Sampler, Sample Handling, Etc. Patents (Class 73/863)
  • Patent number: 8525050
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method for testing multilayer tablets in a multiple rotary press, in which die holes of a circulating die plate are successively filled with tablet material of different layers in consecutive filling devices, and the tablet material is compressed layer after layer to pressed articles having n layers by means of synchronously circulating compression punches in compression stations respectively associated to the filling devices, and the pressed articles are subsequently ejected and unloaded in a unloading station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Naeve, Stefan Luedemann
  • Patent number: 8522629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sequential groundwater sampler and a sampling method thereof, and more particularly, the sampler is constructed with a first pipe, a second pipe, a first cylinder unit and a second cylinder unit. The first pipe plays a role as a container for vacuum sample bottle. The first pipe is fixedly inserted to the second pipe. The second pipe is connected to the two cylinders to be moved up and down vertically while surrounding the first pipe by an advance and retreat of the second cylinder unit. The second pipe plays a role of, passing a syringe needle amounted at the end of a first piston in the first cylinder unit through a rubber plug of a vacuum sample bottle at the bottom end of the first pipe, or separating the syringe needle from the vacuum sample bottle, by an advance and retreat of the first cylinder unit. If the second cylinder and the first cylinder sequentially advance, groundwater is injected to the vacuum sample bottle at the bottom end of the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Bong Joo Lee, Yong Je Kim
  • Publication number: 20130213148
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an automated system for collecting analyte. The system comprises a screen supply cartridge for holding a stack of clean tabs including sorbent coated screens (SCS) residing in SCS channels. The stack of tabs are arranged such that SCS tabs directly above and/or below a given SCS tab include SCS channels offset from the SCS channel of the given tab to isolate the SCS channels from one another and the environment. The system includes an air source that provides an analyte to be adsorbed by an SCS channel of a respective tab at a sampling region and a linear actuator that moves a given clean tab into the sampling region for exposing the SCS channel of the given clean tab to the analyte and providing a given exposed tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ewing, Danielle N. Dickinson, Robert Milloy, Michael R. Bracken
  • Patent number: 8511149
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body (7), a lid (1) and a base (15), wherein, said the cup body (7) comprises a liquid storage chamber (9) and a test strip groove locating in one side of liquid storage chamber, the storage chamber (9) and the test strip groove communicates each other through a small hole in the bottom of liquid storage chamber, the test strip groove is configured with a test strip plate, said lid being able to seal the opening of the cup tightly, said opening of cup being directly connected with the liquid storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Hangzhou D2 Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Xinlong Lv
  • Patent number: 8500849
    Abstract: A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Xiang Liu, Alfred Feitisch, Gregory M. Sanger
  • Patent number: 8492712
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-dimensional ion mobility analyzer are disclosed that have more than one drift chamber and can acquire multi-dimensional ion mobility profiles of substances. The drift chambers of this device can, for example, be operated under independent operational conditions to separate charged particles based on their distinguishable chemical/physical properties. The first dimension drift chamber of this device can be used either as a storage device, a reaction chamber, and/or a drift chamber according to the operational mode of the analyzer. Also presented are various methods of operating an ion mobility spectrometer including, but not limited to, a continuous first dimension ionization methods that can enable ionization of all chemical components in the sample regardless their charge affinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Excellims Corporation
    Inventor: Ching Wu
  • Patent number: 8492167
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining whether a fluid has been introduced into an assay measurement apparatus involving delivering a fluid to a surface of a resonant device. The methods also involve monitoring an electrical signal output by the resonant device, wherein properties of the electrical signal vary based on physical properties of the fluid in contact with the surface of the resonant device and determining if the electrical signal output by the resonant device satisfies a predetermined condition indicative of the presence of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Masters, Michael F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130174672
    Abstract: The present disclosure invention relates to a distribution apparatus for a sample exposition arrangement comprising at least two sample containers and a fluid source for fluid to be supplied to the sample containers, and to a sample exposition arrangement comprising the distribution apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: PIETER VAN WEENEN & CO. GmbH, The House of Innovation
    Inventor: PIETER VAN WEENEN & CO. GmbH, The House
  • Patent number: 8480953
    Abstract: A vessel including an identification region may be placed in a holder. Through interaction of a positioning feature on the vessel and an orientation feature on the holder, the vessel can be placed into an alignment orientation, e.g., such that the identification region may be reliably read by a reader. The identification region may provides information related to the sample, such as vessel identity, sample volume, processes to be performed on the sample, and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Protedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Massaro
