Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra Patents (Class 436/79)
  • Patent number: 6682934
    Abstract: A portable instrument for automatic collection and analysis of airborne lead concentrations in ambient air environments. Its improvements to the art of airborne lead detection and analysis permit the apparatus to analyze samples previously collected by personal monitors, for example, worn on the clothing of personnel working in contaminated sites. The apparatus also brings to the art of lead analysis a method of contaminant collection that ensures a greater capture efficiency of airborne contaminants, thereby increasing the accuracy of the instrument and its measurement capabilities while providing near real-time analysis and measurement in a portable self-contained battery-powered device. The apparatus also offers a remarkable improvement in the reduction of wastes incurred in the collection and analysis of airborne lead contaminants which is a novel method of concentrating the samples and recycling the analysis media used to concentrate and solubilize lead contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Clifford Jolly, Leslie A. Karr, Bryan Lee Harre, Barbara Marie Sugiyama, John Joseph Kornuc
  • Patent number: 6660526
    Abstract: A fluoroionophore for the fluorescent detection of potassium ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignees: Bayer Corporation, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: John S. Benco, W. Grant McGimpsey, Hubert Nienaber
  • Publication number: 20030186450
    Abstract: A method of detecting soluble lithium in a liquid biological sample comprising combining: (a) an amount of the biological sample; (b) 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octobromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulphonatophenyl) porphyrin; (c) alkali; (d) detergent; (e) chelating agent; and (f) optionally a suitable solvent; to produce a test sample; detecting absorbance change of the test sample relative to a lithium deficient standard sample at a wavelength of between about 475 nm and about 485 nm, between about 515 nm and about 525 nm or simultaneously between about 475 nm and about 485 nm and between about 515 nm and about 525 nm, wherein absorbance change indicates presence of soluble lithium in the biological sample. Also disclosed is a method of quantitatively measuring soluble lithium ions in a biological sample and a reagent for use in such methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas Dennis Henry Balazs, John William Secombe
  • Patent number: 6607918
    Abstract: A fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on a substrate and the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide. A chemical cleaning or stripping solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening (CHTS). In the method, an array of regions is defined on a substrate, a candidate cleaning/stripping solution is deposited onto the regions to effect cleaning/stripping of the regions; a fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on the substrate; the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide and a product of the cleaning/stripping is evaluated according to the identified metal oxide. An activated metal substrate composition is provided that comprises a metal substrate with a contaminant metal oxide coating and a fluorescent activator bound to the substrate by reaction with the metal oxide coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Robert LaGraff, James Claude Carnahan, D Sangeeta, James Anthony Ruud
  • Patent number: 6607920
    Abstract: An instrument for microwave-assisted chemical processes is disclosed that provides greater flexibility in carrying out microwave-assisted chemistry under varying conditions. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, and a cavity in communication with the source, with the cavity including at least one wall formed of two engaged portions that form a barrier to the transmission of microwaves when so engaged. The engaged portions are disengagable from one another, and one of the portions includes a microwave-attenuating opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Cem Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Edward Earl King
  • Publication number: 20030153084
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, devices and kits for use in the calibration of coagulation tests. The control compositions comprise particles capable of aggregating in plasma and calcium ions which, when mixed with plasma, simulate the behavior of whole blood in a coagulation test. The methods comprise providing calcium ions and particles capable of aggregating in plasma, combining the particles and calcium ions with plasma to form a control composition, and applying the control composition to a coagulation test. The devices comprise a container having at least two compartments, with one compartment including particles that promote or induce aggregation of a protein or proteins in plasma, and the other compartment includes a solution of calcium ions. The kits comprise a control composition comprising a container of calcium ions, a container of particles capable of inducing aggregation of proteins in plasma, and one or more coagulation test devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Xiang Yang Zheng, Brian Earp, Herbert Chow, Christa Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20030138963
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of metal amino acid chelate present in various chelate compositions. FT-IR is used to determine the amount of free amino acid present. The bound amino acids may be in the form of an amino acid complex or an amino acid chelate. A total metal analysis and measurement of ligand quantity is then performed, from which the percent of metal amino acid chelate in the sample is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Albion International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Hartle, Clayton Ericson, Stephen D. Ashmead
