Of A Liquid Patents (Class 436/150)
  • Patent number: 11298700
    Abstract: Digital microfluidics apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) configured to determine provide feedback on the location, rate of movement, rate of evaporation and/or size (or other physical characteristic) of one or more, and preferably more than one, droplet in the gap region of a digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: mirOculus Inc.
    Inventors: Ik Pyo Hong, Irena Barbulovic-Nad, Jorge Abraham Soto-Moreno
  • Patent number: 11198129
    Abstract: Integrated devices that include a sample preparation component integrated with a detection component are disclosed. The sample preparation component may be a digital microfluidics module or a surface acoustic wave module which modules are used for combing a sample droplet with a reagent droplet and for performing additional sample preparation step leading to a droplet that contains beads/particles/labels that indicate presence or absence of an analyte of interest in the sample. The beads/particles/labels may be detected by moving the droplet to the detection component of the device, which detection component includes an array of wells. Additonal analyte detection devices configured to operate an analyte detection chip to prepare a test sample and to detect an analyte related signal from the prepared test sample in the analyte detection chip are disclosed. The analyte detection chip may include a digital microfluidics (DMF) region and an analyte detection region which may overlap or may be spatially separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Huff, Mark A. Hayden, Graham Davis, Sergey Gershtein
  • Patent number: 10814323
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for transporting fluid into or out of one or more fluidic devices includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface. The first surface includes at least one partial channel disposed thereon. The second layer abuts the first surface, thereby forming a channel from the at least one partial channel. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a resilient layer formed from a pliable material. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a via hole. The via hole is aligned with the channel to pass fluid thereto. The via hole is configured to pass fluid through the first layer or the second layer substantially perpendicularly to the channel. Embossments are also used to define aspects of a fluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, II, Christopher David Hinojosa
  • Patent number: 10739307
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 10682084
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Böhm, Daiting Rong, Peter C. Simpson
  • Patent number: 10675627
    Abstract: Systems and methods directed to an array of microstructures for biological cell sorting with each individual structure component including an integrated magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Mark Bachman, Wesley A. Cox-Muranami
  • Patent number: 10596572
    Abstract: Digital microfluidics apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) configured to determine provide feedback on the location, rate of movement, rate of evaporation and/or size (or other physical characteristic) of one or more, and preferably more than one, droplet in the gap region of a digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: mirOculus Inc.
    Inventors: Ik Pyo Hong, Irena Barbulovic-Nad, Jorge Abraham Soto-Moreno
  • Patent number: 10309926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling movement of a fluid sample along a flow path and a corresponding method. The device comprises a working electrode (2) arranged to contact the fluid sample when the fluid sample moves along the flow path, and a reference electrode (3) arranged to contact the fluid sample when the fluid sample moves along the flow path. At least a portion of the reference electrode is arranged abreast of or downstream at least a portion of the working electrode. The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a device wherein a fluid sample may be transported and accurately controlled, with respect to e.g. timing, volumes and flow rates, over greater distances compared to prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GINOLIS OY
    Inventors: Fredrik Jansson, Magnus Molin
  • Patent number: 10139390
    Abstract: By slowing down the passing velocity of a DNA molecule in a nanopore, the accuracy of the reading of a nucleotide sequence of DNA is improved. A small temperature difference is introduced between a DNA molecule having an asymmetric and periodic structure and a nanopore membrane that carries the DNA molecule, whereby the DNA molecule that passes through a nanopore can move in one direction and the passing velocity of the DNA molecule in the nanopore can be controlled and reduced. In this manner, the accuracy of the analysis of a nucleotide sequence can be improved. Furthermore, it becomes possible to dissociate double-stranded DNA into single-stranded DNA molecules by the action of temperature and subject the single-stranded DNA molecules to a measurement selectively. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to select the polarity of a DNA molecule and subject the DNA molecule to a measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kato, Tomohiro Shoji
  • Patent number: 10107773
    Abstract: Capacitive sensors and MEMS elements that can be implemented directly above silicon CMOS electronics are disclosed. A capacitive based sensor is disposed over a first predetermined portion of a wafer that includes at least a first ceramic element providing protection for the final capacitive based sensor and self-aligned processing during its manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: MEMS-Vision International Inc.
