Including Sample Preparation Patents (Class 436/174)
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Patent number: 8715574Abstract: A system for managing bulk liquids for an automated clinical analyzer. The system comprises (a) at least one local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use, (b) at least one container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir, and (c) a controller for monitoring the level of a bulk liquid in a local reservoir. The local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use can be a trough. The use of troughs for storing a reagent, a diluent, or some other treating agent for impending use enables an aspirating/dispensing device having a plurality of pipettes to aspirate and dispense the reagent, diluent, or other treating agent at a high rate of throughput. The controller can monitor the level of a liquid in (a) a local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for imminent use and the level of liquid in a (b) container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, Gregory E. Gardner, Richard W. Mahoney
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Patent number: 8716015Abstract: A method of inoculating a culture medium including providing a droplet including a single cell type on a droplet actuator and inoculating a culture medium with the droplet. A method of providing a metabolically useful substance to a cell culture, including providing a droplet actuator including a cell culture droplet loaded thereon, the sample droplet including cells and a cell culture medium, and a second droplet comprising a metabolically useful substance. The method also includes conducting one or more droplet operations to combine the cell culture droplet with the second droplet on the droplet actuator. Related methods, droplet actuators, and systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Allen E. Eckhardt
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Patent number: 8709814Abstract: In a computer-controlled, automated method, a nucleic acid amplification procedure is performed within a prescribed incubation temperature range within an instrument that comprises at least one thermal element situated at a first location of the instrument and an amplification incubator situated at a second, spaced-apart location of the instrument. A receptacle and its contents are exposed to the thermal element for a predetermined period of time at the first location, such that the temperature of the contents of the receptacle is adjusted to approximate the incubation temperature. The receptacle is then moved from the first location and into the amplification incubator, and, in the amplification incubator, a nucleic acid contained in the contents of the receptacle is subjected to the nucleic acid amplification procedure.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 8709829Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoscale or microscale particle for encapsulation and delivery of materials or substances, including, but not limited to, cells, drugs, tissue, gels and polymers contained within the particle, with subsequent release of the therapeutic materials in situ, methods of fabricating the particle by folding a 2D precursor into the 3D particle, and the use of the particle in in-vivo or in-vitro applications The particle can be in any polyhedral shape and its surfaces can have either no perforations or nano/microscale perforations The particle is coated with a biocompatible metal, e g gold, or polymer e g parvlene, layer and the surfaces and hinges of the particle are made of any metal or polymer combinations.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: David H. Gracias, Timothy Gar-Ming Leong, Hongke Ye
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Patent number: 8709824Abstract: The present invention concerns a contamination barrier 5 that permits an efficient and reproducible processing of a high number of samples with the prevention of contamination of aqueous solutions 3 in open and/or automated systems, especially in the ppm range, in that it comprises at least one water immiscible hydrocarbon compound. In addition a method for the prevention of contamination during the processing of aqueous solutions 3 in open and/or automated systems is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Qiagen GmbHInventors: Thomas Rothmann, Markus Sprenger-Haussels, Petra Benkel, Sabine Hermes, Friederike Wilmer
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Patent number: 8709356Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Brian Murphy, Scott Corey, Alex Flamm, Ben Lane, Conrad Laskowski, Chad Schneider
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Patent number: 8709815Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed providing techniques for measuring the amount of biodiesel in a fuel sample. The methods may be used in the field without the use of laboratory equipment. The biodiesel in the sample is converted to the corresponding free acid which can be isolated and quantified to provide information regarding the amount of biodiesel in the original sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Dexsil CorporationInventors: Theodore B. Lynn, Lawrence M. Sacramone
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Patent number: 8707545Abstract: A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Samson Chen, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8709818Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Quest Diagnostics Investments IncorporatedInventors: Michael P. Caulfield, Richard E. Reitz, Shuguang Li, Gloria Kwangja Lee, Ronald Krauss, Patricia J. Blanche, W. Henry Benner, Earl Cornell
