With Suction Applying And Liquid Discharge Means Patents (Class 73/864.11)
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Patent number: 7687033Abstract: A tip mounting position, an aliquoting position, a dispensing position, and a tip casting position are circumferentially arranged around a rotating shaft, and a plurality of aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms are circumferentially arranged corresponding to the plurality of operating positions around the rotating shaft. Each aliquoting/dispensing mechanism is provided with a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle mechanism that includes a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle portion. The rotating shaft is intermittently rotated to locate the aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms individually in the positions whereupon tip mounting, aliquoting, dispensing, and tip casting operations are performed continuously.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: IDS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
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Publication number: 20100043575Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein, an apparatus for treating the pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein, and a method of treating the pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: UNIVERSAL BIO RESEARCH CO., LTD.Inventor: Hideji Tajima
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Publication number: 20100024576Abstract: Clogging of a sample probe is reliably detected even when the suction level of a sample varies. Provided are a sample dispenser (1) including a sample probe (3) inserted into a sample vessel (2), a dispensing pump (8) for suctioning a sample (S) contained in the sample vessel (2) into a sample probe (3) or discharging the sample (S) in the sample probe (3) by changing a pressure in a tube (4) that is connected to the sample probe (3), a pressure sensor (9) for detecting the pressure in the tube (4) containing the sample probe (3), and a determining unit (10) for determining clogging of the sample probe (3) on the basis of a pressure value (P) detected by the pressure sensor (9) and a suction velocity of the sample (S) due to the dispensing pump (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Isao Saegusa
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Publication number: 20100011888Abstract: Applicants' teachings relate to a method and device to extract components contained in a fluid. More particularly, the applicants' teachings are directed towards a method and sampling device for quick extraction of targeted components from their in vivo surroundings. In accordance with various embodiments of applicants' teachings a sampling device and method to extract components, such as, for example, analytes, from a fluid is provided. The device is interfaced with a fluid source, such as, for example, but not limited to, a circulatory system of an animal, to enable extraction of target molecules with minimal loss of fluid (e.g., blood) to the source. The device facilitates an interface between the circulatory system of an animal and a suitable sampling probe such as, for example, a solid phase microextraction (SPME) probe. The targeted compounds are desorbed in small volumes of solvents that can be analyzed with highly specific instruments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicants: NOAB BIODISCOVERIES INC.Inventors: Janusz Pawliszyn, Marcel Musteata, Ines Ana Maria De Lannoy, Kenneth Bradley Gien
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Patent number: 7648679Abstract: The invention relates to an electric pipette (1) comprising a body (2), a tip part (4), a hook part (5), a push-button part (6) and a display part (7), said body (1) having a vertical axis (3) and at least one of the parts selected from the group consisting of the hook part (5), the push-button part (6) and the display part (7) is rotatable about the vertical axis (3) of the electric pipette (1) correspondingly by an angle ?1, ?2 or ?3.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific OyInventors: Juha Telimaa, Mikael Lind, Vesa Salo, Mauno Heinonen
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Publication number: 20100000342Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow needle (1) having a geometry adapted to SPME and including a tip (5) as well as an adsorbant material (2) provided in the needle at a distance from the tip (5), characterised in that it comprises a plurality of side holes (4) formed in a region of the side wall of the needle, said region being located between the tip (5) and the location where the adsorbant material (2) is provided. The invention also relates to a method for producing the hollow needle (1). The invention further relates to a device using the above-mentioned needle in combination with a vessel and suction means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Thierry Zesiger
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Publication number: 20090320622Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for feeding and/or discharging fluids in microreactor arrays through one or several fluid ducts that extend into each individual microreactor and can be individually controlled and regulated, in order to control, regulate, influence, and/or verify processes. The fed or discharged amounts of fluid are introduced into or discharged from the volume of the reaction liquid during a continuous shaking process and are evenly mixed as a result of the shaking process. The continuous shaking process causes sufficient mass transfer and thorough mixing of the reaction partners or fluids while the reaction is not limited or restricted by the mass transfer conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Carsten Mueller, Ingo Klammer, Frank Kensy, Jochen Buechs, Mirko Hofmann, Andreas Buchenauer, Uwe Schnakenberg, Wilfried Mokwa