  • Patent number: 6589793
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the determination of the absolute polarisation of alkali metal atoms. The device can inter alia be used for the diagnosis of alkali metal polarisation in a polariser for inert gases. The device includes a detection laser, which together with a &lgr;/4 plate creates circularly polarised light. A sensor for the measurement of the light absorbed by the sample of the polariser is provided. A Helmholtz coil pair serves for the creation of a static magnetic field B0. An oscillating magnetic field is created with an RF coil. A gradient coil serves for the creation of a linear magnetic field gradient. Various optical components are present. An electronic processor effects the determination of the absolute polarisation of the alkali metal atoms. All the said components with the exception of the Helmholtz coils are firmly mounted onto a platform which can be moved parallel to the direction of the B0 field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Appelt, Timur Unlu, Nadim Jone Shah
  • Publication number: 20030124731
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling hardness in an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method requires the use of a Compound that develops a separate detectable fluorescent signal in the presence of soluble hardness. A fluorometer is used to detect this separate detectable fluorescent signal of the Compound. The separate detectable fluorescent signal is used to ascertain the amount of soluble hardness present in the industrial water system. Another aspect of the instant claimed invention is the ability to determine whether the soluble hardness is calcium or magnesium based.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Xiaojun Dang, David A. Grattan, Linda M. Link
  • Publication number: 20030124730
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling hardness in an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method requires the use of a Compound that develops a separate detectable fluorescent signal in the presence of soluble hardness. A fluorometer is used to detect this separate detectable fluorescent signal of the Compound. The separate detectable fluorescent signal is used to ascertain the amount of soluble hardness present in the industrial water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce A. Bailey, Xiaojun Dang, David A. Grattan, Linda Link
  • Publication number: 20030119195
    Abstract: A fluoroionophore for the fluorescent detection of potassium ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: John S. Benco, W. Grant McGimpsey, Hubert Nienaber
  • Patent number: 6576192
    Abstract: Fluoroionophores of formula (I) wherein R06 is H or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20alkyl, R6 is H or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30alkyl or C1-C30alkoxy, R1 is a bridging group, and F is a residue of a fluorophore. The fluoroionophores may be covalently bound to support materials and may be used as active components in polymer membranes of optical sensors for the detection of ions. The sensors are distinguished by short response times, a high degree of sensitivity and a long usable life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Adrian Waldner, Steven Mark Barnard, Dirk Beckelmann, David Reinhoudt, Joseph Berger
  • Patent number: 6544800
    Abstract: Novel sensor devices composed of a crystalline colloidal array (CCA) polymerized in a hydrogel are disclosed. The hydrogels are characterized as being capable of shrinking and swelling in response to specific stimuli applied thereto. As the hydrogels shrink or swell, the lattice structure of the CCA embedded therein changes, thereby changing the wavelength of light diffracted by the CCA. Thus by monitoring the change in diffracted wavelength, the concentration of a stimulus is determined. The gels can be modified to sense numerous different stimuli. The sensor devices are specific in that they are modified to react with only one species or family of species. These sensors have various applications in areas including, for example, environmental and chemical systems, chemomechanical systems, sensor devices and medical diagnostic tools. Various methods for making and using these devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: Sanford A. Asher
  • Patent number: 6544794
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a visual image of ions in a thin frozen tissue sample by placing the tissue sample in contact with a thin membrane having a water soluble gel or hydrophobic plastic thin film which has incorporated in or placed on its surface a fluorescent or color ion indicator which fluoresces or changes color under light of a particular wavelength. The thin frozen tissue sample is then subjected to light having a wavelength to cause the ion indicator to fluoresce or change color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Denda
  • Publication number: 20030049851
    Abstract: A method which may be used to determine haemostatic dysfunction in a patient is carried out by (a) adding a reagent to a test sample, wherein the test sample includes at least a component of a blood sample from a patient; and then (b) measuring the formation of a precipitate due to the reaction of the test sample and the reagent, over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, the reagent forming a precipitate in the test sample without causing substantial fibrin polymerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Cheng Hock Toh, Colin Downey, Timothy J. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20030027349