    Inventors: Mourad El-Gamal, Paul-Vahe Cicek, Frederic Nabki
  • Patent number: 10016759
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control-engaged electrode-driving method for droplet actuation is provided. The method includes, a first pulse is provided to a first electrode for kicking off a droplet till a centroid of the droplet reaching a centroid of the first electrode. A second pulse is provided to a second electrode when a leading edge of the droplet reaching the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MACAU
    Inventors: Cheng Dong, Tianlan Chen, Jie Gao, Yanwei Jia, Pui-In Mak, Mang-I Vai, Rui Paulo da Silva Martins
  • Patent number: 9708640
    Abstract: An electrospun nanofibrous membrane is sheet like and is formed by multiple glucose oxidase/potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) modified electrospun nanofibers. The glucose oxidase/potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) modified electrospun nanofibers are PVA electrospun nanofibers containing glucose oxidase and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) homogeneously dispersed therein. The glucose oxidase/potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) modified electrospun nanofibers are PVA electrospun nanofibers and are cross-linked by glutaraldehyde vapor with ultrasonic energy assistance. Graphene modified PVA/GOx electrospun membranes were prepared to examine the immobilization mechanism between graphene and GOx. The electrochemical measurement results show that the sensitivities increased with increasing graphene concentrations up to 20 ppm. The highest sensitivity recorded 38.7 ?A/mM was for a PVA/GOx membrane with 20 ppm graphene representing a 109% increase over a membrane made without graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chang-Mou Wu, Hsiu-An Yu, Chun-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 9632073
    Abstract: Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: LUX BIO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Gordon Holt
  • Patent number: 9604210
    Abstract: A microelectronic package includes a die which may include MEMS and CMOS circuitry for analyzing a fluid. A defined path is provided for channeling fluid to the die. Rather than patterning depressions or physical channels in the package substrate, the defined paths comprise coatings that may channel the flow of liquids to the die for biological sensor type applications. The defined paths may comprise a wetting coating that has an affinity to fluids. Similarity, the defined paths may comprise a dewetting coating the tend to repel fluid surrounding the paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lakshmi Supriya, James C. Matayabas, Jr., Nirupama Chakrapani
  • Patent number: 9588063
    Abstract: A sensor measures a sample in a measuring cell including a helix conductor. The shell structure of the measuring cell is made of an electrically non-conductive material. The measuring cell and at least part of the helix conductor are placeable inside a chamber. A radio-frequency signal input element couples a radio-frequency signal to the chamber to form a helix resonance. A radio-frequency signal output element is responsive to a helix resonance of the helix conductor and transmits a radio-frequency signal for measurement. A device for measuring a sample in a measuring cell includes the sensor, a radio-frequency signal source, and a measuring and control part. The radio-frequency signal source produces a radio-frequency signal to the input element. The measuring and control part measures a property of a sample on the basis of a resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Senfit Oy
    Inventors: Pekka Jakkula, Mikko Vuolteenaho, Markku Korhonen, Vesa Fisk
  • Patent number: 9448223
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring, on a digital microfluidic platform, electrical signals associated with the impedance of adherent cells. In one embodiment, a sub-droplet of cell culture media containing adherent cells is passively dispensed at a pre-selected electrode location where a local hydrophilic surface region is provided, and adherent cells are attached to the local hydrophilic surface region. The cell culture media sub-droplet is replaced with a sub-droplet of a low-conductivity medium in a passive dispensing step, retaining the attached adherent cells. An AC voltage with a suitable frequency is applied between electrodes of the device and a signal associated with the impedance of the adherent cells is obtained. One of the electrodes to which the AC voltage is applied may be a dedicated sensing electrode. The local thickness of a dielectric layer coating the pre-selected electrode may be reduced to increase the detection sensitivity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventors: Steve Chao-Chung Shih, Irena Barbulovic-Nad, Aaron Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9328344
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays and combinatorial chemistry. Such methods can include labeling a library of compounds by emulsifying aqueous solutions of the compounds and aqueous solutions of unique liquid labels on a microfluidic device, which includes a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged on a microfabricated substrate such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids, whereby each compound is labeled with a unique liquid label, pooling the labeled emulsions, coalescing the labeled emulsions with emulsions containing a specific cell or enzyme, thereby forming a nanoreactor, screening the nanoreactors for a desirable reaction between the contents of the nanoreactor, and decoding the liquid label, thereby identifying a single compound from a library of compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Raindance Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Link, Laurent Boitard, Jeffrey Branciforte, Yves Charles, Gilbert Feke, John Q. Lu, David Marran, Ahmadali Tabatabai, Michael Weiner, Wolfgang Hinz, Jonathan M. Rothberg
  • Patent number: 9297746
