Pipette Longitudinally Movable Patents (Class 73/864.24)
  • Patent number: 11726028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container rack configured to hold a plurality of containers, the container rack configured to be installed in a rack installation portion of a specimen analysis device, the container rack comprising: a holding portion including a plurality of holding holes through which body portions of the containers pass and which hold head portions of the containers; and a leg portion configured to support the holding portion, the leg portion provided from the holding portion to below the containers held in the holding holes, wherein the leg portion is configured such that the containers in the holding holes are exposed in a bottom view, and wherein the container rack is configured such that when the container rack is installed in the rack installation portion of the specimen analysis device, movement of the containers held in the holding holes is restricted by the rack installation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Yoshimura, Masaki Shiba
  • Patent number: 11359953
    Abstract: The invention is an impedance sensor with: a probe which can be influenced in a capacity by a medium surrounding the probe, a measuring oscillation circuit in which the probe is arranged as a capacity-determining element, an electronics unit with a signal generator for excitation of the measuring oscillation circuit and a signal detector for determining a response signal of the measurement oscillation circuit and a signal processing unit connected with the electronics unit, wherein the signal generator is designed as a digital controllable circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Christian Weinzierle, Juergen Haas
  • Patent number: 11353355
    Abstract: An impedance limit switch is configured to determine a limit level of a medium. The switch may include a measuring probe having an oscillator circuit; and an electronic circuit configured to generate an excitation signal for the oscillator circuit. The electronic circuit is further configured to sweep a frequency of the excitation signal and determine a resonance curve of the oscillator circuit. The electronic circuit is further configured to adapt an amplitude of the excitation signal dependent upon the resonance curve in order to reduce an EMC radiation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventors: Dominik Fehrenbach, Juergen Haas, Christian Weinzierle, Volker Allgaier
  • Patent number: 11320346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an autosampler. The autosampler includes a sampling needle, a swing arm, a main shaft, a synchronous rotating pulley, and a rotating shaft sleeve. One end of the swing arm is fixed to the main shaft, and the other end thereof is fixed with the sampling needle for supplying a sample. The rotating shaft sleeve is installed in the synchronous rotating pulley, and the rotating shaft sleeve is mounted on the main shaft. The main shaft can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft in synchronization with the rotating shaft sleeve, and can move up and down in the direction of the central axis with respect to the rotating shaft sleeve. The autosampler is characterized in that it further includes a contact member. The contact member penetrates the synchronous rotating pulley and the rotating shaft sleeve from one side of the synchronous rotating pulley in the radial direction thereof until it comes into contact with the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shengsheng Sun
  • Patent number: 11179717
    Abstract: A kit for detection of an analyte of interest in a liquid sample, and methods of using, are provided. The kit may include a pipette and a disposable pipette tip configured to engage the pipette. The pipette tip may define an acoustic channel configured for allowing flow-through of a liquid. The kit may also include a vibratory device in communication with the acoustic channel and configured for imparting a vibratory force thereto. The impartation of the vibratory force may create standing acoustic waves, thereby separating any negative acoustic contrast particles (NACPs) from the remaining contents of the liquid sample. The NACPs may capable of biospecific recognition of the analyte of interest, thereby separating the analytes of interest, which can then be collected or analyzed accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Gabriel P. Lopez
  • Patent number: 10946372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the position of a robotic arm in an automatic liquid handling system in which a measurement probe with a first electrode is arranged on the robotic arm and, together with a second electrode formed by at least part of a working area or at least part of a container or container carrier forms a measurement capacitor that is operatively connected to a measurement unit for measuring an impedance, in particular a capacitance of the measurement capacitor. The method involves moving the measurement probe along a first path, detecting a first change in the impedance, in particular in the capacitance of the measurement capacitor at a first point on the first path, and defining at least one first reference spatial coordinate for a control unit of the robotic arm on the basis of the first point on the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventors: Philipp Ott, Markus Schoni, Thomas Struchen, Raffael Bueler, Nicolas Cors, Theo Meier, Daniel Kessler
  • Patent number: 10690691
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic analyzer that detects a liquid level by using an electrostatic capacity system. Feature values are extracted from time-series oscillating frequency data of an alternating current signal that is output by an oscillation circuit in a period from a time point at which a dispensing probe starts moving downward till a time point at which a certain period of time has elapsed. On the basis of the feature values from the time-series oscillating frequency data, it is determined whether or not the liquid level in a container has been detected properly, by using different methods. Whether a gap is present between the tip portion of the dispensing probe and the liquid level in the container and a reason for the gap are determined from a combination of multiple determination results obtained by using the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Yaita
  • Patent number: 10416127