  • Patent number: 8475739
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Theranos, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Holmes, Joy Roy, John Kent Frankovich
  • Publication number: 20130160575
    Abstract: Implementations for mobile sampling of one or more target substances are generally disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
  • Patent number: 8470242
    Abstract: An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Mattila, Brian D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8470246
    Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
    Inventor: Collin A. Rich
  • Publication number: 20130152666
    Abstract: A gas chromatograph column is marked with a code that allows an operator or machine to accurately determine the distance between two points on the column by comparing markings at the two points on the column. The code may be human or machine readable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Scott T. Quarmby
  • Patent number: 8459129
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for diluting a sample, comprising an end-piece for dispensing a liquid diluent, means, having an upright extending upwards from the base, for supporting and moving the end-piece relative to the container support between a first position in which the outlet of the end-piece lies above the opening of the container, to allow the diluent to be fed into the container, and a second position in which the outlet is further away from the container. According to the disclosure, the second position of the outlet is to the side of the first, the upright is fixed to the base, and the upright has a cover at the upper end thereof for supporting the end-piece, the cover being rotatable on the upright between the positions, a rotary drive motor for rotating the cover between the positions being housed on the inside of the cover and/or of the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Stéphane Seznec
  • Patent number: 8459130
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for extraction of a defined sample volume from a larger sample volume. The device includes a body having a reference surface and a measuring cavity extending from a part of the reference surface into the body, thereby forming at least one opening plane substantially uniform with the reference surface. An information carrier is applied to or distributed with the device, having direct or indirect volume information about defined volume established for the cavity. The invention also relates to a method for determining the volume of such a cavity, to a set of at least two such devices, to a method for dilution of at least two liquid samples by using at least two such devices, to an analytic instrument, to a method for operating such an instrument, to a system including the device and the instrument, and to a method for operating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Boule Medical AB
    Inventors: Ingemar Berndtsson, Tommy Andersson
  • Patent number: 8462339
    Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Singulex, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Livingston
  • Patent number: 8453524
    Abstract: A solution feeding device for feeding a sample solution which is precisely adjusted in the mixed quantity of a standard solution is realized. The solution feeding device comprises: a mixing module (100) including a first passage (101), a second passage (102), and a third passage (103) for providing communications of the midways of those two passages with a higher passage resistance than those of the two passages; a first storage unit (10) communicating with one end side of the first passage for storing a sample solution; a suctioning nebulizer (20) communicating with the other end side of the first passage for sucking the sample solution; a second storage unit (30) communicating through an on-off valve (31) with one end side of the second passage for storing a standard solution; and a syringe pump (40) communicating with the other end side of the second passage for sucking and discharging the standard solution, respectively, in the open state and the closed state of the on-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: IAS Inc.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Kawabata
  • Patent number: 8431412
    Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Patent number: 8424394
    Abstract: An air sampling tube is provided that provides superior air flow, strength, and manufacturability and couples to an air sampling sensor housing. The sidewall of the tubular section has an axially extending groove. To facilitate installation and inspection, an air sampling tube is provided with a starter cap. An end cap prevents air flow through the distal end of the tube. An air sampling tube is provided that assures proper axial positioning of tubular section apertures through resort to a coupler with a rotationally asymmetric joining element. A modular kit is provided that allows for custom installation without resort to cutting or forming operations in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Apollo America
    Inventors: David L. Hall, Peter Stouffer, James E. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20130082172
    Abstract: A chemical sampling system includes a direct analysis in real time (DART) device and an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) device positioned proximate the DART device. Another chemical sampling system includes the APPI device positioned proximate to a thermal desorption device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Jack A. Syage, Kaveh Jorabchi
  • Publication number: 20130061692
