Automated Chemical Analysis Patents (Class 436/43)
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Patent number: 8673645Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen R. Quake, Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8669112Abstract: Instrumentation and a method for efficient and reliable assaying and measuring samples. The teachings include an automated self-contained instrument, wherein the samples are located on wells of sample plates, and the instrument includes a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates. The instrument may includes at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and one or several measurement units for optically measuring samples in at least two measurement modes. Further, the instrument includes a manipulator for moving the sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof and for rotating the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Wallac OyInventors: Aarne Heinonen, Juha Karunen, Jarmo Korpi, Jarmo Nurmi, Markku Ojala, Timo Salminen, Paul White
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Patent number: 8667833Abstract: A protective cap 2 is engaged with a latch 10 of a diluent container 5 so as to fix the diluent container 5 at a liquid holding position of a diluent container containing section 11. The engagement is released when the protective cap 2 is set to an open position against the engagement so as to expose an inlet 13. When the protective cap 2 is shifted from the open position to a closed position, the protective cap 2 pushes the diluent container 5 into a liquid discharge position. Thus, it is possible to preserve a diluent for a long period of time and to easily open the diluent container 5 without having to complicate the structure of an analysis apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Saiki, Yoshiyuki Fujii, Nobuyasu Higashi, Masaaki Kitoh, Kenji Okada, Hirofumi Sugimoto
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Patent number: 8663991Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Patent number: 8664005Abstract: A method of introducing solution into the wells of a multiwell plate comprised of a substrate having multiple wells on at least one principal surface thereof. The wells are imparted dimensions, shapes, and surface configurations such that when said multiwell plate is positioned in stationary fashion with the openings of said wells facing upward, said solution does not enter said wells even when the openings of said wells are covered by said solution, and the solution is positioned on said principal surface of said multiwell plate having wells and a centrifugal force oriented from the well opening toward the bottom is applied to introduce said solution into said wells. Provided is a method for conveniently filling vessels (wells) with a solution such as a reaction solution, even when the vessels (wells) number in excess of 1,000, and even when the dimension, shape, and surface configuration of the vessels (wells) do not permit fluid to flow into the vessels (wells).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: National University Corporation Saitama UniversityInventors: Koichi Nishigaki, Takahiro Tayama, Yasunorl Kinoshita, Hidekazu Uchida
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Patent number: 8663559Abstract: A sample analyzer that includes a sample preparing section operative to aspirate a sample from a sample container and a measuring section operative to prepare a plurality of measurement samples from the aspirated sample. A control unit is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of prepared measurement samples, obtain a plurality of measurement data for the respective measurement samples, and obtain an analysis result of a predetermined item of the sample based on the plurality of measurement data.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Masaharu Shibata, Noriyoshi Yoshida
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Patent number: 8658096Abstract: Provided is a rack transport system that horizontally slides a rack tray holding and storing a plurality of specimen containers, allowing the rack tray to be safely placed on a rack tray set section. For this purpose, a rack transport system (8) using a rack tray (10) having a rack dropout-preventing mechanism (10b) includes a rack tray set section (8A) that has a lock canceling mechanism (8i) of the rack dropout-preventing mechanism and on which the rack tray that arranges and holds a plurality of racks (9) supporting a plurality of specimen containers (9a) is placed, and a projection section (8h) serving as a lock canceling button of the rack dropout-preventing mechanism is formed at a position where the rack tray that holds and stores the plurality of racks supporting the plurality of specimen containers is slid to be able to be set in the rack tray set section.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Beckman Coutler, Inc.Inventor: Masahiro Kaiga
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Publication number: 20140051173Abstract: A multilayer Paper Analytical Device (PAD) is provided for detection of at least two chemical components indicative of a low quality pharmaceutical or dietary supplement product. A method for detection of at least two chemical components indicative of a low quality pharmaceutical or dietary supplement product is also provided that employs a multilayer PAD. A kit is provided for detection of at least two chemical components indicative of a low quality pharmaceutical or dietary supplement product that includes a multilayer PAD and instructions for using the kit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: ST. MARY'S COLLEGEInventors: Toni L. O. Barstis, Mary M. Bevilacqua
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Patent number: 8652409Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Valencell, Inc.Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer
