Utilizing A Centrifuge Or Compartmented Rotor Patents (Class 436/45)
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Patent number: 7527764Abstract: An automatic system (100) for conserving samples at a controlled temperature comprising at least one controlled-temperature thermo-insulated conservation chamber (1) with temperature control means (3) containing a set of disks (9) for storing samples (19) and a Cartesian robotic system (4) equipped with pick-up device (18), contained in an upper chamber (2) separated from the chamber (1) by means of an insulating shelf (6), where said Cartesian system (4) through the controlled-access opening (7) moves the samples (19) between the I/O drawer (20) and the above-mentioned set of disks (9). The combined and synchronized movement of the robotic device (4) and of every single disk of the set enables each storage location to be reached. The management of the devices of the automatic system (100) is controlled by an N/C system driven by dedicated management SW.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Angelantoni Industrie S.p.A.Inventors: Gianluigi Angelantoni, Pasquale De Blasio, Andrea Pedrazzini, Mauro Zenobi
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Patent number: 7527763Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules that are optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector. In addition, the device may control the flow of fluid in the disk by locating and selectively opening valves separating chambers by heating the valves with a laser.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
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Patent number: 7498175Abstract: A method is described for evaporating liquid samples contained in sample holders mounted within a chamber and rotated by the rotor during an evaporation process in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced below atmospheric and the sample holders are rotated at high speed so as to exert centrifugal force on the contents of the holders. Heat is supplied to elevate the temperature of the liquid component of the samples to assist in the evaporation process. The temperature of the sample material is continuously or regularly monitored during the evaporation process and temperature signals are transmitted to a remote computing means which is programmed to generate a control signal for controlling the supply of heat to the samples and controlling the evaporation process. The temperature may be sensed by a probe in a sample holder containing an evaporating liquid sample, or in an adjoining sample holder containing a buffer liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Genevac LimitedInventor: Michael Cole
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Patent number: 7494814Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus with a built-in sample tube reader and methods for rapidly obtaining measurements of creamatocrit, fat content and/or energy (caloric) content from low-volume fresh and frozen milk specimens.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Separation Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jami E. Meeks, C. Diane Marshall
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Publication number: 20090042305Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a rotational-release wheel that is disposed on the outer housing of the sensor-dispensing instrument that is turnable to remove a sensor disposed in the sensor slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: John P. Creaven, Russell J. Micinski
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Patent number: 7485118Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure arrangement for the bubble-free filling with a liquid of at least one system for draining off liquids. The arrangement has an inlet for the arrangement to be connected to a system for the supply of liquids and at least one outlet for the arrangement to be connected to the at least one liquid-discharging system. The arrangement has a transition region, through which the liquid can be transported from the inlet to the at least one outlet. At a start of the transition region, at least one first microstructure element for producing a point with increased capillary force is provided, in order to achieve gap-free wetting of the areas bounding this point with increased capillary force, in particular side walls, a cover and/or a bottom.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Boehringer Ingelholm Microparts GmbHInventors: Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters, Claus Marquordt
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Patent number: 7485854Abstract: A sampling device, for example a sampling valve, is disclosed for introduction of samples into an analysis system. The sampling device comprises a turning element provided with a sampling area. The sampling area is configured to retain samples to be analysed. The turning element is arranged for movement between a first position where the sampling area is exposed to material to be sampled for collection of samples and a second position where samples are released for use by the analysis system.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignees: University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Department of Physical Science, division of Atmospheric Sciences, Finnish Meteorological InstututeInventors: Kari Hartonen, Kari Kuuspalo, Heikki Lihavainen, Pasi Aalto, Markku Rasilainen, Marja-Liisa Riekkola, Markku Kulmala, Yrjo Viisanën
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Patent number: 7481977Abstract: A device for fluid assay comprising a carousel (12), mounted about a hub (14), disposed in a complementary shaped housing (16). The carousel (12) is divided into a plurality of chambers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) disposed radially about the hub (14). The chambers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are arranged into pairs which are disposed diametrically opposite one another and which communicate with each other via the hub (14).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: David Alan Percival, David Aubrey Plumptre
