Other

Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Folim G Halaka

Scott G Safar

Ronald E Kukla

John M Clemens

Charles Michael Galitz

Gary L Zuck

Julius J Toth

Robert C Gray

Steve Herchenbach

Curtis J Pepe

Mark Pierce

Mark C Bach

Michael K Carter

Daniel Bay

Daniel G Dahlke

A system and method for sonication of multiple samples and continuous sonication of an input fluid stream in flow-through arrangements useful for economical breakdown of particulates and organisms present in large volumes with relatively low-power sonication devices such as production of oil from algae. The system includes an electrical wave generator oscillating in the ultrasound range, a vibrating element electrically connected to the electrical wave generator, and a sonication plate that vibrates in certain modes. The sonication plate contains features for mating with sample tubes, and the sample tubes also possess complimentary mating features to those on the sonication plate. A method for sonication of multiple samples includes utilizing mating features to attach tubes to the sonication plate and energizing the sonicator to vibrate the sonication plate. The invention also relates to arrangements for continuous flow-through useful for sonicating large sample volumes.

Continuous sonication for biotechnology applications and biofuel production

Non-invasive apparatus and method for determining and monitoring glucose concentrations in human subjects. Glucose level is estimated through the effect of glucose on biological cells with glucose dependencies, e.g., red blood cells. The invention is based on the interaction of such cells with oscillating electric field gradients. The response of biological cells depends on factors including shape, size, and electrical charge distribution. The field gradient causes the cells to undergo characteristic motion which is detected by light beam scattering. The autocorrelation of the scattered light is computed, and the Fourier transform (FT) is performed to produce a characteristic velocity spectrum in which the peaks are characteristic of the cell 'bio-electrical' states. The glucose level is estimated through measurements of changes of FT with changes in glucose levels after calibration with standard glucose methods.

Non-invasive reagentless glucose determination

Skin cooling apparatus is provided for use with a medical treatment device such as a hypodermic syringe or a skin ablation laser or other electromagnetic source. The skin cooling apparatus provides selective, localized cooling of the target area that is acted upon by the medical treatment device. Included is a support body engaging at least a portion of the medical treatment device, for supporting and orienting the medical treatment device to the target area. A solid state cooling device such as a thermoelectric or Peltier device is carried by the support body and includes a cooling surface facing the target area of a patient's skin surface. The support body may be flexible so as to allow the medical treatment device to be inclined relative to the skin surface. The support body may also include aiming structure for directing the medical treatment device to a particular point within the target area.

Skin cooling apparatus and method

An apparatus and method for determining the level of liquid in a container in an analytical instrument, typically an automated analytical instrument in a laboratory. The apparatus comprises:

Liquid level sensor

This invention describes materials and methods usable for the purification of polyelectrolytes, such as nucleic acids and proteins. The materials of the invention are separation media that possess pH-dependent groups with pKa value in the range of about 5 to about 7. Separation of the nucleic acids or proteins from a separation medium is effected at a neutral or higher pH.

Materials and methods for the purification of polyelectrolytes, particularly nucleic acids

A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Structure and method for performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample

The present invention provides a standing sonic wave sonicator, methods of generating a standing sonic wave and a method of sonication which employs a standing sonic wave to disrupt particulate material.

Method for generating a standing sonic wave, methods of sonication with

An analytical device for detecting and analyzing the population of neutral or electrically-charged solutes, including providing a light source for producing a collimated beam, providing a solution vessel containing the sample solution to be analyzed, directing the light beam through the sample solution to thereby produce scattered light, a photomultiplier or a photon counter for detecting the scattered light, said photomultiplier being positioned at an angle to receive the scattered light from the collimated beam, an analog-to-digital converter communicating with the photomultiplier, converting the electrical signals output into a digital output, a digital correlator for receiving the digital output and to calculate a time autocorrelation function of the motion of the solutes in the fluid medium, immersing two electrodes in the solution vessel, generating an electrical field between the two electrodes, positioning the electrodes such that a field gradient is created between the electrode, and such that the light beam partially impinges on one of the electrodes to create a heterodyne effect, and an electrical field generator connected to said electrodes, producing an oscillating electrical signals, that can polarize solutes in the solution, the electrical signal generated at a frequency of 0 to 1,000 million hertz.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Forest, IL, United States of America

Folim G Halaka