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of performing assay to a fluorite sample, which includes a first step for dissolving a fluorite sample, containing Ca and F, by use of a solvent, a second step for removing Ca and F from an obtained solution, and a third step for assaying, through ICP-MS, the solution having Ca and F removed therefrom. Also disclosed is a method of producing a fluorite crystal and an exposure apparatus using such fluorite crystal, and a device manufacturing method using such exposure apparatus. The assaying method of the present invention ensures assay and evaluation of a fluorite sample, of sensitivity several times higher than conventional methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Kenji Ookubo
  • Patent number: 6498041
    Abstract: Bacterial spores can be rapidly and sensitively detected and quantified based upon molecular recognition of unique chemicals in the spore coat. Spores can be detected and assayed based upon the calcium concentration in bacterial spore coats using the calcium which is unique to the bacterial spores. Since spores contain a high concentration of calcium relative to other biological materials, fluorescent calcium-sensitive indicators are used to detect Ca+2 displaced from the spore case or free in solution or from the aerosol phase. Visibly excitable fluorescent dyes provide a sensitive and selective means to monitor changes in spore concentration and avoid difficulties associated with laser or UV-excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Echo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Beth Tabacco, Laura C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6471868
    Abstract: A method for preparing a plasma or serum sample from a whole blood sample, by contacting a glass fiber filter which contains calcium, sodium or potassium components with an aqueous solution of an organic acid or a mineral acid to elute the calcium, sodium and potassium components in the glass fiber filter into the aqueous solution, separating the aqueous solution from the filter and washing the glass fiber filter with water to remove any residual aqueous solution adhered thereto and then filtering a whole blood sample through the thus treated fiber filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Ito, Takaki Arai, Kenichiro Yazawa, Osamu Seshimoto
  • Patent number: 6472221
    Abstract: A system and method of optically measuring Na+ and K+ in a sample such as blood which contains high concentrations Na+ (up to 160 mM) and K+ (up to 6.5 mM) using a photoluminescent probe having intrinsic analyte-induced lifetime changes. Specifically, the use of lifetime-based sensing of Na+ and K+ at the extracellular concentrations present in whole blood or, blood serum. The preferred embodiment uses phase-modulation fluorometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: Joseph R. Lakowicz, Henryk Szmacinski
  • Publication number: 20020142473
    Abstract: A fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on a substrate and the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide. A chemical cleaning or stripping solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening (CHTS). In the method, an array of regions is defined on a substrate, a candidate cleaning/stripping solution is deposited onto the regions to effect cleaning/stripping of the regions; a fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on the substrate; the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide and a product of the cleaning/stripping is evaluated according to the identified metal oxide. An activated metal substrate composition is provided that comprises a metal substrate with a contaminant metal oxide coating and a fluorescent activator bound to the substrate by reaction with the metal oxide coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Robert Lagraff, James Claude Carnahan, D. Sangeeta, James Anthony Ruud
  • Publication number: 20020142480
    Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) uses nanoscale metal particles (SERS-active particles) or surface roughness to enhance the Raman signal of Raman-active analytes contacting the surface. SERS sandwich particles contain SERS-active particles sandwiching a Raman-active substance and serve as optical tags. Preferably, the particles are rod-shaped, with each layer (SERS-active and Raman-active) formed as a distinct stripe of the particle. These freestanding particles can be derivatized with surface ligands capable of associating with analytes of interest in, for example, a biological sample. The acquired Raman spectrum of the particle encodes the identity of the ligand. Because of the simplicity and intensity of Raman spectra, highly multiplexed assays are capable using SERS particles with different Raman-active species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: SURROMED, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Natan
  • Publication number: 20020142474
    Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate and depositing components of a test contaminant library onto regions of the substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. In another method, a chemical cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. In the method, components of a test contaminant library are deposited onto regions of a substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. The substrate is cleaned with a cleaning solution and cleanliness of the substrate evaluated to select a cleaning solution for at least one of the contaminant members. In a final embodiment, the invention is a combinatorial high throughput screening array plate, comprising (A) a substrate and (B) a test contaminant library deposited on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: John Robert LaGraff, Xiao-Dong Sun, James Claude Carnahan
  • Publication number: 20020137219
