm T. S. Huck
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Patent number: 8372579Abstract: The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Mehmet Toner, George Truskey, Ravi Kapur
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Publication number: 20130034842Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a fluid for the purpose of identifying microbiological content and/or microorganisms and determining the effectiveness of a microbiological treatment. One method of monitoring a fluid includes containing the fluid within a flow path, the fluid including at least one microorganism present therein, optically interacting electromagnetic radiation from the fluid with at least one integrated computational element, thereby generating optically interacted light, receiving with at least one detector the optically interacted light, and generating with the at least one detector an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid, the characteristic of the fluid being a concentration of the at least one microorganism within the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ola Tunheim, Robert P. Freese, Christopher M. Jones, James R. MacLennan
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Publication number: 20130029315Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container (1) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system (13). At least one stirring mechanism (2) is arranged in the container. The feedback value of at least one measurable variable is detected and transmitted to a control unit (4). A reference variable is also provided to the control unit. The control unit calculates the deviation of the feedback value from the reference value, and actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism and/or the composition of the container contents and/or the flow behavior of the container contents are adjusted as a function of the deviation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: KSB AktiengesellschaftInventor: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
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Publication number: 20130029314Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container (1) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system (13), and at least two stirring mechanisms (2) arranged in the container, the stirring mechanisms having propellers (3) which are rotated and generate mostly horizontal currents of the fermentation substrate in the container. The propeller diameters, the propeller geometries, and the positions of the propellers in the container are selected such that a shared mixing zone of the medium is generated in the container. Data for determining the mean speed and/or the viscosity of the medium in the mixing zone are detected and transmitted to a control unit (4) which varies actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism into the mixing zone and/or the composition and/or the flow behavior of the container contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
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Publication number: 20130022959Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for online and direct control of production of biogas in an anaerobic digester comprising the steps of: a) feeding the anaerobic digester with organic substrate, b) extracting a sample of biogas from the headspace of the anaerobic digester, c) analyzing the composition of the sample of biogas and detecting the quantity of one or more volatile fatty acids in said sample of biogas, d) controlling feeding of the anaerobic digester in view of the quantity of the one or more volatile fatty acids detected in said sample of biogas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE PUBLIC GABRIEL LIPPMANNInventors: Pierre ORLEWSKI, Philippe DELFOSSE, Malick CAMARA
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Publication number: 20130022958Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decreasing the fermentation inhibition in a fermentation of cellulose-derived material in a fermentor, wherein fermentation inhibitory properties of the material subjected to fermentation is decreased by an addition of at least one reducing agent to the fermentor. Further, there is provided a method of increasing the fermentability of a fermentation process comprising the steps of measuring the fermentability of the fermentation process and if the fermentability is below a reference value, then adding at least one reducing agent to the fermentation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Björn Alriksson, Leif Jönsson, Sune Wännström
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Publication number: 20130022956Abstract: An analyzer includes a display, measurement hardware configured to perform a measurement on a sample, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the display and the measurement hardware and is configured to communicate, via the display, a first pre-analytical procedure of the sample prior to measurement of the sample. The controller is also configured to maintain the analyzer in a state associated with the first procedure for an amount of time equal to a time needed for performing the first procedure. After the time needed for performing the first procedure has elapsed, the controller is configured to communicate, via the display, a second pre-analytical procedure of the sample prior to measurement of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: James Ausdenmoore, Peter Osella, Ralph Taylor
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Publication number: 20130022957Abstract: A method of increasing animal cell growth and monoclonal antibody production in an animal cell or cell culture includes the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: INTELLIGENTNANO INC.Inventors: Jie CHEN, James XING, Woon T. ANG
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Publication number: 20130007903Abstract: A flow cytometer system for sorting haploid cells, specifically sperm cells, may include an intermittingly punctuated radiation emitter, such as a pulsed laser. Embodiments include a beam manipulator and even split radiation beams directed to multiple nozzles. Differentiation of sperm characteristics with increased resolution may efficiently allow differentiated sperm cells to be separated at higher speeds and even into subpopulations having higher purity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: XY, LLCInventors: Kenneth M. Evans, Thomas B. Gilligan
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Publication number: 20130004938Abstract: In one aspect the present invention relates to a system 100 for automated extraction of multi-cellular physiological parameters. The system 100 comprises a morphogenesis module 160 for growing a plurality of cells, a monitoring unit 110 for monitoring the plurality of cells, a controller 140 for controlling the morphogenesis module 160 and the monitoring unit 110 to grow the plurality of cells and analyse the growth of the plurality of cells in order to determine the multi-cellular physiological parameters, the controller (140) further comprising a process modeling unit (146) for determining inter-cellular interactions in response to various process conditions. The multi-cellular physiological parameters may provide an optimised protocol for growing various tissue types. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method 200 for automated extraction of multi-cellular physiological parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE UK LIMITEDInventors: Yuriy Alexandrov, Albert Francis Santos
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Patent number: 8343440Abstract: A cancer cell separating apparatus includes: a flow channel including an antibody fixation area having antibodies which bind specifically to cancer cells fixed thereon, wherein the cancer cells and non-cancer cells are separated using a difference in velocity of movement between the cancer cells and the non-cancer cells in cell slurry introduced into the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Satomi Yoshioka
