Merck + Co., Inc.

Merck Sharp + Dohme Corp.

Gary S Kath

Gregory W King

Glenn A Clarke

Paul R Augustine

Lihu Yang

Kevin Tyler Chapman

Marc Nathan Feiglin

Owen B McManus

Tina Garyantes

Kang Cheng

Tsuei-Ju Wu

Paul B Bennett

John P Imredy

Cordelia G Rasa

Kevin R Blake

Michael K Wismer

Randal M Bugianesi

Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup () which is on a cup holder basin (), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.

Method and apparatus for measuring the volume of an animal paw

Methods of identifying activators and inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels are provided in which the methods employ electrical field stimulation of the cells in order to manipulate the open/close state transition of the voltage-gated ion channels. This allows for more convenient, more precise experimental manipulation of these transitions, and, coupled with efficient methods of detecting the result of ion flux through the channels, provides methods that are especially suitable for high throughput screening.

Electrical field stimulation of eukaryotic cells

An apparatus and process for automatically, repetitively sampling blood from conscious animals. The apparatus can simultaneously extract blood from a number of conscious, catherized animals at programmable time intervals. The apparatus is characterized as a system of computer controlled valves and pumps connected by tubing filled with saline solution to a catherized animal. Blood samples are collected via a cannula from the animal and placed in a fraction collector for analyses.

Automated blood sampling apparatus

There is disclosed a pinch valve for allowing access to a sterile reaction vessel using a cannula. The valve remains closed until a cannula is inserted. Upon removal of the cannula, the valve automatically closes maintaining the sterile or otherwise controlled conditions of the reaction vessel.

Cannula operated pinch valve

An apparatus suitable for securely gripping and holding a microplate or other containers during robotic de-lidding operations. A microplate placed on the apparatus is held by a vacuum drawn through the base thereof, allowing the lid of the microplate to be removed without movement of the plate. Afterwards, the vacuum can be discontinued and the plate removed from the apparatus.

Apparatus for gripping microplates

A filter tube for a reaction or other fluid vessel is disclosed which maintains the vessel under an inert gas atmosphere and maintains the integrity of the inert gas seal while performing filtered or unfiltered filling or filtered draining operations.

Reaction vessel filter for combinatorial chemistry or biological use

An access port for a reaction or other fluid vessel which maintains the vessel under an inert gas atmosphere and maintains the integrity of the inert gas seal while performing filtered filling or draining operations is presented. The port uses a deflected septum sealing technique. The invention can be used for a number of laboratory and clinical operations on a variety of size and shape vessels. The combination of the appropriate vessel with this access port is very well suited for use in lab automation systems, such as automated solid phase chemical synthesis, biological screening, combinatorial chemistry and other areas where reaction chemistry is conducted.

Deflected septum seal access port

An improved gripping and pinching device particularly useful with laboratory glassware and adaptable for use with a robot or automated system, is disclosed. The device uses flexible tubing as a gripper, eyedropper pincher and as a pinch valve which biases and releases test tubes, vials or the like upon removal and application of a vacuum or pressurizing means.

Gripping apparatus

A disposable transportable reactor vessel can be prepared by modifying an eye-dropper pipette. A HDPE plug is inserted in one end of the pipette to permit selective passage of fluid while preventing resin flow. The pipette is looped into the shape of a u-tube and inserted into a holder such that the pipette is axially aligned with the holder to facilitate use in a robotic system.

Disposable reactor vessel

An electronic readout for a rotameter flow gauge which includes means for optically scanning a rotameter flow gauge and determining the position of a float within the rotameter.

Growing community of inventors

Scotch Plains, NJ, United States of America

Gary S Kath