Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080227081 | PROCESS FOR DECOMPOSING HYDROGEN SULFIDE BY MEANS OF FEEDING OXYGEN - A process is provided for decomposing hydrogen sulfide in a biogas fermenter ( | 09-18-2008 |
20080286749 | ENHANCED PROTEIN EXPRESSION USING AUTO-INDUCTION MEDIA - Methods for refining the compositions of bacterial growth media to improve heterologous expression of desired recombinant target genes are provided. Also provided are compositions and culture media obtained using the above methods. | 11-20-2008 |
20080299539 | Parallel integrated bioreactor device and method - In one embodiment, the present invention introduces integrated fluid injection and mixing devices to enable pH control in a miniature parallel integrated bioreactor array system. In another embodiment, the environmental conditions of the growth chamber is enabled through fluidic injections in a miniature parallel cell culture system. In still another embodiment, the present invention utilizes gas switches to control oxygen concentration within a miniature parallel integrated bioreactor array. | 12-04-2008 |
20090023131 | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR INJECTING NUCLEIC ACIDS AND OTHER BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE MOLECULES INTO THE NUCLEUS OF HIGHER EUCARYONTIC CELLS USING ELECTRICAL CURRENT - The invention relates to a novel circuit arrangement for electrotransfection or electrofusion, which enables the transportation of DNA and/or other biologically active molecules to the nucleus of higher eukaryotic cells or the fusion of cells, independent of cell division and with reduced cell mortality. | 01-22-2009 |
20090023132 | Hydraulic device for a blood analysis apparatus, associated method and analysis apparatus equipped with such a device - Hydraulic device for a blood analysis apparatus includes elements | 01-22-2009 |
20090035745 | Site-Specific Dosing of Cellular Cultures - Systems and methods for site-specific dosing of cellular cultures are provided. Some of the systems provided comprise at least two laminar flow channels; and an ablatable membrane that is disposed between the at least two laminar flow channels. Other systems provided comprise at least two laminar flow channels; and an ablated membrane that is disposed between the at least two laminar flow channels. Some of the methods provided comprise providing at least two laminar flow channels; providing a membrane disposed between the at least two laminar flow channels, wherein the membrane is selected from the group consisting of an ablatable membrane and an ablated membrane; placing cells into at least one of the at least two laminar flow channels; providing a reagent medium; and flowing the reagent medium through at least one other of the at least two laminar flow channels. | 02-05-2009 |
20090075248 | Particle sensor with wide linear range - This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use. In an addition embodiment, a sensor is provided which is well suited to the rapid sequential measurement of particle concentration in multiple vessels, such as assessment of biomass in series of shake flasks. | 03-19-2009 |
20090104594 | Bioreactor Process Control System and Method - A bioreactor includes a sensor linked to a model free adaptive controller or optimizer. The sensor can provide a real time measurement of a quantity that correlates with final product titer or other desired product quality attribute. | 04-23-2009 |
20090117533 | Apparatus For Producing And Handling A Flowing Substance | 05-07-2009 |
20090136913 | Gravity-Assisted Mixing Methods - A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample. The detector can be used to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of the receptacle. | 05-28-2009 |
20090142745 | INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR EXPOSING A RECEPTACLE TO MULTIPLE THERMAL ZONES - A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample. The detector can be used to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of the receptacle. | 06-04-2009 |
20090155765 | Thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction with close temperature control - A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction. | 06-18-2009 |
20090170061 | DEVICE COMPRISING A SAMPLE OF RECONSTRUCTED TISSUE AND A DETECTION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a device ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090215022 | EXTRA-CAPILLARY FLUID CYCLING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A CELL CULTURE DEVICE - An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber. | 08-27-2009 |
20090220934 | METHODS AND PROCESSES OF CONTROLLING FERMENTATION - The present invention relates to methods and processes for controlling fermentation. Two proportional feedback control loops are implemented in a cascade. One control loop is used to maintain the pH by adjusting the dissolved oxygen-stat setpoint. The other control loop is used to maintain the dissolved oxygen by regulating the nutrient feed rate using the newly adjusted dissolved oxygen-set point. | 09-03-2009 |
