Including Use Of A Solid Sorbent, Semipermeable Membrane, Or Liquid Extraction Patents (Class 436/178)
  • Patent number: 8486346
    Abstract: A device and method for extending the useful life of a bulk liquid used in an automated clinical analyzer. Air from the atmosphere surrounding the automated clinical analyzer that displaces the bulk liquid consumed from a container is routed through a gas scrubber in order to remove or at least reduce the quantity of at least one contaminant present in that air. The gas scrubber is positioned between the bulk liquid in the container and the atmosphere surrounding the container. The gas scrubber contains a reagent that is capable of reacting with a contaminant in the atmosphere, whereby a required characteristic(s) of the bulk liquid does (do) not change excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed. For example, if the contaminant is carbon dioxide, and the required characteristic of the bulk liquid is the level of pH of the bulk liquid, the reagent in the gas scrubber prevents the level of pH of the bulk liquid from changing excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Gregory A. Blackwell, Patrick P. Fritchie, Ganesh Rajagopal, James W. Whitt
  • Patent number: 8470258
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate a surface-structured device for life-sciences and a life-science method applying the surface-structured device. The surface-structured device has a substrate with a frontside surface corresponding to a first surface; and a plurality of protrusions arranged on the frontside surface. A shortest dimension of the protrusions at the junction from the protrusion to the front-side surface is smaller than 250 nm and at least a first group of the plurality of protrusions is arranged on a first planar area of the frontside surface in a first regular pattern in a plane of the first planar area of the frontside surface. Further embodiments relate to a stamper which may be used in the manufacturing method of the surface-structured device and a manufacturing method for surface-structured device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Sony DADC Austria AG
    Inventors: Ivan Lucic, Harald Kraushaar
  • Patent number: 8465986
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a chamber adapted for placement therein of a tablet, when a spring-loaded plunger is in a resting position. In this manner, a tablet, such as one formed of a sheet of absorbent material (e.g., made from bamboo or rayon) and pressed into the tablet form, may be evenly doused with a liquid such as water or soapy water without spillage or substantial (more than a few drops) spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: EZ WYP, Inc.
    Inventor: Elmar Polatov
  • Patent number: 8460941
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for isolating a target nucleic acid from a sample comprising said target nucleic acid, comprising the steps of mixing a sample containing said target nucleic acid with a binding solution and a nucleic acid binding matrix, binding at least part of said target nucleic acid to said nucleic acid binding matrix, wherein said nucleic acid binding matrix is treated simultaneously or has been previously treated with at least one compound comprising a metal substance selected from the group consisting of metals of the main groups 13 to 16, semimetals and transition metals for reducing non-target nucleic acid contaminations or wherein said nucleic acid binding matrix is modified with hydrophobic groups. Furthermore, respective kits and reagents are provided with the teaching of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Ritt, Christoph Erbacher, Patrick Baumhof
  • Patent number: 8449830
    Abstract: A microfluidic arrangement for extracting and optionally processing an extract from a sample and for transferring the extract in flowable form to a microfluidic chip using an extractor with a compressible extraction chamber and at least one opening thereof, a reactor that has a reaction chamber, an inlet opening that communicates with the at least one opening of the extractor, wherein the two openings define a flow path between the chambers, an outlet opening for fluidically connecting to the microfluidic chip and a ventilation opening of the reaction chamber, and having a filter arrangement installed in the flow path between the extractor and the reactor. A lab-on-a-chip system with such a microfluidic arrangement and a microfluidic chip that is rigidly connected to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Claussen, Stephan Wittayer, Susanne Selzer, Frithjof Von Germar
  • Publication number: 20130130401
    Abstract: A sample treatment apparatus is disclosed that allows a filtrate after reaction to be supplied to a solid phase extraction treatment without temporary collection. A necessary amount of a solid phase extracting agent is added to a solid phase extraction device for conditioning. An aqueous solution is added to the extracting agent and supernatants are discarded. A filter device is attached to an opening of the extraction and a sample is added into a filter reservoir. A hemolyzing agent is added to the sample, and they are stirred sufficiently to cause disruption of blood cells. A protein-denaturing solution is added to the mixture, and they stirred sufficiently to denature proteins contained in the sample. They are centrifuged to leave aggregate in the filter device, and the filtrate is supplied to the solid phase extracting agent through a filter unit without collecting the filtrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Kanda, Makoto Nogami, Shinya Ito, Izumi Waki