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Patent number: 8703059Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion analysing a sample in a combustion analyzer (120,160,180), where the sample comprises a proportion of sulphur. The sample is supplied to the combustion analyzer and combusted to produce combustion products, comprising a yield of sulphur dioxide for detection. Nitrogen monoxide or a source of nitrogen monoxide is supplied to the combustion analyzer to improve the yield of sulphur dioxide in the combustion products. The yield improver may be supplied before and/or during the combusting step. A proportion of yield improver is preferably greater than the (expected) proportion of sulphur. Ozone may be supplied to the combustion products to convert at least a proportion of any nitrogen monoxide in the combustion products to nitrogen dioxide, before detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.Inventors: David Marco Gertruda Alberti, Maurice Stephan Van Doeselaar
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Patent number: 8703492Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.Inventors: Brian Austin Self, Jonathan Matthew Miller, Carl Theodore Edens
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Patent number: 8703069Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing samples on a microfluidic device. One method includes moving a sample from an upstream channel of a microfluidic device into a DNA manipulation module located downstream of the upstream channel. The DNA manipulation module includes a DNA manipulation zone configured to perform amplification of the sample, a first valve disposed upstream of the DNA manipulation zone, and a second valve disposed downstream of the DNA manipulation zone. The method also includes receiving the sample in the DNA manipulation zone; closing the first valve and the second valve such that as and liquid are prevented from flowing into or out of the DNA manipulation zone; and thermal cycling the sample in the DNA manipulation zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Handylab, Inc.Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Gene Parunak
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Publication number: 20140106466Abstract: A method of preparing a glass bead mixture using inert nanoparticles to improve flow rates of the glass beads for purposes of manufacturing an immunodiagnostic test element, such as a column agglutination test cassette, and a test element made in accordance with the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Burr Crowther, Amy Louise Surowitz, Anna Krystyna Luczak
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Patent number: 8697452Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: John Linton, Arrin Katz, Colin Brenan, Karl Yoder, Robert Hess, Leila Hasan, Robert Ellis, Tanya Kanigan, Kristine Friesen, Thomas Morrison, Javier Garcia
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Patent number: 8696991Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventors: Harold W. Howe, Timothy S. Troutman, Michael E. Meichle, Adrian L. Krag
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Patent number: 8697008Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Andrew Clarke, Nicholas J. Dartnell, Christopher B. Rider
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Patent number: 8696990Abstract: A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbHInventors: Paul Meller, Holger Pufahl
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Patent number: 8697450Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining an amount of an analyte in a test sample. The methods involve preparing a calibration curve using standard samples containing an isotopically-labeled standard in a biological matrix.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Blas Cerda, Alex Cherkasskiy
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Patent number: 8691592Abstract: Disclosed are mechanically-actuated devices for transporting fluids within a microfluidic circuit and performing diagnostic operations on a sample. Also disclosed are related methods for performing sample analysis effected by the motion of an actuator proximate to a microfluidic system.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Zongyuan Chen, Haim H. Bau, Michael Mauk, Xianbo Qiu, Jason Kwa
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Publication number: 20140093893Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventor: Lee H. Angros
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Publication number: 20140093972Abstract: The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicants: NOVILOIRE, BIO-RAD INNOVATIONSInventors: Sébastien Bernay, Jean-Michel Brisebrat, Frédéric Buffiere
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Patent number: 8685747Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for collecting samples using hybrid porous materials that include an organic material and an inorganic material. A method for sample collection includes contacting a hybrid porous material and a biological sample to the porous material. The hybrid porous material includes an inorganic material and an organic material. The method includes placing the porous material with the attached sample in a liquid medium, wherein the sample is separated from the porous material in the liquid medium to form a separated sample, and collecting the separated sample in the medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, A body corporate of the State of Arizona Acting for and on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Frederic Zenhausern, Ralf Lenigk, James Kinder, Jianing Yang
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Patent number: 8685749Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Whatman International LimitedInventors: Philip Alexander Shoemaker, Weston Blaine Griffin, Erin Jean Finehout, Xuefeng Wang, Kashan Ali Shaikh, Greg Darryl Goddard