20090220935 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONTROL IN PARALLEL INTEGRATED BIOREACTOR ARRAY - Parallel, integrated bioreactor. The bioreactor includes a plurality of growth chambers, each growth chamber associated with a peristaltic oxygenating mixer and separated therefrom by a porous membrane. Each oxygenating mixture has a gas inlet and a gas outlet with the gas inlet in fluid communication with a gas reservoir. A gas mixer switch is provided for controlling oxygen concentration in the reservoir. The apparatus and methods disclosed in the application allow precise control over dissolved oxygen concentration with a quick response time. | 09-03-2009 |
20090239209 | COMBINED INSTALLATION FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS AND COMPOST, AND METHOD OF SWITCHING A FERMENTER IN A LIKE INSTALLATION BETWEEN BIOGAS PRODUCTION AND COMPOSTING - A combined installation is disclosed for the production of biogas and compost, including a dry fermentation fermenter for producing biogas in a batch mode, a biogas outlet, a purging gas inlet, a biogas line connected to the biogas outlet, a waste gas line, a waste gas chimney connected to the biogas outlet via a first biogas/waste gas line, a waste gas flare connected to the biogas outlet via a second biogas/waste gas line, a fresh air line connected to the purging gas inlet, a control means for connecting the biogas outlet to the biogas line or the biogas/waste gas chimney via the first biogas/waste gas line or the waste gas flare via the second biogas/waste gas line and for connecting the purging gas inlet to the waste gas line or the fresh air line, and a measurement means connected to the control means for detecting methane and carbon dioxide concentrations. | 09-24-2009 |
20090263782 | Reaction apparatus - An apparatus | 10-22-2009 |
20100009335 | TEMPERATURE-REGULATED CULTURE PLATES - Described herein are environmentally isolated tissue culture devices that may be used for cell culture, as well as systems including these devices and methods for using them. These devices may include control features for regulating the micro-environment within a well or wells of the device. For example, on-board features may regulate the temperature, humidity, pH, media level, media composition, CO | 01-14-2010 |
20100009336 | System and method for bacterial vaginosis testing - A method and system for testing fluids from a patient is provided. In one embodiment, a portable device is configured with one or more testing modules adapted perform one or more tests on a fluid sample in order to determine if a patient has bacterial vaginosis. A timer module coupled to a sample transport is configured to move a vaginal fluid sample between one or more testing modules at various stages along a predetermined testing path. In an embodiment, the timer module is configured to move the vaginal fluid sample between the testing modules along a circular testing path. The vaginal fluid sample may be processed in sequential order over predetermined time periods with respect to the processing performed by the testing module in order to detect the presence of, or lack of, | 01-14-2010 |
20100021880 | Automated Macromolecule Sample Preparation System - An apparatus for preparing a macromolecule sample from a complex liquid mixture includes a hydraulic system adapted for control by an automated controller, comprising a pump and one or more valves. The hydraulic system can be controlled by an automated controller to apply the liquid mixture to one or more filters with a pressure differential across each filter. The filters include a rough filter selected to separate, from a macromolecule in a liquid mixture, at least a portion of one or more rough components in the mixture that are larger than the macromolecule. Further included is a fine filter selected to separate from the macromolecule at least a portion of one or more fine components in the mixture that are smaller than the macromolecule. A method for preparing a macromolecule sample includes automatically acquiring a liquid mixture, the mixture including a macromolecule. At least a portion of the other components in the mixture are automatically separated from the macromolecule by applying the mixture to each of one or more filters, with a pressure differential across each filter. | 01-28-2010 |
20100055663 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TISSUE PROCESSOR AND TISSUE PROCESSOR - A method for controlling a tissue processor and a tissue processor for processing tissue samples is described. A retort is provided comprising a cover that can be opened and closed by an operator. The retort cover is closed prior to tissue processing. The actuation state of a first and a second operating element can be determined. An operator is prompted to confirm unlocking of the closed retort cover by actuating a second operating element. The tissue processing is interrupted when an actuation of the second operating element is determined and the closed retort cover is unlocked and is continued after the retort cover is once again locked. After having completed tissue processing the retort cover is unlocked. By means of the described method and tissue processor improper intervention during ongoing tissue processing is prevented. | 03-04-2010 |
20100068693 | Nutrient Monitoring and Feedback Control for Increased Bioproduct Production - The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value. | 03-18-2010 |