    Abstract: An autosampler is provided with a needle that has a capacity to retain a sample therein and has both ends each formed in a pointed shape, a first adapter that has an opening and causes the needle and a syringe pump to be in communication with each other through the insertion of the upper end part of the needle into the opening, and a second adapter that connects the needle and a mobile-phase liquid-delivery flow path using a structure similar to that of the first adapter. The autosampler is configured such that the first adapter and the second adapter are attached to and removed from the upper end part of the needle so as to create flow paths including the needle as necessary and carry out a sampling operation and injecting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Yasunaga
  • Patent number: 10302533
    Abstract: A system for transferring a fluid sample in a fluid cell, includes a first and a second fluid circuit connected, respectively, to a first and a second inlet-outlet (1, 2) of a fluid cell (10), first injection elements (80) configured so as to inject, in series, into the first fluid circuit (11, 12, 13): a buffer solution, a first separation fluid volume followed by a fluid sample, then a second separation fluid volume and another buffer solution. The system includes first discharge elements arranged on the first fluid circuit near the first inlet-outlet (1), second injection elements (90, 91) arranged on the second fluid circuit (21, 22, 23) near the second inlet-outlet (2), and two-way circulation elements configured so as to circulate the fluid sample in two opposite directions in the fluid cell (10) without the passage of separation fluid into the fluid cell (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: HORIBA JOBIN YVON SAS
    Inventors: Emmanuel Maillart, Cecile Lerondeau, Geraldine Melizzi, Didier-Luc Brunet, Denis Cattelan
  • Patent number: 10281370
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a syringe assembly and a syringing method of using the same. The syringe assembly comprises an ultrasonic element, a guide tube and a syringe. The ultrasonic element is used to generate an ultrasonic signal and receive a reflection of the ultrasonic signal. The guide tube comprises a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal. The syringe and the guide tube are connected with each other via the second connecting terminal. The syringe assembly according to the present disclosure is able to perform sampling, liquid level detection, clog detection, and the liquid volume detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: TAIGEN BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chi-Sheng Tai
  • Patent number: 10117615
    Abstract: A disposable test cartridge and method for a point-of-care analyzer includes a cartridge body having a plurality of chambers where each of the plurality of chambers has an opening at a top of the cartridge body, a cartridge cover connected to the cartridge body where the cartridge cover has a capillary-receiving aperture, a capillary wiper disposed within the capillary-receiving aperture where the capillary-receiving aperture is aligned with one of the plurality of chambers of the cartridge body, and a capillary element removably insertable into the cartridge cover where the capillary element has a capillary tube that extends into the capillary-receiving aperture and through the capillary wiper where a tip portion of the capillary tube extends into the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Nova Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Chung Chang Young, Jonathan Scott, Mauro DelleMonache
  • Patent number: 9692411
    Abstract: A level sensing circuit board featuring at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: respond to a signal containing information related to the electrical conductivity of a material causing a stimulus to a sensing plate that corresponds to a positive plate of a capacitor directly connected to an input of a comparator that forms part of a variable frequency oscillator; and determine a proportional response containing information about the material causing the stimulus to the sensing plate based at least partly on the signal received. The level sensing circuit may be used as a means to turn a pump on or off based on a sensed fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FLOW CONTROL LLC
    Inventor: Jesus Estrada
  • Patent number: 9086396
    Abstract: A system and method for the automated processing of fluids according to a process operation plan involving the use of preloaded objects, which are to be present in target object positions, are disclosed. The system includes: a processing area in which objects to be used for the processing of fluids are located; at least one ultrasonic sensor for determining the presence of objects by acoustical waves; a positioning device to which the ultrasonic sensor is fixed and which moves the ultrasonic sensor in at least one direction relative to the processing area; a control computer determining the presence of objects and determining if objects are present in target object positions in the processing area as defined by the process operation plan; a pipetting device for pipetting of fluids between cavities located in the processing area; and an analytical or pre-analytical processing device for processing of fluids located in the processing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Burkard
  • Patent number: 8997800
    Abstract: A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a top (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the top (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the top, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Voit, Andrea Wildhaber
  • Patent number: 8999266
    Abstract: A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Agena BioScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Xian-Wei Yao, Chao Lin, Paul Heaney, Thomas Becker, Aaron A. Hanson, Michael C. Willis
  • Patent number: 8920751
    Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kristopher Barbee, Maximilian Carpino, Raymond Alan Wheeling, Nicholas Peter Bajka
  • Patent number: 8920752
    Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Biodot, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C Tisone, Holger Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8900527
    Abstract: A pipetting device is described comprising more than one pipetting unit, wherein said pipetting units are independently movable in Y and Z direction and comprise at least one module arranged in a staggered manner compared to the adjacent pipetting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Alessandro D'Amore, Urs Knecht, Rolf Schneebeli
