Automated Chemical Analysis Patents (Class 436/43)
  • Patent number: 8435465
    Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for isolating biological molecules having a capture chamber containing functionalized solid supports maintained in a fluidized state provides reduced pressure drops and bubble formation during microfluidic extraction. The cartridge may include an electric field lysis chamber and/or a chemical lysis chamber. The electric-field lysis chamber may comprise an electrically insulating structure arranged between two opposing planar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: CFD Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shivshankar Sundaram, Balabhaskar Prabhakarpandian, Kapil Pant, Yi Wang
  • Publication number: 20130109101
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: VIVIA BIOTECH S.L
    Inventor: VIVIA BIOTECH S.L
  • Patent number: 8431403
    Abstract: Provided is method for detecting an analyte, wherein the analyte is labelled with one or more labels relatable to the analyte which are suitable for optical detection, which method comprises: a) applying an oscillating voltage having a first frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; b) applying an oscillating voltage having a second frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; c) determining the identity and/or quantity of the analyte from the data obtained in step (a) and step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited
    Inventor: Andy Mount
  • Patent number: 8431404
    Abstract: An apparatus for transfer of a liquid using a diaphragm that separates a working fluid volume from a working air volume and can controllably induce a change pressure to draw or expel a target fluid into a tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable 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 under the diaphraghm, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    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
  • Patent number: 8425844
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising surface site comprising substantially inorganic surface having chemical composition selected from group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within polypeptide bonding region and having selective bonding affinity for polypeptide; plurality of interlayers between which surface site is interposed; distal site end on surface site and distanced from interlayers, the surface being provided on distal site end; surface site and interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within polypeptide bonding region; conductors being capable of applying external voltage potential across polypeptide bonding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8425860
    Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideji Tajima
  • Patent number: 8425839
    Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a first reagent container to hold a first reagent container with a first record section which contains a first reagent management information; a second reagent container holder to hold a second reagent container with a second record section which contains a second reagent management information; a first information reader; a second information reader; a registration section for registering the combination of the first reagent and the second reagent based on the first reagent management information; a measurement section for conducting a measurement of a predetermined analysis item by using the first reagent and the second reagent corresponding to the combination registered by the registration section; and a processing section for processing a measurement result obtained by the measurement section, and for obtaining an analysis result of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Wakamiya, Tomohiro Okuzaki, Hisato Takehara
  • Patent number: 8414848
    Abstract: A substrate including a channel part having a chamber in which a liquid can be fed stepwise from a chamber to another chamber at the channel part formed in the substrate, depending on the rotational speed of the substrate. A first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a channel interconnecting them are formed at the channel part formed in the substrate. Furthermore, the width and/or the depth of the first chamber is set smaller than the width and/or the depth of the second chamber. Consequently, the volume of solution subjected to centrifugal force in the first chamber is larger than the volume of solution subjected to centrifugal force in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Ozaki, Airi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8409867
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to identify a material having an electric charge, the apparatus having: an inverting gain amplifier including a first field-effect transistor (FET) coupled to a second FET; wherein a gate of the first FET is configured to sense the electric charge and an output of the amplifier provides a measurement of the electric charge to identify the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aditya Bansal, Sufi Zafar
  • Patent number: 8409505
    Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Flora, John P. Creaven, Russell J. Micinski
  • Patent number: 8409527
    Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analysis (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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Linder, David Steinmiller, Samuel K. Sia
  • Publication number: 20130079236
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Theranos, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Elizabeth Holmes
  • Patent number: 8404489
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Akashi, Ryoichi Asai