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Patent number: 7476361Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. These assays may be performed for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to screening of drug candidate compounds, life sciences research, and clinical and molecular diagnostics. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing any of a wide variety of microanalytical or microsynthetic processes are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Gregory Kellogg, Timothy Johnson, Eric Schilling
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Patent number: 7476362Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Lee Angros
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Patent number: 7437914Abstract: A reservoir for use in testing a liquid as part of a microfluidic testing system, includes a testing chamber configured to receive the liquid to be tested. A liquid inlet is fluidly coupled to the testing chamber to allow ingress of the liquid into the testing chamber. A gas outlet is fluidly coupled to the testing chamber to allow egress of gas out of the testing chamber. The gas outlet has an elevation that is higher than an elevation of the liquid inlet such that, as the testing chamber is rotated, the gas is expelled out of the testing chamber through the gas outlet, thereby reducing or preventing a presence of gas bubbles in the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Philip Harding, Christopher C Beatty
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Patent number: 7435382Abstract: An incubator includes a rotating incubator rotor. The incubator rotor is provided with a plurality of element chambers which are arranged along the outer periphery of the incubator rotor and each of which accommodates a dry analysis element spotted with a sample and incubates the dry analysis element. A light measuring system has a light measuring head which measures the optical density of the dry analysis element. The light measuring system is provided with a correction system which compensates for fluctuation in the value of the optical density of the dry analysis element in each of the element chambers as measured by the light measuring head generated due to fluctuation in the distance between the light measuring head and the element chamber on the basis of a correction value which has been stored in the correction system element chamber by element chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Fumio Sugaya, Akihiro Komatsu
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Patent number: 7432106Abstract: A device is provided that can include at least one gas trap that can be arranged in fluid communication with a sample-containment feature formed in or on the device. The gas trap can be arranged to trap gas or air displaced from the sample-containment feature as the sample-containment feature is loaded with a liquid. The trapped gas in the gas trap can assist in breaking-up and expelling the liquid from the sample-containment feature during a subsequent liquid transfer operation, for example, to an adjacent sample-containment feature. Systems for processing such a device and methods using such a device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Applied Biosystems Inc.Inventor: David M. Cox
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Patent number: 7425306Abstract: A slide heater for use in a slide processing apparatus in which an interface surface between the slide heater and the slide has a plurality of slots or channels terminating in an edge thereof, for gathering and venting gas bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Brian H. Kram
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Patent number: 7422905Abstract: A system and method for determining a coagulation time, e.g., TT, PT, aPTT, and ACT, of a test sample deposited in a test cartridge is disclosed. A cartridge housing having upper and lower major sides and a minor sidewall encloses a test chamber having a test chamber pivot element and is provided with a cartridge port for introducing a test sample into the test chamber. Ferromagnetic agitator vane leaflets extend from an agitator pivot element supported by the test chamber pivot element intermediate the upper and lower major sides for rotational motion. The agitator vane leaflets can be swept, in response to an external magnetic field, through the test sample in the absence of coagulation. A timer is started when the agitator movement is commenced whereupon the agitator moves freely. Resistance to agitator movement due to coagulation is detected, and the coagulation time is measured.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Daniel S. Cheek, Douglas D. Nippoldt
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Patent number: 7399637Abstract: A system and method for determining a coagulation time, e.g., TT, PT, aPTT, and ACT, of a blood test sample deposited in a test cartridge is disclosed. A cartridge housing having upper and lower major sides and a minor sidewall encloses a test chamber having a test chamber pivot element and is provided with a cartridge port for introducing a test sample into the test chamber,. Ferromagnetic agitator vane leaflets extend from an agitator pivot element supported by the test chamber pivot element intermediate the upper and lower major sides for rotational motion. The agitator vane leaflets can be swept, in response to an external magnetic field, through the test sample in the absence of coagulation. A timer is started when the agitator movement is commenced whereupon the agitator moves freely. Resistance to agitator movement due to coagulation is detected, and the coagulation time is measured.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David W. Wright, Timothy J. Kriewall, Daniel S. Cheek
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Patent number: 7396508Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Richards, Charles D. Lemme, Kimberly Christensen, Ethel R. Macrea
