| BECKMAN COULTER, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120034640 | Isotonic Buffered Composition and Method that Enables Counting of Cells - The present invention discloses multi-purpose metering fluid/rinse reagents for use in automated cellular analyzers that use liquid volumetric metering. The compositions contain a chelating agent, an ionizing salt, optionally a stabilizing ion, a buffer, a non-hemolytic surfactant, and optionally an antimicrobial agent. Advantageously, the compositions produce less than one part-per-million of formaldehyde over the course of one year. Methods for using the compositions are also described. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120028293 | MIXING DEVICE AND MIXING METHOD FOR MIXING SMALL AMOUNTS OF LIQUID - The invention relates to a mixing method for mixing at least one small quantity of liquid, in which a quantity of liquid is applied, in a reaction region and at least one surface sound wave is reacted with the quantity of liquid. The invention relates further to a mixing device for mixing at least one quantity of liquid for performing the method of the present invention, a use of the device, and a method of analysis for bond strengths on surfaces. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120003731 | ANALYZER AND METHOD FOR WASHING DISPENSER PROBE - The analyzer ( | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110318747 | Nonseparation Assay Methods - Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110311397 | REACTION CONTAINER HOLDER AND ANALYZER - A reaction container holder capable of inhibiting the lowering of the transfer efficiency of heat transferred from a rotating member to a bottom surface of a reaction container, and an analyzer comprising the reaction container holder, are provided. In a reaction container holder comprising: a retaining member unit comprising a plurality of container retaining sections for retaining reaction containers, which house a reaction liquid containing a reagent and a specimen; and a circular rotating member for detachably fixing the unit from above and rotating, the holder keeping the container at a constant temperature by transferring heat from a heat source through the rotating member to the container, the rotating member comprises a level difference section, an upper surface of which is positioned below a bottom surface of the container retained by the unit and above a bottom part of the section, when the retaining member unit is fixed. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110269156 | Nonseparation Assay Methods - Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110262923 | METHOD FOR THE QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF COPIES OF A PREDETERMINED SEQUENCE IN A SAMPLE - A method for the quantitative determination of the number of at least one predetermined sequence in a biological sample comprises the steps:
| 10-27-2011 |
| 20110257908 | AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - An automatic analyzer, capable of obtaining analysis results using reaction liquids with absorbance appropriate for analysis processing, is provided. To that end, the analyzer includes: a standard deviation calculating section for calculating a standard deviation of absorbances of a reaction liquid, measured by a photometry section at any one time a reaction container passes through the photometry section, every time the reaction container passes through the photometry section; a standard deviation judging section for judging whether each standard deviation calculated by the standard deviation calculating section is smaller than a threshold set based on a standard deviation of absorbances of a homogeneously-stirred reaction liquid; and an absorbance determining section for determining any of average values of a plurality of absorbances with a standard deviation judged smaller than the threshold by the standard deviation judging section, calculated by the average value calculating section, as absorbance for sample analysis. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110236990 | Automatic Analyzer and Sample Dispensing Method for the Automatic Analyzer - An automatic analyzer capable of avoiding carry-over between samples, and a sample dispensing method, are provided. To that end, an automatic analyzer ( | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236165 | RACK TRAY, RACK, AND RACK TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A rack tray, a rack, and a rack transport system that can safely perform transport and setting in an apparatus with a plurality of racks supporting a plurality of specimen containers arranged are provided. For this purpose, it comprises a rack dropout-preventing mechanism ( | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232769 | Method of Stabilizing Constant-Temperature Bath - Provided is an automatic analysis apparatus which can obtain stable analysis results by stabilizing a constant-temperature bath and the temperature of a reaction liquid inside reaction containers. For this purpose, the automatic analysis apparatus ( | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110213591 | MULTI-GAIN ADAPTIVE LINEAR PROCESSING AND GATED DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR USE IN FLOW CYTOMETRY - Disclosed is an electronic processing system for a flow cytometer that uses a processing chip that processes data in a parallel architecture on a sample by sample basis and provides for high throughput of data. In addition, multi-gain linear amplifiers are used which are matched using feedback circuits to provide accurate data and high resolution data having high dynamic range. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110188337 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING MOVEMENT IN A THIN LIQUID FILM - The invention relates to a method for generating motion in a thin liquid film on a substrate, in particular in a capillary gap, in which at least one ultrasound wave is sent right through the substrate in the direction of the liquid film, and a device for carrying out the inventive method. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110183361 | Nonseparation Assay Methods - Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110176964 | STIRRING DEVICE AND AN ANALYZING DEVICE - A stirring device and an analyzing device for stirring a liquid retained in a vessel with sound wave. The Stirring device ( | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110175661 | High-Resolution Parametric Signal Restoration - Provided are high-resolution parametric signal restoration systems, and applications thereof. Such systems include a multi-output module and a parametric compensator. The multi-output module provides a reference gain output signal and one or more higher gain output signals based on a single input signal. The parametric compensator independently responds to functional parameters of the one or more higher gain output signals to provide a compensation error signal. The single input signal is modified based on the compensation error signal. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110171752 | Methods and Systems for Detecting MHC Class I binding peptides - The present invention is based on the discovery that MHC heavy chain monomers immobilized to a solid surface are still capable of forming detectable conformational epitopes and being detected by conformation-dependent antibodies. Methods for detecting peptide binding to HLA monomers, and methods for measuring the relative degree of binding between two MHC-binding peptides as well as a method of measurement for the rate of dissociation of peptides from MHC complexes are provided. The present invention also provides systems and kits useful for conducting the methods of the present invention. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110171744 | DISPENSING DEVICE - Provided is a dispensing device capable of removing bubbles reliably. In this dispensing device, deaerated water is fed by a water feed pump to the inside of a pipeline up to the vicinity of the leading end of a dispensing nozzle. A water feed valve disposed near a dispensing pump is closed to establish a deaerated water space opened on the leading end side of the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing pump is activated on the space, thereby causing the dispensing nozzle to perform suction and exhaust actions. The dispensing device comprises a vacuum means connected to the space through the water feed valve thereby maintaining a vacuum state. In case the deaerated water space is cleared of the bubbles, the cleared water space is brought, by opening a change-over valve, into communication with a pipeline having a vacuum means connected thereto, thereby bringing the space into the vacuum state. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110131159 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A BIOLOGICAL STATUS USING CLUSTERING - A method for determining the presence of a biological entity. The method may include entering into a digital computer, at least a plurality of first input values associated with a first genetic element (e.g., mecA), a plurality of second input values associated with a second genetic element (femA), and a plurality of third input values associated with a third genetic element (e.g., orfX) associated with a plurality of samples. Each sample includes a first input value in the plurality of first input values, a second input value in the plurality of second input values, and a third input value in the plurality of third input values. The method also includes determining a threshold value associated with the third genetic element, separating the samples using the threshold value into a first set of samples and a second set of samples, clustering the first set of samples in a feature space defined by the first genetic element and the second genetic element, defining a first boundary space using the first set of samples, and defining a second boundary space using the second set of samples. The first and second boundary spaces differentiate a biological entity from other biological statuses. Other embodiments may also include the use of a genetic element such as SCCmec. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110124517 | Process for Determining the Genotype from a Biological Sample Containing Nucleic Acids of Different Individuals - The present Invention relates to a process for determining the genotype of one or more individuals from a biological sample which contains nucleic acids from different individuals, in particular a process for determining the number of copies of a predetermined sequence, in which first using at least two subquantities of the biological sample of different concentrations, in each case at least one amplification reaction is carried out, subsequently the number of the different amplification products obtained for each of the at least two subquantities is determined and compared with one another, and finally the amplification products which were obtained only for one defined subquantity and/or those amplification products which were obtained for all subquantities, are characterized. In addition, the present invention relates to a kit for carrying out the process according to the invention. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110111523 | METHOD FOR ASSESSING OOCYTE MATURATION - The present invention provides methods and kits for assessing the state of oocyte maturation in a female mammal based on the level of PAPP-A found in the female's bodily fluid sample. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110091909 | Stabilizing Agents and Capture Ligands for Use in Assays Measuring Analyte Concentrations - The present invention is related to compositions useful for the measurement of free or unbound analyte concentrations in a fluid. The present invention includes the use of capture ligands and stabilizing agents to improve the accuracy of analyte concentration assays. Methods and tools for using the present invention are also disclosed. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110082021 | Sound Abating Heat Sink and Motor Housing - A centrifuge includes a rotor configured to receive sample containers; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotor; and a motor. The motor includes a housing; a plurality of substantially parallel fins integral with the housing, each fin having a free end spaced from the housing, wherein the free ends of the plurality of fins are disposed in a common cylindrical plane; and a plurality of substantially parallel grooves, each groove disposed between a pair of adjacent fins and having a groove depth defined by a distance between the common cylindrical plane and the housing. Wherein the plurality of grooves includes a first multitude of grooves having a common groove depth and a second multitude of grooves having a groove depth that is not the same as the common groove depth, wherein the first and second multitude of grooves are interleaved. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110064869 | Coated Capillary Electrophoresis Tubes and System - The invention is directed to a capillary tube for electrophoresis that has a positively charged coating on the capillary inner surface that prevents positively charged analytes from adsorbing to the inner capillary surface. The capillary tube has an inner surface that is coated with a first polymer layer having a plurality of polymer groups comprising polyethylene imine, designated herein as (CH | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110017238 | METHOD OF CLEANING NOZZLE AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING NOZZLE - The present invention provides a nozzle cleaning method and a nozzle cleaning device which allow to surely perform cleaning of a dispensing nozzle and which allow reduction in cleaning time. For this purpose, a nozzle cleaning method for cleaning a dispensing nozzle ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110014599 | Novel Fluorescent Dyes and Uses Thereof - The present invention provides fluorescent dyes that are based on firefly luciferin structure. These dyes are optimally excited at shorter wavelengths and have Stokes shift of at least 50 nm. The fluorescent dyes of the invention are useful for preparation of dye-conjugates, which can be used in detection of an analyte in a sample. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110009293 | Nonseparation Assay Methods - Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110000796 | Ion Selective Electrode Module for Clinical Diagnostics - A method of determining an electrolyte in a sample including adding the sample to an electrolyte module, the electrolyte module including a dilution cup, a flow cell, and a pump, the flow cell having a flow channel with a first end and a second end, the first end fluidically coupled to the dilution cup, and the second end fluidically coupled to the pump; combining the sample with a diluent in the dilution cup to produce a diluted sample; operating the pump to aspirate the diluted sample into the flow cell; measuring the electrolyte in the diluted sample in the flow cell; and reversing the pump to dispense fluid through the second end to displace the diluted sample from the flow cell back into the dilution cup. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110000276 | METHOD FOR CHECKING THE STATE OF A PIPETTE, PIPETTING METHOD, PIPETTING DEVICE, AND SUCTION TUBE FOR A PIPETTING DEVICE - The invention relates to a method for checking the state of a pipette, which comprises a suction tube and a pipette tip. According to the invention, ultrasound is coupled into the wall of the suction tube and the damping of the ultrasonic signal is measured as a function of the frequency. The measured frequency-dependent damping is compared with at least one reference measurement or a calibration curve based on the reference measurements, in order to determine whether the pipette is in a functional condition and/or whether the pipette contains or has made contact with fluid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pipetting method, which uses the inventive method for checking the state, a suction tube arrangement for a pipetting device for pipetting fluid and a pipetting device, with which the inventive methods can be carried out. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100327012 | BUBBLE PRESENCE/ABSENCE DETERMINING METHOD AND DISPENSING APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of bubbles inside pipes in a dispensing apparatus and a dispensing apparatus. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100317008 | Nonseparation Assay Methods - Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100313687 | STIRRING DEVICE AND ANALYZER - A stirring device ( | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100293749 | OPENING-AND-CLOSING MECHANISM AND LATCHING MECHANISM - Provided is an opening-and-closing mechanism that can be latched at a predetermined opening angle, wherein the latching can be disengaged with a small force in the opening direction whereas the latching is gradually disengaged in the closing direction. An opening-and-closing mechanism | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100290041 | Monolithic Optical Flow Cells and Method of Manufacture - An improved optical flow cell adapted for use in a flow cytometer for differentiating formed bodies (e.g., blood cells). Manufactured from a monolithic transparent material, the improved flow cell has an internal flow channel of polygonal transverse cross-section through which prepared samples can be metered and an external envelope suited to acquisition of optical parameters from formed bodies in such samples. Preferably, such flow cell is formed by a glass-drawing process in which a relatively large glass preform having a rectilinear internal channel of a desired polygonal cross-sectional shape is heated and drawn to achieve a desired cross-sectional area of reduced size. Also disclosed are preferred methods for differentiating formed bodies using the flow cell of the invention. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100284862 | CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND ANALYZER - An analyzer ( | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100273189 | NON SEPARATION ASSAYS WITH SELECTIVE SIGNAL INHIBITORS - Methods, reagents, kits and systems are disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample, the assay method comprising forming a reaction mixture in an aqueous solution, by adding a chemiluminescent-labeled immobilized specific binding member, an activator-labeled specific binding member, a selective signal inhibiting agent, and a sample, wherein the chemiluminescent-labeled immobilized specific binding member and activator-labeled specific binding member bind to analyte present in the sample to form a binding complex, and adding to the reaction mixture a trigger solution to release a detectable chemiluminescent signal correlated to the amount of the analyte-bound binding complex present in the reaction mixture. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100271053 | Method of Characterizing Particles - Mixtures containing homogeneously-sized particles with a minimum concentration of agglomerates or larger particles are desired in various manufacturing processes such as, for example, in the manufacture and use of chemical mechanical polishing slurries, food emulsions, pharmaceutical products, paints, and print toner. The method disclosed herein provides these industries with an accurate and efficient method of screening such mixtures for such agglomerates and large particles. The method generally includes preparing a suspension of the mixture in an electrolyte, wherein the suspension includes a specified concentration of small particles per unit of electrolyte. The method further includes passing the prepared suspension, and a plurality of the particles therein, through an aperture of a device capable of characterizing particles according to the Coulter principle to obtain data on the particles. Still further, the method includes deriving a particle size distribution of the large particles from the obtained data. The suspension includes at least one small particle per aperture volume. The large particles have an average diameter that is at least five times greater than the average diameter of the small particles. The aperture has a diameter that is (i) at least 50 times greater than the average diameter of the small particles, and (ii) about 1.2 times greater than the average diameter of the large particles to less than about 50 times greater than the average diameter of the large particles. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100267071 | SOLUTION PHASE HOMOGENEOUS ASSAYS - Methods, reagents, kits and systems are disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte where all reagents are soluble in aqueous solution. One assay method includes treating a sample suspected of containing the analyte under conditions such that if the analyte is present, an activator is brought into reactive configuration with a chemiluminescent compound to activates it. The sample is also treated with an agent to reduce signal not related to analyte. Finally, the sample is treated with a trigger solution thereby producing light from the activated chemiluminescent compound. No reagents are associated with a surface or other solid phase. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100261204 | Composite Profiles of Cell Antigens and Target Signal Transduction Proteins for Analysis and Clinical Management of Hematologic Cancers - The present invention is directed to methods for establishing a composite marker profile for a sample derived from an individual suspected having a neoplastic condition. A composite marker profile of the invention allows for identification of prognostically and therapeutically relevant subgroups of neoplastic conditions and prediction of the clinical course of an individual. The methods of the invention provide tools useful in choosing a therapy for an individual afflicted with a neoplastic condition, including methods for assigning a risk group, methods of predicting an increased risk of relapse, methods of predicting an increased risk of developing secondary complications, methods of choosing a therapy for an individual, methods of determining the efficacy of a therapy in an individual, and methods of determining the prognosis for an individual. In particular, the method of the present invention discloses a method for establishing a composite marker profile that can serve as a prognostic indicator to predict whether the course of a neoplastic condition in a individual will be aggressive or indolent, thereby aiding the clinician in managing the patient and evaluating the modality of treatment to be used. In particular embodiments disclosed herein, the methods of the invention are directed to establishing a composite marker profile for a leukemia selected from the group consisting of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100254857 | CLEANING DEVICE AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A cleaning device that cleans a liquid storage part of a vessel for storing liquid. The cleaning device includes: a cleaning liquid discharge nozzle that discharges cleaning liquid to the liquid storage part; a first overflow suction nozzle of which tip is positioned above the tip of the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle, that sucks the liquid containing the cleaning liquid from the liquid storage part; a second overflow suction nozzle of which tip is positioned above the tip of the first overflow suction nozzle, that sucks the liquid containing the cleaning liquid from the liquid storage part; and a clog detecting unit that detects clog in one of the first and second overflow suction nozzles. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100240070 | Nonseparation Assay Methods Using Peroxide Generating Enzymes - Nonseparation assay methods using peroxide generating enzymes in combination with a solid support for analyte detection are disclosed. The present assay methods provide a high degree of sensitivity, are simple and efficient to perform, and are excellent tools for diagnostic and high through-put screening applications. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240055 | Method and System for Analyzing a Blood Sample - Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of a blood sample are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of detecting and enumerating hard-to-ghost cells in a blood sample. Another embodiments is a method of analyzing reticulocytes in a blood sample. Methods of using blood count parameters are also provided. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100228491 | Cross-Instrument Method and System for Cell Population Discrimination - The present invention provides methods and systems to combine the capabilities of a hematology analyzer with those of a flow cytometer to yield a far more powerful analytical system than either device alone. In one embodiment, a method of analyzing a cell sample includes receiving a first data generated by an analysis of a first aliquot of the sample on a first particle analyzer having a fluorescence measurement device such as a flow cytometer, detecting at least one unresolved cell population in the first data, and accessing a second data stored on a storage device wherein the second data was previously generated by interrogating a second aliquot of the sample using at least one of a cell volume measurement device and a cell conductivity measurement device in a second particle analyzer such as a hematology analyzer. The unresolved cell population in the first data is then resolved using the second data. Corresponding system embodiments are also disclosed. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100220326 | Fluorescence Detection Instrument with Orthogonal Laser Entry - A detector assembly for analysis of light emitted form a fluorescent material, an optical alignment assembly for introducing an output beam into a detector array or demultiplexer, and methods of demultiplexing a beam of light into wavelength bands. The detector assembly generally includes an optical alignment assembly to introduce an output beam having a projected optical axis into an array of filters. The optical alignment assembly is mounted substantially orthogonally to a plane of reflective light defined by the path of the output beam through the filter array. The array includes filters arranged in two rows in parallel. Each filter transmits a particular band of the output beam and reflects the remaining bands to the next filter in the opposite row of filters. The array further includes a plurality of detectors mounted in detector ports. The optical alignment assembly presented herein generally includes a housing configured to receive an optical fiber, at least one collimating lens, a rotatable housing member with a beam reflecting element attached thereto. The optical alignment assembly is adjustable to introduce an output beam into a detector array utilizing a rotational adjustment mechanism and a goniometric tilt adjustment mechanism. These two mechanisms ensure that the point of entry of a light beam into the array remains at a fixed point in space despite the rotation or tilt of the rotatable housing member. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219074 | ANALYZER - An analyzer that, based on a voltage value of an ion selective electrode making contact with a liquid specimen, analyzes concentration of an electrolyte present in the liquid specimen. The analyzer includes a measuring unit that continuously measures the voltage value; a memory unit that stores therein a waveform indicating time variation in the voltage value measured by the measuring unit and reference information used in identifying malfunctioning in the analyzer; an output unit that outputs an analysis result of the liquid specimen; and a control unit that causes the output unit to output the waveform and the reference information stored in the memory unit. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100184024 | Method of Characterizing Nucleic Acids in a Mixed Sample - A method is provided for characterizing a mixed sample having at least two particles with nucleic acids from different individuals, where each particle has nucleic acid from one or more individuals, in particular for the quantitative determination of the absolute and/or relative copy number of a predetermined sequence of an individual, of which nucleic acid is present in the mixed sample, having the steps:
| 07-22-2010 |
| 20100166615 | Apparatus Having Improved Gantry Assembly Suitable for Use in a Laboratory Environment - An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100159605 | Method of Correction of Particle Interference to Hemoglobin Measurement - A method of correction of particle interference to hemoglobin measurement of a blood sample on a hematology analyzer is provided. The method includes mixing an aliquot of a blood sample with a lytic reagent to lyse red blood cells and forming a sample mixture; measuring absorbance of the sample mixture at a predetermined wavelength of a hemoglobin chromogen formed in the sample mixture, and obtaining an apparent hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample using obtained absorbance; measuring concentration and size of cellular particles remaining in the sample mixture; removing contribution of the cellular particles to the apparent hemoglobin concentration using the concentration and the size of the cellular particles to obtain a corrected hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample; and reporting the corrected hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100151493 | MULTICOLOR FLOW CYTOMETRY COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING UNCONJUGATED PHYCOBILIPROTEINS - Novel compositions containing (i) ligand conjugated phycobiliprotein tandem dyes and (ii) unconjugated phycobiliproteins are provided wherein the phycobiliproteins are derived from the same bacterial or eukaryotic algae species. The phycobiliproteins must be the same or different, but must contain some non-crosslinked subunits which exchange. Also provided are methods for preparing these compositions, kits containing these compositions or components of the same, and methods of using these compositions for cellular and non-cellular analysis. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100150782 | DISPENSING NOZZLE AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A dispensing nozzle includes a holding tube portion that holds a fluid as a dispensing target; and a discharge end face that is formed at a tip of the holding tube portion and that sucks in and discharges the fluid through an opening formed thereon. The discharge end face has a greater contact angle with the fluid than an inner face of the holding tube portion. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100135352 | STIRRING DETERMINING DEVICE, STIRRING DETERMINING METHOD, AND ANALYZER - A stirring determining device that determines whether stirring by a stirrer, which stirs liquid contained in a vessel using sound wave generated by a sound-wave generating unit that is attached to the vessel, is successful or unsuccessful. The stirring determining device includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the liquid; and a determining unit that determines whether stirring of the liquid contained in the vessel is successful or unsuccessful depending on the temperature of the liquid measured at least before and after the stirring by the temperature sensor. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100126536 | CLEANING DEVICE AND ANALYZER - A cleaning device that cleans inside of a vessel. The cleaning device includes a suction nozzle configured to be inserted into the vessel to suck liquid contained in the vessel; and a supply nozzle configured to be inserted into the vessel to supply cleaning liquid into the vessel. At least one of the suction nozzle and the supply nozzle is formed such that a wall cross-sectional area thereof is larger than an inner-diameter cross-sectional area thereof. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100122586 | AUTOMATIC ANALYZER AND DISPENSING METHOD - An automatic analyzer that stirs a plurality of different liquids to induce a reaction and measures an optical characteristic of a reaction liquid, thereby analyzing the reaction liquid. The automatic analyzer includes a stirring unit that includes a vibrator that is arranged on a vessel that contains a specimen including a sedimented component or a rack on which the vessel is arranged; and an electrode that is arranged on a transfer path for transferring the rack to a dispensing position and feeds electric power to the vibrator. The stirring unit feeds the electric power from the electrode to the vibrator while the rack is being transferred to the dispensing position along the transfer path and stirs the specimen including the sedimented component contained in the vessel. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100120081 | HIGH SENSITIVITY PARAMETERS FOR THE DETECTION OF VITAMIN B12 AND/OR FOLATE DEFICIENCIES AND METHODS OF USE - Described herein are high sensitivity parameters useful for the detection of vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiencies. Methods of determining susceptibility for vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency in a subject are also provided. Methods of determining the progress and assessment of treatment of these deficiencies are provided. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100119415 | DISPENSING DEVICE AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A dispensing device includes a probe that suctions and discharges liquid contained in a vessel; a probe control unit that moves the probe downward in a stepwise fashion by a predetermined amount by controlling a lowering operation of the probe to an inside of the vessel and controls a suction operation and a discharge operation of the probe in each step; a pressure detecting unit that detects a pressure in the probe; a suction-and-discharge-state judging unit that judges a suction state or a discharge state of the liquid by the probe based on a detection result by the pressure detecting unit; and a liquid-surface detecting unit that detects a liquid surface position of the liquid based on a lowering amount of the probe when the suction-and-discharge-state judging unit judges that the probe suctions the liquid or the probe discharges the liquid. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100119413 | ROBOTIC GRIP AND TWIST ASSEMBLY - A microtiter plate transport device is configured to grip a microtiter plate in a first location. The microtiter plate transport device is configured to make a vertical approach to the microtiter plate and grip the microtiter plate in either a portrait orientation or a landscape orientation along either the opposing longer sides or the opposing shorter sides of the microtiter plate. The device comprises a Cartesian coordinate robot including a first gripping member and a second gripping member opposed to the first gripping member. The first gripping member and the second gripping member are supported by an arm configured to move along a vertical axis which extends between the first gripping member and the second gripping member. The first gripping member and the second gripping member are configured to rotate about the vertical axis. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100119132 | AGGLUTINATION IMAGE AUTOMATIC JUDGING METHOD BY MT SYSTEM, DEVICE, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - The present invention include a method of determining an agglutination pattern type of a pattern formed in a reaction vessel, comprising setting a reference space based on one or a plurality of types of typical reaction images setting one or a plurality of types of unit regions in each of the reference spaces and determining a Mahalanobis distance for each unit region setting a threshold value from each of the Mahalanobis distances obtained setting one or a plurality of unit regions for a reaction image as an object image and determining the Mahalanobis distance, and (E) determining a pattern type for the object image by comparing the threshold value with the distances. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100112704 | ANALYZER AND ITS ABNORMALITY COPING METHOD - An analyzer includes plural stirrers that have plural sound-wave generating units, which are provided on respective vessels holding liquid and generate sound wave toward the liquid, and drive units, which drive the plurality of sound-wave generating units, and that stir the liquid using sound wave generated by the sound-wave generating units; a power detecting unit that detects traveling-wave power output from the drive unit and reflected-wave power reflected from the sound-wave generating unit; and a control unit that determines whether an abnormality occurs in each of the stirrers on the sound-wave generating unit side or on the drive unit side in each of the stirrers based on a reflectivity of the power, and controls continuation or suspension of an analytical work based on a result of the determination. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100112679 | Method And Apparatus For Syringe-Based Sample Introduction Within A Flow Cytometer - An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100112627 | System and Method for Displaying Three-Dimensional Object Scattergrams - System and method for displaying three-dimensional object scattergrams of particles are provided. In one embodiment, at least two parameters associated with at least one particle in a biological sample are detected and stored as data. An initial two-dimensional scattergram of the data is created with the two dimensions corresponding to the two parameters, and each data point corresponding to a particle in the biological sample. A data point in the initial two-dimensional scattergram is categorized into a population corresponding to a particle population. A density value of the data point is evaluated. Color data for the data point is calculated based on the evaluated density value and the categorized population. A three-dimensional location is generated based on the location in the initial two-dimensional scattergram and a property of the data point. A geometric shape centered at the generated three-dimensional location is displayed using the calculated color data. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110103 | Multidimensional Particle Analysis Data Cluster Reconstruction - Systems and methods for multidimensional particle analysis data cluster mapping and reconstruction are provided. In one embodiment, a method for reconstructing multidimensional particle analysis data clusters is provided. The method includes obtaining a set of segmented two-dimensional projections corresponding to multidimensional particle analysis data associated with a biological sample of particles. Each segmented two-dimensional projection has two-dimensional clusters associated with particle populations in the biological sample. The method also includes reconstructing one or more multidimensional clusters based on the two-dimensional clusters in the segmented two-dimensional projections. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100099194 | ANALYZER AND ANALYSIS METHOD - An analyzer analyzes a specimen on basis of an absorbance of a reaction liquid of the specimen and a reagent and includes a measuring unit that measures absorbances of two or more identifying samples having different concentrations and having absorbance characteristics such that there is no extremum in a wavelength band including a desired wavelength to be measured and also measures an absorbance of a reaction liquid; a calculating unit that calculates a gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between the concentrations and the absorbances of the identifying samples; a correcting unit that corrects the absorbance of the reaction liquid by using a reference gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between concentrations and absorbances of the identifying samples obtained in advance for the desired wavelength, and the calculated gradient; and an analyzing unit that analyzes the specimen on the basis of the corrected absorbance. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100098590 | CLEANING DEVICE, METHOD FOR DETECTING SUCTION NOZZLE CLOGGING, AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A cleaning device includes a discharge nozzle that discharges cleaning liquid; a suction nozzle that sucks the cleaning liquid or reaction liquid in the cleaning tank or the reaction vessel; a discard vessel connected to the suction nozzle via a pipe to discard the cleaning liquid or the reaction liquid; a detecting unit that detects whether an electrostatic capacity at least between the suction nozzle and an electrode provided in the pipe exceeds a threshold value; a determination unit that determines that the suction nozzle is clogged when a totalizing time, for which the electrostatic capacity exceeds the threshold value during a preset clogging determination time, is longer than a totalizing time, for which the electrostatic capacity exceeds the threshold value during a preset normal determination time; and a control unit that stops the discharge nozzle from discharging the cleaning liquid to the reaction vessel when the suction nozzle is clogged. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100098589 | ERROR SPECIFYING METHOD AND ANALYZER - An error specifying method of specifying an error of an analyzer. The method specifies an error related to removal of a high-concentration reagent. The method includes a low-concentration reagent measuring step of performing an analysis process, which causes a composition to emit light, on a low-concentration reagent and measuring an amount of light emitted in order to acquire performance of the low-concentration reagent; a high-concentration reagent measuring step of performing the analysis process on the high-concentration reagent and measuring an amount of light emitted in order to acquire performance of the high-concentration reagent; and a reagent evaluating step of evaluating the performance of the low-concentration reagent and the performance of the high-concentration reagent based on the measurement results in the low-concentration reagent measuring step and the high-concentration reagent measuring step. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100096405 | PIPETTING DEVICE - A pipetting system including a pipet ( | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100092340 | CLEANING DEVICE, METHOD FOR CLEANING NOZZLE CLOGGING, AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A cleaning device includes a discharge nozzle that discharges cleaning liquid; a suction nozzle that sucks the cleaning liquid or reaction liquid in the cleaning tank or the reaction vessel; a discard vessel connected to the suction nozzle via a pipe to discard the cleaning liquid or the reaction liquid; a detecting unit that detects whether an electrostatic capacity at least between the suction nozzle and an electrode provided in the pipe exceeds a threshold value; a determination unit that determines that the suction nozzle is clogged when a time difference between a time, at which the electrostatic capacity exceeds the threshold value when the suction nozzle is not clogged, and a time, at which the electrostatic capacity exceeds the threshold value at the time of determination, is not less than a predetermined time difference threshold value; and a control unit that stops the discharge nozzle from discharging the cleaning liquid to the reaction vessel when the suction nozzle is clogged. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100090677 | Detecting and Handling Coincidence in Particle Analysis - Methods and systems substantially eliminate data representative of coincident events from particle analyzer data. A fluid sample containing particles for analysis is prepared. Using an electrical or optical measurement device, signals are sensed. Each signal corresponds to events detected in a sub-sample of the fluid sample flowing through a measurement region in the particle analyzer. The existence of coincidence in the events is determined based on measuring a peak and first and second points of each of the signals. The first and second points have a signal value corresponding to a predetermined portion of the peak. Results data based upon the coincident events and non-coincident events is generated. The results data is then analyzed. In various examples, the method is applicable to a variety of particle types, and may be implemented on different types of particle analyzers including hematology analyzer and flow cytometers. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100088066 | Shape Parameter For Hematology Instruments - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for describing characteristics of a data sample. This description is used to represent the shape of a histogram of the data sample. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100086951 | Pan-Kinase Activation and Evaluation of Signaling Pathways - Methods and reagents are provided for determining the activation state of a signal transduction pathway signaling protein. There exists a need in the art for methods that can monitor the efficacy of a signal transduction inhibitor in a patient. Other needs exist for detecting and monitoring certain disease or disorders that are associated with aberrant activation of a signal transduction pathway signaling protein. The present assay provides a highly sensitive assay that is also useful in patient populations in which obtaining a large cellular sample is difficult, for example, neonates. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100081176 | ENZYME-CONTAINING CAPSULES AND NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION KITS - An object of the present invention is to provide an enzyme-containing capsule which is employed for deactivating, from a sample, the proteins in the sample and then amplifying a nucleic acid in the sample, a kit for the amplification of nucleic acid which comprises the enzyme-containing capsules, and a method for the amplification of nucleic acid which employs the enzyme-containing capsules. The present invention provides an enzyme-containing capsule which is characterized in that the capsule has a melting point of 60 to 95° C., comprises a non-proteinous material as the envelope component, and contains a heat-resistant enzyme in the inside of the capsule; a kit for the amplification of nucleic acid, comprising the above-described enzyme-containing capsules and a proteolytic enzyme; and a method for the amplification of nucleic acid, employing the above-described enzyme-containing capsules. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081175 | ENZYME-CONTAINING GELS AND NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFYING KITS - The present invention is aimed at providing an enzyme-containing gel which is employed for deactivating, from a sample containing proteins and nucleic acids, easily and simply the proteins in the sample and then amplifying a nucleic acid in the sample, a kit for the amplification of nucleic acid which comprises the enzyme-containing gels, and a method for the amplification of nucleic acid which employs the enzyme-containing gels. The present invention provides an enzyme-containing gel which is characterized in that the gel contains a heat-resistant enzyme; a kit for the amplification of nucleic acid, comprising the above-described enzyme-containing gels and a proteolytic enzyme; and a method for the amplification of nucleic acid, employing the above-described enzyme-containing gels. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100075369 | Analyzing Reticulocytes - Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of particle analyzer data are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of analyzing immature reticulocytes in a blood sample, including the steps of: preprocessing the blood sample; measuring the blood sample by a detection including a reticulocyte-maturity measurement and a light scatter measurement; analyzing blood cell distribution patterns to identify a set of reticulocyte events; differentiating immature reticulocytes from mature reticulocytes using the reticulocyte-maturity measurement and the light scatter measurement; and reporting immature reticulocytes. The immature reticulocyte fraction may be one aspect that is reported. Also another method is disclosed, having the steps of: measuring the blood sample by a detection comprising an axial light loss measurement; identifying a hard-to-ghost cell population based on the axial light loss measurement; filtering-out the hard-to-ghost cell population; and analyzing the event data to identify blood cell distribution patterns. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100070904 | Interactive Tree Plot for Flow Cytometry Data - Methods, systems, and computer program products can be used for displaying and analyzing data. A method operates by receiving and displaying flow cytometry data in a tree plot, which represents multiple variations of classified flow cytometry data within an interface of computer that includes an input device. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the tree plot associated with characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, one or more histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots representing the data are displayed within the interface. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots, corresponding to characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, updated histograms and plots are displayed in the interface substantially immediately based upon selected characteristics and subsets of the data. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100070502 | Collision Free Hash Table for Classifying Data - Methods, systems, and computer program products are used for classifying data using a collision free hash table. In an example, a respective category index for each of a set of categories is determined. A respective class counter for each of the categories based on the respective category index is generated. A respective event index for each of a set of events associated with captured data based on respective first event values are determined substantially simultaneously in parallel. Selected ones of the respective class counters based on the respective event indices are incremented substantially simultaneously in parallel. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100070459 | EXTENSIBLE DATA WAREHOUSE FOR FLOW CYTOMETRY DATA - Methods, systems, and computer program products for storing, managing, querying, and displaying data are described herein. The method operates by classifying and displaying received flow cytometry data. In an embodiment, the method creates a first extensible dimension table with columns that include keywords from received data. The method creates a second extensible dimension table with columns corresponding to parameters from the received data. The method then populates dimension tables with data describing values of dimensions of the classified data. The method populates a first fact table from the classified data. The method then populates a second fact table with a summary of data from the first fact table. The method displays a user interface on a display of a computer device. The method then permits a user to select query attributes including keywords and parameters. The method builds and executes queries based upon dimensions generated from grouped selected query attributes. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100053620 | AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - An automatic analyzer including a light source device. The light source device includes a plurality of light sources that emit respective lights of different peak wavelengths, in which a wavelength range of one of the light emitted contains the peak wavelength of the other light emitted from the other light source; and a mixing unit that mixes the respective lights emitted from the light sources. The light source device outputs a light having a desired mixed peak wavelength that is different from the peak wavelengths. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100051060 | NOZZLE CLEANING METHOD, NOZZLE CLEANING DEVICE, AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A nozzle cleaning method includes cleaning an outer wall of a dispenser nozzle after liquid is sucked and before the liquid is discharged and cleaning at least an inner wall of the dispenser nozzle after the liquid is discharged. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100050116 | NORMALIZED DECIMAL EQUIVALENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A results reporting system can generate test results at one or more laboratory sites. Each of the generated test results can be in a conventional unit of measurement. The results reporting system can then convert each of the testing results to a normalized decimal equivalent unit system of measurement. The normalized decimal equivalent unit of measurement can be a unit of measurement that is normalized to an associated reference range of the test result. Once converted to normalized decimal equivalent unit, the test results can be stored in a mass storage device for later reporting. A triggering event (e.g., a request from a reviewing entity) can then trigger the reporting system to generate a results report using the stored test results. The results report can convey the test results to a reviewing entity using the normalized decimal equivalent unit of measurement in graphs, tables or other methods of conveying data. In some embodiments, result reports can be displayed on a computer display and can include selectable icons that, when selected, display additional information related to the displayed results. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100045994 | PHOTOMETRIC APPARATUS AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A photometric apparatus and an automatic analyzer in which liquid samples contained in vessels are measured with light of different wavelengths while the vessels are transferred are provided. A photometric apparatus includes light sources that are arranged in the movement direction of a vessel and emit light of different wavelengths, light-receiving devices that are located opposing the light sources with the vessels interposed inbetween and receive light of different wavelengths emitted from the light sources. The arrangement length of light sources along the movement direction of the vessels is shorter than the arrangement pitch of the vessels. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100041011 | Reference Control for Cell by Cell Analysis - A reference control for cell by cell analysis on flow cytometric analyzers contains cellular analogs made of permeated blood cells containing therein aggregated intracellular proteins and preserved antigenic sites thereof, having cellular membrane permeable to antibodies and a suspension medium. The reference control is frozen after being prepared and thawed prior to use. The cellular analogs further contain a fluorescence marker therein. Further disclosed are a method of making the reference control and a method using the reference control, as an internal or stand-alone control, for measurements of cellular hemoglobin and cellular hemoglobin variant of a blood sample. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100023274 | Methods and Systems for Transforming Particle Data - In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for processing data from a particle analyzer. The method includes transforming data using at least one transform that provides: transformation according to a weighted combination of a first mathematical function and a logarithmic function for positive data values, such that the transformation corresponds to the first mathematical function for positive particle data values approaching zero, and to the logarithmic function for positive particle data values approaching infinity; and transformation corresponding to a second mathematical function for negative data values. The transformed data may be then output for display or storage. In another embodiment, the transforming involves substituting the particle data for an independent variable in the transform to directly obtain values to be plotted based on the input particle data values. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100009333 | Methods for Acoustic Particle Focusing in Biological Sample Analyzers - Methods for using acoustic focusing technology on its own or in conjunction with hydrodynamic focusing for analyzing biological samples are provided. In one application, a preferential orientation of biological particles is achieved by applying a substantially elliptical acoustic field. In another application, a sample comprising a fluid medium carrying a plurality of discrete biological particles is pre-concentrated in-line with a sample analyzer, such as a flow cytometer, where a sheath fluid is introduced after acoustic pre-concentration. In a further application, methods for acoustically separating suspended discrete biological particles of different densities from a fluid medium are discussed. The particle-free fluid medium, such as a blood-cell-free and lipid-free clear serum, may be used for chemical analysis. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100003713 | Methods of Determination of Iron Deficiency and Hemochromatosis - New diagnostic parameters or indexes for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency have been disclosed. The parameters include a RBC size factor, RSf | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090315533 | Particle Counter with Electronic Detection of Aperture Blockage - An apparatus for characterizing particles suspended in a liquid sample containing electrolyte including a sample chamber to hold the liquid sample and a collection chamber to hold an electrolyte solution. A wall separates the chambers and includes an aperture to allow passage of particles between the chambers; and a pair of electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture to induce a current through the aperture. A pressure source forces the sample to pass from the sample chamber into the collection chamber; and a processor measures a signal representative of electric resistance variation between the electrodes to enable determination of the size of the particle within the liquid passing through the aperture, wherein the processor is adapted to monitor two or more parameters characterizing the flow of particles through the aperture, and to detect a potential blockage of the aperture by detecting a change in any one of the parameters. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314638 | Methods and Compositions for Capillary Electrophoresis - This invention relates to improved methods and compositions for conducting Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) to separate molecules on the basis of their respective size or charge. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090220936 | Flow Cytometry Reagent System - A method of measuring cellular hemoglobin of a blood sample includes mixing a blood sample with a permeation reagent, and incubating the sample mixture to permeate cellular membrane of red blood cells and to cause hemoglobin aggregation within the cells; adding a neutralization reagent to inhibit further reactions of the permeation reagent; performing a cell-by-cell measurement of side scatter signals of the red blood cells in the sample mixture on a flow cytometer; and obtaining cellular hemoglobin (Hgb | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090216478 | Method and system for particle data processing - In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for processing digital data from a particle analyzer. The method includes receiving digital particle data, transforming the received data to correct for noise, applying linear compensation for dye spectral overlap, and re-establishing the original dimensions of the data. Processed particle data may be used for display, analysis or storage. In another embodiment, a system comprises at least one particle analyzer coupled to a particle data corrector. The particle data corrector includes a transformer, a compensator, and a converter. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090208975 | Device and methods for detecting a target cell - The present invention relates to devices for detecting intact target cells in a sample comprising a detection zone comprising an immobilized specific binding reagent, capable of forming a complex with a target analyte on a target cell. Once labeled, detection of the label indicates the absence, presence and/or amount of the target cell in a sample. The embodiments further relate to kits comprising the devices, and methods of using the devices to screen for the presence, absence, and/or amount of a target cell in a sample. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090206176 | Fail-Safe Method and Apparatus for Aspirating and/or Dispensing Liquids in Automated Laboratory Instruments - A method for preventing either the introduction of air into a liquid aspirated from a container through an aspiration line passing through a container cap, or the over-filling or non-filling of a container by a liquid dispensed through a dispensing line passing through a container cap. Such method comprises the steps of simultaneously detecting that (a) the container cap is properly positioned on and secured to a liquid container from which liquid is to be aspirated, or into which a liquid is to be dispensed, and (b) detecting that the level of liquid in the container is either above or below a predetermined level | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090111118 | METHOD FOR A RAPID ANTIBODY-BASED ANALYSIS OF PLATELET POPULATIONS - A method for identifying a platelet population, preferably a population of immature, reticulated platelets, in a biological sample involves incubating the biological sample for less than minutes with at least one labeled, ligand (e.g., monoclonal antibody) that binds to an epitope or antigen on platelets and with a nucleic acid dye. In one embodiment, the dye is Acridine Orange and the label on the ligand is PE-Cy7. The sample is then analyzed and one or more platelet populations is rapidly identified or quantified by passing the incubated sample through a sensing region of a flow cytometer. In one embodiment, this method occurs without a washing or physical cell separation step. The incubated sample is irradiated with a laser light source, and fluorescence of the labeled ligand and the nucleic acid dye are measured along with at least one additional parameter, e.g., light scatter, direct current, axial light loss, opacity, radio frequency, and fluorescence. These parameters are used to identify qualitatively or quantitatively the platelet populations in the sample. This rapid analytic method is particularly valuable in clinical situations where either low platelet counts or interfering conditions lead to inaccuracies of the platelet measurement. This method is suitable for performance in an automated hematology analyzer. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090035866 | Method and device for test sample loading - An automated analyzer is configured to receive and analyze samples provided to the automated analyzer in primary sample containers. The automated analyzer comprises a sample retention unit, at least one transport device, and at least one aspiration device. The sample retention unit is configured to receive and retain a plurality of sample retention vessels. The sample retention unit may comprise a sample storage unit, an analytic unit, or other processing unit within the automated analyzer that retains a sample for some purpose. The transport device is configured to receive a first primary sample container containing a first sample and deliver the first primary sample container to the sample retention unit as one of the plurality of sample retention vessels. The aspiration device is configured to receive a second sample from a second primary sample container and deliver the second sample into one of the plurality of sample retention vessels. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090035758 | Method of Measurement of Micronucleated Erythrocyte Populations - A method of measuring micronucleated erythrocyte populations is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sample containing erythrocyte populations with a fluorescently labeled antibody specific to immature erythrocytes among erythrocyte populations; adding an aqueous permeation reagent to the sample and incubating the formed permeation sample mixture for an incubation time sufficient to allow the permeation reagent to render cellular membrane of the erythrocyte populations permeable to RNase and dye; adding a RNase reagent to degrade RNA and to inhibit further reaction of permeation reagent; adding a fluorescent nucleic acid dye reagent to stain DNA representing micronuclei in the erythrocyte populations; performing light scatter and fluorescence measurements of the final sample mixture on a flow cytometer; differentiating micronucleated erythrocyte populations from other cell types; and reporting the micronucleated erythrocyte populations of the sample. The method avoids ultracold fixation, centrifugation, and washing cells in sample preparation. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080319680 | MULTI-GAIN ADAPTIVE LINEAR PROCESSING AND GATED DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR USE IN FLOW CYTOMETRY - Disclosed is an electronic processing system for a flow cytometer that uses a processing chip that processes data in a parallel architecture on a sample by sample basis and provides for high throughput of data. In addition, multi-gain linear amplifiers are used which are matched using feedback circuits to provide accurate data and high resolution data having high dynamic range. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080293146 | Method And Apparatus For Compensating For Variations In Particle Trajectories In Electrostatic Sorter For Flowcell Cytometer - A flow cytometer subsystems monitors a particle sensing zone within a fluid transport chamber for the presence of a particle (e.g., blood cell) traveling therethrough, and produces an output pulse, whose width is representative of the trajectory and thereby the length of time that the particle is within the particle sensing zone as it travels through the fluid transport chamber. This output pulse is then processed in accordance with geometry parameters of successive time delay zones of the particle fluid transport chamber through which the particle passes, in order to derive a composite time delay between the sensing of the particle to the time at which a fluid droplet containing the particle will break off from the carrier fluid. The composite time delay is employed to accurately establish the time at which the particle is controllably charged as the particle breaks off from the carrier fluid. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080255705 | Flow Cytometer Sorter - Disclosed are computer-implemented methods of sorting particles from a particle stream in a flow cytometer. The methods include: calculating sort decision making parameters using the raw event data values from a flow cytometer and a sort logic; performing sort logic computations using the sort logic definition and the sort decision making parameters to generate sort decisions; converting the sort decisions into sort commands; and sending the one or more sort commands to the flow cytometer. Sort logic computations may include algorithmically using conditional branching logic, and may include sort logic equations having mathematical functions characterizing one or more regions of interest in multidimensional data space. Such mathematical functions may be determined based on one or more parameters provided by a user. Also disclosed are corresponding systems having a flow cytometer and a computer. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080233553 | Method and Apparatus for Separating and Harvesting Cells From a Whole Blood Sample - An automated method and apparatus for separating and harvesting cells of interest, e.g., mononuclear cells, in a whole blood sample. The method of the invention uses the aspirating/dispensing probe of an automated sample preparation instrument to underlay a density gradient medium beneath a whole blood sample in a centrifugation tube, and the same probe is used to harvest cells of interest from a cell layer formed in the tube as a result of a centrifugation step. In harvesting cells, the probe is advanced inside the tube by a fixed, predetermined distance at which the probe tip (i.e., its aspiration port) is known to be located at, or within a predetermined distance below, the bottom of the cell layer. A predetermined volume of liquid is then aspirated through the probe tip, whereby most cells of interest (and more than 90% of those cells that can be harvested by a flawless manual method) are removed from the cell layer and collected for analysis. Preferably, the probe is caused to move laterally with respect to the tube during the aspiration of the cell layer, whereby cells offset from the center of the container are readily harvested. | 09-25-2008 |