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Publication number: 20090308744Abstract: Disclosed relates to an electrochemical determination system of glycated proteins, the system comprising: a filtering means for filtering labeled compounds bound to glycated proteins and non-glycated proteins after adding labeling compounds, capable of selectively binding to the glycated proteins to a solution, in which glycated/non-glycated proteins coexist, to be bound all to the glycated proteins; and a quantifying means for quantifying the filtered labeling compounds, not bound to the glycated proteins. The system of the present invention filters the residual labeled compounds left after binding to glycated proteins to quantify, instead of directly quantifying glycated proteins via the known glycated protein determination methods, thus simplifying the configuration of the system that can provide exact determinations with a low cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2006Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: I-SENS, INC.Inventors: Hakhyun Nam, Fenghua Zhang, Soon Hye Yang, Bo Kyeong Kang, Gang Cui, Moon Hee Choi, Joung Su Lee, Geun Sig Cha
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Publication number: 20090301231Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Dong Wang, Kun Zou, Jing Cheng
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Publication number: 20090301232Abstract: The present invention comprises a removable capillary tip insert which provides for replacement of an individual capillary in the dispensing head of an automated liquid handling apparatus. In some embodiments, the insert has been designed to accept variable capillary lengths while maintaining a constant length protruding from the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the removable capillary insert of the invention comprises a head adapted to accept an insertion tool and tapered to seat in the dispense head; a shaft with external threads which form a threaded collar that permits the insert to be screwed into the dispense head; a lumen running internally from the proximal to the distal ends of the head and shaft which forms a hollow interior in the insert in which a capillary resides; and a capillary tube of user-selected liquid capacity. One embodiment, without limitation, comprises a molded plastic part with an integral capillary tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: JAY CLARK, Carl Churchill
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Publication number: 20090293647Abstract: Because a sample holder 100 is composed of a plurality of convex parts 1 provided on a top face of a base substance 2, and the plurality of convex parts 1 are spherical surfaces 1a formed of a single crystal or amorphous material, frictional wear of the sample at contact parts between a sample 4 and the convex parts 1 is reduced, thereby making it possible to inhibit particle generation. Further, because a joining layer 3 is formed of a single crystal or amorphous material, there is no defect that particles scattered on the sample holder 100 fill up it, which makes it possible to easily keep it in a clean state by cleaning, and it is possible to effectively reduce reattachment of particles to the sample 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicants: KYOCERA CORPORATION, OKUTEC CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Muneishi, Toshihiko Uemura, Katsuya Okumura
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Publication number: 20090249896Abstract: Provided is a scanning arm which moves to collect pollutants on the surface of a semiconductor wafer, for use in a semiconductor wafer pollutant measurement apparatus, and a scanning device using the same the scanning arm includes: an X-axis portion; a Z-axis portion which is perpendicularly installed with the X-axis portion so as to move forward and backward along the X-axis portion; and a Y-axis portion which is perpendicularly installed with the Z-axis portion so as to move up and down with respect to the Z-axis portion. The scanning device includes: the scanning arm; and a scanning nozzle which is installed at the Y-axis portion, and inhales a scan solution from a reagent solution bottle to then discharge a reagent scan solution on the surface of a wafer which is located on a scan stage and simultaneously keep an inhalation condition and move along the surface of the wafer, to then inhale and keep the scan solution including pollutants sticked on the wafer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: KOREA TECHNO CO., LTD.Inventors: Ho Jin Kim, Hyoung Bae Kim
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Patent number: 7581660Abstract: A liquid-metering device is disclosed, in particular, a pipetting device for aspirating and dispensing liquids. The device comprises a vessel which is at least partially filled with gas and has an opening through which liquid is received or discharged, a gas-pressure-changing device for changing the gas pressure in the vessel, a state-variable-detecting device for detecting at least one state variable of the gas in the vessel, and a control device which activates the gas-pressure-changing device as a function of the state variable detected by the state-variable-detecting device. The control device is a regulating device which, during a regulating time segment between liquid reception and liquid discharge, activates the gas-pressure-changing device as a function of the detected state variable such that the actual gas pressure in the vessel is kept essentially at a predetermined gas pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AGInventors: Renato Nay, Markus Bentz, Rene Ackermann