  • Patent number: 8425860
    Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 8426541
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In particular, the present invention relates to reusable, ecologically friendly MIPs that can be produced in relatively large quantities, methods of producing the same, and methods of utilizing the same (e.g., to sequester and/or adsorb target compounds (e.g., mycotoxins)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications including dietary therapeutic, prophylactic, food and beverage processing and manufacture, as well as research, quality control and traceability applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alltech, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandros Yiannikouris, Stefan Kwiatkowski, Manoj Bojappa Kudupoje, Clayton Matney
  • Patent number: 8426212
    Abstract: There is provided a method of monitoring for the presence of phosphate esters in jet fuel. The method comprises obtaining from a jet fuel source a jet fuel test sample suspected of containing phosphate esters. The method further comprises combining the jet fuel test sample with a polar solvent and a nonpolar solvent to form a mixture. The method further comprises agitating the mixture. The method further comprises extracting the polar solvent from the mixture. The method further comprises performing a combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometer analysis of the polar solvent to monitor for the presence of any phosphate esters and to obtain an actual concentration level of any phosphate esters. The method further comprises comparing the actual concentration level of any phosphate esters with a calibration standard concentration of phosphate esters in clean jet fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. Werner, Gary Robert Tamas
  • Patent number: 8409865
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and kits for determining the presence or absence, and the amount if present, of vitamin D analogs in samples. One embodiment of the present method for detecting the presence or absence of vitamin D analogs in a sample comprises the steps of adding an effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent to the sample to form a cationic treated sample. The effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent enhances the signal from vitamin D analogs upon analysis by mass spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Lisa Jane Calton, Kendon Stuart Graham
  • Patent number: 8409443
    Abstract: A device for limiting sample evaporation. The device has a vessel body having a body exterior surface and at least one body interior surface. The at least one body interior surface has one or more walls defining a first chamber, a second chamber and a conduit means. The first chamber has a first chamber opening for receiving at least one of the groups selected from a sample and a sample dispensing device. The first chamber opening defines the border of the body exterior surface and the body interior surface. The conduit means is in communication with the first chamber and the second chamber for receiving at least one of the group consisting of sample from said first chamber, a sample from a sample dispensing device and a sample dispensing device passing through or into the conduit means for placing the sample in the conduit means or into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Gilar, Christopher C. Benevides, Jennifer Fournier
  • Patent number: 8404489
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Akashi, Ryoichi Asai
  • Publication number: 20130071945
    Abstract: Germania-based sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared for on-line coupling of capillary microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography. A germania-based sol-gel precursor, tetra-n-butoxygermane and a hydroxy-terminated triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide), were chemically anchored to the inner walls of a fused silica capillary (0.25 mm I.D.). Scanning electron microscopy images of the sol-gel germania triblock polymer coating were obtained to estimate the coating thickness. The analyte distribution constants between a sol-gel germania organic-inorganic hybrid coating and the samples (Kcs) were determined. For a variety of analytes from different chemical classes, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ketones, alcohols, phenols, and amines, the Kcs values ranged from 1.8×101 to 2.0×104. The sol-gel germania triblock polymer coatings survived exposure to high temperature solvent conditions (200° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Abdul Malik, Scott S. Segro
  • Patent number: 8399260
    Abstract: A method for extracting low-molecular-weight proteins/peptides contained in a body fluid sample, particularly, in serum or plasma. The method includes the steps of (a) to (e): (a) adding reagent 1 containing urea and thiourea and reagent 2 containing a reducing agent to the body fluid sample, mixing them, subsequently dropping the mixture into reagent 3 containing 90% or more of an organic solvent, and mixing them; (b) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (a); (c) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (b) and removing the supernatant; (d) adding reagent 4 containing an organic solvent and an acid to the precipitate obtained in step (c) and mixing them; (e) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (d); and (f) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (e) and recovering the supernatant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: School Juridical Person Kitasato Institute