    Abstract: Disclosed is a titration method for determining the concentration of a base developer solution to within ±0.02 mN, which involves performing steps (a) and (b) in any order: (a) weighing to ±0.001%, an amount of a solution of aqueous base developer of known approximate normality; (b) weighing to ±0.001%, an amount of an acid titrant sufficient to neutralize at least 90% of the base developer in the solution of step (a); thereafter performing steps (c)-(e) in the following order: (c) contacting the aqueous base developer solution with the acid titrant to neutralize at least 90% of the base developer in the solution, and leaving from about 1% to about 10% of the original aqueous base developer as residual non-neutralized base developer in the solution; (d) titrating the residual non-neutralized base developer in the solution with the acid titrant to the end point in an inert atmosphere, wherein the temperature of the titrant is maintained at a temperature of about 20-30° C.±0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Austin Owens, Thomas Jacob, Pilarcita Linda Ranque, Lizhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 6455317
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Milestone s.r.L.
    Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 6429294
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis fluid used for a continuous recirculating peritoneal dialysis wherein the peritoneal dialysis fluid is infused into a peritoneal cavity of a patient and then, typically on a continuous process basis a portion of the dialysis fluid is sequentially drained from the cavity, cleansed through an extracorpreal dialyzer, and reinfused into the cavity. The dialysis fluid contains as an osmotic agent a substance which does not substantially permeate through pores of hollow fiber membrane of an extracorporeal dialyzer, preferably an osmotic agent having a molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 100,000. The supplemented amount of the osmotic agent is reduced or not needed during the dialysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Masuda, Hidetoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6429017
    Abstract: A method which may be used to determine haemostatic dysfunction in a patient is carried out by (a) adding a reagent to a test sample, wherein the test sample includes at least a component of a blood sample from a patient; and then (b) measuring the formation of a precipitate due to the reaction of the test sample and the reagent, over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, the reagent forming a precipitate in the test sample without causing substantial fibrin polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: bioMerieux
    Inventors: Cheng Hock Toh, Colin Downey, Timothy J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6417005
    Abstract: Fluoroionophores that are functionalised with reactive groups and correspond to the formula I—R1—F—R2—G, wherein I is a monovalen residue of an ionophore, wherein F is a divalent residue of a fluorophore, wherein G is a functional group and R1 and R2 are each independently of the other a direct bond or a bridging group. The fluoroionophores may be covalently bound to carrier materials and are used as active components in polymer membranes of optical sensors for the detection of ions. The sensors are distinguished by a long usable life and a high degree of sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Steven Mark Barnard, Adrian Waldner, David Reinhoudt, Joseph Berger
  • Patent number: 6391647
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for atomic absorption spectroscopy of an analyte which is contained in a sample to be analyzed and which is converted into free atoms in an absorption volume of an atomizer, said method comprising the steps of (a) position- and time-dependent measuring of the atomic absorption over the cross-section of the absorption volume and (b) simultaneous determination of surface temperatures of the atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Michael Sperling, Albert Gilmutdinov
  • Publication number: 20020055091
    Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Richard B. Thompson, Daniel Elbaum, Vincent L. Feliccia, David Christianson, Marcia W. Patchan, Zhengfang Ge, Badri P. Maliwal
  • Patent number: 6379969
    Abstract: A device for analyzing simultaneously multiple analytes in a fluid of unknown composition. The device includes a plurality of sensors, a light source for providing light to shine on the sensors, light detectors, and a processor. The sensors are exposed to a sample of the fluid of unknown composition. The plurality of sensors includes groups of sensors, each group targeting a specific analyte and including one or more sensors that contain an analyte-specific chemical that interacts more specifically with one analyte than with some other analytes to be analyzed. Each sensor in each group has a different chemical interacting with the analyte to target it. The light source shines light on the sensors of the plurality of sensors to cause light interaction with the sensors. The differences in the sensors lead to differences in the light interaction. The light detectors detects the light interaction by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganapati R. Mauze, Bo Curry
  • Publication number: 20020031834
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to analytical elements and methods for the selective determination of magnesium. In particular, the present invention is further directed to carboxy-quinolizine suitable for use as magnesium indicators, and more particularly, to 4-oxo-4H-quinolizine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives for use as novel fluorescent magnesium indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: The Government of the United States
    Inventors: Robert E. London, Pieter Otten, Louis A. Levy
  • Patent number: 6346418
    Abstract: A method for evaluating ratios of metallic impurities in lithographic materials is disclosed. The method comprises: separating said metal from said lithographic material by microwave heating; then adding said metal to an acid to form a solution; and finally analyzing said solution by a instrument to measure ratio of said metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mosel Vitelic Inc.