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Publication number: 20090211380Abstract: There are provided a method of detecting dispensed quantity in which without the need of detecting a surface of liquid accommodated in a container, a liquid quantity can be detected only by measuring pressure change; and a relevant liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: UNIVERSAL BIO RESEARCH CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideji Tajima, Michinori Koizuka, Hiroshi Suzuki, Susumu Kimura
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Publication number: 20090158861Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a pipette (10) with a capacity of from 1 to 50 ml from a thermoplastic polymer. An essentially cylindrical pipette shaft (12) with an internal diameter (di) and an essentially cylindrical cup-shaped pipette reservoir (16) with an internal diameter (Di) are produced in an injection molding process. The pipette shaft (12) has, at one end, a pipette tip (14) which narrows to a suction/exit orifice (20), and, at the other end, a conical widening (18). The pipette reservoir (16) has a suction nozzle (24) abutting coaxially from the bottom of the pipette reservoir (16). The conical widening (18) is welded or adhesive-bonded at the end and coaxially to the pipette reservoir (16). The ratio of the total pipette length (L) to the arithmetic mean of the internal diameters (di and Di) of the pipette shaft (12) and of the pipette reservoir (16) is at least 15. The pipette may have a suction nozzle (24) with a clamping means for a cotton wool bud.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: TPP Techno Plastic Products AGInventor: Max Tanner
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Publication number: 20090139351Abstract: A pipette with a pipette housing, in which are arranged an accommodation for the fastening portion of a syringe cylinder of a syringe, a plunger accommodation in an accommodation body for a syringe plunger of the syringe, fastening devices for reversibly fixing the fastening portion and the syringe plunger in the accommodations, and plunger setting devices for shifting the accommodation body in the pipette housing, with a pull-up member for removing the accommodation body from the accommodation, and an actuation member for drawing the accommodation body near to the accommodation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: EPPENDORF AGInventors: Burkhardt Reichmuth, Herbert Belgardt, Klaus Schuerbrock
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Patent number: 7540205Abstract: A hand-held electronic pipettor is designed particularly to be programmed and operated with one hand for the convenience of the user. It uses a capacitance touchpad control for programming, and a separate run button for the operating mode. Internal components are located so that the center of gravity of the pipettor is located within the palm of the user. Flash memory stores an empirically derived table that correlates aspiration volume to motor steps and a separate empirically derived table the correlates dispensing volumes to motor steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Viaflo Corp.Inventors: Gary E. Nelson, George P. Kalmakis, Joel Novak, Kenneth Steiner, Jonathon Finger, Richard Cote
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Patent number: 7527768Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided which dispenses a predetermined amount of a liquid from a reservoir. It includes a negative pressure system to supply a negative pressure which acts on the liquid in the liquid reservoir while no liquid is being dispensed. The negative pressure system includes a negative pressure source, an electropneumatic regulator communicating with the negative pressure source to regulate the pressure inside the liquid reservoir to a desired negative pressure level, a pressure sensor provided between the electropneumatic regulator and reservoir, and a control means for controlling the electropneumatic regulator responsive to a signal from the pressure sensor to regulate the pressure inside the reservoir to the desired negative pressure level. It can assure a negative pressure which is stable even just after it is switched on and can thus work stably even right after the switch-on.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Musashi Engineering Inc.Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
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Patent number: 7524461Abstract: A motorized pipette is described for pipetting and titration of especially small amounts with an especially slow rate. An interruptable dispensing cycle allows extremely accurate titration and pipetting in which a take-up cycle is continued with an additional volume of a limited amount. Additionally, a certain minimum dispensing rate, which is preferably preset at the factory, for certain operating modes can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Brand GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Antonio Romaguera
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Publication number: 20090056477Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing nozzle that moves between a first position and a second position. The dispensing nozzle sucks in a liquid specimen including a reagent at the first position and dispenses the liquid specimen into a vessel located at the second position. An agent applicator is located on the path of movement of the dispensing nozzle. The agent applicator applies, to the discharge end portion of the dispensing nozzle, an agent having a low affinity for the liquid specimen than the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Isao NISHIMURA, Norichika FUKUSHIMA