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Patent number: 8652852Abstract: A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port and an output port. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid at the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: David J. Beebe, Jay W. Warrick, Michael W. Toepke, Ivar Meyvantsson, Glenn M. Walker
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Patent number: 8647885Abstract: Process for detecting a gaseous compound of BX3, HX or X2 type within a gas using a composition containing a probe molecule, characterized in that the probe molecule is a molecule for which the reaction with one or more compounds of BX3, HX or X2 type leads to a variation of at least one of its physicochemical properties, this variation being measurable via a suitable analysis technique, and in that the following steps are carried out in this order: (a) measurement of said physicochemical property of the probe molecule, such as a spectral property, (b) bringing the gas into contact with the composition containing the probe molecule from step (a), (c) repeat measurement of said physicochemical property, (d) correlation of the variation of said spectral property between steps (a) and (c) in the presence of said gaseous compound of BX3, HX or X2 type, the measurement of the physicochemical property from step (a) possibly being a prior step, process for trapping gaseous compounds of BX3, HX or X2 type contained iType: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)Inventors: Thu-Hoa Tran-Thi, Philippe Banet, Loic Legagneux
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Patent number: 8647575Abstract: A blood glucose meter includes a front attachment part to which a test piece is attached, a measurement part for measuring a component of blood collected via a blood guide passage in the test piece, and a monitor for displaying the measurement results obtained by the measurement part. When the device is placed on a horizontal plane by referring to the display face of the monitor as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side and placing the display face of the monitor upward, the central axis of the test piece extends obliquely downward toward the front side. The blood glucose meter comprises a main part provided with the monitor and a linking part between the main part and the front attachment part. The top face of the linking part is placed roughly parallel to the central axis line and is provided with an ejector lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hirotaka Ohashi
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Patent number: 8647836Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Microm International GmbHInventors: Hans L. Heid, Jose Novoa
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Patent number: 8642345Abstract: A method of measuring a chemical vapor concentration is provided. A chemical vapor sensor measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for being inconspicuous and on-board a vehicle, having a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode, for detecting a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectable level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. In an aspect, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michel F. Sultan, David K. Lambert
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Patent number: 8642344Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring a substrate concentration by accumulating an energy resulting from a reaction between a biocatalyst and a substrate recognized by the biocatalyst to a certain level; and using a dependency of an accumulation rate on the substrate concentration as an index; and a apparatus therefor. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which the measurement of the accumulation rate is carried out by measuring a frequency of an energy release in a certain amount of time when the energy accumulated in the capacitor reaches the certain level and is then released.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignees: Bioengineering Laboratories, LLC, Arkray, Inc., Ultizyme International Ltd.Inventors: Wakako Tsugawa, Koji Sode
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Patent number: 8641969Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Nobuhiro Kitagawa, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hiroo Tatsutani, Tomoyuki Asahara
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Patent number: 8641972Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring a substrate concentration by accumulating an energy resulting from a reaction between a biocatalyst and a substrate recognized by the biocatalyst to a certain level; and using a dependency of an accumulation rate on the substrate concentration as an index; and a apparatus therefor. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which the measurement of the accumulation rate is carried out by measuring a frequency of an energy release in a certain amount of time when the energy accumulated in the capacitor reaches the certain level and is then released.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignees: Bioengineering Laboratories, LLC, Arkray, Inc., Ultizyme International Ltd.Inventors: Wakako Tsugawa, Koji Sode
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Patent number: 8641971Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample is provided. The apparatus includes a source and is adapted to receive a cartridge in such a way, that the apparatus focuses the HIFU waves emitted from the source onto a liquid air interface that is present within the cartridge. This focusing is performed when the cartridge is inserted into a receiving section of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Biocartis SAInventors: Arie R. Van Doorn, Michiel De Jong
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Publication number: 20140030751Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices and methods that can be used in a process for the fast photochemical oxidation of proteins, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Joshua S. Sharp