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Patent number: 7390459Abstract: An apparatus for high-throughput combinatorial syntheses of organic molecules including a reaction vessel for containing a combinatorial-chemistry synthetic reaction, a liquid dispenser for dispensing the liquid, a liquid aspirator and an adjustment mechanism. The reaction vessel includes an ingress aperture allowing a liquid to enter into an interior of the vessel and an egress aperture for aspirating the liquid from the vessel. The liquid dispenser dispenses liquid through the ingress aperture. The liquid aspirator aspirates liquid through the egress aperture and includes a rotor for carrying the vessel and orbiting the vessel about an axis of rotation. The rotor is oriented generally in a horizontal plane and includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the vessel relative to the horizontal plane in response to the centrifugal force generated by orbiting the vessel about the axis of rotation. A method of combinatorial synthesis of organic molecules is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Illumina, Inc.Inventors: Michal Lebl, David L. Heiner
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Patent number: 7390464Abstract: A fluidic circuit for receiving a fluid and separating a component of a fluid from the fluid comprises a separation chamber for receiving the fluid, an air chamber in fluid communication with the separation chamber, and a return channel in fluid communication with the separation chamber. In an advantageous embodiment, the fluidic circuit is subjected to a force, such as a centrifugal force, so that substantially all of the component of the fluid is moved to the return channel while substantially all remaining portions of the fluid are moved to the separation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignees: Burstein Technologies, Inc., Nagaoka & Co., Ltd.Inventors: Horacio Kido, James R. Norton, James H. Coombs
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Patent number: 7387898Abstract: A multi-well assay plate structure (54) and assay apparatus and a method for performing chemical biochemical assays is described. The multi-well assay plate structure (54) defines a relatively shallow substantially enclosed space (71) above a plurality of wells (76), with the enclosed space (71) having an inlet (72) and an outlet (22) separate from the inlet. Fluid introduced via the inlet (72) flows into the space (71) and/or wells (76) by displacing air. Withdrawal of the fluid via the inlet (72) or outlet leaves fluid in the wells (76) allowing various tests to be performed. Various embodiments of the structure are described. The preferred arrangement embodies the structure on a transparent plastic disk which can be used with automatic fluid handling apparatus (80) and the results assessed using optical assessment apparatus (81).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignees: Burstein Technologies, Inc., Nagaoka & Co., Ltd.Inventor: John Francis Gordon
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Patent number: 7384602Abstract: In a chemical analysis apparatus for extracting a specific substance, such as nucleic acid, from a sample containing a plurality of chemical substances, solutions remaining in valves are prevented so that a reagent in an earlier step does not contaminate the subsequent steps. Predetermined quantities of solutions are carried and supplied by centrifugal force without providing valves for controlling the flow of the solutions. After perforating the lids of ventilation holes 272, 273, 274 communicated with a detection container 450 and disposal containers 460 and 470 in an analysis disc 2, the analysis disc 2 is rotated to supply and carry a predetermined quantity of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Nagaoka, Naruo Watanabe, Kei Takenaka, Tomoki Ohashi, Yuji Miyahara
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Patent number: 7384600Abstract: 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, preforming 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: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry
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Patent number: 7371330Abstract: A particle sedimentation apparatus includes a rotation body rotatable about a rotation axis and a separation chamber formed in the rotation body, to cause sedimentation of particle suspension in the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. The particles accumulate in a radially outward region of the separation chamber. A flow-rate-determining inflow channel having azimuthal path length with an inflow channel inlet and an inflow channel outlet is formed in the rotation body, the inflow channel inlet being arranged radially further inwardly than the inflow channel outlet, the inflow channel outlet being fluidically connected to the separation chamber and formed to introduce particle suspension into the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. Furthermore, an outflow channel is formed in the rotation body with an outflow channel inlet and an outflow channel outlet, to at least partially drain supernatant liquid formed by sedimentation from the separation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet FreiburgInventors: Jens Ducree, Roland Zengerle, Stefan Haeberle, Thilo Brenner
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Patent number: 7371329Abstract: Methods for filtering particles from a fluid are disclosed, wherein an array of microstructures defining respective microchannels having respective minimum widths are used to separate the fluid from particles to be filtered. The fluid flows through the minimum widths into the microchannels defined between adjacent microstructures. The particles to be filtered are prevented from passing through the respective minimum widths, resulting in filtration of those particles from the fluid. The microchannels can be provided with gradient characteristics to separate particles in the fluid according to size.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AGInventors: Johannes Edlinger, Claus Heine-Kempkins, Othmar Zuger