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Patent number: 7485263Abstract: A microproportioning system includes a reservoir, a micro-diaphragm pump the entrance of which is connected to the reservoir, an open-jet proportioner the entrance of which is connected to the exit of the micro-diaphragm pump, a proportioning port connected to the exit of the open-jet proportioner, and a proportioning control which is in an operative communication with the micro-diaphragm pump and the open-jet proportionerType: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventors: Dieter Husar, Rüdiger Huhn
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Patent number: 7482939Abstract: The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a computer program to detect the liquid leakage of a liquid transfer device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method, an apparatus and a computer program that detects the liquid leakage of a liquid transfer device with electrical means.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Peter Wenzig, Guenter Ziegler
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Publication number: 20090019955Abstract: The present invention provides inexpensive pipettes and related structures offering high precision while minimizing the effects of operator error and chances of cross-contamination. In one embodiment, a pipette comprises a suction apparatus and a hollow body comprising a sample collection chamber, the sample collection chamber open at a first end and closed by a porous barrier material intermediate to or at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the suction apparatus is coupled to the hollow body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: POREX CORPORATIONInventors: Guoqiang Mao, Edward M. Kaucic, Ike Haldopoulos
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Patent number: 7477997Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.Inventor: Michael Kaplit
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Publication number: 20090000401Abstract: An autoanalyzer includes a measurement unit which measures a reaction liquid produced by an interaction between a reagent and an examined sample contained in a reaction container, a sample probe which sucks the examined sample from a sample container and discharges the examined sample to the reaction container, a probe elevating arm which elevates the sample probe with respect to the sample container, and a control unit which controls the probe elevating arm so that a speed at which the sample probe enters a liquid surface of the examined sample to perform an n-th suction operation (n?2) of the examined sample is slower than a speed at which the sample probe enters the liquid surface of the examined sample to perform a first suction operation of the examined sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Takehiko Oonuma
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Publication number: 20080317639Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Akihiro SHIMODA, Masahito KAKUNO, Eiji TAKAYA, Junichi OIZUMI
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Publication number: 20080307904Abstract: Method and system for obtaining a liquid sample from a particulate matter-containing liquid in, e.g., a specimen container. A receptacle is used that has an inlet and a chamber for collecting the liquid sample. A discharge passage accommodates upward flow of liquid from the container. The discharge passage preferably has an upper discharge port, and at least one intake submerged in the liquid in the container. A flow-metering passage prevents particulate matter above a predetermined size from passing into the receptacle chamber. Liquid transfer commences after the receptacle inlet is placed in liquid-tight communication with the discharge port. Operation of mechanized system also is disclosed, as well as an arrangement and method for handling multiple receptacles at a liquid transfer station.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Norman J. Pressman, William J. Mayer
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Patent number: 7455814Abstract: An automated metered fluid dispensing and aspirating apparatus comprising a combination delivery/removal fluid head with upper shuttle and lower reservoir assemblies is disclosed. A covered, variably positionable well table allows for mounting sample wells and automatically presenting at least one array of sample or reaction wells to the delivery/removal fluid head at a time. A fluid handling system of inter-connected tubing, pumps and valves interfaces with the delivery/removal fluid head. The fluid handling system provides reagents to and removes waste from the delivery/removal fluid head and sample wells. A control assembly, including a central processing unit and hardware, software and gas pressure sources, provides for time responsive operation and control of the delivery/removal fluid head, drive mechanisms for the table and fluid head, fluid handling system and well table. The entire apparatus is mounted on its own platform and includes separate housings for control and sample handling sections.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventor: Leonard J. Giblin