    Abstract: A pumpless electronic nose sensing apparatus includes a cavity for holding a volume of the sample to be tested, and a port disposed on an outer wall of the cavity for enabling transfer of the sample into the cavity. A precise, controllable air current assembly is operatively connected to the cavity for producing an air flow within the cavity for uniformly distributing the sample. The air current assembly is expansible, and by axial expansion and contraction of the air current assembly in response to a load applied to an axial end thereof an air flow is created within the cavity. An at least one sensor array disposed within the cavity is used to test the sample and produce an output. By operative association with the expandable air current assembly, the cavity itself is indirectly expandable (and contractible) in response to the expansion and contraction action of the air current assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MURESAN ENTERPRIZE
    Inventors: Radu Muresan, Ngamta Muresan
  • Patent number: 8393234
    Abstract: An apparatus for arranging at least one sample container inside an optical measuring device includes a carrier for arranging the sample container and a ventilation device. The ventilation device is arranged adjacent to the carrier and is provided with at least one air outlet arranged above the carrier. The ventilation device includes at least one heating element for generating an airflow and heating up the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Haefner, Bernd Hutter
  • Patent number: 8394344
    Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Stratec Biomedical Systems AG
    Inventors: Alexander Schutt, Martin Trump
  • Publication number: 20130059372
    Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: IBIS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jared J. Drader, Jose R. Gutierrez, Paul J. Gleason, Rex O. Bare, Robert D. Miller, Jeffrey C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8387471
    Abstract: A diluter apparatus and a method for sampling of exhaust gas of engines, wherein the diluter has a primary capillary connected to a primary stabilizing chamber. The primary stabilization chamber is kept at a pressure below ambient by means of a vacuum pump connected to the primary stabilization chamber by means of a primary outlet duct and where dilution air in the primary stabilization chamber is introduced by means of a primary dilution air duct through a primary mixing tip, wherein there is provided an excess flowrate arrangement for providing an exhaust gas flowrate in excess of the sample flowrate in the capillary. Exhaust gas flowrate totally surrounds the capillary inlet tip, wherein the primary capillary is immersed in the exhaust gas flowrate with flowrate arrangement, and wherein the diluter receives the exhaust gas via said primary capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aristotle University Thessaloniki Research Committee
    Inventors: Zissis Samaras, Leonidas Ntziachristos
  • Patent number: 8387467
    Abstract: A method for testing a coating for blade roots, includes: providing a disk test piece including at least one bearing surface and a blade test piece including at least one bearing surface coated with the coating to be tested, the blade test piece including two test piece halves adapted to be engaged on either side of the disk test piece, and subjecting the blade test piece engaged with the disk test piece to tensile cycles during which the test pieces undergo tensile stress with respect to each other in a tensile direction, the tensile strain being transmitted via the bearing surfaces contacting the blade test piece and the disk test piece. The method allows for very faithful reproduction of the behavior and ageing of the coating and thus allows for accurate evaluation of the quality of the coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Alain Bassot, Laurent Dudon, Anne-Claire Perriau
  • Patent number: 8384029
    Abstract: A first instrument (230) is used to image a first semiconductor article having a trench (110) of defined cross-section, while a second instrument (220) is used to simultaneously prepare a second semiconductor article with a trench of defined cross-section. Furthermore, a method is disclosed to prepare a trench (110) of defined cross-section in a semiconductor article by rough milling and subsequent fine milling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Knippelmeyer, Lawrence Scipioni, Christoph Riedesel, John Morgan, Ulrich Mantz, Ulrich Wagemann
  • Patent number: 8378827
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna configuration for locating RFID tags has two sets of (mutually orthogonal) elongated reader coils, where each elongated reader coil corresponds to two or more different possible locations of RFID tags, and each possible location is associated with one reader coil in each of the two sets. The identities and locations of RFID tags can be determined by (sequentially) energizing the different sets of reader coils and correlating the recorded responses from RFID tags. In one application, the antenna configuration is used at the box level of a cold storage system for biological samples having one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers, where, in addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BioTillion, LLC
    Inventors: Hananel Davidowitz, Thomas Coradetti, Theodore Altman, Ilya Kovnatsky
  • Publication number: 20130036836
    Abstract: A sampling device for a substance detection instrument includes a membrane comprising a porous support having a coating thereon, the coating comprising a carborane polysiloxane or an arylene polysiloxane, the membrane having a front side configured to be placed in contact with a test sample and a back side; a sample line having an inlet proximate to the back side of the membrane and an outlet in fluid communication with a substance detector; and a source of carrier gas in fluid communication with the back side of the membrane and the sample line inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Carney
  • Publication number: 20130032481