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Patent number: 7368083Abstract: The present invention provides a blood processing apparatus that can introduce a metered quantity of a blood sample into a chamber and does not require an opening linked to the chamber to be closed after the introduction of the blood sample. An introducing chamber, an injection port, and an air port are formed in a rotatable platform of a blood processing apparatus. The injection port links the introducing chamber with the outside of the rotatable platform. A blood sample is introduced from the injection port into the introducing chamber. A blood coagulant is held on the port wall surface of the air port and/or around a portion of the surface of the rotatable platform where the air port is open.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiko Ozaki, Hiroaki Oka, Tetsuo Yukimasa, Hidenobu Yaku, Maki Yotsuhashi, Yukari Hataoka
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Patent number: 7361306Abstract: The present invention refers to a novel device for measuring coagulation time and platelet activity wherein the patient can measure his or her coagulation time and platelet activity without the aid of medical professionals due to the fact that this device is fully autonomous. A blood sample (14) is deposited in the dish (3) and reacted with a reactant (16). The display (9) then shows the coagulation time and platelet activity of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventor: Antonio Bote Bote
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Patent number: 7358095Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 7354773Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing biological cell samples for intracellular analysis. The invention is based upon the recognition that many of the steps of the conventional methods for such sample preparation can be eliminated, leading to a process that readily lends itself to automation and the advantages associated therewith. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) cell-fixation, (b) permeabilization and (c) staining (or labeling) of intracellular molecules of interest by probes that are readily detectable by flow cytometric techniques, all without any intervening cell-washing (and re-suspension) steps. Rather, the single cell-washing step is effected after these three steps have been carried out. Preferably, the washing step is carried out by passing the fixed, permeabilized and stained cell sample through a semi-permeable membrane that serves to filter out (by transmission) interferants to waste while retaining the cells of interest.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Oilda Rubio, Carlos Aparicio, John A. Maples, Julie Wilkinson, Cecilia Smith, Frank J. Lucas
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Patent number: 7354768Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a petroleum sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through a measurement column containing a high-uptake gelling agent, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The sample's moisture is determined by measuring the expanded volume of the high-uptake gelling agent. The measurement column also contains a sediment measurement section having a sediment filter and a sight glass with graduations to measure the sediment content of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
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Patent number: 7338803Abstract: An automatic clinical analyzer in which the number of cuvette ports available for reaction vessels on a reaction carousel are 50% in a configuration using a single reagent storage areas; in a second configuration an additional reagent storage areas is employed and additional ones of the cuvette ports on reaction carousel are utilized, thereby significantly increasing throughput.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.Inventors: John Paul Mizzer, Steven Frye, William Jackson Devlin, Sr., Allan Tit-Shing Chow
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Patent number: 7332126Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing the steps of nucleic acid template purification, thermocycling reaction and purification of the products of the thermocycling reaction characterized in that the steps take place sequentially in a microfluidic disc. Also disclosed is a microstructure for fluids comprising at least one inlet opening connected to a first chamber incorporating a means for purifying template nucleic acid which, in turn, is connected to a second chamber incorporating a means for a thermocycling reaction which, in turn, is connected to a third chamber incorporating a means for purifying products of the thermocycling reaction, and a microfluidic disc comprising a plurality of such microstructures.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: GYROS Patent ABInventors: Nigel Eric Tooke, Per X. Andersson
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Patent number: 7332129Abstract: Sample processing devices including process chambers having bypass slots and methods of using the same are disclosed. The bypass slots are formed in the sidewalls of the process chambers and are in fluid communication with distribution channels used to deliver fluid sample materials to the process chambers.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Barry W. Robole, William Bedingham
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Patent number: 7320776Abstract: A fluid analytical device for separating and analyzing a fluid including a first component and a second component. The specific weight of the first component exceeds that of the second component. A rotating base includes a receiving chamber, a first separation well, a second separation well, a first connection channel, a second connection channel, and a vent channel. The receiving chamber receives the fluid. The first connection channel connects the receiving chamber to the first separation well. The second connection channel connects the first separation well to the second separation well. The vent channel is connected to the receiving chamber. The distance from the first separation well to the receiving chamber exceeds that from the second separation well to the receiving chamber. When the rotating base rotates, the first and second components of the fluid flow into the first and second separation wells by centrifugal force, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Apex Biotechnology Corp.Inventors: Wen-Pin Hsieh, Chin-Tang Chuang, Jian-Je Jian, Iany-H Liau, Ke-Shieng Yang