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Patent number: 8685929Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that an amplification of the CYP24 gene or an increase in CYP24 activity is a marker for the presence of, progression of, or predisposition to, a cancer (e.g., breast cancer). Using this information, this invention provides methods of detecting a predisposition to cancer in an animal. The methods involve (i) providing a biological sample from an animal (e.g. a human patient); (ii) detecting the level of CYP24 within the biological sample; and (iii) comparing the level of CYP24 with a level of CYP24 in a control sample taken from a normal, cancer-free tissue where an increased level of CYP24 in the biological sample compared to the level of CYP24 in the control sample indicates the presence of said cancer in said animal.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Donna G. Albertson, Daniel Pinkel, Colin Collins, Joe W. Gray, Bauke Ylstra
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Patent number: 8685746Abstract: A system and method for preparing and analyzing samples. The system can include a sample preparation system and a sample detection system coupled to the sample preparation system. The sample preparation system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent. The sample detection system can be positioned in fluid communication with the reservoir, and can be adapted to analyze a sample of the liquid composition for an analyte of interest. The system can further include a fluid path defined at least partially by the reservoir and the sample detection system. The method can include applying pressure to the deformable self-supporting receptacle to move a sample of the liquid composition in the fluid path to the sample detection system, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest with the sample detection system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Raj Rajagopal, Matthew D. Reier, David J. Velasquez, Cynthia D. Zook, Sailaja Chandrapati
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Patent number: 8679847Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLCInventor: Kevin Chang
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Patent number: 8679856Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the processing (for example washing, incubation, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Silicon Biosystems S.p.A.Inventor: Nicolò Manaresi
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Patent number: 8673240Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods useful for the detection and analysis of various analytes. The analyte detection device of this invention has the general structure of a substrate and a plurality of pillars attached to the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Zyomyx, Inc.Inventors: Paul Jedrzejewski, Nock Steffen, Peter Wagner, Pierre Indermuhle, Frank G. Zaugg
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Patent number: 8673645Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen R. Quake, Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8669118Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting cells on a filter disposed in a specimen fluid containing suspended cells of a biological specimen. A short vacuum pulse is applied across a filter to sip specimen fluid. A percentage or portion of the filter surface area covered by cells is determined is representative of or correlates to the density of cells in the specimen fluid. A maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration are determined utilizing the determined filter coverage. A longer, continuous vacuum or slurp is applied across the filter to collect cells on the filter while limiting the amplitude and/or duration of the slurp based at least in part upon the determined maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Howard B. Kaufman, Barry Hunt
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Patent number: 8668872Abstract: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Super Resolution Technologies LLCInventors: Andrey Alexeevich Klimov, Dmitry Andreevich Klimov, Evgeniy Andreevich Klimov, Tatiana Vitalyevna Klimova
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Patent number: 8669110Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: Prabhjyot Dehal, David Pritchard, Claire Geekie
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Patent number: 8669117Abstract: Optimized enzymatic conditions incorporate a single oxygen atom into digested peptides using a peptidase. The incorporation of a single oxygen atom is especially useful for proteolytic 18O labeling in comparative proteomics. The optimized proteolytic 18O labeling minimizes the generation of a mixture of isotopic isoforms of the peptides resulting from incorporation of either one or two 18O atoms. The outcome is accurate quantification of isotopically labeled peptides.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: University of North DakotaInventors: Masaru Miyagi, Chandra sekhar rao Kadiyala
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Patent number: 8663991Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Patent number: 8664001Abstract: An immunochemical filter device which has filter material attached to a support member (such as a cap) which is, in turn, attachable to a sample collection vessel. The filter material includes a labeled binding reagent that is released from the filter material into solution by migration of a liquid sample solution through the filter material. The mixture of the sample solution and the labeled specific binding reagent is transferred to an analyzer device for performance of a method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample solution.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Ani Biotech OyInventors: Aimo Niskanen, Mika Saramaki