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier. The sample carrier includes at least one sample channel carrying at least one sample, at least one agent chamber carrying at least one agent to be moved to the at least one sample channel to facilitate processing of the at least one sample, and the at least one agent chamber includes at least one chamber cover covering at least one opening of the at least one agent chamber, inhibiting flow of the at least one agent from the at least one agent chamber to the at least one sample channel. The sample processing apparatus further includes a chamber opener configured to facilitate opening the at least one chamber cover. The sample processing apparatus further includes a fluid mover that moves the agent out of the at least one agent chamber after the at least one chamber cover is opened and into the at least one sample channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: ANALOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ari Eiriksson
  • Patent number: 8365616
    Abstract: An analytical system for solutions containing soluble solids or high concentrations of dissolved solids. The system includes a container having upper and lower portions; a lead an/or a tubing line extending into the upper portion of the container, for withdrawing a portion of a gas in the upper portion of the container; and a sampling probe extending into the lower portion of the container, for withdrawing a portion of a sample of a liquid or of a mixture of a liquid and a solid. The sampling probe is a probe support shaft which may be provided with a filter for separating liquid and solid phases from one another if the sample is a liquid-solid mixture. Gas in the headspace above the liquid or the liquid-solid mixture can be withdrawn through the lead and/or the tubing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Duane K. Wolcott, Graham D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8365617
    Abstract: An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Peter Alfred Blacklin, Wayne Fowler, Jr., Joel Michael Hawkins, Howard William Ward, II
  • Publication number: 20130017545
    Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring analytes from a dried biological fluid sample includes a tube, a substrate in a proximal section of the tube, and a sorbent bed in a distal section of the tube. A biological fluid sample is dispensed on the substrate and is dried to form a dried sample. A conditioning solvent is flowed into the distal section to condition the sorbent bed. A first elution solvent is flowed through the substrate and the sorbent bed. Analytes are eluted from the dried sample and retained on the sorbent bed. A second elution solvent is flowed through the substrate and the sorbent bed. The analytes are eluted from the sorbent bed, pass through an opening, and are collected. Alternatively, an elution solvent is flowed through the substrate and the sorbent bed such that analytes eluted from the dried sample pass through the sorbent bed and the opening for collection, while non-analytes are retained on the sorbent bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Yong, William C. Hudson
  • Patent number: 8347741
    Abstract: A specimen handling apparatus is provided and includes a body in which a bore is defined and a needle having a tip portion and a bit, which is removably insertible into the bore with the tip portion at least partially exposed, the bore and the bit each being formed such that, when the bit is inserted into the bore, the needle is forced into one of first or second rotational positions relative to a long axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hatzistergos, Jonathan Levy, Christopher Michael Molella, Paul Andrew Ronsheim, Dmitriy Shneyder, Vincent Vazquez
  • Publication number: 20130000420
    Abstract: A method for simultaneously merging suspended particles and/or cells in a plurality of discrete microwells, each of said microwells having at least a bottom wall and lateral walls, wherein a multifrequency or broadband acoustic wave including at least two different frequencies is applied to an inner volume of each of said microwells, the frequencies of said acoustic wave being selected to generate a standing and/or stationary wave in said volume; a device for simultaneously merging suspended particles and/or cells in a plurality of discrete microwells, including: a substrate with a plurality of discrete microwells, each of said microwells having at least a bottom wall and lateral walls; and one or more acoustic transducer(s), configured for applying a multifrequency or broadband acoustic wave, including at least two different frequencies, to an inner volume of each of said microwells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Jettec AB
    Inventors: Otto Manneberg, Martin Wiklund, Björn Önfelt, Thomas Frisk, Hans M. Hertz, Bruno Vanherberghen
  • Publication number: 20130000421
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael D. WARD, Carleton C. Stewart, Gregory Kaduchak
  • Patent number: 8343772
    Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8336401
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for a drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and into which explosives can be filled for blasting purposes. Such drilling commonly occurs in open cast mining for mining of mineral deposits. It is known to take samples from materials blown from holes during drilling, permitting analysis of the samples in order to estimate accurately the mineral content in the area being mined. The accessory is operatively supported on a drilling apparatus and includes a dust particle catcher, for catching dust particles blown from a hole to form dust particle samples, and a collection arrangement including receptacles in which dust particle samples are collected. A control arrangement of the accessory controls the operation thereof and serves also to enable the hole and the depth region of the hole, from which each sample was collected, to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Petrus Christiaan Gouws
  • Patent number: 8327726
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dogyoon Kim, Yoonkyoung Cho, Hansang Kim, Yangui Lee