  • Patent number: 8863593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sampling device and method for detecting liquid. The device includes a sampling probe; an action module for actuating the sampling probe; a control module for controlling the action module; a detection module for detecting a change of a relevant physical quantity of the sampling probe and converting the physical quantity into a corresponding electric signal output to the control module. The control module processes the electric signal output by the detection module and controls the action module to actuate the sampling probe based on the electric signal. The device is capable of determining abnormal liquid suction situations, making the sampling more reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yanwen Weng
  • Patent number: 8821791
    Abstract: A liquid sample is aspirated using an aspirating tube provided with a flow path extending lengthwise in the interior of the tube, and an aspiration orifice for aspirating the liquid sample formed near the tip of the tube. The aspiration of the liquid sample to the aspirating tube is monitored during aspiration. Liquid sample is aspirated by the aspirating tube, and the collected material in the aspirating tube in the region at the tip side from the region containing the liquid sample to be used for measurement is delivered to a detecting part provided externally to the aspirating tube, and whether or not liquid sample is contained in the collected material is detected in the detecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Shibata, Yoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8808625
    Abstract: In a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid, such as a sample solution, on a substrate, such as a glass slide, the dispensing apparatus includes a capillary provided with a distal end and a proximal end, a pump unit configured to pump an operating liquid into the capillary and to pump the operating liquid out of the capillary, and a controller configured to control the pump unit so as to change a position of a liquid surface of the operating liquid in the capillary so that a predetermined volume of liquid is suctioned from the distal end into the capillary and the liquid suctioned in the capillary is discharged from the distal end. As a result, it is possible to precisely dispense extremely small volume amounts of liquids such as a nanoliter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Hiroaki Tao, Masaki Torimura, Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8790593
    Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig Clark, John M. Gilker, Norbert D. Hagen, Tom R. Horn
  • Patent number: 8747747
    Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Hunter
  • Patent number: 8726745
    Abstract: A device comprising a sampling probe configured to sample a fluid, and an ultrasound sensor coupled to the sampling probe and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy, the ultrasound sensor further configured to generate a first signal by receiving ultrasound energy reflected from a fluid surface of the fluid is provided. Fluid handling systems and methods of using the fluid handling devices and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Heinze, Lee Brady, William J. Austhof
  • Patent number: 8647594
    Abstract: A plate handling system for a sampling device with a drawtube that includes a vertical actuation system that adjusts the vertical distance between the drawtube and a sample tray, a horizontal linkage system that positions a sample tray in a horizontal plane, and a drive system that drives the rotational motion of the horizontal linkage system. The horizontal linkage system includes a base arm that rotates about a base joint, and a sample arm that rotates about a sample arm joint on the base arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Kehrer, Nathaniel C. Bair
  • Patent number: 8609040
    Abstract: A system for automatically creating a denaturation curve is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, a movement system including a unit having a plurality of cannulas is used. The cannulas are in fluid communication with a fluid system, which allows the cannulas to draw in and dispense fluid. A measurement system is included which draws fluid from a well into a detector to determine a characteristic of the fluid. A controller is used to control these systems and also to create a denaturation graph from the measured characteristics. In another embodiment, a plurality of formulations may be created using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: AVIA Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Brown, Burleigh Hutchins, Ernesto Freire
  • Patent number: 8475740
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus is provided which makes it possible to correctly and easily detect a dispensing operation judgment failure with high accuracy without particularly using a complicated detection mechanism or means. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a nozzle which sucks a solution in a cassette and dispenses the sucked solution into another cassette; and a cassette holder which holds the another cassette, and the nozzle is used as a first electrode and the cassette holder as a second electrode. Further, the liquid dispensing apparatus has measurement means for measuring a capacitance between the first and second electrodes during a solution dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Shigeki Matsubara, Takuya Yamaguchi, Masaaki Odakura
  • Patent number: 8372356
    Abstract: A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system is designed to transfer liquids from a standard multi-well plate, deep-well plate or reservoir into another multi-well plate. The preferred pipetting head includes an array of 96-tip fittings. A deck with at least one but preferably two or more wellplate nesting receptacles holds one or more multi-well plates or reagent reservoirs for access by an array of disposable pipette tips mounted to the pipetting head. The electronic motion control system includes a control handle that is mounted to a load cell, the carriage for the pipetting head and is held in the palm of the user. In use, the user grasps the control handle and operates the system in a manner similar to one using a handheld electronic pipettor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Integra Biosciences Corp.