    Inventors: Yoshio Kodera, Tadakazu Maeda, Yusuke Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8383066
    Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Plastic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Ellis, Kishan G. Hingorani
  • Patent number: 8383420
    Abstract: A method for the equilibration of enriched isotope species and natural isotope species prior to mass spectrometric analysis using solid phase and/or microwave isotope ratio equilibration and measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Applied Isotope Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Kingston, Mizanur Rahman, David Lineman, Mehmet Pamukcu
  • Patent number: 8377398
    Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, LabNow, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Nicolaos J. Christodoulides, Pierre N. Floriano, Gary N. Douglas, Patrick E. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8377715
    Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Suh, Lee Hoang, Jennifer E. Grant, Douglas T. Gjerde
  • Patent number: 8372340
    Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Luminex Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Hilmer Bird, Jesus Ching, Bruce A. Johnson, Keith E. Moravick, Bruce Richardson
  • Patent number: 8372657
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a microfluidic system for detecting a biological entity in a sample volume is provided. The microfluidic system may include: a chamber configured to receive the sample volume, wherein the chamber includes a detection region for detecting the biological entity; a first port in fluid communication with the chamber; and a second port including a filter in fluid communication with the chamber; and wherein a fluid provided to the first port or the second port flows between the first port and the second port through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Agency For Science, Technology, and Research
    Inventors: Julien Reboud, Linus Tzu-Hsiang Kao, Andre Yao-Kuang Chung, Shin Yun Ng, Yu Chen, Yan Ping Wang, Janice Hao Yuan Liaw, Kum Cheong Tang
  • Patent number: 8361806
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation of native and non-denatured biomolecules using solid-phase extraction channels. The invention is particularly suited for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of protein analytes. The invention further provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of multi-protein complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher T. Hanna
  • Patent number: 8357538
    Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Austin Self, Fei Yin, Carl Theodore Edens
  • Publication number: 20130017545
    Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring analytes from a dried biological fluid sample includes a tube, a substrate in a proximal section of the tube, and a sorbent bed in a distal section of the tube. A biological fluid sample is dispensed on the substrate and is dried to form a dried sample. A conditioning solvent is flowed into the distal section to condition the sorbent bed. A first elution solvent is flowed through the substrate and the sorbent bed. Analytes are eluted from the dried sample and retained on the sorbent bed. A second elution solvent is flowed through the substrate and the sorbent bed. The analytes are eluted from the sorbent bed, pass through an opening, and are collected. Alternatively, an elution solvent is flowed through the substrate and the sorbent bed such that analytes eluted from the dried sample pass through the sorbent bed and the opening for collection, while non-analytes are retained on the sorbent bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Yong, William C. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20130011931
    Abstract: A solid support comprising a polymer that includes a group having at least two hydroxyls or a zwitterionic group and a method of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-eun YOO, Ga-hee KIM, Hyun-ju KANG
  • Patent number: 8349611
    Abstract: Resonant sensors, preferably having floating bilayer symmetry, and their methods of use is determining the presence, amount or binding kinetics of an analyte of interest in a test sample are disclosed. The test sample may be a liquid or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Leversense LLC
    Inventors: Jacob J. Loverich, Jeremy E. Frank, Peter A. Nagy
  • Patent number: 8349186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extracting constituents from organic material, comprising the step of extracting with a monophasic mixture of 50% by volume to 90% by volume of methanol and 50 to 10% by volume of water and optionally 0% by volume to 40% by volume of a further solvent or solvent mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Metanomics GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Manfred Herold, Martin Dostler, Ralf Looser, Tilmann B. Walk, Achim Fegert, Martin Kluttig, Britta Lehmann, Silke Heidemann, Annette Hennig, Joachim Kopka
  • Patent number: 8329476
