With Sample On Test Slide Patents (Class 436/46)
  • Patent number: 11579159
    Abstract: A sample dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a sample and a reagent to the reaction vessel at a first dispensing position and the reaction cell positioned at a second dispensing position; a second reagent vessel disposed on a track of the sample dispensing mechanism; and a control unit configured to control the sample dispensing mechanism, in which the control unit is configured to, based on information on presence or absence of incubation of an analysis item, control the sample dispensing mechanism to dispense a sample and a reagent to the reaction vessel positioned at the first dispensing position in a case where the incubation is not required by the analysis item, and control the sample dispensing mechanism to dispense a sample to the reaction cell positioned at the second dispensing position in a case where the incubation is required by the analysis item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rei Konishi, Akihisa Makino
  • Patent number: 11406976
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for detection of an analyte in a fluid is described. The microfluidic device comprises a substrate having a first surface defining entrances to one or more chambers defined in the substrate, surfaces of the chambers defining a second surface of the substrate, the first surface being modified for selective targeting and capture of at least one analyte to operably effect a blocking of the entrance to at least one of the chambers, and wherein a response characteristic of the microfluidic device is operably varied by the blocking of the entrance to the at least one of the chambers, thereby providing an indication of the presence of the analyte within the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Robert Forster, Elaine Spain, Kellie Adamson, Eadaoin Carthy, David Boyle
  • Patent number: 11273441
    Abstract: A sensor cartridge contains a porous matrix for passing analyte molecules of a liquid sample. A porous collection disk supports the matrix and closes a lower end of a wall of the cartridge. The collection disk being sandwiched between the lower end and a base cap. An air channel extends between a first air opening at a top end of the cartridge and a second air opening positioned above the collection disk and opposite a base cap air opening. The collection disk is between the second air opening and the base cap air opening. At least one of the first air openings and the base cap air opening comprises a connection to a supra-atmospheric or subatmospheric pressure air source. The second air opening and the base cap air opening guide an air flow to provide evaporation and analyze concentration at specific locations of the collection disk, thereby improving detection limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
    Inventors: Gert Ijsbrand Salentijn, Marten Herre Hoekstra
  • Patent number: 10896858
    Abstract: Disclosed is a processing method for performing a processing corresponding to a processing gas in a plurality of processing containers which are connected to a gas supply source, and at least some of which have different lengths of pipes to the gas supply source. The processing method includes simultaneously supplying the processing gas from the gas supply source to the plurality of processing containers, and individually supplying the processing gas from the gas supply source to the plurality of processing containers or to some of the plurality of processing containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Keiichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10114020
    Abstract: A device for analyzing an analyte in a sample includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a fluidic channel, an inlet port and an outlet port. Each of the first substrate and the second substrate has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the first substrate forming, at least in part, the lower wall of the fluidic channel, and the inner surface of the second substrate forming, at least in part, the upper wall of the fluidic channel. The fluidic channel is connected to the inlet port and the outlet port. The fluidic channel includes a reagent region and a detection region, at least a portion of the reagent region being coated with one or more dried reagents. The device further includes a wicking pad located on the outer surface of the second substrate, the wicking pad being positioned at a pre-determined distance from the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: MBio Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Dunn, Jeffrey T. Ives, Michael J. Lochhead, Kurt R. Vogel, Keagan B. Rowley
  • Patent number: 9939357
    Abstract: A cartridge for holding and dispensing streaking applicators for an automated streaking apparatus having a cartridge holder, the cartridge including: a case with a dispensing end, a longitudinal axis and an elongate slot generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the dispensing end including an applicator dispensing position where one applicator can be at least partially accessible from outside the case; and an applicator support member constrained within the case for longitudinal movement therein and being able to carry a stack of applicators; the elongate slot being capable of operatively receiving a biasing member when the cartridge is in the cartridge holder to urge the support member towards the dispensing end and an applicator into the dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LBT INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Stephen Lewis Leckenby, Phillip James Duncan, Ryan Andrew Annear, Colin William Potter
  • Patent number: 9726687