  • Patent number: 8327724
    Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2?) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Detection-Watford Limited
    Inventors: Michael Roy Fairs, Thomas David Ford, Piers Sebastian Harding, Gary Stephen Howard, Barry Boyes, John Walter Czajka, Douglas Jason Green, Jay Lewington, Carmelo Volpe, Colin Fewster, Jason Betley, Catherine Mills, William Richard Mawer
  • Patent number: 8312780
    Abstract: An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element with a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Peter Alfred Blacklin, Wayne Fowler, Jr., Joel Michael Hawkins, Howard William Ward, II
  • Patent number: 8307724
    Abstract: The improved analyte collection device is adjustable between two separate and distinct configurations. The first configuration enhances analyte collection by precluding undesired gas flow from around the sampling device. The second configuration enhances analyte collection by extending and focusing gas flow into the sampling device. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for collecting analyte from the surface of objects or the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Michael Wichert, Tim Webb, Carl Chipman, Martin Sanders
  • Publication number: 20120282616
    Abstract: A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BIOCARTIS SA
    Inventors: Harmina Zeijlstra, Ronald De Gier, Marloes M. E. B. Van De Wal, Ronaldus M. H. Steyvers, Astrid E. Visser
  • Patent number: 8303894
    Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
    Inventor: Collin A. Rich
  • Publication number: 20120266696
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette, for example as a result of solidification of an embedding medium within a cassette. The sample is immobilized in a sample receiving chamber above a first fill level of a liquid that is suitable for counteracting the adhesion; and that the fill level of the liquid is then elevated at least until said level reaches the sample. An apparatus according to the present invention that can be used for carrying out the method comprises a sample receiving chamber and an adjusting chamber, the adjusting chamber being connected to the sample receiving chamber in such a way that a change in the fill level height of the liquid in the sample receiving chamber is producible by changing the pressure existing in the adjusting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120266697
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating histological samples, in particular for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that, in particular after an infiltration operation, is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette (1), having a sample receiving chamber (2) which is embodied and intended to be filled at least partly with a liquid (3), in particular with liquid paraffin. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a displacement means (5) is provided that is introducible into the liquid (3), in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height (6) of the liquid (3), and/or that a displacement means (5) is provided whose volume is increasable, in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120260747
    Abstract: A sensing device can be provided with sealed and open-type chambers in various conditions for accommodating different types of sensing structural components by stacking multiple substrates, wherein the condition of a sealed chamber depends on condition taken in substrate bonding process. Owing to sealing a channel of the sealed chamber by the substrate, superior sealing performance is achieved as compared to those adopting solder or sealing material, and thus the condition of the sealed chamber can be finely controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Lung-Tai Chen, Yu-Wen Hsu, Tzong-Che Ho, Li-Chi Pan
  • Patent number: 8281672
    Abstract: An aseptic sampling system includes substantially sealed sampling lines connecting one or more sample container to a vessel containing the fluid to be sampled. A flow control system includes valves and/or clamps placed strategically along the sampling lines and filtered vent lines are provided at strategic locations relative to a reversible fluid pump in communication with the sampling lines. The clamps are selectively actuated, the vent lines are selectively opened or closed, and the pump is operated in a forward or reverse direction to permit a volume of sample fluid to be drawn from the vessel and into a sample container and to permit fluid to be purged from the sampling lines either into the sample container or back into the vessel. Thus, sampling and purging can be accomplished without opening the system to potentially contaminating agents and without wasting or having to properly dispose the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: PBS Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Chanyong Brian Lee, Daniel Giroux
  • Patent number: 8278617
    Abstract: A cargo shipment security system includes a flexible body configured to completely enclose and contain cargo within an internal environment having a predetermined pressure. The system includes a sealable vacuum port disposed on and through the body and configured to couple with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the internal environment. The system includes one or more sealable ports disposed on and through the body, positioned to cause a turbulent flow through a predetermined volume of the internal environment of the body when the vacuum source is applied at the vacuum port and fluid is caused to enter the internal environment. The system includes one or more detectors positioned to intercept fluid flowing from the internal environment to an external environment outside the body, in such a way as to enable detection of the presence of a substance exiting from the internal environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sentina, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Garfinkle, John P. Lock