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Patent number: 7294513Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which means molecules in suspension may be characterized in terms of the size and mass distributions present. As a sample solution is separated by centrifugal means, it is illuminated at a particular radial distance from the axis of rotation by a fine, preferably monochromatic, light beam. Despite the high resolution of such devices, a key problem associated with most separators based upon use of centrifugal forces is the difficulty in deriving the absolute size and/or molar mass of the separating molecules. By integrating means to detect light scattered, over a range of scattering angles, from samples undergoing centrifugal separation, molecular sizes in the sub-micrometer range may be derived, even in the presence of diffusion. Adding a second light beam at a displaced rotational angle, preferably of an ultraviolet wavelength, that intersects the sample at the same radial region as the first beam permits determination of the molecular concentration at that region.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Wyatt Technology CorporationInventor: Philip J. Wyatt
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Patent number: 7276382Abstract: A blood test method including (a) centrifuging a mammalian blood sample into a plasma and blood cells; (b) removing buffy coats from the blood cells to obtain red blood cells containing solutes confined therewithin; (c) washing the red blood cells with a buffered physiological saline solution and isolating the washed blood cells; (d) mixing the washed red blood cells with a buffered physiological saline solution to obtain a suspended liquid; (e) centrifuging the suspended liquid to remove a supernatant and to obtain a red blood layer; (f) mixing the red blood layer with a hypertonic solution and maintaining the resulting suspension at a temperature of 25 to 40° C.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventors: Noboru Horiguchi, Hiroshi Horiguchi
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Patent number: 7261859Abstract: Microstructure for fluids provided in a rotatable disc (D) having a U-shaped volume-defining structure (7) connected at its base to an inlet arm of a U-shaped chamber (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Gyros ABInventors: Per Andersson, Arvi Aksberg, Gunnar Ekstrand, Björn Berg
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Patent number: 7256046Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of photometric analysis, particularly to photometric analysis apparatuses which use disk-shaped rotors, in which the rotors are loaded automatically.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory S.p.A.Inventors: Luigi Nebuloni, Elena Lattuada
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Patent number: 7247486Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing an assay on chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids. The apparatus includes an assay chamber for fluid reactions and a centrifugal force activated-valve for controlling fluid movement through the assay chamber. An active surface can be positioned in the assay chamber to react with fluids passed through the assay chamber. The active surface may contain biomolecular probes. The biomolecular probes can be DNA, DNA fragments, RNA, RNA fragments, reagents, protein, protein fragments, lipids, and lipid fragments. The apparatus is particularly useful when multiple reactions, dilutions, or washing steps are required to determine a final answer. The centrifugal force activated-valve provides positive control over fluid in the assay chamber and allows for repeated use of the same chamber for multiple reaction steps. The apparatus can be disposed of after an assay to eliminate potential contamination from reuse of the same apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Carol T. Schembri
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Patent number: 7220593Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephan C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 7218394Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which prevents a liquid specimen from adhering onto a surface of a disk and leaking out of the disk, and is easy to handle during injection of the specimen. The disk assembly includes a guide member detachably provided on the disk and having a guide hole for guiding a distal portion of a specimen injector toward a specimen injection port, so that the specimen is injected into a specimen spreading cavity or an internal channel from the specimen injection port and rotated about an axis of the disk, and the specimen spread in the channel following the rotation is optically scanned for analyzing. The distal portion of the specimen injector is inserted into the guide hole and assuredly guided to the center of the specimen injection port, thus preventing the specimen from adhering onto the disk surface around the injection port.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Murakami, Masakazu Mori, Hiroyuki Hamamoto
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Patent number: 7195737Abstract: A specimen centrifuge system includes a centrifuge unit including a plurality of specimen centrifuges which are stacked in a plurality of layers in a vertical direction, a rack conveyor which is provided along a horizontal conveyance line, and a rack elevator which is provided along a vertical conveyance line. The rack elevator has a robot arm device which moves the specimen-container rack from the rack conveyor to the rack elevator and from the rack elevator to the rack conveyor and moves the specimen-container rack from the rack elevator to one of the specimen centrifuges and from one of the specimen centrifuges to the rack elevator.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
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Patent number: 7192558Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: McLuen Design, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. McLuen, Richard J. Hanney, Daniel W. Hugens
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Patent number: 7182912Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Bayer CorporationInventors: Glen Carey, Scott C. Lewis, Mary Beth Whitesel, Frank C. Klingshirn