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Patent number: 8637317Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may include providing a droplet including magnetically responsive beads. The droplet may be provided within a region of a magnetic field having sufficient strength to attract the magnetically responsive beads to an edge of the droplet or towards an edge of the droplet, or otherwise regionalize or aggregate beads within the droplet. The method may also include conducting on a droplet operations surface one or more droplet operations using the droplet without removing the magnetically responsive beads from the region of the magnetic field. The droplet operations may in some cases be electrode-mediated. The droplet operations may redistribute and/or circulate the magnetically responsive beads within the droplet. In some cases, the droplet may include a sample droplet may include a target analyte.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Arjun Sudarsan, Ramakrishna Sista
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Patent number: 8637324Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Ramakrishna Sista, Arjun Sudarsan
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Patent number: 8637322Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for labeling biological molecules of interest contained in a biological sample, consisting in: a) providing a reaction vessel, b) immobilizing capture molecules, which are capable of binding a label of the biological molecules of interest, on a solid support of the vessel, c) introducing the biological sample but also at least one label of the biological molecules of interest into said vessel and optionally any ingredient required for labeling or prelabeling the molecules of interest, d) incubating the vessel content and immobilizing the label which is not reacted with the molecules of interest by binding to the capture molecules, and e) using the labeled molecules of interest for subsequent steps. A method for treating a biological sample is also disclosed. Said invention is preferably used in a manual or automated method for purifying nucleic acids.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: BiomerieuxInventors: Eloy Bernal-Mendez, Ali Laayoun, Lionel Menou
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Patent number: 8633032Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Akashi, Ryoichi Asai
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Patent number: 8632725Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Isao Yamazaki, Ryuji Tao, Katsuaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 8628971Abstract: A system for managing the inventory of reagents for a laboratory automation system. The system for managing the inventory of reagents comprises a controller, software for the controller, and a refrigerator capable of refrigerating reagents, detecting the presence or absence of reagents in the refrigerator, and detecting the location of reagents in the refrigerator. The system for managing the inventory of reagents is connected to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises at least one clinical analyzer. A typical system for managing inventories of reagents includes an operator interface for the loading of boxes of reagents and other supplies, radio frequency identification system for identification of inventory and tracking, robotic mechanisms for loading containers onto the track system and removing containers from the track system, de-capping equipment, refrigeration equipment, and information technology connections to laboratory analyzers and vendors.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, John C. Jones, Oscar F. Schwartz
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Patent number: 8628722Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 8623656Abstract: A test specimen that has one or more chemical substances fixed to prescribed plural independent positions on a substrate, and the quantities of the chemical substances fixed at the respective prescribed positions are the total of integer multiples of existence quantity units defined for the respective chemical substances in the range from 1 amol to 1 nmol (excluding the case in which the total quantity is zero).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Manabu Komatsu, Hiroyuki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8623665Abstract: A method for collecting and processing biological samples (e.g., fecal samples) is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a system comprising a container, a collector, and a lid. Using the collector, a user may collect a sample. The sample may be inserted within the container. The lid may be secured and the container and sample contained therewithin may be transported to a testing facility. At the testing facility, the container may be used throughout the processing of the sample. Accordingly, the risk of cross-contamination may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventors: Val L. Poll, Steven J. Miller, Jay J. Davis, Brian T. Leishman, Joshua L. Kirk
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Patent number: 8623294Abstract: A channel control mechanism for a microchip has a laminated structure formed of members including elastic members, and includes: a sample reservoir for packing a sample therein; a reaction reservoir in which mixture and reaction of the sample are performed; and a channel formed in a middle layer of the laminated structure, for bringing the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir into communication with each other. The channel control mechanism performs the reaction and analysis in such a manner that the sample is delivered into the reaction reservoir through the channel. A shutter channel (pressurizing channel) is provided in a layer different from a layer in which the channel is formed so that the pressurizing channel partially overlaps the channel. The channel is closed through applying a pressurized medium to the shutter channel (pressurizing channel), and the channel is opened through releasing a pressure of the pressurized medium.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Minoru Asogawa, Hisashi Hagiwara, Tohru Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 8617489Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: CorSolutions LLCInventors: Thomas N. Corso, Colleen K. Van Pelt