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Publication number: 20120322047Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for automated exploitation of cells from a sample, comprising a plurality of dispensing containers (2) for the separated storage of fluid media, each dispensing container comprising an outlet (21) wherein a media delivery arrangement (3) is associated to each of the dispensing containers (2) and a first valve (22) is connected to each of the outlets (21), a plurality of collecting containers (4) for the collection of fluid media, each collecting container (4) comprising an inlet (41) wherein a second valve (42) is connected to the inlet (41) of each collecting container, and a mounting device (5) for mounting the sample, the mounting device comprising an inlet (51) being connected to the first valve (22), and an outlet (52), wherein the outlet (52) of the mounting device is connected to the second valve (42). Further, the present invention enables a method for automated cell exploitation from a sample by the use of the apparatus (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHENInventor: Bassil Akra
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Publication number: 20120315620Abstract: Provided are a method capable of discriminating between a colony of differentiated pluripotent stem cells and a colony of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, and a method for automatically culturing undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells and a system thereof. A differentiated colony composed of differentiated pluripotent stem cells, an undifferentiated colony composed of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells and a multilayered colony having pluripotent stem cells stacked in multiple layers are discriminated by processing a photo image of a colony including pluripotent stem cells in a culture vessel. Specifically, a colony having a luminance higher than a first threshold A is determined as a differentiated colony, a colony having a luminance equal to or lower than the first threshold A and equal to or higher than a second threshold B is determined as an undifferentiated colony, and a colony having a luminance lower than the second threshold B is determined as a multilayered colony.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keizo Watakabe, Yohichi Nakamura, Osamu Ohji, Katsumi Nakashima
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Publication number: 20120308991Abstract: Biological method for conversion of a sugar-containing organic material into a desired biochemical product. Use of a plurality of substrate-selective cells allows different sugars in a complex mixture to be consumed concurrently and independently. The method can be readily extended to remove inhibitory compounds from hydrolysate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Mark Eiteman, Elliot Altman
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Publication number: 20120308990Abstract: A thermocycling device and method of operating a thermocycler instrument, the instrument including a sample holder, at least one thermal cycling element, and at least one first and second temperature sensors, for causing the sample holder containing the at least one sample to undergo polymerase chain reaction amplification by repeated cycling between at least a denaturation heating stage and an annealing cooling stage. The first temperature corresponding with the temperature of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one first temperature sensor, and a second temperature corresponding with the temperature external of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one second temperature sensor. Based upon the first temperature and the second temperature, the power that is delivered to the at least one thermal cycling element of the instrument is dynamically controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Joel TerMaat, Scott E. Whitney, Hendrik J. Viljoen, Matthew R. Kreifels
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Publication number: 20120308988Abstract: Aspects describe capturing various bacteria levels within a process affected by microbial agents. A model of the process and a model of expected bacteria growth are analyzed and, based on the analysis, at least one process parameter is automatically modified to improve or optimize the product or process or other business or operational objectives. Also provided are at least two autonomous agents within the process. The at least two autonomous agents communicate and autonomously implement an action in an upstream stage and/or downstream stage within the process, wherein the at least two autonomous agents access the representation of the process and the biological representation and/or bio-chemical representation to implement the action.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Frederick M. Discenzo
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Publication number: 20120308989Abstract: Systems and methods for converting aquatic plants to liquid methane are disclosed. A representative system includes an aquatic plant cultivator, an anaerobic digester operatively coupled to the aquatic plant cultivator to receive aquatic plants and produce biogas, and a biogas converter coupled to the anaerobic digester to receive the biogas and produce liquefied methane and thermal energy, at least a portion of the thermal energy resulting from a methane liquefaction process. The system can further include a thermal path between the biogas converter and at least one of the aquatic plant cultivator and the anaerobic digester. A controller can be coupled to the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or the anaerobic digester. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed (e.g., based on measured variables of the system), direct the portion of thermal energy between the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or anaerobic digester.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Prometheus Technologies, LLCInventors: John A. Barclay, David Haberman
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Patent number: 8318416Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Biogen Idec MA Inc.Inventors: Valerie Liu Tsang, Angela Xiaoying Wang, Helena Yusuf-Makagiansar
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Publication number: 20120295248Abstract: A disposable mixing vessel incorporates a system for dynamic gas control. The disposable mixing vessel includes a first agitating element and a second agitating element located above the first agitating element. The system for dynamic gas control enables a cell culture process to occur in the disposable mixing vessel while maintaining certain parameters of the liquid medium to be within a desired range. Such parameters may include the level of dissolved carbon dioxide, the level of dissolved oxygen, the pH and the osmolality. The system for dynamic gas control may control gas inlet and outlet ports in the disposable mixing vessel for sweeping a suitable composition of gas across the headspace of the liquid medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventor: Alan T. Cheng
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Patent number: 8309037Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing tissue samples are described. The apparatus comprises: at least one retort for accommodating tissue samples; at least one container for storing alcohol or xylene; a valve adapted to connect the at least one retort with the at least one container depending on an operating position of the valve; and at least a first sensor that is arranged in flow direction between the container and the retort for measuring a value of a parameter that represents a purity level of the alcohol or xylene; wherein the first sensor and the valve are configured to replace the alcohol or xylene depending on the value of the parameter that represents the purity level. The method comprises for the alcohol or xylene conducting between the container and the retort; automatically measuring the purity level and replacing depending on the purity level.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Michael Erben, Nils Jakob, Claus Haberkorn, Frank Meder, Michael Rapp, Joachim Hoffmann