    Abstract: A reaction characteristic detector comprising a ladder assembly including a plurality of rungs, where each rung in the plurality of rungs comprises a reaction passage determiner spaced a distance from a point of an energetic material reaction initiation. Each reaction passage determiner has at least one characteristic that is configured to change in response to the reaction occurring proximate to the reaction passage determiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Steven J. Apperson, Christopher J. Morris, Luke J. Currano, Collin R. Becker, Madan Dubey
  • Patent number: 9250181
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a sensor device (100) for detecting particles (MP) that are bound to the binding surface (12) of a carrier (11). The sensor device (100) comprises a microscope (50) for imaging bound particles (MP) onto an image sensor (53). In order to increase the spatial resolution of the microscope (50), a displacement unit (60,70,80) is provided that can displace the carrier (11) relative to the image sensor (53). The distance of a bound particle (MP) from the binding surface (12) and/or its lateral displacement in reaction to forces can thus be determine with high accuracy. This allows to discriminate specific bindings of large magnetic particles (MP) that are bound to the binding surface (12) via smaller target particles from nonspecific direct bindings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Josephus Arnoldus Henricus Maria Kahlman, Joannes Baptist Adrianus Dionisius Van Zon
  • Patent number: 9034264
    Abstract: The present application provides apparatus and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator. Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Highland Biosciences Limited
    Inventor: Richard Day
  • Patent number: 9023652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detectors for detecting fluorine-containing compounds and/or cyanide containing compounds, including hydrogen fluoride (HF) or HCN gas, hydrofluoric acid in solution, selected chemical warfare agents, selected industrial chemicals which may be hydrolyzed to release HF or HCN gas, compounds containing a cyanide group, and compounds that can release HF or HCN. The detectors comprise i) an organometallic component containing at least one bis-substituted boryl group of the formula —B(RB)(RB?) wherein each RB and each RB? is independently selected from H, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, OR6, N(R6)(R7), SR6, C3-20 aryl or heteroaryl, and C3-20 cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl groups, each of which may be optionally substituted, ii) a Lewis base component, and iii) a solid matrix component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: University College Cardiff Consultants Ltd.
    Inventors: Simon Aldridge, Ian A. Fallis
  • Patent number: 9023655
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: 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: 8999243
    Abstract: A blood coagulation analysis device and method in which information relating to the coagulability of blood is evaluated based on a change generated in a permittivity measured in a coagulation process of the blood due to addition of a substance that activates or inactivates platelets to the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihito Hayashi, MarcAurele Brun, Shinji Omori, Yoichi Katsumoto, Kazumasa Sato
  • Publication number: 20150064732
    Abstract: An analytical test cartridge is provided. The analytical test cartridge can be used for medical analyses of liquid samples removed from a patient, for example blood. The analytical test cartridge is configured to provide for titration experiments. An example of a titration experiment that can be performed with the arrangement, is titration of heparin with protamine. Methods of assembly and use are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Kee Van Sin
  • Patent number: 8937477
    Abstract: The invention provides a biochemical measuring device including: a measuring unit configured to measure a base current and a peak current; a time counting unit configured to count an elapsed time from the contact of a sensor electrode to a reference solution until the start of measurement of the base current; and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires a concentration of a specific substance using the base current value when the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a stationarizing time, and when it is shorter than the stationarizing time, acquires the concentration of the specific substance using the stationary base current value measured by the measuring unit when the elapsed time is shorter than the stationarizing time instead of the current value of the base current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuro Murayama
  • Patent number: 8932868
    Abstract: A method an system is disclosed for the detection and/or allocation of at least one point mutation in target DNA and/or RNA duplexes. The method comprises obtaining a functionalized surface which is coated with probe DNA and/or RNA whereto target DNA and/or RNA duplexes are attached, contacting said functionalized surface to an electrolytic solution having a neutral pH in a flow cell and measuring a first impedance value within said electrolytic solution, and then adding a chemical to the electrolytic solution which is able to achieve denaturation of the target DNA and/or RNA. The method further comprises measuring a second impedance value within the flow cell after completion of the denaturation of the DNA and/or RNA target, and then obtaining a value representative for the impact of the chemical on the impedance of the electrolytic solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: IMEC, Universiteit Hasselt
    Inventors: Bart Van Grinsven, Ward De Ceuninck, Patrick Wagner
  • Patent number: 8921115
    Abstract: The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlene Yuan, Trevor Huang
  • Publication number: 20140378341
    Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: MESO SCALE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eli N. Glezer, Jonathan K. Leland, Mark A. Billadeau, Joseph M. Leginus, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker, Jeff D. Debad, Koustubh A. Phalnikar, Sriram Jambunathan
