Automated Chemical Analysis Patents (Class 436/43)
  • Patent number: 8273308
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing samples on a microfluidic device. One system includes a microfluidic device having an upstream channel, a DNA manipulation zone located downstream from the upstream channel and configured to perform PCR amplification of a sample, a first valve disposed upstream of the DNA manipulation zone, and a second valve disposed downstream of the DNA manipulation zone. The system also includes a controller programmed to close the first and second valves to prevent gas and liquid from flowing into or out of the DNA manipulation zone, and a computer-controlled heat source in thermal contact with the DNA manipulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Gene Parunak
  • Patent number: 8273574
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen R. Quake, Mark A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer
  • Patent number: 8273304
    Abstract: An analytical biochemistry system featuring a substrate with reactants immobilized thereon at fixed, known locations, a holder supporting the substrate and a manipulator for transporting the holder to a fixed sample and to an inspection station. The reactants are binding agents for a target biomolecule in a sample which forms a bound substance having a detectable characteristic. The holder may be a standard pipettor, optionally carried by a robot arm or hand as the manipulator to contact the sample for detection of the presence of target biomolecules within the sample. In one embodiment, the holder is a pipette tip within which the substrate is housed, or it may be a pipette adapter which bears the substrate and fits within the sample wells of a standard microtiter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Coassin, Jack D. McNeal, David E. Helphrey
  • Patent number: 8268633
    Abstract: A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Ramsey, Stephen C. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8262995
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pluggable data transfer module and a method that can be used to transfer data from an analytical system to a data processing unit in a galvanically decoupled manner. This invention is particularly suitable for medical fields of application in which recently it has become more and more desirable to process analytical data of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Udo Manser, Dieter Schaefer, Michael Schabbach, Peter Kuenstler
  • Patent number: 8263023
    Abstract: A microfluidic system and method for sorting cell clusters, and for the continuous and automated encapsulation of the clusters, once sorted, in capsules of sizes suitable for those of these sorted clusters is provided. The microfluidic system comprises a substrate in which a microchannel array comprising a cell sorting unit is etched and around which a protective cover is bonded, and the sorting unit comprises deflection means capable of separating, during the flow thereof, relatively noncohesive cell clusters, each of size ranging from 20 ?m to 500 ?m and of 20 to 10 000 cells approximately, such as islets of Langerhans, at least two sorting microchannels arranged in parallel at the outlet of said unit being respectively designed so as to transport as many categories of sorted clusters continuously to a unit for encapsulation of the latter, also formed in said array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Sophie Le Vot, Jean Berthier, Florence Rivera
  • Patent number: 8257651
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a blood analyte meter that is user-friendly and easy to use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an analyte measurement device, for use with a test strip for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample, displays a hierarchy of information or options to a user. The hierarchy of information or options may include, among other information or options, subroutines that are performable by the processor of the device, stored data related to past tests performed by the user, and alarm features of the device. A user scrolls through and selects individual options or pieces of information by rotating and translating a rotatable user interface around and along an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Flaherty, Timothy Golnik
  • Patent number: 8260559
    Abstract: A system and method for measurement of radioactivity concentration of a radiopharmaceutical are disclosed. The radiopharmaceutical may be a radioactive tracer solution including a tracer solution and a buffer solution. The system may include a vial that receives the tracer solution and the buffer solution; a scale; a radioactivity measuring device; and a controller that determines the radioactive concentration based on a measured radioactivity of the tracer solution and the buffer solution in the vial, and a weight of the tracer solution and the buffer solution in the vial. The method may include the steps of (1) transferring the tracer solution into a vial; (2) measuring a radioactivity of the tracer solution in the vial; (3) determining a weight necessary to achieve a desired radioactivity concentration; and (4) diluting the tracer solution in the vial to the determined weight with a buffer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Brussermann, Guido Schwartenbeck, Stefan Riese
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8252234
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like product. The apparatus provides real-time monitoring of the pharmaceutical product and can provide real-time control. The apparatus monitors the dosage both before and after it has been added to a carrier substrate. The apparatus can provide monitoring of each pharmaceutical product that is processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Allan J. Clarke, David George Doughty, Frederick H. Fiesser, David S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8252232
    Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Neeper, Rhett L. Affleck, John E. Lillig
  • Patent number: 8252593
    Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes a first measurement unit for measuring a sample, a second measurement unit for measuring a sample, and an information processing unit for acquiring a first analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the first measurement unit and a second analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the second measurement unit. The information processing unit is configured to correct the first analysis result based on a first correction value, correct the second analysis result based on a second correction value, update the first correction value, and update the second correction value. A calibration method of a sample analyzer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Daigo Fukuma, Masaharu Shibata
  • Patent number: 8246907
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer and an automatic analyzing system to identify samples and reagents used in the analyzer and members used in measurement of at least two objects in common: system reagents or buffer solution; sensor parts; probes; nozzles; chips; dispensing cups; tubes; ISE electrodes; detectors; deionized water; and waste, and to unify management of identification information thereof and a measurement result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Noriko Maeda, Kyoko Imai, Taku Sakazume, Yukie Tokiwa, Kantaro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8241913
    Abstract: A multiple-gate field-effect transistor includes a fluid in a top gate, two lateral gates, and a bottom gate. The multiple-gate field-effect transistor also includes a patterned depletion zone and a virtual depletion zone that has a lesser width than the patterned depletion zone. The virtual depletion zone width creates a virtual semiconductor nanowire that is lesser in width than the patterned depletion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Gil Shalev, Amihood Doron, Ariel Cohen
  • Patent number: 8241568
    Abstract: A reaction tank for causing a reaction for analyzing a specimen in a humidity-applied atmosphere in a storage vessel, includes a humidifying unit that includes a water reservoir reserving water and a humidifier releasing moisture of the water reservoir to an inside of the storage vessel, the humidifying unit humidifying the inside of the storage vessel, and a humidity detector that detects humidity inside the storage vessel. An operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned ON when the humidity inside the storage vessel becomes lower than a predetermined suitable humidity whereas the operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned OFF when the humidity inside the storage vessel exceeds the predetermined suitable humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8241918
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing device including a housing, a tapping device for dispensing a beverage, a beverage container connectable with the tapping device, a freshness indicator device, a data input unit for recording replacement of the beverage container, a temperature sensor for measuring the storage temperature of the beverage, a temperature controller for adjusting the cooling temperature of a chiller, a storage unit for storing the freshness criteria, and a processing unit. The temperature sensor transmits the current beverage storage temperature to the processing unit and the processing unit calculates, depending on a recorded storage temperature period and based on stored freshness criteria, the actual freshness of the beverage, the time left until expiry of the freshness of the beverage and/or the date of expiry of the freshness of the beverage. The processing unit transmits the calculated data to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.A.
    Inventors: Guenter Zeitler, Matthias Bertram, Christian Baeumer
  • Patent number: 8241575
    Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device for detecting the presence of a taggant molecular structure in a fluid is disclosed. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device comprises a molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked core and a plurality of polymer arms attached to the core, wherein the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator, said displacement molecule being selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer and replaced with the taggant molecular structure upon exposure to the fluid containing the taggant molecular structure therein, thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: George M. Murray, Andrew F. Mason, Edward W. Ott, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8232103
    Abstract: A method for replacing a first sample carried on a moving secondary conveyor onto a moving primary conveyor at a potential interference point while the primary conveyor is transporting a second sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Lynn Miller, Frank Jay Robb, Peter Louis Gebrian, Sandor Lajos Kovacs
  • Patent number: 8231830
    Abstract: A sample analyzer: measures a measurement sample including a sample and a reagent; creates a calibration curve based on first measurement data obtained by measuring a measurement standard sample including a standard sample and the reagent; provides calibration curve specifying information for specifying the calibration curve to the calibration curve; acquires an analysis result by processing second measurement data obtained by measuring the measurement sample based on the calibration curve; and stores the analysis result and the calibration curve specifying information provided to the calibration curve used in the process of the second measurement data in correspondence to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Wakamiya, Tomohiro Okuzaki, Hisato Takehara
  • Patent number: 8231844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems having components with specially designed and fabricated areas of enhanced and/or reduced capillarity (flow guides). The methods and devices of the present invention permit the bubble-less dispensing and mixing of small volumes of different liquids for subsequent incubation and/or detection of products of various biological reactions. Thus present invention is well-suited to applications such as polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York
    Inventors: Vera Gorfinkel, Evgeni A. Kabotyanski
  • Patent number: 8226889
