| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080293156 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING REAGENTS INTO SAMPLES - Devices and methods of dispensing and mixing reagents with samples in an enclosed container in which the amounts of the reagents dispensed into the sample are predetermined. The devices include dispensing covers attached to a funnel that feeds into a sample chamber. The dispensing covers may contain off-axis dispensing chambers that are sealed and that can be opened and any reagent(s) located therein dispensed into the at selected times. The off-axis dispensing chambers are preferably offset from a main axis of the device, such that the reagents dispensed from the dispensing chambers fall, under the force of gravity, onto the funnel wall and are then directed into the sample chamber. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080299600 | Apparatus Assembly and Method for Detecting an Analyte - An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a generally self-contained housing and an indicator cap. The housing is moveable between a sample preparation orientation and a testing orientation and is configured to interchangeably receive a sample collection device and the indicator cap having a testing device for detecting the analyte. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080302193 | Apparatus and Method For Detecting an Analyte - An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a valve, a frame, and a plurality of housing segments. The valve may be actuated to adjust a flow path and flow rate through the housing segments. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080317637 | ROTATING REAGENT DISPENSER AND METHODS - Devices and methods of dispensing and mixing reagents with samples in an enclosed container in which the amounts of the reagents dispensed into the sample are predetermined. The devices include a rotating dispenser element attached to a base, wherein an ampoule is located within a cavity in the base. The dispenser elements contain two or more dispensing chambers that are sealed and that can be opened and any reagent(s) located therein dispensed into the ampoule at selected times. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090019953 | Apparatus And Method For Detecting An Analyte - An apparatus for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a chamber for receiving an eluted sample of material from a sample acquisition device and a testing device adapted to detect the analyte. At least a part of the apparatus assembly is moveable between a sample preparation orientation and a testing orientation. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090030342 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RELEASING A SAMPLE OF MATERIAL - A first aspect of the present invention provides for devices to facilitate the release of sample materials from sample acquisition devices. The device comprises an abrasion element comprising at least one constriction or projection. A second aspect of the present invention provides for methods in which to use the devices to facilitate the release of sample materials from a sample acquisition device. Optionally, the device may contain at least one reagent to facilitate the release and/or detection of a microorganism, or component thereof, in a sample. Preferably, the devices and methods may be used in conjunction with a liquid medium in which the sample may be further processed. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20100099115 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREPARING AND ANALYZING SAMPLES - The invention relates to systems and methods for preparing and analyzing samples (e.g., mucosal samples) for a microorganism of interest. In particular, the systems and methods are useful for detecting one or more analytes characteristic of a microorganism (i.e., microbe) of interest, such as components of cell walls that are characteristic of a microbe, particularly | 04-22-2010 |
| 20110182770 | BIOLOGICAL STERILIZATION INDICATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change. | 07-28-2011 |