Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Gmbh

Dade Behring Inc.

Dade Microscan Inc.

Frank Krufka

Edward Francis Farina

John Charles Mazza

Joson K Joseph

William David Dunfee

Peter Louis Gebrian

Bruce McLean Gemmell

Edward Stephen Kaminski

Bestin Abraham

Nicholas Michael Shmel, Jr

Arnold Lloyd Lewis

Samuel Garfield Ferguson, Jr

Tan Bui

A computer-implemented method for calibrating a photometer in an in-vitro diagnostics analyzer includes generating a cuvette map of a reaction ring identifying a plurality of cuvette locations. The cuvette map is used to identify a plurality of reference measurement areas between the plurality of cuvette locations. A plurality of reference measurements are acquired in the reference measurement areas using the photometer. The photometer is automatically calibrated based on a comparison of the reference measurements to a predetermined standard setup of the photometer.

Eliminating source lamp intensity drift effect using reference measurement between cuvettes

Disclosed is a multi-channel light measurement system adapted to illuminate and measure a test sample in a vessel. The multi-channel light measurement system has at least one photodetector per channel and a variable integrate and hold circuit coupled to each photodetector, the variable integrate and hold circuit allows adjustment of a sampling factor selected from a group of an integration time, a value of capacitance, an area of a discrete photodetector array, or any combination thereof. The system may readily equilibrate reference intensity output for multiple channels. Methods and apparatus are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Channel light measurement apparatus having reduced signal-to-noise ratio

Disclosed are methods and apparatus adapted to aid in an illumination of a test sample in a test vessel. The method includes sequencing multiple wavelength light sources by turning OFF all but the light source of interest and taking a reading. The illumination apparatus has a bracket with a first and second arms and a space between them adapted to receive a test vessel, an array of light sources and a lens array coupled to the first arm, an array of bandpass filters adapted to filter light signals from each light source, at least one aperture array adapted to limit an extent of light emitted to the test vessel, and a single photo detector coupled to the second arm adapted to receive light signals from each of the light sources without moving the test vessel. Systems are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for biological sample illumination at multiple wavelengths

A liquid level sensor confirms actual physical contact between a probe and a liquid by verifying that any change in capacitance of the sensor is constant over a given time period and thereby is not caused by spurious electrical disturbances or other measuring irregularities.

Method and apparatus for capacitively determining the uppermost level of a liquid in a container

A microbiological test array with a generally flat base having a plurality of upwardly projecting microwells connected by a microchannel to an open reservoir formed in a top surface generally parallel to the base of the test array. The reservoir has an opening to permit an inoculum-broth liquid solution to flow from the reservoir through the microchannel, to a sacrificial evaporation well having an air vent port adapted to control a vacuum filling process, and subsequently to be distributed into each of the plurality of microwells.

Liquid flow and control in a biological test array

Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Growing community of inventors

Kirkwood, PA, United States of America

Frank Krufka