    Inventors: Hui-An Chang, Bor-Jen Cheng, Yu-Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6344360
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by exposing the sample to an indicator molecule comprising a fluorescent lanthanide metal chelate complex. The presence or concentration of the analyte in the sample is determined by observing and/or measuring the change in intensity of fluorescence emitted by the lanthanide metal chelate complex upon binding of the analyte to one or more recognition elements in the complex. The fluorescent indicator molecules can be used in various types of fluorescent sensing devices and are useful in various fields, including energy, medicine and agriculture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, George Y. Daniloff, Aristole G. Kalivretenos, David Parker, Edwin E. Ullman, Alexandre V. Nikolaitchik
  • Publication number: 20010055784
    Abstract: Amounts of components in a specimen can be analyzed with excellent quantitativity. The analysis includes: measuring an amount of a component to be analyzed in a specimen; measuring an amount of a standard component present originally and homeostatically in the specimen other than the component to be analyzed; determining the amount of the specimen from the amount of the standard component thus measured and a known concentration of the standard component in the specimen; and determining a concentration of the component to be analyzed in the specimen from the amount of the specimen thus determined and the amount of the component to be analyzed thus measured. The quantitative analysis of the present invention allows a component to be analyzed to be measured with high quantitativity as shown in FIG. 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Noda, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Konomu Hirao
  • Patent number: 6284544
    Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignees: University of Pennsylvania, University of Maryland
    Inventors: Richard B. Thompson, Daniel Elbaum, Vincent L. Feliccia, David Christianson, Marcia W. Patchan, Zhengfang Ge, Badri P. Maliwal
  • Publication number: 20010010827
    Abstract: A method for monitoring ionized Mg2+ concentrations and ionized Ca2+:Mg2+ ratios in a patient, useful in diagnosing and prognosing disease states including headache, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, hypertension, abnormal pregnancy, head trauma, and fetal abnormalities is provided as well as a composition and a method of treating a patient with ionized Mg2+ or ionized Ca2+ and Mg2+. A method of treating headache is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: Burton M. Altura, Bella T. Altura, Alexander Mauskop
  • Patent number: 6258606
    Abstract: An improved biologic electrode array and methods for manufacturing and using the same. In one aspect, a matrix of electrodes each coupled to a respective sample-and-hold circuit is provided. The electrodes and sample-and-hold circuits are integral and form an array within a single semiconductor chip, such that each sample-and-hold circuit may be loaded with a predefined voltage provided by a single, time-shared digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Further, all of the sample-and-hold circuits may be accessed through a multiplexer which may be scanned through some or all of the electrode locations. Each sample-and-hold circuit may comprise a capacitor and one or more transistor switches, the switch(es), when closed, providing electrical communication between the capacitor and a source line formed in the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Nanogen, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory T. A. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 6245574
    Abstract: Sensors for the qualitative and quantitative determination of K+ ions in aqueous systems are described, which consist essentially of a carrier and an active layer applied to this carrier, whereby the active layer contains a polymer in which is dispersed at least one modified valinomycin, in which a radical of a fluorescence dye which emits in long waves, preferably an acridine or fluorescein, with an emission wave length of >550, is covalently bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Adrian Waldner, René Beerli, Steven Mark Barnard
  • Patent number: 6218192
    Abstract: A method of treating headache is provided using a water soluble magnesium salt. Specifically, a method of treating a headache is provided for an individual having a serum ionized magnesium concentration of 0.44 mmoles/L to 0.53 mmoles/L and having at least one headache symptom by administering an amount of a water soluble magnesium salt sufficaent to inhibit at least one headache symptom in the individual within 24 hours and to raise the serum ionized magnesium concentration in the individual to within a normal ionized magnesium concentration range of 0.54 mmoles/L to 0.67 mmoles/L. Headache symptoms which may be inhibited include: pain, aura, photophobia, nausea, unilateral pain and phonophobia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the State University of New York