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Patent number: 7452508Abstract: Apparatus and a method for mixing a liquid within a disposable aspirating probe tip so that most of the liquid is forced to move past a transition zone between two different inside diameters to cause rotational mixing. The apparatus and method can be used to provide agglutination of blood, which in turn can be used for blood typing. The probe tip can include a single integral piece, or two separate portions. The transition zone can include a sharp demarcation between inside diameters, or a smooth one.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventors: Merrit N. Jacobs, Zhong Ding, Ronald F. Brookes
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Patent number: 7448287Abstract: A system and method extracts/deposits fluid and includes a pipette having a pipette body portion and a pipette tip. A stirring/agitation mechanism including a fiber or a rod extends through the interior of the pipette tip, wherein a fiber end or rod end of the fiber or rod, extends out of a narrowed end of the pipette tip, and the fiber end or rod end is configured to stir or agitate the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Jürgen H. Daniel, Meng H. Lean
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Publication number: 20080267828Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-volume liquid ejection system, including an air pressure module, a micro-ejection unit which is connected with the air pressure module by means of pipes, and a control circuit which is connected with the air pressure module and the micro-ejection unit respectively. In the present invention, due to air is used as the pressure medium, on one hand, as the sample does not contact with the pressure regulating module, the efficiency of cleaning process is improved, on the other hand, the volume of the sample needed in the sample ejecting process is only equal to the cavity-dimension of the micro-ejection unit by not need to fill the whole pipe with liquid. During the sample ejecting process, it is not need to regulate the pressure. After the sample ejecting is finished, the sample can be put into its original place, so as to greatly save the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2004Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: CAPITALBIO CORPORATIONInventors: Dong Wang, Kun Zou, Jianxing Ye, Yelei Sun, Hui Zhu, Xianhua Wang, Jing Cheng
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Publication number: 20080257073Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to enable processing to be performed while a fixing region is enclosed in an immovable state with respect to the tip form vessel, and to execute processing of high reliability with a simple apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Universal Bio Research Co., LTD.Inventor: Hideji Tajima
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Publication number: 20080257072Abstract: [PROBLEMS] A (a) (b) separation unit can confirms a separation state, a detection unit enhances a lighting efficiency and a light reception sensitivity, and a dispensing unit ensures the normal state of a specimen. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A specimen separation device characterized by comprising a container for storing a specimen, a nozzle for sucking and ejecting the specimen from the container, a nozzle operating means for moving the nozzle vertically and laterally, and a nozzle controlling means for controlling the suction force and ejection force of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2005Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Ken Tsukii, Jie Xu
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Patent number: 7438858Abstract: A dispensing assembly for liquid droplets that includes a dispenser connected to a liquid carrying pipe which in turn is connected to a source of pressurized liquid. The dispenser has an elongated body member having a main bore connected to the liquid carrying pipe. At the other end, the main bore has a valve seat that is connected to a nozzle having a nozzle bore terminating in a dispensing tip. An elongated valve boss of ferromagnetic material covered with a soft polymer is mounted in the main bore and has a cross-sectional area less than that of the main bore. A separate valve boss actuating coil assembly has upper and lower coils that are separate from the main body that can be unplugged from both coils and from the liquid carrying pipe. As such, the main body can be a disposable member.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: The Provost Fellows and Scholars of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near DublinInventors: Igor Shvets, Sergei Makarov, Juergen Osing
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Patent number: 7427379Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir (32), an outlet port (6; 36) and driving means for forcing liquid (4) through the outlet port (6, 36). The driving means generates a pulse of gas which impinges upon the liquid (4) in the reservoir (32) so as to force liquid (4) through the outlet port (6, 36). Also disclosed is a cassette comprising a plurality of cartridges for dispensing liquid therefrom. Each cartridge comprises a liquid reservoir (32) and an outlet member (36) mounted so as to close an opening (34) in the liquid reservoir (32). The outlet member (36) provides an outlet port through which the liquid can be forced by a pulse of pressurised gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Biotage ABInventors: Peter Hagerlid, Hanno Ehring, Björn Ekström
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Patent number: 7402286Abstract: This invention provides improved components (e.g. array “pins”, print head, substrate platen, print head platen, and the like) for microarray printing devices as well as microarray printing devices incorporating such components. In one embodiment, this invention provides a microarray print head comprising a plurality of glass or quartz spotting capillaries disposed in a support that maintains a fixed spacing between the spotting capillaries and that permits the spotting capillaries to move in a direction parallel to the long axis of the capillaries.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Daniel Pinkel, Donna G. Albertson, Greg Hamilton, Nils W. Brown, Robert Nordmeyer