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Patent number: 7179651Abstract: A sample holder is described, for use in centrifugal evaporators, which permits accelerated evaporation of solvents from samples while ensuring that samples from which evaporation is complete are not damaged by overheating. The sample holder is radiantly heated and has sample containers mounted either directly in it, or in intermediate holders themselves mounted in it. The sample holder imparts heat to the samples and has a cross-sectional area chosen such that no appreciable temperature gradient exists between the radiantly or otherwise heated surfaces of the holder and the sample containers. The sample containers are mounted in the holder at an angle between 35° and 65° to the vertical and orientated such that centrifugal force tends to retain the sample material in the containers. The sample holder may be combined with other holders in a stack, the joints between adjacent holders in the stack being adapted to minimize the temperature difference across them.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Genevac LimitedInventor: Michael Cole
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Patent number: 7169360Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drive adapted for creating liquid flow in rotatable microfluidic discs. A rotary drive for spinning a disc shaped substrate having microfluidic structures formed therein for the flow control of microliter and/or nanoliter volumes of liquid by centrifugal force is suggested, comprising a motor with a spindle having an axis of rotation. A rotary member is connected for rotation with the spindle and driven for rotation relative to a stationary member, the rotary member being formed with a top plane having a centering guide for receiving the disc so as to force a symmetry axis of the disc into alignment with said axis of rotation. A vacuum source is connected with the stationary member and communicating with the rotary member or a part thereof rotating with the rotary member for applying sub-pressure to the disc when spinning the disc about its symmetry axis. Preferably, the rotary member is journalled for contact-free rotation relative to the stationary member.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Gyros ABInventors: Tomas Ågren, Henrik Östlin
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Patent number: 7157285Abstract: The automated sample-on-solid-support processing system of the present invention comprises a computer-based control unit and a main unit comprising a variable-speed centrifuge having an openable vacuum-tight chamber and a centrifuge rotor with a plurality of multi-sample holding positions, a liquid solvent supply subsystem which feeds solvent to a plurality of dispensing stations in the centrifuge chamber, a temperature control subsystem, and a vacuum subsystem. A sample/collection container includes a plurality of wells, each for separating a sample from its solid support when solvent is dispensed into the wells and the centrifuge is activated at a low speed. Operation of the centrifuge at high speed concentrates the cleaved sample in collection wells. In the preferred embodiment bar code reader or other identification means, preferably a non-contact reader, can be included in the chamber to allow sample carriers to be identified.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Nexus Biosystems, Inc.Inventors: Rob Neeper, John Lillig
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Patent number: 7150998Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: McLuen Design, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. McLuen, Richard J. Hanney, Daniel W. Hugens
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Patent number: 7112303Abstract: A specimen centrifuge apparatus includes a specimen container carry-in system and a specimen container carry-out system. The specimen container carry-in system has a specimen container carry-in conveyor for loading pre-processed specimen containers into specimen centrifuge units stacked one on another in a centrifuge device, a carry-in elevator, a carry-in transfer arm, and a loading arm. The specimen container carry-out system has a specimen container carry-out conveyor for unloading the processed specimen containers from the specimen centrifuges, a carry-out elevator, a carry-out transfer arm, and an unloading arm.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
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Patent number: 7094354Abstract: A microfluidic device provides separation of particles in a liquid sample, particularly, separation of a sample of whole blood into its components for further analysis. Separation into red blood cells and plasma occurs within a few seconds after the blood sample has been transferred into a separation chamber with the application of centrifugal force of less than about five times gravity. With the application of greater force measurement of hematocrit is possible.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLCInventors: Michael J. Pugia, James A. Profitt, Lloyd Schulman, Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters
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Patent number: 7094607Abstract: A combinatorial, high-throughput screening method is described for developing new coatings having a performance characteristic of a coating property which results in a substantial increase in the discovery rate of new coating materials. The method includes the steps of providing an array of wells (18) for receiving candidate coating materials having a parameter; placing coating materials in each well (16) while varying the coating material parameter correlating the coating material position in the array to the variation of the coating material parameter; applying a coating leveling force to and optionally drying the coating materials in the array of coating wells (19); testing the coatings with regard to the desired performance characteristic (21) and correlating the result of the test to the well position in the array that thereby coating materials having the desired performance characteristic may be discovered.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Mark Licon, Jay R. Akhave, Dennis L. Saunders