  • Patent number: 8912005
    Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith G. Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Patent number: 8906695
    Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
  • Patent number: 8877510
    Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Andreas Calatzis, Ben Krüger, Marc Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8871517
    Abstract: A method of distinguishing a control solution from a sample in an electrochemical test sensor is performed. The method includes adding a control marker to the control solution. The control solution includes the control marker and analyte. The test sensor includes working and counter electrodes, and a reagent. A potential is applied to the test sensor to oxidize the control marker and the analyte. The resulting electrical current is measured. A potential is applied to the test sensor lower than the other potential in which the potential is sufficient to oxidize the analyte and not the control marker. The resulting electrical current is measured. Determining whether a control solution or a sample is present based on the measured electrical currents. To increase the measured current, a salt may be added to the control solution in an amount sufficient to increase the electrical current by at least 5% as compared to a control solution in the absence of a salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Jing Lin, Fu Hsiung Tsai, Huan-Ping Wu, Nicole D. Ellis, Henry C. Arndt
  • Publication number: 20140308752
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biological field effect transistor (BioFET) and a method of fabricating a BioFET device. The method includes forming a BioFET using one or more process steps compatible with or typical to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BioFET device includes a plurality of microwells having a bio-sensing layer and a number of stacked well portions over a multi-layer interconnect (MLI). A bottom surface area of a well portion is different from a top surface area of a well portion directly below. The microwells are formed by removing a top metal plate on a topmost level of the MLI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Hsien Chang, Wei-Cheng Shen, Shih-Wei Lin, Chun-Ren Cheng
  • Patent number: 8859293
    Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Roche Operations Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, James Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8859292
    Abstract: A sensor chip is configured to measure the temperature of a blood sample and includes a capillary section and an electrode unit. The capillary section allows the blood sample to be introduced therein. The electrode unit is configured to measure the temperature of the blood sample and includes a working electrode and a counter electrode. The working electrode and the counter electrode respectively include a reaction reagent layer containing an electrolyte. Further, the electrode unit is configured to receive a predetermined voltage to be applied in measuring the temperature of the blood sample for allowing a result of the measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in a glucose concentration and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8845872
    Abstract: Sample processing droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a stamping device including a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a first plate including a path or network of control electrodes for transporting droplets on a surface thereof; (b) a second plate mounted in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the first plate providing an interior volume between the plates, the second plate including one or more stamping ports for transporting some portion or all of a droplet from the interior volume to an exterior location; (c) a port for introducing fluid into the interior volume between the plates; and (d) a path or network of reference electrodes corresponding to the path or network of control electrodes. Associated systems and methods including the stamping device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc., Duke University
    Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 8845968
    Abstract: The present application provides apparatus (300, 400) and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator (108, 109, 110). Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Highland Biosciences Limited
    Inventor: Richard Day
  • Patent number: 8846410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Ramakrishna Sista, Arjun Sudarsan
  • Patent number: 8841133
    Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Huan-Ping Wu, Christine D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8828736
    Abstract: We have developed an microelectroporation device that combines microarrays of oligonucleotides, microfluidic channels, and electroporation for cell transfection and high-throughput screening applications (e.g. RNA interference screens). Microarrays allow the deposition of thousands of different oligonucleotides in microscopic spots. Microfluidic channels and microwells enable efficient loading of cells into the device and prevent cross-contamination between different oligonucleotides spots. Electroporation allows optimal transfection of nucleic acids into cells (especially hard-to-transfect cells such as primary cells) by minimizing cell death while maximizing transfection efficiency. This invention has the advantage of a higher throughput and lower cost, while preventing cross-contamination compared to conventional screening technologies. Moreover, this device does not require bulky robotic liquid handling equipment and is inherently safer given that it is a closed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Perroud, Ronald F. Renzi, Oscar Negrete, Mark R. Claudnic