    Inventors: Julian Warhurst, Gary Nelson, Richard Cote
  • Patent number: 8367022
    Abstract: A manually directed, electronic multi-channel pipettor uses servo controlled motors to drive a carriage and pipetting head in response to a user's manipulation of a control handle. The pipetting head include an array of tip fittings, e.g. 96. The system includes a check processor to avoid unintended motion in case of system faults or crashes. The system requires substantial force to attach the array of tips, and therefore includes controls that require both of the user's hands be occupied during the tip attachment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Integra Biosciences Corp.
    Inventors: Julian Warhurst, Richard Cote
  • Patent number: 8361807
    Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Willy Wiyatno, Linda Lee, David Cox, Richard Reel, Mark Oldham, Jim Nurse, Douglas Greiner, Dennis Lehto, Janusz Wojtowicz, Sam Woo
  • Patent number: 8349278
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for withdrawing respective liquid samples from vials (2) which are closed by closure caps (4) includes a plurality of racks (7) for accommodating the vials (2). A device (10) including a housing (25) is slideably carried on a gantry (9) which in turn is slideably carried on guide tracks (12) to provide two degrees of movement of the device (10) for selective alignment of the device (10) with the vials (2). An abutment member (43) is driven vertically by a second gearwheel (51) by a drive shaft (27) through a first gearwheel (40) and a dog clutch (52). A cannula which is secured within a first gear rack (33) is driven vertically by the first gearwheel (40). On engagement of the abutment member (43) with the closure cap (4) of the selected vial (2), the clutch (52) decouples the second gearwheel (51) from the first gearwheel (40) so that the cannula (28) is urgeable through the closure cap (4) into the vial (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: TCOAG Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Ronan Patrick O'Caoimh, James Walsh, Brendan Kevin Farrell, Rory Peter Nealon, Josef Georg Hubert Wiehe
  • Patent number: 8309036
    Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig Clark, John M. Gilker, Norbert D. Hagen, Tom R. Horn
  • Patent number: 8293527
    Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 8293520
    Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 8293526
    Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 8293525
    Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Molecular Devices (New Milton) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 8287806
    Abstract: A pipetting apparatus has a fluidic space to which a pressure transducer with a pressure sensor is attached with a gas filled space. The fluidic space is defined by a pipette tip, a first tubing that connects the pipette tip to a pump, and an active part of the pump. The pipetting apparatus further has an impulse generating mechanism that is in operative contact with a column of system liquid inside the fluidic space. The impulse generating mechanism induces a vertical movement in the system liquid column, which results in a pressure variation in the gas filled space that is pneumatically connected with the fluidic space. This pressure variation, as recorded with the pressure transducer and as processed by a first data processing unit during utilization of this pipetting apparatus, is taken as an indicator for the detection of penetration or of quitting of a surface of a liquid, with an orifice of the pipette tip, of which liquid an amount is to be aspirated and dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Torleif Ove Bjornson, Robert Liebhard, Adi Zuppiger, Dirk Heerklotz
  • Patent number: 8252235
    Abstract: A liquid sample is aspirated using an aspirating tube provided with a flow path extending lengthwise in the interior of the tube, and an aspiration orifice for aspirating the liquid sample formed near the tip of the tube. The aspiration of the liquid sample to the aspirating tube is monitored during aspiration. Liquid sample is aspirated by the aspirating tube, and the collected material in the aspirating tube in the region at the tip side from the region containing the liquid sample to be used for measurement is delivered to a detecting part provided externally to the aspirating tube, and whether or not liquid sample is contained in the collected material is detected in the detecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Shibata, Yoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8227258
    Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy N. Chang, Qiong Shen
  • Patent number: 8211381
    Abstract: A device for measuring the sedimentation rate in biological fluids, and particularly the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood samples. The device comprises: holders (3) for test tubes (P) containing samples of biological fluid; agitator devices (25) for agitating the test tubes; at least one detector (17, 19) for reading the levels inside the test tubes. The holders together form a continuous flexible member (1) defining a closed path along which the agitator devices and the detector are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Diesse Diagnostica Senese S.p.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Ricci, Michele Meloni, Francesco Cocola