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated system for processing of tissue. The system comprises a plurality of containers for storing at least one of tissue samples, buffer solutions, enzymes and other reagents, tissue processing container for processing of the tissue, and a robotic assembly coupled to the tissue processing container. The robotic assembly is configured to: carry the tissue processing container towards each of the plurality of containers, and align an inlet port of the tissue processing container with an outlet port of each of the plurality of containers for collecting the liquids, and moves the tissue processing container in multiple-planes to perform at least one of the washing processes, digestion process, phase separation process and combination thereof. The system also comprises of a control unit interfaced with the robotic assembly for controlling operations of the robotic assembly while processing the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: STEMPEUTICS RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Cherat Murali, Damle Alok, Sundar Raj Swathi, Majumdar Anish Sen, Deshmukh Abhijeet, Sathya Kumar Byalappa Manjunath, Lohidhakshan Prajod Thiruvampattil
  • Patent number: 9573761
    Abstract: An analytical system for examining a body fluid and a method of operation of an analytical system, typically for blood sugar tests, including an exchangeable magazine (18) as a consumable, which includes a plurality of magazine units (24) that are each provided with at least one analytical aid (32, 34) and with a transport element (28), a hand-held device (12) having a magazine guide (16) for receiving the magazine (18), a transport mechanism (48) that engages on the transport elements so as to transport the magazine in steps in the magazine guide, including a positioning mechanism (50) for positioning an active magazine unit in a predefined functional position, wherein retaining means (52, 54) of the positioning mechanism can be brought into engagement with transport elements of the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans List
  • Patent number: 9554422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that result in high quality, reproducible, thermal melt analysis on a microfluidic platform. The present invention relates to methods and systems using thermal systems including heat spreading devices, including interconnection methods and materials developed to connect heat spreaders to microfluidic devices. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for controlling, measuring, and calibrating the thermal systems of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnathan S. Coursey, Kenton C. Hasson
  • Patent number: 9439630
    Abstract: Sample media for the analysis of analytes in a fluid test sample includes a carrier, at least one test field on the surface of the carrier including at least one reagent reactive with the analytes and capable of providing a detectable response. A non-visible bar code formed by at least two distinct non-visible marker fields is located on the carrier. The marker fields are configured to reflect electro-magnetic (EM) radiation within one or more ranges of non-visible wavelengths to form a coded sequence of reflectances correlated to identification of the sample media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Chris T. Zimmerle, Michael J. Pugia, James A. Profitt
  • Patent number: 9316662
    Abstract: An automated analyzer includes a conveyance mechanism to convey a specimen, an analysis portion to analyze the specimen, and a device cover to cover a movable mechanism including the conveyance mechanism. The automated analyzer is provided with an interlock mechanism and an interlock release mechanism. The interlock mechanism stops an operation of the movable mechanism when the device cover is opened. The interlock release mechanism disables all or part of the interlock mechanism. The interlock mechanism is enabled when a lever 301 is in contact with a safety switch 302. The interlock mechanism is disabled or partially disabled when the lever 301 is not in contact with the safety switch 302. This enables to prevent a user from inadvertently touching the movable mechanism including a hazard region during analysis of the automated analyzer or a maintenance task. Only a specific maintenance task can be performed with the device cover opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Ishigami, Toshihide Orihashi, Goro Yoshida, Kenichi Nishigaki, Hideyuki Yanami
  • Patent number: 9295988
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and associated methods to facilitate multiplexed staining on a slide. The use of multiplexed staining on a single slide allows for more accurate disease diagnosis while also conserving sample. A PDMS based cytology overlay was created that is capable of coupling on-chip morphological, cytochemical, and immunological staining. Morphological and cytochemical staining of blood smears, along with immunostaining of lymph node imprints, was carried out to demonstrate the application of this microfluidic cytology chip (?CC) device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Charles Henry, Matthew Feirer, Meghan Mensack
  • Patent number: 9261523
    Abstract: A system for managing the inventory of reagents for a laboratory automation system. The system for managing the inventory of reagents comprises a controller, software for the controller, and a refrigerator capable of refrigerating reagents, detecting the presence or absence of reagents in the refrigerator, and detecting the location of reagents in the refrigerator. The system for managing the inventory of reagents is connected to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises at least one clinical analyzer. A typical system for managing inventories of reagents includes an operator interface for the loading of boxes of reagents and other supplies, radio frequency identification system for identification of inventory and tracking, robotic mechanisms for loading containers onto the track system and removing containers from the track system, de-capping equipment, refrigeration equipment, and information technology connections to laboratory analyzers and vendors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Patrick P. Fritchie, John C. Jones, Oscar F. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9243997
    Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a housing, a reader, and a data analyzer. The housing includes a port for receiving a test strip. The reader obtains separable light intensity measurements from localized regions of an area of the detection zone exposed for optical inspection, wherein each of the localized regions is characterized by at least one surface dimension smaller than the first dimension. The data analyzer identifies ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the at least one test region and computes at least one parameter from the identified ones of the light intensity measurements. In another aspect, the reader obtains a respective set of light intensity measurements from each of multiple corresponding regions of the exposed surface area of the detection zone, and the data analyzer computes at least one parameter from at least one of the sets of light intensity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Petruno, John F. Petrilla, Michael J. Brosnan, Rong Zhou, Daniel B. Roitman
  • Patent number: 9097699
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Charlton, Allen Brenneman
  • Patent number: 9075032
    Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting a sample as an analysis objective in a state of being accommodated in a sample container comprises a judging unit which judges whether or not the sample container is positioned at each of first and second collection positions for collecting the sample from the sample container in order to perform each of first and second analysis processes and which outputs each of judgment results thereof as first and second collection position data; and a sample container identification unit which performs individual identification of the sample container in a transport route for the sample container and which outputs an identification result thereof as individual identification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Eiji Takai, Noriaki Furusato
  • Patent number: 9033800
    Abstract: A gaming machine with more gaming excitement is provided. The gaming machine includes: a cabinet; an upper image display panel which is provided on the cabinet and displays an effect image concerning a game; a lamp body unit which includes a lamp body which is a formed object and a sensor configured to detect the player's gesture with respect to the lamp body and is provided at a position different from the upper image display panel when viewed from the front surface of the cabinet; and a controller used to start the game, and the controller detects the player's gesture by the sensor at a timing corresponding to the state of the game and displays an effect image corresponding to the detected player's gesture on the upper image display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Kenji Enokido, Keita Shimura, Kou Kobayashi, Hiroki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9028756
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Publication number: 20150111202
    Abstract: An apparatus including a reagent cartridge and a reaction chamber, the reagent cartridge having a reagent capsule removably positioned therein for dispensing of a reagent onto the reaction chamber. A system including a linearly translatable mounting assembly having a plurality of mounting stations dimensioned to receive at least one fluid dispensing cartridge, a linearly translatable bulk reagent dispensing assembly having a plurality of bulk reagent dispensing nozzles coupled thereto and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly and the bulk reagent dispensing assembly, the receiving assembly including a plurality of reaction stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Xuan S. Bui, Anthony L. Hartman, Toshiyuki Fujimaki, Shinji Tokudaiji, Yoshitake Okabe, Yoshitada Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8975039
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for staining of one or more samples, including providing one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to be inserted into an auto-staining instrument; and enabling one of one or more staining procedures appropriate for the one or more samples as a function of a choice of self-contained sample processing receptacle, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to process each inserted sample of the one or more samples within the self-contained sample processing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SYFR, Inc.
    Inventors: Shazi Iqbal, Steven M. Montgomery, Ronald Chang, Gregory Mote, Douglas B Dority, Jeffrey S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8962341
    Abstract: An assay system designed to detect a protein biomarker in urine that is diagnostic for interstitial cystitis (IC). The presence of a 9 amino acid glycopeptide, antiproliferative factor (APF), in urine is unique to patients with IC. Urine samples from patients who exhibit symptoms consistent with IC are added to the assay system. Binding of APF to the cytoskeletal associated protein 4 (CKAP4) is positive for the presence of APF in urine and diagnostic for IC. The diagnostic system is a significant and surprising advance in diagnosis of IC and has commercial applications relevant to women and men who suffer from symptoms consistent with IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: The Commonwealth Medical College, University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alan Zacharias, Sonia Lobo Planey
  • Publication number: 20150044664
    Abstract: A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin J. Sullivan, James Kelland, Nhat Khai L. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8945662
    Abstract: A slide stainer and a method for operating the slide carrier is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that carries one or more laboratory slides; a vessel that is capable of carrying fluid for staining the laboratory slides and that is sized to accommodate the laboratory slides; a slide transporter that moves the slide carrier into and out of the vessel; and a spring loaded pin that engages with a surface of the slide stainer to limit free-fall translation of the slide carrier in an event of a power loss. Additionally, during an agitation phase of a slide staining process, the slide transporter is configured to translate the slide carrier in an upward direction to a pre-determined height that is set by a user of the slide stainer, and the slide transporter translates the slide carrier in a downward direction back into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rushabh Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Preyas Shah