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Patent number: 8664004Abstract: The present invention relates to the monitoring of contaminant concentrations in manufacturing processes that employ fluid purification devices. The invention provides a sensitive method for analyzing contaminant concentrations in a process fluid stream using purification material to adsorb contaminants contained therein over an entire process.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Daniel Alvarez, Jr., Allan Tram
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Patent number: 8664000Abstract: Electrospray ionization techniques are used to generate reagents that ionize analytes for mass spectrometric analysis by charge transfer. Such techniques may be performed under ambient conditions. Suitable precursors for such reagents include ionizable nonpolar solvents, such as toluene or xylenes, polar solvents, such as water or alchohols, inert gases, such as helium or nitrogen, or combinations thereof. Environmental conditions in the ionization chamber of the mass spectrograph can be manipulated to generate a selected ion of an analyte in preference to other ions.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of TechnologyInventors: Zhihua Yang, Athula Buddhagosha Attygalle
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Patent number: 8664003Abstract: A chip useful for treating cells and the like which has a mechanism and a structure wherein the size of a hole pattern is arbitrarily changed so that cells can easily move in and get out from the hole in scattering or collecting cells but can hardly get out from the hole during washing or antigen-stimulation. The chip comprises a crosslinked product of a temperature-responsive polymer as a constituting member and being provided with a film having a hole pattern on the surface of a baseboard. A method of producing the chip comprises applying a composition containing a crosslinkable temperature-responsive polymer on the surface of a baseboard to thereby form a coating film, crosslinking the coating film to thereby form the crosslinked product as described above and then forming a hole pattern on the coating film of the crosslinked product.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Toyama Prefecture, Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Eiichi Tamiya, Yoshiyuki Yokoyama, Satoshi Fujiki, Katsumi Tanino, Atsushi Muraguchi, Hiroyuki Kishi, Yoshiharu Tokimitsu, Shohei Yamamura
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Patent number: 8663993Abstract: A dye binding method for protein analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing an initial reference dye solution of unknown concentration from an initial reference dye concentrate and creating an electronic signal based upon the absorbance of the initial reference dye solution. Thereafter, an electronic signal is created based upon the absorbance of a dye filtrate solution prepared from the initial reference dye solution and an initial protein sample. The absorbance signals from the reference dye solution and the dye filtrate solution are sent to a processor that compares the respective absorbances and calculates the protein content of the protein sample based upon the difference between the absorbances.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: CEM CorporationInventors: Michael J Collins, Sr., Joseph J Lambert, Timothy A Zawatsky, David L Herman
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Patent number: 8664005Abstract: A method of introducing solution into the wells of a multiwell plate comprised of a substrate having multiple wells on at least one principal surface thereof. The wells are imparted dimensions, shapes, and surface configurations such that when said multiwell plate is positioned in stationary fashion with the openings of said wells facing upward, said solution does not enter said wells even when the openings of said wells are covered by said solution, and the solution is positioned on said principal surface of said multiwell plate having wells and a centrifugal force oriented from the well opening toward the bottom is applied to introduce said solution into said wells. Provided is a method for conveniently filling vessels (wells) with a solution such as a reaction solution, even when the vessels (wells) number in excess of 1,000, and even when the dimension, shape, and surface configuration of the vessels (wells) do not permit fluid to flow into the vessels (wells).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: National University Corporation Saitama UniversityInventors: Koichi Nishigaki, Takahiro Tayama, Yasunorl Kinoshita, Hidekazu Uchida
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Patent number: 8663918Abstract: A method for preparing a sample by utilizing a shearing force in the presence of a size stabilizer to break apart the sample to obtain nucleic acid molecules in a usable size range. Once nucleic acid molecules are obtained, magnetic entanglement particles are used to concentrate and clean the nucleic acid molecules for further testing.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Integrated Nano-Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis M. Connolly, Charles DeBoer, Vera Tannous, Christopher Kilcoin, Konstantin Aptekarev, David B. Bailey, Richard S. Murante
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Publication number: 20140057363Abstract: The invention provides droplet actuators and droplet actuator techniques. Among other things, the droplet actuators and methods are useful for manipulating beads on a droplet actuator, such as conducting droplet operations using bead-containing droplets on a droplet actuator. For example, beads may be manipulated on a droplet actuator in the context of executing a sample preparation protocol and/or an assay protocol. An output of the methods of the invention may be beads prepared for execution of an assay protocol. Another output of the methods of the invention may be results of an assay protocol executed using beads.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Ramakrishna Sista, Vamsee Pamula, Arjun Sudarsan, Vijay Srinivasan, Prasanna Thwar