    Abstract: A sample processing system is disclosed that comprising: a first sample processing apparatus; a second sample processing apparatus; a third sample processing apparatus; a first moving mechanism for moving, in a first direction, the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus relative to the first sample processing apparatus; and a second moving mechanism for moving, in a second direction crossing the first direction, at least one among the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Masanori Nakaya
  • Publication number: 20120184037
    Abstract: A fluid assay preparation and analysis system is provided which includes a pipette disposed above an assay plate receiving area, a magnet disposed below the assay plate receiving area in approximate alignment with the pipette, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate the assay plate receiving area. A method for preparing and analyzing an assay includes injecting a sample into a sample well of an assay preparation plate and inserting the assay preparation plate into a fluid assay analysis system. The method further includes mixing the sample with one or more reagents in an assay plate receiving area of the system and subsequently aspirating the prepared assay into an examination chamber of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Luminex Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Schilffarth, William Deicher, Paul Pempsell
  • Publication number: 20120184036
    Abstract: A method of identifying a patient who is non-compliant with prescribed diet and/or phosphate binder regimen calculates a phosphorus-protein ratio (PPR) by calculating the patient's protein intake, measuring the patient's serum phosphorus concentration, and estimating the amount of phosphorus removed by the patient's kidneys from measured residual urea clearance. The PPR is the ratio between the total amount of phosphorus removed from the patient and the patient's protein intake. The method enables identifying a patient that is non-compliant with prescribed diet and/or phosphate binder regimen if the PPR is outside of an acceptable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Frank A. Gotch, Amanda K. Stennett, Norma J. Ofsthun
  • Patent number: 8221700
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems. In some embodiments, the optical elements comprise triangular grooves formed on or in a surface of the device. The draft angle of the triangular grooves may be chosen such that incident light normal to the surface of the device is redirected at an angle dependent upon the indices of refraction of the external medium (e.g., air) and the device material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: David Steinmiller, Vincent Linder
  • Patent number: 8222048
    Abstract: A laboratory automation system that is capable of carrying out clinical chemistry assays, immunoassays, amplification of nucleic acid assays, and any combination of the foregoing, said laboratory automation system employing at least one of micro-well plates and deep multi-well plates as reaction vessels. The use of micro-well plates as reaction vessels enables the laboratory automation system to assume a variety of arrangements, i.e., the laboratory automation system can comprise a variety of functional modules that can be arranged in various ways. In order to effectively carry out immunoassays by means of micro-well plates, a technique known as inverse magnetic particle processing can be used to transfer the product(s) of immunoassays from one micro-well of a micro-well plate to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, Gregory E. Gardner, Richard W. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 8221682
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays includes multiple modules in which aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, pre-heating the sample, incubating the sample, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. A receptacle transporting system moves reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for pre-heating and incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the analyte after the separation step and before incubation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8216846
    Abstract: A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dako Instrumec AS
    Inventors: Øystein Ljungmann, Torstein Ljungmann
  • Patent number: 8216526
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is described, capable of generating multiple spatial chemical gradients simultaneously inside a microfluidic chamber. The chemical gradients are generated by diffusion, without convection, and can either be maintained constant over long time periods, or modified dynamically. A representative device is described with a circular chamber in which diffusion occurs, with three access ports for the delivery and removal of solutes. A gradient typically forms in minutes, and can be maintained constant indefinitely. Gradients overlapping with different spatial location, and a controlled rotation of a gradient formed by diffusion are demonstrated. The device can also be used to evaluate chemotactic responses of bacteria or other microorganisms in the absence of convective flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Inventors: Laurie E. Locascio, Francisco Javier Atencia-Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8211701
    Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Argos Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Jonathon Spence, Richard Alexander Grant, Timothy Doyle Peele, William Samuel Hunter, Ashraf F. Abdelmoteleb, David Thomas Kneen, Robert Alister Neil, Simon Harris
  • Publication number: 20120164735
    Abstract: A method is described for distributing samples within an automated analyzer from a linear arrangement of sample vessels to a processing plate in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement wherein samples are sorted, followed by transfer with a pipetting device with a linear arrangement to a processing vessel in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement and subsequent processing of samples using a second pipetting device which has a two-dimensional n×m arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Frank, Andreas Gisler, Robert Huesler, Rolf Knobel, Siegfried Mueller, Urs Schnieper, Heinz Trueeb