    Abstract: A sample port includes a body equipped with an internal cavity and two plungers arranged moveably in the internal cavity, whereby the plungers can be pressed against each other in the internal cavity, in order to compress a sample. At least one of the plungers can be moved into a reactor in order to collect a sample. The sample port also includes a sample chamber, which is formed by a space remaining between the internal cavity and the plungers. At least one sample-container connection is connected in connection with the internal cavity in order to collect the sample from sample chamber. In addition, the sample port has a filter which is provided to at least either plunger for separating a liquid component of the sample from a solid component and means for leading the liquid component of the sample out of the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Juha-Pekka Pitkänen, Ari Hokkanen, Päivi Heimala, Jari Kauhaniemi, Kai Kolari, Pekka Savolahti, Jaana Uusitalo
  • Patent number: 8329473
    Abstract: Column which includes a first column with an upper layer of H2SO4 silica gel and a lower layer AgNO3 silica gel and a second column packed with alumina, connected detachably to a lower end of the first column. An oily liquid containing polychlorinated biphenyls, is added to the upper layer and heated. An aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is supplied to the upper layer, whereby polychlorinated biphenyls captured by the first column are dissolved in the aliphatic hydrocarbon and then flow to the second column. The polychlorinated biphenyls are captured by the alumina which is located near the inlet of the second column, which is then detached from the first column. A hydrophobic solvent is passed through the second column in a direction opposite to the direction in which the aliphatic hydrocarbon was passed, providing an extract containing the polychlorinated biphenyls dissolved in a small amount of the hydrophobic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Ehime University, Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Honda, Tomofumi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8322539
    Abstract: A filter vial for separating biological and chemical fluids has a cylindrical sidewall with an open top and a closed bottom. A protrusion extends upwards from the middle of the bottom to form an annular recess. A tubular plunger has an open bottom end to which is fastened an annular cup having an outer sidewall sized to fit into and seal against the vial's sidewall. An inner sidewall of the annular cup holds a filter over an opening in the bottom of the plunger and forms a shaped cavity leading to that filter. The annular cup on the plunger fits into the annular recess in the vial to force fluid from the vial through the filter and into the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Plastic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Ellis, Kishan G. Hingorani
  • Patent number: 8318507
    Abstract: A method for the separation of particles of different densities using a step-wise gradient density extraction method as described herein where a sample is suspended in a liquid volume of an extracting medium of specific density and the particles that have a density less than or equal to that of the extracting medium of specific density can be recovered from a horizonatally rotatable hollow disk or a removable receptacle within a horizontally rotatable hollow disk designed for such purposes while the particles that have a density greater than the extracting medium of specific density form a deposit which can be cycled through the extraction process in an iterative fashion by varying the density of the extracting medium allowing the recovery of discrete particles of differing densities from a test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Marcus Joseph Horn, Wenkui Lan
  • Patent number: 8313956
    Abstract: An apparatus for the selective release of a bound species based on the presence of an analyte, the apparatus comprising: a first and second receptor species, the first receptor species linked with a bound species and configured to interact with an analyte to form a first intermediate complex, the bound species for causing increased porosity of a membrane of an in-contact analyte sensor apparatus to correspondingly increase exposure of a sensing element of the analyte sensor apparatus to allow for production of a detectable electrical signal which can be used to sense the presence of the analyte, the second receptor species for interacting with the first intermediate complex to form a second intermediate complex; and a cleaving species, the cleaving species configured to interact with the second intermediate complex to release the bound species for use in sensing the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Marc James Ashton Bailey
  • Publication number: 20120288958
    Abstract: A sample preparation material is described for supporting sample preparation procedures, such as solid phase extraction (SPE). The present sample preparation material is useful as a sorption media which is highly and selectively retentive for various analytes of interest. The sorption media is prepared by carbon deposition on target substrates, wherein the deposited carbon substantially covers the substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate may be porous particles, which retain their porosity subsequent to carbon deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120270334