  • Patent number: 8405006
    Abstract: A device for heating a biological sample, the device having a heating source comprising a semiconductor chip. A sample chamber, or other medium to be heated, is positioned adjacent the heating source, wherein the sample chamber is configured to house a biological sample at a predetermined temperature. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the semiconductor chip and a sensor positioned inside, at, or near the sample chamber. The microcontroller supplies a load current to the heating source to generate heat from the heating source, and the sensor is coupled to the microcontroller to provide feedback for controlling the heat generated by the heating source. The device may also support different heating profiles that are software and/or hardware selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Torsten Albert Staab
  • Patent number: 8398940
    Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8398939
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8398920
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20130065315
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed. Fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate. The apparatus may also include a head adapted to carry selected fluids in pipettes and a reagent receptacle adapted to permit entry of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Safar, Stephen Herchenbach
  • Publication number: 20130065316
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a biological substance, the device comprising: a specimen input device; at least one pumping device in flow communication with a chemical reservoir and said specimen input device; and at least one flow cell in flow communication with said at least one pumping device via at least one flow valve, wherein said at least one flow cell is configured to contain said specimen and includes a sensing device configured to sense at least one characteristic of said specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: David Baltimore
  • Patent number: 8394636
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a remote control method which allows a technician, etc. in a support center to remote-control a clinical specimen processing device, and a remote control system, a status informing device and a control apparatus used for such a method. The remote control method of the present invention, which is a remote control method for remote-controlling the clinical specimen processing device that processes a clinical specimen, is designed so that an image of the clinical specimen processing device is picked up by an image pickup device, and the image picked up by the image pickup device is supplied to a control apparatus located at a remote place from the clinical specimen processing device through a communication network so that the picked-up image is displayed on the control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Mizuho Nishikiori, Tadayuki Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8394340
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8394644
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic osmotic pump capable of delivering a desired fluid at a predetermined destination comprising an inside fluid reservoir housing a compressible sac, a surrounding compartment having an external surface made up of a semi-permeable membrane and a fluid duct. The inside fluid reservoir houses a compressible sac containing a predetermined amount of a fluid that is desired to be pumped to a predetermined destination. The surrounding compartment holds a desired osmotic agent and its saturated solution in the remaining volume thereof. The surrounding compartment has an outer surface made up of a semi-permeable membrane that allows a predetermined second external fluid to permeate into the surrounding compartment. The fluid duct is substantially housed within the inside fluid reservoir and runs through openings and respectively provided through the inside fluid reservoir and the surrounding compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Yuandong Gu, Wei Yang, Aravind Padmanabhan
  • Patent number: 8394344
    Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Stratec Biomedical Systems AG
    Inventors: Alexander Schutt, Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 8394635
    Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Marc Key, Gordon Feingold, Rosanne Welcher
  • Patent number: 8388893
    Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Kazuaki Sawada, Junichi Matsuo, Hirokazu Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8388910
    Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini
  • Patent number: 8389294
    Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for coupling discrete channels and for co-culture. The microfluidic device includes first and second bodies. Each body has a bottom surface and defines a channel. The channel in each body includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the bottom surface. A first fluid, such as a first cell suspension, is provided within the channel of the first body and a second fluid, such a second cell suspension, is provided within the channel of the second body. The first and second bodies are movable between a first position wherein the outlet of the channel of the first body is spaced from the inlet of the channel of the second body and a second position wherein the fluid at the outlet of the channel of the first body communicates with the fluid at the inlet of the channel of the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Jay W. Warrick
  • Patent number: 8388908
    Abstract: This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: IntegenX Inc.