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Patent number: 7396512Abstract: A rugged, all-electronic fluid dispensing system for use with pipettes or in other contexts indirectly measures fluid flow by using a non-linear system model to correlate vacuum existing at the top of a column of suspended fluid. Non-contact operation is provided to eliminate the need for contact-type closed-loop fluid flow sensing and associated potential cross-contamination risks. In one particular exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementation, an electronic controller within a gun-shaped, cordless self-contained pipetter housing dynamically calculates valve opening time based on a non-linear equation. Calibration is used to derive equation constants, and column vacuum pressure before the valve is opened is used as the independent variable to derive a valve opening time that will result in accurate dispensing of a desired programmed fluid quantity.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Drummond Scientific CompanyInventors: Nicholas M. DiTrolio, Eric L. Canfield
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Publication number: 20080148872Abstract: A method for accessing the contents of an assembly that includes a cap in sealing engagement with a fluid-holding vessel. In the method, one or more rib structures on an outer surface of a plastic pipette tip engage the cap as the pipette tip penetrates the cap and enters the assembly. A fluid transfer apparatus operationally associated with the pipette tip draws a fluid from the assembly into the pipette tip. The fluid-holding pipette tip is then removed from the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Mordi I. IHEME, Daniel L. KACIAN, Mark R. KENNEDY
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Publication number: 20080134808Abstract: A method for accessing the contents of a closed collection device having a cap and a fluid-holding vessel in fixed association. The method includes penetrating one or more materials of the cap with an air displacement pipette, thereby forming one or more passageways for venting air displaced from within the collection device, where the pipette includes structure for forming the one or more passageways. A fluid present in the vessel is drawn into the pipette before the pipette is removed from the collection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Mordi I. Iheme, Daniel L. Kacian, Mark R. Kennedy, Gus G. Tseo, Bruce W. Anderson, Kathleen A. Dickey, Nick M. Carter
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Patent number: 7384604Abstract: A sample introduction system includes at least two, and preferably three, syringe pumps. The flow rates of two of the syringe pumps are varied, while keeping the overall flow rate constant. The sample introduction system is preferably utilized in an analytical instrument, such as to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Micromass UK LimitedInventors: Andrew Eaton, Andrew Entwistle, Howard Read, Fadi Abou-Shakra
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Publication number: 20080028875Abstract: An electronic pipette real-time responsive to manual operation includes a pressing unit, a signal generator, a controller, a power unit and a drawing/draining unit. The signal generator senses a displacement stroke of the pressing unit by user and generates a displacement signal to the controller. The controller performs calculation on the displacement signal to generate a control signal for sending to the power unit. The power unit drives the drawing/draining unit according to the control signal. The amount and speed of the drawing/draining can be shown on a display of the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Chung-Che Lo, Hsiu-Yu Li, Shan-Yi Yen, Shan-Yung Yen, Tsai Yi Chen, Chin Kai Liao
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Patent number: 7320259Abstract: A pipette tip is provided including sidewall having a distal end and a proximal end. The sidewall extends from the proximal end to the distal end and defines a surface around a center axis. The distal portion defines a tip having an aperture. The proximal portion has a sealing member and a wall member spaced apart and defining a channel therein between. The sealing member is deflectable from a first position to a second position when receiving the shaft of a pipette tool. The sealing member is elastically deformable so as to creates a seal with the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Medax International, Inc.Inventor: Paul M. Jessop
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Patent number: 7314598Abstract: A dispenser has a pressure sensor enabled to detect a pressure precisely by forming a pressure sensor integrally with a syringe constructing a nozzle to thereby eliminate a pipeline or the like. The dispenser is provided for sucking and discharging a liquid from a nozzle by slidably moving a piston sliding in the inside of a syringe by a motor mounted in a body. A detection sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the inside of the syringe is integrally formed by connecting its air inlet directly to a through hole formed to extend to the inner face of the syringe.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignees: Stack System Co., Ltd., Juki CorporationInventor: Mitsuo Nishino