    Abstract: A chemical analysis system is disclosed wherein, in evacuating a preconcentrator housing (2) prior to desorption, a pump system (13) reduces an internal pressure of the preconcentrator housing to a level substantially equal to an internal pressure of a chemical analyzer such that flow restrictors and/or membranes (15) between the chemical analyzer (7) and the preconcentrator housing (2) may be omitted. The chemical analysis system includes a chemical analyzer (7), a preconcentrator housing (2) coupled to the chemical analyzer, the preconcentrator housing enclosing a temperature control element (5, 18) and a sorbent material (1), the temperature control element configured to heat the sorbent material to adsorb or desorb a chemical of interest; and a pump system (13) coupled to the preconcentrator housing and the chemical analyzer, the pump system configured to evacuate the preconcentrator housing prior to desorption of the chemical of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: 1ST DETECT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pedro Ojeda, David Rafferty, Michael Spencer, James Wylde
  • Publication number: 20120264227
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the collection and analysis of analytes from samples. In one embodiment an extraction chamber is provided that includes a sample holder and an extraction lid that allows for simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample held in the sample holder. Methods of collection and analysis include using simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Robin COUCH
  • Patent number: 8287810
    Abstract: A membrane strip biosensor device using a fluid mobile conductive composition of ferromagnetic particles bound to a conductive polymer bound to a capture reagent is described. The biosensor device is designed to detect analytes at low concentrations in near real-time with an electronic data collection system and can be small. The device can be used to detect pathogens, proteins, and other biological materials of interest in food, water, and environmental samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Evangelyn C. Alocilja, Sudeshna Pal, Emma B. Setterington
  • Patent number: 8283176
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Loren L. Bland, Marc E. Key, Lars Winther, David A. Stanforth, Martin N. Lindberg
  • Publication number: 20120252135
    Abstract: The present invention concerns storage containers for storing diagnostic elements having a hydrophilic or hydrophilically coated surface. Furthermore, the invention concerns analytical measuring devices which comprise storage containers of this type, and the use of an absorption material for selectively absorbing hydrophobic, volatile substances in such storage containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Bransilav Babic, Wilhelm Leichner
  • Publication number: 20120252129
    Abstract: A chemical pre-concentrator is provided having a support structure, an airflow conduit, and a layer of a reactive chemical compound on a surface of the support structure is used for collecting and pre-concentrating at least one chemical analyte from a dilute sample. A method of concentrating a gaseous sample is provide that includes exposing the chemical pre-concentrator with a dilute gaseous sample that contains at least one chemical analyte; and forming a conjugate of the at least one chemical analyte. A method of diagnosing a disease state in a mammalian patient is provided using the chemical pre-concentrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoan Fu, Richard Higashi, Michael Nantz
  • Patent number: 8277762
    Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tioga Research, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Newsam, Ilya Feygin, Samir Mitragotri, Robert Dominic King-Smith
  • Patent number: 8278116
    Abstract: This invention relates, inter alia, to detecting and/or measuring succinylacetone and one or more additional biological analytes using mass spectrometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Blas Cerda, Alex Cherkasskiy, Yijun Li
  • Patent number: 8273581
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve. Applications include, but are by no means limited to estimation of a coking onset and solution (e.g., oil) fractionating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Schabron, Joseph F. Rovani, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8268630
    Abstract: Sensor devices and sensing methods are provided. A sensor device is provided two flow channels, each comprising a sensor, and analyte flow is alternated between the two channels such that the sensors alternately serve as a sensor and a reference, thereby increasing accuracy of the sensors. The device is useful, for example, in chemical sensing using a variety of sensor types including without limitation: chemiresistors, gravimetric sensors, optical sensors, among others. Related sensing methods also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Gary Keith Fedder, Nathan Scott Lazarus
  • Patent number: 8257974