20100075296 | Thermal cycling by positioning relative to fixed-temperature heat source - A thermal cycling system and method are provided herein, The thermal cycling system for performing a biological reaction at two or more different temperatures comprises: a) a heat source for setting at a fixed temperature; b) a reaction vessel containing material upon which the biological reaction is to be performed; c) mechanically-operable means for altering the relative position of the heat source and the reaction vessel so that reaction vessel first achieves and maintains a desired first temperature in the reaction vessel for starting the carrying out of the biological reaction, and then for altering the relative position of the heat source and the reaction vessel so that reaction vessel then achieves and maintains a second temperate for continuing the carrying out of the biological reaction on the biological material, and d) temperature-sensing means operatively associated with the reaction vessel for controlling the altering of the relative position of the heat source and the reaction vessel so that the reaction vessel achieves and maintains the desired second temperature in the reaction vessel. | 03-25-2010 |
20100081122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CULTIVATING CELLS - A state of cells while being cultivated is ascertained and a feed medium suitable for the cell state is added for producing a target substance to be produced with a high yield. The system for cultivating cells of the invention includes a bioreactor/fermentor for cultivating cells to be cultivated, a measuring device for measuring the culture cells being cultivated in the bioreactor/fermentor or a component contained in the culture solution, and a control device for selecting a feed medium to be added to the bioreactor/fermentor from two or more feed media having different composition ratios based on the culture cells state determined by measured values obtained by the measuring device. | 04-01-2010 |
20100240020 | Method of making biological components for devices by forced environmental adaptation - An improved method for the design and development of high performance biologically-derived components for use in hybrid devices. The biologically-derived component is used in hybrid constructs that may be nanostructures, given the small size of the biological parts. Force adaptation is used to bring an organism from which the biologically-derived component is developed to provide such a component meeting a desired measure of performance. In one specific embodiment, chlorosomes of | 09-23-2010 |
20100240021 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED STAINING OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS - Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for optimally staining biological samples for analysis. In one embodiment, images of a sample are recorded before and after the application of a staining reagent and a decolorization reagent. A difference image is then generated based at least in part on a comparison of the images of the sample recorded before and after the application of the staining and decolorization reagents. Application parameters of the staining and decolorization reagents are then corrected based at least in part on the difference image such that the reagents may be optimally reapplied to generate a final image of the sample that may enable a user to better differentiate at least one target of interest in the sample. In one example, embodiments of the present invention allow for the generation of images that show only Gram-positive bacteria or only Gram-negative bacteria. | 09-23-2010 |
20100248208 | REAGENT PREPARING DEVICE, REAGENT PREPARING METHOD, AND SPECIMEN PROCESSING SYSTEM - A reagent preparing device capable of supplying a predetermined reagent, which includes a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid, to a measurement section for measuring a specimen using the reagent, comprising: a pressure generator for generating pressure to transfer liquid; a reagent preparing section for executing a preparation operation of the predetermined reagent using the pressure generated by the pressure generator; and a controller configured for performing operations comprising: determining whether or not the reagent preparing section is executing the preparation operation, and controlling the generation of the pressure by the pressure generator according to the determination result, is disclosed. A reagent preparing method and a specimen processing system are also disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
20100255458 | BIOREACTOR - The invention provides devices and methods for the growth of photoautotrophic organisms. The devices and methods address issues related to the design of bioreactors, selection of a photoautotrophic organism, growth of the photoautotrophic organisms, extraction of biomass products, and/or use of the biomass products as a renewable energy source. | 10-07-2010 |
20100304355 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PHARMACOKINETIC-BASED CELL CULTURE SYSTEM - Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device. | 12-02-2010 |