    Inventors: Iuliu I. Blaga, Stevan B. Jovanovich, Boris Kobrin, Ezra Van Gelder
  • Patent number: 8383061
    Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Manu Prakash, Neil Gershenfeld
  • Patent number: 8383060
    Abstract: An integrated electronic-micro fluidic device an integrated electronic-micro fluidic device, comprising a semiconductor substrate on a first support, an electronic circuit on a first semiconductor-substrate side of the semiconductor substrate, and a signal interface structure to an external device. A micro fluidic structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate, and is configured to confine a fluid and to allow a flow of the fluid to and from the microfluidic structure only on a second semiconductor-substrate side that is opposite to the first semiconductor-substrate side and faces away from the first support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Dekker, Remco Henricus Wilhelmus Pijnenburg, Nicolaas Johannes Anthonius Van Veen
  • Patent number: 8383412
    Abstract: Sensors and switches for detecting hydrogen include an electrically-insulating support; a first and second electrode; and a palladium structure alone or in combination with an organic insulating film. The palladium structures of the sensors are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structure extends to and contacts the second electrode to create a conductive path. The palladium structures of the switches are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structures extend to and contact an organic insulating film deposited on the second electrode. Upon exposure of the switch to hydrogen, portions of the palladium structure extend through the film and contact the second electrode to create a conductive path. Methods of detecting hydrogen and methods of fabricating a sensor for detecting an analyte of interest are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis P. Zamborini, Radhika Dasari
  • Patent number: 8383065
    Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8377702
    Abstract: Method that includes providing plurality of test sites each having first and second layers respectively including inorganic first and second surface sites forming parts of interior of a well, the surface sites having positions and thicknesses being configured for locating thereon portions of unidentified amino acid-containing molecules; exposing each of a first plurality of the test sites to a fluid containing a different one of plurality of pre-identified amino acid-containing molecules and determining bonding signatures onto each of first plurality of test sites; exposing each of second plurality of test sites to another fluid containing unidentified amino acid-containing molecule and determining bonding signatures onto second plurality of test sites; and comparing bonding signatures to determine or exclude identity of unidentified amino acid-containing molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8377377
    Abstract: An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Lee H. Angros
  • Patent number: 8377707
    Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, James Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8377380
    Abstract: To provide a sensing device using a piezoelectric sensor having an oscillation area for detection and an oscillation area for reference and capable of achieving a high measurement sensitivity by improving shapes of excitation electrodes. On a quartz-crystal piece 20a, there are provided strip-shaped left side area and right side area which are formed symmetrically to be separated from each other into left and right with respect to a center of a circle 53 being a contour of a planar shape of a reaction channel 52 and extend in a longitudinal direction in a parallel manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Yorita, Shunichi Wakamatsu, Shigenori Watanabe, Takeru Mutoh
  • Patent number: 8374418
    Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for determining from a sample carrier containing an impregnated biological sample a sample region to be removed. The method comprises optically imaging the sample carrier into a digital matrix form, where the optical brightness of each physical location of the sample is represented by elements of the matrix; determining a first threshold value at least partly on the basis of the elements of the matrix; and calculating coordinates corresponding to the sample region to be removed from the sample carrier, the coordinates being such that the sample region contains only areas of the sample carrier having an optical brightness lower than or equal to said first threshold value. The invention allows for more efficient use of samples in sample cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wallac Oy
    Inventors: Heimo Soitamo, Ari-Pekka Kitinoja, Vesa Erkkila
  • Patent number: 8372658
    Abstract: A chemical analytic apparatus of the present invention is the one which proposes that a miniaturization, a making low-cost and portability are possible and also the operation of each process of separation, concentration and dilution of specimen is possible, and, which includes: an introduction means (S1) that introduces a droplet to which magnetic ultrafine particles are mixed into another liquid that differs from the droplet while maintaining a single droplet; a conveyance means by which the droplet that includes the magnetic particles is conveyed in another liquid of the introduction means by applying magnetic field externally to the magnetic ultrafine particles; and processing means (S2 to S6) by which operations for processing of chemical analysis are performed one by one in the process in which the droplet to which the magnetic ultrafine particles are mixed is conveyed by the conveyance means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Shikida, Kazuo Sato, Hiroyuki Honda, Kohta Inouchi
  • Publication number: 20130034908
    Abstract: An analytical device, in particular, a paper analytical device (PAD), for detection of at least two chemical components indicative of a low quality pharmaceutical product is provided. The analytical device can include a porous, hydrophilic medium, at least two assay regions associated with the porous, hydrophilic medium, at least one assay reagent or precursor thereof in the assay regions, and at least one electronically readable information zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC, SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE