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Patent number: 7303728Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid dispensing device, characterised in that it comprises: a dispensing member (10) including: a conduit (42, 44) allowing through a transporting liquid (52), a valve (48) fixed to one of the ends (38) of said conduit, a dispensing needle (12) arranged at the other end (38), means for measuring the flow rate (46) of the transporting liquid (52) in the conduit, control means (54) for circulating the said liquid through said conduit in one direction or the other, and electronic means (58, 60) reacting to said measuring means (46) and acting both on said valve (48) and said control means (54) to cause a specific amount of fluid (30) to be sucked into the needle (12), and then to be restored.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Seyonic SAInventors: Marc Boillat, Bart Van Der Schoot, Bastien Droz, Xavier Tinguely
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Patent number: 7284453Abstract: Apparatus and method for aspirating liquid from a container, e.g., a test tube or other vessel, includes apparatus for sensing that an aspiration probe tip is contacting the inside bottom wall of the container, whereby a maximum volume of liquid can be aspirated from the container. According to the invention, an encoder is mounted on the driven member of a motor (e.g., on a rotatably-driven drive shaft or a nut of a stepper or D.C. motor, or on a linearly-driven shaft of a linear actuator) used to rectilinearly advance the probe tip into the container. Such encoder produces a series of pulses indicating the speed and/or linear position of the probe tip. A motor controller responds to a predetermined change in pattern of pulses from the encoder indicating that movement of the probe tip has been resisted by the vessel bottom, whereby further movement of the driven member and of the probe connected thereto is arrested, and the probe tip remains in contact with the vessel bottom.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: William Weigong Li, Marco Zuleta, Pablo Larrea, Santiago Galvez
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Patent number: 7267800Abstract: In a system for sucking and discharging a solution from a vessel (micro-plate assembly 6) by suction nozzles 2, processes for suction, discharge, separation, etc. can be carried out with use of a simple mechanism, including suction nozzle moving means 3 for positioning the respective distal ends of the suction nozzles on the inner wall surface of the vessel, magnetic particle holding means 4 for magnetic particles 7 in a given position in the vessel, and solution discharge means 5 for sucking out and discharging the solution simultaneously from the vessel through the suction nozzles. Each or a combination of these means constitutes a drainage system.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Tadaoki Takii, Atsushi Inami
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Patent number: 7267801Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for loading tips onto a pipettor. A means for applying removal force on the pipette tip box is provided so as to ensure that the box is dislodged from the pipette tips after the pipette tips have been forced onto the dispense head mandrels. In the preferred embodiment, the shuck arms are modified to incorporate springs such that when the engagement force is removed from the pipette tip box, the shuck arms are forced by the springs against the pipette tip box thereby displacing the pipette tip box from the pipette tips.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Jonn Hitch, Rick A. Spencer
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Patent number: 7231839Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps in fluid handling and field sampling applications. The electroosmotic pumps used in these applications are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. Having multiple small flow channels in parallel provides both a high flow rate and high pressure in liquid handling. These electroosmotic pumps are fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: David Huber, Shuhuai Yao, Juan G. Santiago
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Patent number: 7198758Abstract: A microarraying head 51 has a base portion 57 and a plurality of needles 53. The needles 53 are arranged in parallel with one another on the base portion 57. The needles 53 place a solution on substrates 3 with the top ends of the needles 53 touching substrates 3. Then, the needles 53 retain the solution including biological samples and form spots of the solution on the substrates 3. A space 58 for supplying cleansing fluid or the like is provided in the base portion 57 so as to extend all over the plurality of needles 53. Since the plurality of needles 53 can be all cleansed with substantially uniform pressure applied thereto, all the plurality of needles 53 can cleansed surely in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toji Nakazawa, Akihiro Iimura
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Patent number: 7160511Abstract: A liquid pipetting apparatus for dispensing liquid of minute volume for use in a survey instruments of a hemanalysis machine, a genetic screening, and a pharmaceutical screening, etc., is disclosed. The liquid pipetting apparatus comprises a liquid holding member for holding the liquid, and capable of dispensing the liquid from one end, and a driving member for moving the liquid holding member forward and backward along the dispensing direction, the liquid holding member being moved by the driving means, thereby dispensing the liquid held on the liquid holding member.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Seiya Takahashi, Morinao Fukuoka