20100304356 | ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD FOR IN SITU PROCESSING OF WASTE - The invention relates to a device and a method for the in situ processing of waste, in particular for cleaning up a waste disposal site. The device comprises a sorting device with a set of processing devices connected downstream of said device. This set of processing devices comprises a fermenting device, a fluidized bed gasifier, and a pyrolysis device. Furthermore, the assembly comprises a control device for controlling and measuring the various material flows. | 12-02-2010 |
20110065084 | INTEGRATED OXYGEN MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL FOR STATIC CULTURE VESSELS - A system and method for measuring and controlling oxygen in a culture vessel utilizes a non-invasive oxygen sensor and an agitator. A controller controls the agitator based on feedback supplied by the oxygen sensor. The agitator is used to increase oxygen transport into the liquid phase thereby raising the level of oxygen in the culture medium. The agitator driven equilibration results in precise control of the culture medium oxygen. | 03-17-2011 |
20110086337 | FLUID TRANSFER CONTROL FOR REAL-TIME PCR - The present invention provides a fluid transfer control method, the method based on measurements of intensities of dyes within the fluid to be transferred. In more detail, the present invention makes use of control dyes and quencher molecules for the fluid transfer controls. | 04-14-2011 |
20110097701 | HCN Removal From Syngas Using Chemical and Biological Treatment - A method for the high removal of ammonia and HCN from syngas in a cost effective and environmentally benign and sustainable fashion, with the need for minimal chemical addition by using a combination of water based gas scrubbing, HCN scrubbing and biological processing steps. | 04-28-2011 |
20110123975 | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING THE BACTERIAL INOCULUM LEVEL OF A SAMPLE - Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample. | 05-26-2011 |
20110129812 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INJECTION OF CO2 OR STACK GASSES TO INCREASE ALGAL BIOMASS PRODUCTION - An algal production system that uses CO2 injections to promote the growth of algae. The system includes an algal growth medium within a floway for channeling water. A fluid diffuser also resides in the floway in proximity to the algal growth medium. The fluid diffuser injects CO2 into the water in the floway. The system further includes a detector for monitoring the pH levels of the water and a controller, which based on the measured pH levels, determines when and how much CO2 to inject into the water. | 06-02-2011 |
20110159475 | INTEGRATED BIO-REACTOR MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEM - Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition. The utility tower can include a computer with a human-machine interface that communicates with the controller over a third communication network. | 06-30-2011 |
20110177489 | SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION AND DISPENSATION DEVICE AND SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION AND DISPENSATION METHOD - A specimen identification and dispensation device includes an optical measurement device which is an identification part for measuring and identifying optical information on a specimen by emitting exciting light to the specimen being a measurement target dispersed in a liquid flowing through inside of a capillary, a dispensation part for dispensing the identified specimen into wells being sections to be dispensed through a nozzle, and a concentration adjustment part which adjusts the number of the specimens contained in an aliquot solution to a desired number according to the concentration of a sample liquid and the amount of the aliquot solution. The dispensation part is movable three-dimensionally with respect to the identification part and the nozzle. | 07-21-2011 |
20110183312 | MICROFLUIDIC CHIP FOR ACCURATELY CONTROLLABLE CELL CULTURE - A device is disclosed for culturing cells in at least one cell culture well. The device includes one or more interconnecting layers having a pattern therein, the pattern including at least one microfluidic channel, at least one cell culture well having an opening at one end and a side wall, the at least one microfluidic channel in fluid communication with the side wall of the at least one cell culture well, and having a maximum channel width substantially less than a maximum width of the at least one cell culture well. The device includes at least one of a controllable valve and a controllable pump in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel, the valve and pump being configured to selectably restrict fluid transport through the microfluidic channel. In some embodiments, the device includes a removable top layer adapted to cover each of the at least one cell culture well. | 07-28-2011 |