    Inventors: Burton M. Altura, Bella T. Altura, Alexander Mauskop
  • Patent number: 6211359
    Abstract: The invention relates to a triaza-cryptand of the general Formula I wherein a is selected from the group consisting of 0 and 1, b and c independently are selected from the group consisting of 0 and 1, with the proviso that not both of b and c are 0, d is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2 and 3, e and f independently are selected from the group consisting of 0 and 1, with the proviso that not both of e and f are 0, R1 and R2 are either hydrogen or form an alkyl(C1-C4) benzene ring or an alkoxy(C1C4) benzene ring together with C1 and C2, wherein C2 is the para position, R3 and R2 are either hydrogen or form an alkyl(C1-C4) benzene ring or an alkoxy(C1-C4) benzene ring together with C3 and C4, wherein C3 is the para position, R5 and R6 are either hydrogen or form a benzene ring or a naphtalene ring together with C5 and C6, R7 and R8 are either hydrogen or form an alkyl(C1-C4) benzene ring or an alkoxy(C1-C4) benzene ring together with C7 and C8, wherein C8 is the para position,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: AVL Medical Instruments
    Inventors: Huarui He, Mark Alan Mortellaro, Marco Jean Pierre Leiner
  • Patent number: 6190611
    Abstract: A harness indicator is highly reactive to a trace amount of Ca2+, and is slow to degrade in a high temperature environment of greater than 50° C. In one embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of Mg-EDTA. In another embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of anhydrous Mg-EDTA. In another embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of anhydrous Mg-EDTA and potassium sorbate. In a further embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of Mg-EDTA and potassium sorbate. In a further embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of potassium sorbate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignees: Miura Co., LTD.,, Miura Institute of Research & Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tachino, Yoshitami Tsubota, Sadatoshi Takechi, Junichi Nakajima, Masazumi Yamashita, Katsufumi Isshiki, Takeshi Fukumura, Yuuji Ukena
  • Patent number: 6187599
    Abstract: Novel sensor devices composed of a crystalline colloidal array (CCA) polymerized in a hydrogel are disclosed. The hydrogels are characterized as being capable of shrinking and swelling in response to specific stimuli applied thereto. As the hydrogels shrink or swell, the lattice structure of the CCA embedded therein changes, thereby changing the wavelength of light diffracted by the CCA. Thus by monitoring the change in diffracted wavelength, the concentration of a stimulus is determined. The gels can be modified to sense numerous different stimuli. The sensor devices are specific in that they are modified to react with only one species or family of species. These sensors have various applications in areas including, for example, environmental and chemical systems, chemomechanical systems, sensor devices and medical diagnostic tools. Various methods for making and using these devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Sanford A. Asher, John H. Holtz
  • Patent number: 6187199
    Abstract: A method is described for determining hemodialysis parameters during an extracorporeal blood treatment according to which the blood to be treated in an extracorporeal circulation flows through the blood chamber of a dialyzer divided by a semipermeable membrane into the blood chamber and a dialysate chamber, and dialysate in a dialysate path flows through the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer. According to the method pursuant to the invention, the hemodialysis parameter can also be determined when no balanced state has yet been established. The method according to the invention is based on the response of the dialyzer to a pulse function as inlet signal (pulse response) from the course over time of the physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysate upstream and downstream of the dialyzer. The hemodynamic parameter is then determined from the pulse response of the dialyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Goldau
  • Patent number: 6183975
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a congenital disease by determining a cell's response to activation of a membrane receptor using a physiological indicator is provided. The method of the invention uses fetal or adult cells in a non-invasive screen for congenital disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: J. Jay Gargus, Mark Estacion