  • Patent number: 8940540
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Charlton, Allen Brenneman
  • Patent number: 8932543
    Abstract: An apparatus including a reagent cartridge and a reaction chamber, the reagent cartridge having a reagent capsule removably positioned therein for dispensing of a reagent onto the reaction chamber. A system including a linearly translatable mounting assembly having a plurality of mounting stations dimensioned to receive at least one fluid dispensing cartridge, a linearly translatable bulk reagent dispensing assembly having a plurality of bulk reagent dispensing nozzles coupled thereto and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly and the bulk reagent dispensing assembly, the receiving assembly including a plurality of reaction stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Xuan S. Bui, Anthony L. Hartman, Toshiyuki Fujimaki, Shinji Tokudaiji, Yoshitake Okabe, Yoshitada Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8920752
    Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Biodot, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C Tisone, Holger Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8883509
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Glen Ward, Austin Ashby, Andrew Ghusson, Lisa Jensen-Long, Kevin Knapp, Rodney Kugizaki, Alain Larson, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Chad Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8852524
    Abstract: Cells in a suspension are counted in a hemocytometer slice with a chamber of controlled depth and one or more reservoirs along one or more side edges of the chamber. The suspension is fed to a reservoir to first fill the reservoir, and then to overflow into the chamber. The result is an even distribution of the cells in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Kun Guo
  • Patent number: 8828738
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from heterophile antibodies in an analyte immunoassay. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with non-human IgM or fragments thereof by dissolving into said sample a dry reagent to yield a non-human IgM concentration of at least about 20 ?g/mL or equivalent fragment concentration; and (b) performing an electrochemical immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG or fragments thereof in addition to the IgM of fragments thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: John Lewis Emerson Campbell, John Emegbero Omakor
  • Patent number: 8808623
    Abstract: A diagnosis assisting system comprising: an analyzing section for analyzing a sample collected from a subject; a determining section for determining whether there is a possibility that a subject has a predetermined disease based on an analysis result obtained by the analyzing section; a notification section for notifying the possibility when the determining section has determined that there is the possibility; and a diagnosis assisting information display section for displaying a diagnosis assisting information screen which displays diagnosis assisting information related to the predetermined disease, is disclosed. A diagnosis assisting information providing device and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Jo Linssen, Matthias Guhl
  • Patent number: 8788217
    Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher
  • Patent number: 8784735
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Patent number: 8765453
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for staining of one or more samples, including providing one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to be inserted into an auto-staining instrument; and enabling one of one or more staining procedures appropriate for the one or more samples as a function of a choice of self-contained sample processing receptacle, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to process each inserted sample of the one or more samples within the self-contained sample processing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: SYFR, Inc.
    Inventors: Shazi S Iqbal, Steven M Montgomery, Ronald Chang, Gregory E Mote, Douglas B Dority, Jeffrey S Ross
  • Publication number: 20140178858
    Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Micheil Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
  • Patent number: 8748899
    Abstract: A nitride-based semiconductor device according to the present disclosure includes a nitride-based semiconductor multilayer structure 20 with a p-type semiconductor region, of which the surface 12 defines a tilt angle of one to five degrees with respect to an m plane, and an electrode 30, which is arranged on the p-type semiconductor region. The p-type semiconductor region is made of an AlxInyGazN (where x+y+z=1, x?0, y?0 and z?0) semiconductor layer 26. The electrode 30 includes an Mg layer 32, which is in contact with the surface 12 of the p-type semiconductor region, and a metal layer 34 formed on the Mg layer 32. The metal layer 34 is formed from at least one metallic element that is selected from the group consisting of Pt, Mo and Pd.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Yokogawa, Mitsuaki Oya, Atsushi Yamada, Ryou Kato
  • Patent number: 8722412
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Egle, Stefan Thiem, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8715571
    Abstract: A system and method for receiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluid testing device. The system includes parallel first and second guide rails defining a rail cavity between the guide rails. A sled includes a sled post and opposed first and second side leg sets each having at least one deflectable leg. Each of the deflectable legs is externally slidably engaged to one of the guide rails limiting the sled to only sliding motion in either a loading direction or an opposite ejection direction. An actuator arm is rotatably connected to a mechanism assembly. The sled post is received in an actuator arm slot. Actuator arm rotation in a loading rotational direction displaces the sled in the loading direction in a sliding motion. Subsequent opposite rotation of the actuator arm in an ejection rotational direction displaces the sled in the ejection direction and ejects the test strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hanson, Derek C. Lotarski, Matthew C. Sauers, Anthony J. Uberta, III