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Patent number: 8658428Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of determining the nitrogen content in nitrocellulose by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). It is within the scope of the invention for the sample of nitrocellulose to be unstable nitrocellulose, unrefined nitrocellulose, or refined nitrocellulose. The sample of nitrocellulose can wet or dry. A sample of nitrocellulose that is wet can be in acid or in water. Before HPLC, the sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The nitrogen content of the sample is determined by comparing the retention time of the sample to a graph of retention time to amount of nitrogen due to the linear correlation of retention time and percent nitrogen substitution.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Combs
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Publication number: 20140051178Abstract: A self-contained specimen testing unit consisting of a swab-tip with attached, hollow swab-stick, an outer, elongated, removable tube housing cover that surrounds and protects the swab-tip and swab-stick, a dropper removably secured to the end of the tube cover, a dropper cap, a piercing closure member, a rotatable base closure member coupled to the piercing closure element, a membrane member mounted in the base closure member, and reagent-solution storage container screwed onto the end of the rotatable base closure member and sealed by the membrane member thereof. A method of using the unit is also disclosed whereby the piercing unit pierces the membrane when reagent solution is to be delivered to the swab-tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: BERLIN PACKAGING, LLCInventors: Brett Niggel, Scott Jost
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Patent number: 8652409Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Valencell, Inc.Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer
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Patent number: 8647880Abstract: A method of detection of amino acid sequences and/or identification of proteins and peptides is based on derivatization of peptides or proteins using compounds comprising two or more sulfonyl groups, and subsequent analysis of the derivatized analytes using a mass spectrometer in its negative mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Rudjer Bosckovic InstituteInventors: Mario Cindric, Sandra Kraljevic Pavelic, Anita Horvatic, Ivana Dodig
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Patent number: 8647879Abstract: A peptide probe that generates fluorescence signals rapidly upon recognition of various A? aggregates without significant perturbation of samples. The present peptide probes display an increase in fluorescence signals upon coincubation with A? oligomers, but neither monomeric/dimeric species nor fibrils. The detection can occur within an hour or two without any additional sample preparation and incubation steps.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Polytechnic Institute of NYUInventors: Jin Ryoun Kim, Yang Hu, Jorge Ghiso
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Patent number: 8647836Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Microm International GmbHInventors: Hans L. Heid, Jose Novoa
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Patent number: 8647574Abstract: A system and method for preparing and collecting samples for analyte testing. The system can include a sample preparation system and a sample collection system coupled to the sample preparation system. The sample preparation system can include at least one of a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir and a freestanding receptacle comprising a reservoir. The reservoir can be adapted to contain a liquid composition. The sample collection system can be positioned in fluid communication with a reservoir of the sample preparation system, and can be adapted to capture an analyte of interest. The method can include providing a fluid path defined at least partially by the sample preparation system and the sample collection system, positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir of the sample preparation system, and moving at least a portion of the liquid composition in the fluid path to the sample collection system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Raj Rajagopal, David J. Velasquez, Cynthia D. Zook, Sailaja Chandrapati, Daniel E. Siltberg, Paul J. Cobian, Theresa J. Gerten
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Patent number: RE44859Abstract: Method as well a kit for the performance of the method for the investigation of biological samples from a mammal for at least one component, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) Administering at least one marker substance to a mammal; (b) Waiting for a length of time which is sufficient for the at least one marker substance to reach the location of sample removal; (c) Removing a biological sample from the mammal; (d) Investigating the biological sample for the presence and/or amount of at least one marker substance or a derivative thereof; and, if the at least one marker substance or the derivative thereof is detectable in the biological sample; (e) Investigating the biological sample for an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventors: Ruprecht Keller, Gisela Gauchel