  • Patent number: 6180411
    Abstract: A new class of optical indicators which are capable of memorizing and preserving the spatial localization of intracellular analytes in a time resolved manner is described. The compounds comprise a chromophore carrying a photolabile group capable of undergoing an irreversible and detectable chemical transformation upon irradiation by light. The chromophore is linked to a binding site capable of binding an analyte, wherein binding of the analyte to the binding site alters an optical property of the chromophore, thus altering the ability of the photolabile group to undergo the chemical transformation. Methods and kits for memorizing the spatial localization of the analytes are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Roger Y. Tsien, Stephen R. Adams
  • Patent number: 6174728
    Abstract: A control or calibration standard for use with instruments for the optical measurement of the hemoglobin content in blood samples, features scattering particles or beads dispersed in aqueous electrolyte solution. To prevent sedimentation of the beads during storage, they have a mean diameter of <0.6 &mgr;m, preferably about 0.3 &mgr;m, and a volume concentration of <1%, preferably <0.3%. To prevent long term agglomeration, a non-ionic surfactant with an added antioxidant can be included in the formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: AVL Medical Instruments AG
    Inventors: Daniel Ben-David, Charles L. Laughinghouse, James K. Tusa, Werner Ziegler, Herbert Kroneis, Ewald Jöbstl
  • Patent number: 6171866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compound having the general Formula I: including its salts, where Z is either the group having the general Formula II: where R1 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms or aryloxyalkyl whose alkyl group has 1-4 C atoms, R2 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, R3 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2, Y is H2 or O and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, or is the group having the general Formula III: where n is 2 or 3, R4 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, R5 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2 and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, or is the group having the general Formula IV: where R6 is alkyl having 1-3 C atoms or phenyl, R7 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2 and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: AVL Medical Instruments
    Inventors: Huarui He, Mark Alan Mortellaro
  • Patent number: 6165796
    Abstract: A pipettable detector comprises an aqueous suspension of particles which are essentially insoluble in a sample of a body fluid containing at least one target ion analyte of interest, the particles having uniformly distributed therein target and indicator ionophores which may be present in the same molecule or separate molecules. The indicator ionophore is capable of giving rise to a detectable signal following complexation of the target ionophore with the target ion from the sample. In a method of detecting an ionic analyte of interest in the sample of a bodily fluid, the sample is contacted with the detector. The indicator ionophore gives rise to a detectable signal following complexation of the target ionophore with the target ion from the sample, and the signal is then detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Bell
  • Patent number: 6162615
    Abstract: Stabilized aqueous coenzyme solutions which contain up to ca. 60 mM of a heavy metal salt and optionally a complexing agent in a defined ratio to the heavy metal salt as well as their use for the determination of dehydrogenases in particular lactate dehydrogenase or corresponding substrates in an alkaline environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Zielenski
  • Patent number: 6146898
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide solution, for use in fabricating a semiconductor device, includes a membrane tube having a porous plug inserted in each end, with the porous plugs defining a space where a platinum catalyst is disposed. A first coupling tube is inserted into one end of the membrane tube to supply a hydrogen peroxide sample to the membrane tube. The hydrogen peroxide contained in hydrogen peroxide sample is decomposed into water and oxygen gas according to an action of the platinum catalyst. A second coupling tube is inserted into a second end of the membrane tube to discharge a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to an analytical instrument, where the decomposed hydrogen peroxide solution is analyzed on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-chul Kang, Dong-soo Lee