  • Patent number: 8703054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical apparatus comprising: a passage (45) in which an analytical tool (2) is moved from above to below; and a movement block (51), made capable of reciprocatory movement in the horizontal directions (D1, D2), for moving the analytical tool (2) incoming through the passage (45) in the direction (D1). This analytical apparatus is constructed such that, by erecting the analytical tool (2) on the movement block (51) positioned directly below the outlet (45B) of the passage (45) and causing the movement block (51) to move in the D1 or D2 direction, the analytical tool (2) is tipped over, and the analytical tool (2) is placed in a horizontal condition on the movement block (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Hidenari Yamagata
  • Patent number: 8691152
    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: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Roche Operations Ltd., Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, Terry A. Beaty, Vladimir Svetnik
  • Patent number: 8663991
    Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
  • Patent number: 8623656
    Abstract: A test specimen that has one or more chemical substances fixed to prescribed plural independent positions on a substrate, and the quantities of the chemical substances fixed at the respective prescribed positions are the total of integer multiples of existence quantity units defined for the respective chemical substances in the range from 1 amol to 1 nmol (excluding the case in which the total quantity is zero).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Komatsu, Hiroyuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8625930
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lokesh Tatke, Suraj Somwanshi, Bikash Sabata, Ronald L. Allen, Suhas Patil, Sujit Chivate
  • Patent number: 8597577
    Abstract: An optoelectronic swept-frequency semiconductor laser coupled to a microfabricated optical biomolecular sensor with integrated resonator and waveguide and methods related thereto are described. Biomolecular sensors with optical resonator microfabricated with integrated waveguide operation can be in a microfluidic flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard C. Flagan, Amnon Yariv, Jason Gamba, Naresh Satyan, Jacob Sendowski, Arseny Vasilyev
  • Patent number: 8563330
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the rapid identification of patients suspected of having thalassemia. The invention provides a test strip for the aqueous detection of thalassemia related proteins in whole blood. The test strip includes antibodies specific to the gamma 4, (?4) protein and provides easy visual discrimination between a positive result and a negative result. The invention can be used in remote or clinical settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: National Science and Technology Development Agency
    Inventors: Watchara Kasinrerk, Chatchai Tayapiwatana, Thanusak Tatu, Suthat Fucharoen, Sawitree Chiampanichayakul
  • Patent number: 8557180
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for analyzing a sample liquid comprising a test tape having a plurality of test elements, a tape transport device which successively transports the test elements to a sample application site while advancing the tape, and a measuring device which scans the test elements loaded with sample liquid at a measuring site. The measuring site is located at a distance from the sample application site in the direction of tape movement. The tape transport is interrupted in order to exactly position a wetted area of the test elements carrying a sample liquid at the measuring site by means of a positioning device that responds to the presence of sample liquid on the test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Krämer, Hans List
  • Patent number: 8545760
    Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Takashi Yamato, Naohiko Matsuo, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Patent number: 8529836
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Patent number: 8518342
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Biomerieux
    Inventors: David Mosticone, Pascal Montes, Jean-Claude Raymond, Bruno Colin, Cecile Paris
  • Patent number: 8508846
    Abstract: A slide transfer mechanism for a laser scanner device for imaging and measuring fluorescent samples is located in a sample plane on sample slides. The device includes a first optical system for providing laser beams and at least one detector for detecting an emission beam bundle coming from the sample, and a second optical system for forwarding the emission beam bundle to the at least one detector. The slide transfer mechanism has a motorized transport device for transferring a sample slide to the sample table and back. The storage unit of the laser scanner device includes a positioning plate for mounting a sample part magazine that has an open insertion side for storing sample slides in specific depositories. At a corner opposite to the insertion side, the sample part magazine includes a check opening for monitoring the presence or absence of a sample slide in a specific depository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Frank Fischer, Harald Gebetsroither, Andreas Gfrorer
  • Patent number: 8475717
    Abstract: A police tester to detect the presence of a target substance includes a housing adapted to be mounted in a police cruiser; a chemical reservoir insertable into the housing; a test swipe in a disc or an automated cartridge, the test swipe adapted to receive a chemical from the chemical reservoir, the test swipe including one or more chemically treated pads; a camera to capture an image from the test swipe; a processor coupled to the camera to process the image to detect the target substance; and a transmitter coupled to the processor to transmit a test result to a remote computer at a police headquarter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chemspectra, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Haas, Douglas Haas