  • Patent number: 8206649
    Abstract: A component measuring apparatus is provided with a case having a cylindrical case main body and a cover arranged to cover the base end opening section of the case main body; a chip mounting section for mounting a chip; a light measuring section for detecting a prescribed component; a printed board whereupon a control section having a function of controlling the operation of the light measuring section is arranged; a liquid crystal display device; a battery arranging section for arranging a battery provided on the cover; an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the light measuring section on the leading end section of the case main body; and an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the cover on the base end opening section of the case main body. Sealing of inside the case is ensured by the O-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha, Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiro Suzuki, Yasushi Nagasawa, Eiji Arita, Masakazu Ishizu, Yasuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8202733
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining hydrodynamic focusing of a first fluid. The method includes pressurizing the first fluid and a second fluid at a pre-defined pressure from a pressure source. Further, the method includes controlling the first flow rate of the first fluid by passing it through a first flow circuit. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the second flow rate of the second fluid by passing it through a second flow circuit. Moreover, the method includes passing the first and the second fluid though a converging section and hydrodynamically focusing the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Shervin Javadi
  • Patent number: 8202488
    Abstract: A system for analyzing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a test strip and a meter. The test strip is capable of being inoculated by the fluid sample. The test strip includes a test element, which contains at least one reagent adapted to cause a reaction when brought into contact with the analyte. The meter includes a read-head, a repositioning device, and a display. The read-head is capable of producing a signal indicative of the reaction between the analyte and the at least one reagent. The display being capable of displaying the analyte concentration. The repositioning device is adapted to move the test strip from a loading position to a testing position. The testing position positions the test element proximate to the read-head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Kwon Jung, Steven C. Charlton
  • Patent number: 8202492
    Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use. Prior to connection of the fluid connector and the substrate, the fluid path may be filled with a sample (e.g., blood). The sample may be obtained, for example, by pricking a finger of a user until blood is drawn from the finger into the fluid path (e.g., by capillary forces).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Linder, David Steinmiller, Samuel K. Sia
  • Patent number: 8197754
    Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Yanami, Isao Yamazaki, Masaaki Hanawa, Hitoshi Otake
  • Patent number: 8197772
    Abstract: A biochip package body, a method of forming the same, and a biochip package including the biochip package body are provided. The biochip package body includes a mounting package body having a mounting plate. The mounting plate has at least one protruding portion that protrudes therefrom. The protruding portion has a chip mounting portion and a chip protection portion. The chip mounting portion is disposed substantially in the center of the protruding portion. The chip protection portion surrounds the chip mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Seok Sim, Dong-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8198090
    Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can remove a residual liquid all around the leading end of a pipette, without requiring any new equipment, regardless of the viscosity of the residual liquid. This cartridge includes a plurality of tanks, each of which has an upper opening, and a liquid is introduced into or led out from at least one of the plurality of tanks 110 to 119 with a pipette. The cartridge further includes waste liquid tanks 120 to 122. The waste liquid tanks 120 to 122 each includes a capillary phenomenon generation portion. A residual liquid present at the leading end of the pipette is brought into contact with the capillary phenomenon generation portion of the waste liquid tanks, and the residual liquid is transferred to the capillary phenomenon generation portion through the capillary phenomenon to be removed from the pipette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Kosuke Kubo, Junichi Oka
  • Publication number: 20120142113
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Rodney H. Banks, Steven R. Ciota, Sascha J. Welz
  • Patent number: 8192687
    Abstract: Prior to adding detergent or chelant, the conductivity of water in a washing chamber is measured. The maximum concentration of hard water ions that could correspond to the measured conductivity is determined, i.e., it is assumed that all of the conductivity is from calcium and/or magnesium ions in the water even though other ions may in fact be contributing to the measured conductivity. Enough chelating agent is added to the chamber to sequester this maximum concentration of hard water ions and the conductivity is measured again. Using the two conductivity measurements, the actual concentration of hard water ions is determined. A chelant factor based on the actual concentration of hard water ions is then used to determine the amount of chelant to be added for subsequent wash cycles to sequester all of the hard water ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai Yin Cedric Chan, James W. Livingston, Patricia Anne Anderson
  • Patent number: 8192992
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8183051