    Inventors: Toni Lee Owen Barstis, Patrick Joseph Flynn, Marya Lieberman
  • Patent number: 8366998
    Abstract: A sample analyzer includes an order receiver for receiving an analyzing order of a sample having analyzing item information; an analyzing section for analyzing a sample according to the analyzing order received by the order receiver; a calculator for counting a first number of analyses by the analyzing section in a first counting period, and a second number of analyses by the analyzing section in a second counting period different from the first counting period; a selection receiver for receiving a selection of either one of the first counting period and the second counting period; an output section; and an output controller for outputting a number of analyses in the counting period received by the selection receiver to the output section based on the counted result by the calculator is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Wakamiya, Tomohiro Okuzaki, Hisato Takehara
  • Patent number: 8367422
    Abstract: Provided is a biochemical analyzer including: a microfluidic device loading space including a microfluidic device supporting unit detachably supporting a microfluidic device including an electromagnetic radiation application region in which electromagnetic energy is applied; an energy source loading space including an energy source applying the electromagnetic energy to the electromagnetic radiation application region; and an isolation wall isolating the microfluidic device loading space and the energy source loading space to prevent heat transfer between the microfluidic device loading space and the energy source loading space and including a transparent window through which the electromagnetic energy can be transmitted. A method of controlling an internal temperature of the biochemical analyzer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-gun Lee, Yong-moo Shin, Kui-hyun Kim, Jin-han Chung
  • Patent number: 8366997
    Abstract: A modular laboratory automation system for monitoring and controlling laboratory experiments, the modular laboratory automation system including a controller, an interface board, and a portable power supply. Power levels of standard laboratory equipment can be automatically controlled, and conditions and parameters of experiments can be automatically monitored and recorded. The laboratory automation system is modular and can be configured to operate with laboratory experiments having varying setups and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Shoto Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Richard James Degroot
  • Patent number: 8367023
    Abstract: Provided is a reagent vessel which is inserted into a measuring cassette for measuring a biological sample. The reagent vessel includes: a reagent storage unit including at least one space in which a reagent that is to react with the biological sample is stored; and an adhesive cover sealing up the at least one space in which the reagent is stored, and being stripped off to discharge the reagent from the at least one space when the reagent vessel is inserted into the measuring cassette. Therefore, since a plurality of reagents are poured simultaneously and automatically into a measuring cassette through a reagent vessel, it is possible to simplify manipulations and minimize a measuring time. Furthermore, it is possible to resolve problems regarding storage and distribution of reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Infopia Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeong-woo Bae, Sung-dong Lee, Min-sun Kim, Jae-hyun Yoo, Hyoung-soo Kim, Heon-seok Park, Ju-pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 8363887
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; applying one or more test chemicals to a test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; controlling a variable speed fan to avoid fogging the camera's lens; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chemspectra, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Haas, Doug Haas
  • Patent number: 8361389
    Abstract: A device for remote management of patients suffering from heart failure and hypertension can measure one or more biomarker. The device aids in monitoring the efficacy and safety of treatment in such patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Inverness Medical Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Sheard, Marika Reay
  • Patent number: 8361415
    Abstract: An inertial particle focusing system for use with a particle having diameter (a) includes a curved microchannel into a substrate, said microchannel having a radius of curvature (r), and a channel hydraulic diameter (Dh), wherein the ratio of r to Dh satisfies the following criterion: 2ra2/Dh3?0.037.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Dino Di Carlo, Daniel R. Gossett
  • Patent number: 8362919
    Abstract: A system for sensing and communicating in a pipeline that contains a fluid. An acoustic signal containing information about a property of the fluid is produced in the pipeline. The signal is transmitted through the pipeline. The signal is received with the information and used by a control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Cooper, Alan K. Burnham
  • Patent number: 8357418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-aided method for preparing chocolates and/or chocolate-/cocoa-flavored compositions from a bank of ingredients Pj using tools such as a valuation system E which can be used to assign a numerical value vij to the taste descriptor Gi of each ingredient Pj and a function f designating the set of rules that can be used to calculate the values vic characterising the taste of a combination C of chocolates. The invention also relates to a device for performing the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Barry Callebaut AG
    Inventors: Philippe Bouvier, Valentine Detalle
  • Patent number: 8357538
    Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Austin Self, Fei Yin, Carl Theodore Edens
  • Patent number: 8357537
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Blecka, Larry Seamer, Sachi Rastogi, Chris Tsai, Nasser Jafari, Ken J. Lafredo