20110189650 | MICROFLUIDIC CELL SORTER WITH ELECTROPORATION - A biological particle manipulating device and method of its use. The device includes structure arranged to urge biological particles into substantially single file travel through an interrogation zone. Operable alignment structure nonexclusively include sheathed fluid flow, capillary tubes, an orifice, and fluid microchannels. One or more detector, selected from a plurality of operable such structures, may be employed to sense the presence of a biologic particle in the interrogation zone. Certain exemplary detectors may operate on the Coulter principle, or may detect a Stokes' shift, or side-scatter radiation. Discrimination structure is generally provided to categorize particles as being in one or another sub-population of a mix of biological particles that may be carried in a fluid sample, such as by cell type, size, or the like. Particle manipulating structure is disposed to impose a change on substantially all particles in any selected sub-population while leaving unchanged substantially the remaining sub-population(s). The device may be operated to essentially purify (in a living or viable sense) a sample including biological particles that are carried in a fluid diluent. The device may also be operated to electroporate cells on either a discriminating, or nondiscriminating, basis. | 08-04-2011 |
20110207111 | METABOLIC RATE INDICATOR FOR CELLULAR POPULATIONS - Described and claimed is a novel system and method for monitoring the metabolic rate of a cellular population in an industrial process. The invention includes obtaining a sample of the cellular population and initiating a reaction between a metabolic component of the cellular population and a bioreporter. The reaction produces a detectable metabolic signal which is measured and analyzed to determine a metabolic rate of the cellular population. In preferred embodiments, a controller is operable to provide prompts to a user and/or automate various steps of the invention. | 08-25-2011 |
20110207112 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR CRYOPRESERVATION OF OOCYTES, EMBRYOS, OR BLASTOCYSTS - An automated system and method of cryopreservation and reanimation of oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts is disclosed. One or more oocytes or embryos are positioned in a processing container, the processing container being configured to allow fluid to flow into and out of the processing container, where two or more fluids flow into and out of the processing container with oocytes or embryos therein. The temperature of the fluid may be controlled in the processing container according to predetermined requirements. The flowing of the fluids may be controlled by a central controller adapted to control one or more valves. | 08-25-2011 |
20110212433 | ALCOHOL PRODUCTION PROCESS - The invention relates to the production of products such as alcohols and acids by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to methods and systems for improving efficiency of production products by microbial fermentation. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of controlling substrate supply, such that production of desired metabolites is optimised. | 09-01-2011 |
20110217690 | Interconnected Bioreactors - A method of combining the content of bioreactors allowing homogeneous mixing in accordance with CFR21 is described that allows processing of variable size batches using a single validated bioreactor is described. | 09-08-2011 |
20110217691 | OXYGEN-ASSISTED FERMENTATION PROCESS - A fermentation process uses substantially pure oxygen. The oxygen is the only reactive gas which is injected into a fermentation vessel. The oxygen is moved through the vessel solely by its own pressure. The process can be used with both mechanically-agitated and air-lifted fermenters. The mechanically-agitated fermenter includes an analyzer for measuring oxygen concentration in the exhaust line, and adjusting the flow of fresh oxygen into the vessel accordingly. In the air-lifted fermenter, an analyzer measures the oxygen concentration in the head space of the vessel, and operates valves which either recycle the gas from the head space, or vent that gas to the outside, according to the measured concentration. A stream of nitrogen is periodically injected into the vessel to drive out carbon dioxide and other gases, to control the pH of the fermentation medium. The present invention substantially improves the efficiency of a commercial fermentation process. | 09-08-2011 |
20110217692 | Photobioreactors, Solar Energy Gathering Systems, And Thermal Control Methods - The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a prototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor. | 09-08-2011 |
20110223580 | SAMPLE ANALYZER AND SAMPLE TRANSPORTING METHOD - The present invention is a sample analyzer including: a first and a second measurement unit configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container; a rack transport unit configured to transport each of a plurality of sample containers held in a sample rack to either the first or the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to acquire a measurement item information indicating a measurement item of each of samples accommodated in the plurality of sample containers held in the sample rack, determine a sample container to be a transport object and a measurement unit to be a transport destination of the sample container based on the acquired plurality of measurement item information, and control the rack transport unit to transport the sample container determined as the transport object to the measurement unit determined as the transport destination. | 09-15-2011 |