  • Patent number: 8815178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for non-invasive detection of an analyte in a fluid sample. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a collection chamber containing an absorbent hydrogel material; a fluidic channel connected to the collection chamber; a sensing chamber connected to the fluidic channel, wherein the device is comprised of a compressible housing that allows transfer of fluid collected by the collection chamber to be transferred to be extracted and withdrawn to the sensing chamber upon compression of the device, wherein the sensing chamber contains a material that specifically detects the analyte and wherein the sensing chamber is operably linked to a processor containing a potentiostat that allows detection of the analyte using electrochemical sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Daniel Bishop, Jeffrey La Belle
  • Patent number: 8809068
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of dispersing or circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with a plurality of droplet operations electrodes configured to transport the droplet, and a magnetic field present at a portion of the plurality of droplet operations electrodes. A bead-containing droplet is provided on the droplet actuator in the presence of the uniform magnetic field. Beads are circulated in the droplet during incubation by conducting droplet operations on the droplet within a uniform region of the magnetic field wherein droplet operations do not allow magnetically responsive beads to be introduced into a region of the magnetic field which is sufficiently non-uniform to cause bead clumping resulting in a more homogenous distribution of the beads in the droplet. Other embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramakrishna Sista, Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan, Michael G. Pollack, Allen Eckhardt
  • Patent number: 8796036
    Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Patent number: 8785204
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of assaying for tetrahydrocannabinol in a body fluid. The method includes contacting a sample of body fluid with an imine capable of reacting with tetrahydrocannabinol to yield a quinone imine, and detecting the formation of a quinone imine, where the sample is contacted with the reagent compound at a pH of at least 10.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Oxtox Limited
    Inventors: Dimitrios Konstantinos Kampouris, Patrick Robinson Huddleston, Craig Edward Banks
  • Patent number: 8772040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for platelet multi-function analysis using measurement of electrical characteristics, and a stirring microchip are provided. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis includes a stirring microchip that has a sample storage chamber formed therein to hold a blood sample, and in which an inner part of the sample storage chamber is coated with reagents composed of collagen and epinephrine, or collagen and ADP. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis further includes a microstirrer installed inside the stirring microchip to stir the blood sample and the reagents in the stirring microchip and a stirring induction unit configured to facilitate stirring of the microstirrer. Therefore, the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can be performed using a trace of blood, and the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can also be performed using the whole blood taken from the veins through a vacuum tube containing an anticoagulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Se Hyun Shin, Jeong Hun Nam, Hyun Jung Lim
  • Publication number: 20140170762
    Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement (100) is disclosed comprising a substrate (210); and a gas such as a CO2 sensor comprising spatially separated electrodes including at least an excitation electrode (132) and a sensing electrode (142); a volume (120) in contact with said pair of electrodes, said volume including a chemical compound for forming a reaction product with said gas in an acid-base reaction; a signal generator (212) conductively coupled to the excitation electrode and adapted to provide the excitation electrode with a microwave signal; and a signal detector (214) conductively coupled to the sensing electrode and adapted to detect a change in said microwave signal caused by a permittivity change in said volume, said permittivity change being caused by said reaction product. A device comprising such an IC arrangement and a method of sensing the presence of a gas using such an IC arrangement are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Dimitri Soccol, Youri Victorovitch Ponomarev, David van Steenwinckel
  • Patent number: 8753888
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Denise L. Faustman, Douglas E. Burger
  • 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: 8735163
    Abstract: A blood coagulation system analyzing method includes acquiring information relating to the coagulability of blood based on a change generated in a complex permittivity spectrum measured in a coagulation process of the blood due to addition of a substance that activates or inactivates platelets to the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshito Hayashi, MarcAurele Brun, Shinji Omori, Yoichi Katsumoto, Kazumasa Sato
  • Patent number: 8728288
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly comprising a first electronic wiring substrate having a first and a second surface and at least one analyte sensor formed on the first surface thereof, the at least one analyte sensor being connected with one or more electrical contact points, a second electronic wiring substrate having a first and a second surface and at least one analyte sensor formed on the first surface part thereof, the at least one analyte sensor being connected with one or more electrical contact points, and a spacer having a through-going recess with a first and a second opening, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the spacer are arranged in a layered structure, where the first surface of the first substrate closes the first opening of the spacer and the first surface of the second substrate closes the second opening of the spacer, thereby forming a measuring cell which is faced by at least one sensor from each of the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Radiometer Medical Aps
    Inventors: Flemming Aas, Erik Helleso Nicolajsen