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Patent number: 8613889Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based washing. According to one embodiment, a method of providing a droplet in contact with a surface with a reduced concentration of a substance is provided, wherein the method includes: (a) providing a surface in contact with a droplet comprising a starting concentration and starting quantity of the substance and having a starting volume; (b) conducting one or more droplet operations to merge a wash droplet with the droplet provided in step (a) to yield a combined droplet; and (c) conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the combined droplet to yield a set of droplets comprising: (i) a droplet in contact with the surface having a decreased concentration of the substance relative to the starting concentration; and (ii) a droplet which is separated from the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignees: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan, Richard B. Fair
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Patent number: 8613890Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microparticle sorting apparatus, including: a discharge direction confirming section configured to confirm a discharge direction of a discharged liquid discharged from a discharge outlet of a flow path; opposite electrodes disposed downstream with respect to the discharge outlet; an opposite electrode position controlling section configured to control positions of the opposite electrodes in accordance with the discharge direction confirmed by the discharge direction confirming section; a droplet generating section configured to generate a droplet from the discharge outlet; and a charging section configured to electrically charge the droplet with electric charges.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yosuke Muraki
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Patent number: 8609023Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of liquid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of liquid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 8609038Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force-based microfluidic device, in which biochemical treatments of samples are executed, and a method of fabricating the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device is mountable on a rotatable device and includes: a disk-shaped portion; and an inlet hole defined within, configured to receive fluid from outside the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device having a first opening with a first inner diameter, and a second opening disposed on the first opening having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter, and a depth of the second opening greater than a height of a fluid droplet formable in the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chung-ung Kim, Ki-ju Lee, Jong-jin Park, Dong-hwi Cho, Su-bong Bae, Jong-cheol Kim
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Patent number: 8612181Abstract: This invention allows for remote monitoring of the skier/skiing performance. The system consists of a various MEMS sensors embedded in skier clothing and equipment. These sensors measure instantaneous changes in acceleration in x/y/z axis and changes in earth magnetic field—relative to the skier position, to provide six degree of freedom in calculation of skier position as well as moments applied to the ski edge and forces experiences by the skier body. These sensors communicate with the monitoring application residing in the user wireless terminal (call phone) over the PAN wireless network. The instantaneous measurements are analyzed either locally or remotely and when the system is configured in an active mode, a corrective response to the MEMS actuators embedded in the ski or ski bindings may be send does changing the parameters of the run or provide enhanced safety.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: IPCommInventors: Stanislaw Czaja, Andrzej Bachleda-Curus, Tadeusz Nanowski, Ilona Stawski, Marty Czaja
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Patent number: 8603394Abstract: An analysis system is provided which comprises an integrated analysis device and a test strip magazine, for determining an analyte in a body fluid, wherein the analysis system comprises a first group comprising reusable components and a second group of components comprising a plurality of disposable articles. The second group includes non-electronic and electronic components, with critical interfaces configured between two or more such components, wherein non-electronic components can be disconnected from electronic components at a disconnection point. In one embodiment, critical interfaces are produced and tested during production of the analysis system.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Joachim Hoenes, Bruno Thoes, Joerg Scherer, Karl Werner, Volker Zimmer
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Patent number: 8603412Abstract: A microchannel structure is provided wherein supplied fluids are prevented from transuding via a lamination interface into channels for a mixture or reaction product. A method is further provided for producing an emulsion having a uniform particle size under a high pressure condition by using the microchannel structure. The microchannel structure comprises one or more layers having notches to constitute channels, laminated and pressed between a pair of frames having an outside communicating hole to constitute a channel, so as to form microchannels to mix/react fluids, channels to supply the fluids to the microchannels, and a channel to discharge the fluids from the microchannels, wherein a channel for discharging a transudation fluid is provided to recover a fluid having transuded at a lamination interface so as not to let it enter into the channels including the microchannels and discharge it to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignees: Asahi Glass Company, Limited, AGC Si-Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Katayama