  • Patent number: 8192698
    Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components. The probe has a dimension that is 8 mm or less in at least one projection coincident with an aspirate/dispense axis of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Londo, Paul M. Grippo, Frank Sylva
  • Patent number: 8192982
    Abstract: A tissue culture microscope apparatus includes a culture unit that includes a chamber in which a specimen is put, and maintains the chamber at a predetermined temperature to culture the specimen; an observation unit that forms an observation image of the specimen put in the chamber; and a liquid supply unit that stores a liquid in a protrusion portion penetrating into a wall of the chamber and protruding to an inside of the chamber, matches a temperature of the liquid with the temperature of the chamber, and injects the liquid from the protrusion portion to the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Hasegawa, Akitsugu Kagayama, Atsuhiro Tsuchiya, Ryuichi Hirano, Kenichi Koyama, Hideaki Endo
  • Patent number: 8117929
    Abstract: A system and method utilizes distance-measuring equipment including a laser sensor for controlling the collection instrument-to-surface distance during a sample collection process for use, for example, with mass spectrometric detection. The laser sensor is arranged in a fixed positional relationship with the collection instrument, and a signal is generated by way of the laser sensor which corresponds to the actual distance between the laser sensor and the surface. The actual distance between the laser sensor and the surface is compared to a target distance between the laser sensor and the surface when the collection instrument is arranged at a desired distance from the surface for sample collecting purposes, and adjustments are made, if necessary, so that the actual distance approaches the target distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Gary J. Van Berkel, Vilmos Kertesz
  • Patent number: 8034612
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Genetix Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Richmond, Christopher Mann, Andrew Board, Yonggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 7981384
    Abstract: Liquid aspirators are described that include an aspirating pipette; a drive source for descending the aspirating pipette; and a controller for controlling the drive source; the aspirating pipette being stopped from being descended by loss of synchronism of the drive source caused by upward force to be exerted on the aspirating pipette. Analyzers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Noriyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7955864
    Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Cox, Willy Wiyatno, Mark F. Oldham, James C. Nurse, Douglas P. Greiner, Sam L. Woo, Richard T. Reel, Dennis A. Lehto, Linda G. Lee, Janusz B. Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 7955865
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Andrea Marziali, Diponkar Banerjee, Jason Donald Thompson, Kurtis Dan Guggenheimer, Jared Raymond Slobodan, Roy Alexander Belak, David Keddie Brown
  • Patent number: 7943393
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the method involves adjusting the head pressure of the column during the process, or otherwise controlling or regulating the head pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Ronald Jones, Allen Burge
  • Patent number: 7897111
    Abstract: A pipetting device, having a base plate, an elastic sealing plate that covers the outside of the base plate, and a plurality of pipetting channels arranged in a predetermined grid extending through the base plate and the sealing plate. A magazine is loaded in the same grid with the pipette tips, each pipette tip having a shoulder. The magazine is arranged in a magazine holder indirectly frictionally connected via the shoulders and the sealing plate with the base plate, and a drive motor, indirectly connected to the eccentric shafts of two identical eccentric drives that are permanently mounted on the support on the base plate. Each drive has an eccentric pin that is offset by a distance with respect to the axis of the eccentric shaft, and one T-shaped gravitational pendulum is suspended from each of the eccentric pins. The magazine holder is formed by a U-shaped magazine frame with a bearing surface on the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cybio AG
    Inventor: Uwe Naumann
  • Patent number: 7862774
    Abstract: An analyzer system has an instrument holder that can hold at least two instruments and is movable along a vertical guide. At least one washing device is provided for the instruments, with one or more jet orifices fed by a supply conduit to spray wash fluid at the instruments. The washing device comprises one or more wash rings surrounding the instruments. The washing device is separate from and movable in relation to the instrument holder, and the one or more jet orifices are aimed at the instruments positioned inside the one or more wash rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Karl Lang