    Abstract: A kit for determining residual chlorine or chloramine amount of a sample; comprising: a means for containing a PVA solution as an indicator, and another means for containing a reducing indicator. Said reducing indicator would be oxidized by a reaction with residual chlorine or chloramine and said PVA indicator induces a dye by reaction with oxidized compound such as free iodine; wherein intensity of said dye would be changed depending upon the residual chlorine or chloramine amount of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Nooshin Mirkheshty, Sayyed Ali Alavi
  • Patent number: 8178043
    Abstract: Embodiments directed to a device for analyzing samples administered from a sample vessel are disclosed. One embodiment may comprise a central unit having a supply of reaction vessels and a sampling unit by which at least part of a sample is transferred from one of the sample vessels into the reaction vessel; at least one analytical unit having a plurality of reagent vessels; a transport unit which transports at least part of the reaction vessels from the central unit to the analytical unit such that the analytical unit supplies the reagent from the reagent vessels into the reaction vessel for triggering a reaction between the sample and the reagent; and at least one measuring unit provided in the analytical unit which measures the physical property of the sample held in the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudius Burkhardt, Mathias Juch, Gottlieb Schacher, Leo Schwerzmann
  • Patent number: 8178350
    Abstract: A method of biochemical processing may, in certain embodiments, involve the steps of use of a consumable biochemical process element and a consumable biochemical process alterable information memory element associated therewith, such as a substance withdrawal consumable biochemical process alterable information memory element, that may be queried and at least some of whose information may be changed as a result of actions conducted during processing of a biochemical test sequence. Accordingly, advantages relative to knowing how much of a consumable biochemical process element has been used, and how much may be available during a biochemical test sequence, may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Celerus Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Page A. Erickson, Michael R. Everman, Michael S. Bell, Kevin S. Edberg, Brian D. Sawatzky, Matthew M. Botke
  • Patent number: 8178351
    Abstract: A container with a rotatable lid for reading and handling diagnostic reagents in tape form comprising a body portion, a lid portion, a continuous tape, a reagent-sensing device, and a storage device. The body portion includes an inner and outer surface. The lid portion is attached to the body portion and is adapted to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The continuous tape includes a diagnostic reagent. The reagent-sensing device is attached to either the body portion or the lid portion and adapted to read the diagnostic reagent. The storage device is attached to the body portion that is adapted to hold and dispense an unused portion of the continuous tape. During the rotation of the lid portion, the continuous tape is advanced from the first storage device and is extended over the reagent-sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Charlton
  • Patent number: 8178044
    Abstract: A liquid property detecting device includes a switch portion switching an electrode to charge with a standard voltage generated by a generator, or discharge through a grounding. An operation signal output portion outputs an operation signal to the switch portion so as to switch in a predetermined switch period. A voltage of the electrode is output as a detection signal, when the standard voltage is applied to the electrode. A signal process portion calculates liquid property based on the detection signals. A gain of the signal process portion relative to the detection signal is increased, as the detection signal is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Tarui
  • Publication number: 20120115236
    Abstract: A system and method of indirectly modifying an environmental condition at a test site in one embodiment includes providing a test site on a substrate, providing a hydrogel composition loaded with a chemical factor at the test site, providing an actuator configured to activate the hydrogel composition to release a chemical factor at the test site, controlling the actuator to activate the hydrogel composition to release a chemical factor at the test site, and modifying the local chemical environment at the test site with the chemical factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Chen, Vincent Chen, Sam Kavusi, Christoph Lang
  • Patent number: 8173069
    Abstract: An ion analyzing apparatus includes a sensor; a counter electrode having openings, the counter electrode being positioned so as to substantially surround the sensor; and a bias generating circuit coupled to the sensor, wherein the sensor includes quartz crystal and a pair of electrodes positioned on surface of the quartz crystal, and one of the pair of electrodes is coupled to the bias generating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Ryozo Takasu
  • Patent number: 8173436
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yuegang Zhang, Andrew Berlin, Qing Ma, Li-Peng Wang, Valluri Rao, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8168443
    Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GenturaDx, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Jia Chang Yu, Jesus Ching, Phillip You Fai Lee, David Hsiang Hu
  • Patent number: 8163240
    Abstract: A detection device and system are provided. The detection device includes a detection capacitor and a Field Effect Transistor (FET). The detection capacitor has a reactive material layer reacting to a specific functional group in a fluid, and first and second electrodes disposed on the both surfaces of an insulating layer, and the FET has a source electrode connected with the second electrode, a gate electrode connected with the first electrode, and a drain electrode. Here, the insulating layer of the detection capacitor is thicker than a gate insulating layer of the FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Chang Geun Ahn, Chan Woo Park, Jong Heon Yang, In Bok Baek, Chil Seong Ah, Han Young Yu, An Soon Kim, Tae Youb Kim, Moon Gyu Jang, Seon Hee Park