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Patent number: 8603414Abstract: A micro-cassette 1 stores a sample, a reagent, and an additive, and comprises a sensor measures the component of measurement item. Analysis device 2 comprises liquid control unit controls each liquid in micro-cassette 1. Mixing controller 33 mixes the sample and the additive sent to sample processing unit 13, and generates the first sample includes a formed element. Isolation unit 14 generates the second sample from the first sample sent from sample processing unit 13. Sensor 18 measures the compound liquid of the second sample and reagent, and generates the analysis signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Naoko Omuro, Shoichi Kanayama
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Patent number: 8603396Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to ‘off-axis detector’ technology that employs a third detector 23 exhibiting a flow orthogonal axis 43 as defined by its EMR collection angle, where such axis is from 30 degrees to 60 degrees from an intended, flow orthogonal, cell cross section long axis alignment line 13, in addition to employing a fourth detector 24 exhibiting a flow orthogonal axis 44 as defined by its collection angle, where such axis is orthogonal to the flow orthogonal, third detector axis 43. Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to ‘axially spaced illumination’ technology featuring more than one cell illumination site, where, other than the most upflow illumination site (e.g., 121), all illumination site(s) are downflow of at least one other illumination site. Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may feature aspects of both technologies.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: XY, LLCInventors: Johnathan Sharpe, Kenneth Michael Evans
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Patent number: 8603395Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: David P Fries, Michelle L Janowiak, George Steimle, Heather A Broadbent
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Patent number: 8597579Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer denuder sensor that includes a trapping solution; a delivery device transporting the trapping solution; a denuder operatively connected to the trapping solution and contacting ambient air, wherein the denuder infuses the sample into the trapping solution; a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor operatively connected to the denuder, wherein the MIP sensor captures and detects the threat material; an excitation source operatively connected to the MIP sensor and having an excitation band, wherein the excitation band excites europium (or other signal transducing lanthanide or metal ion) in the MIP when it is bound to the threat material providing unique emission band(s); and an analytical device operatively connected to the MIP sensor, wherein the analytical device senses the presence of the threat material in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Leonard C. Buettner, Amanda L. Jenkens
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Patent number: 8597572Abstract: Provided are an automatic analyzing method and apparatus for a microfludic system. The apparatus includes means for recognizing a disc or chip in the microfludic system, performs an operation and detection by automatically loading a DB according to a recognized type, and perform quantization of a test.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Su-hyeon Kim, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee
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Patent number: 8597653Abstract: A conjugate of a modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer without a core and a member of a binding pair is described. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain chain branches, terminal branches or both. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain random asymmetric branches or random asymmetric junctions. The binding pair can be an antibody, antigen or a ligand.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: ANP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ray Yin, Dujie Qin, Jing Pan
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Patent number: 8597573Abstract: A fluid flow characteristic regulator (58) which provides a variable volume flow path in which a fluid flow can be continuously adjusted by a control fluid (57) to regulate at least one fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow (11) within the variable volume flow path.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: XY, LLCInventor: Thomas Boyd Gilligan
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Patent number: 8580574Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventor: Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 8574513Abstract: A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Samson Chen, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8574912Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventors: Roy A. Ostgaard, Theodore S. Geiselman
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Patent number: 8557183Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: David P Fries, Michelle L Janowiak, George Steimle, Heather A Broadbent
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Patent number: 8557181Abstract: A reaction solution is mixed in a short period of time with excellent stirring efficiency. During the stirring of the reaction solution, a rotation motor drives a stirring rod and a vertical motor moves the stirring rod in a vertically reciprocating manner in the reaction solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventor: Masaaki Hirano
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Patent number: 8551787Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for carrying out sequential binary reactions.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventor: Andrew May