    Abstract: In the case of passing a reagent in a reaction channel in a microchip, which carries a reactant capable of reacting with the reagent on the wall thereof, and bringing the reactant into contact with the reagent so as to carry out a reaction, the reagent is efficiently passed to the reactant to thereby promote the progress of the reaction. In carrying out the reaction as described above, the reagent (30a) is passed in such a manner that the periphery of the gas/liquid interface at the front end of the reagent moves forward and backward along the wall face of the reaction channel (10). After the completion of the reaction between the reagent (30a) and the reactant, another reagent (30b), which is to be reacted with the reactant capable of reacting with the reagent that is carried on the reaction channel, is passed into the reaction channel (10) while providing a gas in the front edge side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihisa Nakajima, Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhiro Sando, Youichi Aoki, Kohsuke Tanimoto
  • Publication number: 20120220047
    Abstract: A device includes a plasma separation membrane, a capillary channel positioned adjacent the plasma separation membrane to receive plasma from blood placed on the plasma separation membrane, at least one cuvette coupled to the capillary channel, a gas permeable membrane, and a distribution channel coupled to the capillary channel to provide plasma to the cuvette, wherein the cuvette is configured to hold an amount of plasma with reagent suitable for colorimetric assay by a tester to hold the device. Variations include the use of a quantiation channel to provide a selected amount of plasma and a mixing channel to mix plasma with a diluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Seifried, Ron Bardell
  • Patent number: 8246832
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates various devices that are configured to separate a sample, which contains more than one unique species, into any desired number of sub-samples by passing the sample across a like number of separation media configured for a first separation protocol. Each of the sub-samples may be further separated by an additional separation protocol, thereby creating a plurality of mini-samples, each of which may be further separated and/or analyzed. The invention also contemplates using a simple method of using conduits to form a fluid path that passes through a plurality of separation media, each of which media is configured to isolate a particular sub-sample. After various sub-samples of the sample are isolated by the various separation media, the conduits may be removed, thereby enabling each of the isolated sub-samples to be further separated and/or analyzed independent of any other sub-sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee O. Lomas, Jian Ding, Egisto Boschetti
  • Patent number: 8247176
    Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, William A. McMillan, Lee A. Christel, Ronald Chang, Farzad Pourahmadi, Jesus Ching, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, M. Allen Northrup
  • Patent number: 8241920
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Schabron, Joseph F. Rovani, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8241591
    Abstract: A method comprising obtaining a preparation unit comprising a filter module and a collection for each liquid coming from the filter module, with the filter module comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter and collection modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other; disposing the filter and collection modules in a first position; passing a liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module; disposing the filter and collection modules relative to each other in a second position, and passing another liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Ribault, Gael Waiche, Emmanuelle Simon, Luc Felden
  • Patent number: 8241919
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring a chemical sample and modulating the chemical sample at a frequency greater than a drift frequency of a sensor. The method also includes determining at least one of a presence and a concentration of the analyte within the modulated chemical sample using the sensor. Modulating the chemical sample could include alternately absorbing at least some of the analyte into a sorbent material and releasing at least some of the analyte from the sorbent material. Modulating the chemical sample could also include heating the sorbent material, absorbing part of the analyte into the sorbent material, and passing a remaining portion of the analyte into the sensor. Modulating the chemical sample could further include stopping the heating of the sorbent material, releasing the part of the analyte from the sorbent material, and passing the sample with the released part of the analyte into the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Dewey McBrady, J. David Zook, Alex Gu, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: RE43838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolating constituents from organic material, comprising the following process steps: a) freeze-drying of the organic material; b) extracting the constituents with a polar solvent or solvent mixture (A) and an organic solvent or solvent mixture (B), it being possible for the extracts of the extraction with (A) and (B) to form one phase; c) combining the extracts (A) and (B) to give one phase; and d) carrying out an esterification/transesterification in the unpolar phase with an alcohol, the esterification/transesterification being carried out in the presence of a volatile acid; the process being a high-throughput process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Metanomics GmbH
    Inventors: Michael M. Herold, Martin Dostler, Ralf Looser, Tilmann B. Walk, Achim Fegert, Martin Kluttig, Britta Lehmann, Silke Klein, Annette Hennig, Joachim Kopka