20110223581 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DIAPHRAGM PUMP - An electronically controlled diaphragm pump system is provided. The pump systems comprises a pump housing with a drive gas chamber and a fluid chamber separated by a diaphragm. The drive gas chamber is connected to one or more gas ports for injecting and/or sucking a gas into and out of the gas chamber. The fluid chamber is connected to a least one port for fluid inlet and at least one port for fluid outlet, where the inlet port has a valve adapted to open for fluid inlet when gas is sucked out of the gas chamber and the outlet port has a valve adapted to open for fluid outlet when gas is injected into the gas chamber. The pump system further has gas pressure means connected to a gas inlet port for providing a drive gas pressure in response to a control signal, and gas under-pressure means connected to a gas outlet port for providing a gas under-pressure or sucking of gas in response to a control signal. Furthermore, the pump system has a displacement sensor for detecting displacement or position of the diaphragm, and control circuitry connected to the displacement sensor for determining the displacement or position of the diaphragm and adapted for supplying the control signals to the gas pressure means and the gas under-pressure means. It is preferred that the means for providing a drive gas pressure comprises a gas-pressure proportional control valve being connected to the gas port and the control circuitry, whereby the drive gas pressure is varied as a function of the control signal supplied by the control circuitry. Also the means for providing a gas under-pressure may comprise a gas-under proportional control valve for controlling the gas under-pressure as a function of the control signal supplied by the control circuitry. | 09-15-2011 |
20110223582 | CELL CULTURE DEVICE AND METHOD OF CULTURING CELLS - The present invention relates to a cell culture device ( | 09-15-2011 |
20110223583 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONCENTRATED BIOMOLECULE CONDENSATES TO BIOSENSING DEVICES - Condensing devices and methods for providing a concentrated biomolecule condensate to one or more biosensing devices are provided. The concentrated biomolecule condensate is obtained from a fluid sample which potentially contains traces of one or more target biomolecules. The fluid sample is first separated into a filtered liquid and a retentate biomolecule condensate. A novel filtering module is provided for this purpose. The target biomolecules in the retentate biomolecule condensate are further separated from unwanted materials using magnetic beads coated with antibodies of the target biomolecules. The beaded biomolecule condensate obtained thereby is processed to extract constituents of the target biomolecules, thereby obtaining the concentrated biomolecule condensate, which is distributed to a biosensing device. | 09-15-2011 |
20110229872 | Microfabricated Cell Sorter - The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time. The cells can be sorted into an appropriate branch channel based on the presence or amount of a detectable signal such as an optical signal, with or without stimulation, such as exposure to light in order to promote fluorescence. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229873 | FERMENTATION PROCESS USING SPECIFIC OXYGEN UPTAKE RATES AS A PROCESS CONTROL - Specific oxygen uptake (OUR) is used as a process control parameter in fermentation processes. OUR is determined during at least the production phase of a fermentation process, and process parameters are adjusted to maintain the OUR within desired ranges. The invention is particularly applicable when the fermentation is conducted using a microorganism having a natural PDC pathway that has been disrupted so that it no longer functions. Microorganisms of this sort often produce poorly under strictly anaerobic conditions. Microaeration controlled by monitoring OUR allows the performance of the microorganism to be optimized. | 09-22-2011 |
20110244444 | METHODS OF MULTIPLYING PLANT EMBRYOGENIC TISSUE IN A BIOREACTOR - The present invention provides methods of multiplying plant embryogenic tissue in a bioreactor. | 10-06-2011 |
20110250582 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GAS PRODUCTION FROM A RESERVOIR - A method and system for production of biogenerated gas from a zone in a reservoir are described. Microbial conversion of petroleum in the zone to biogenerated gas is stimulated. The biogenerated gas can be, for example, methane, hydrogen or carbon dioxide, or another gas. Gas including the biogenerated gas is produced from the zone to surface. While producing the gas, production parameters are monitored including reservoir pressure and an isotopic composition of the produced gas. Based on the monitored production parameters, at least one of stimulation of the microbial conversion to control the composition of the produced gas or gas saturation in the zone to control mobility of the biogenerated methane is adjusted. | 10-13-2011 |
20110256523 | OPTICAL FLOW CYTOMETER AND METHOD OF INVESTIGATION - The present invention relates to a flow cytometer ( | 10-20-2011 |
20110262891 | Microinjection apparatus and microinjection method - A microinjection apparatus is designed to introduce the transfecting material into the transductant by inserting a minute injection needle ( | 10-27-2011 |
20110269114 | YEAST GROWTH MAXIMIZATION WITH FEEDBACK FOR OPTIMAL CONTROL OF FILLED BATCH FERMENTATION IN A BIOFUEL MANUFACTURING FACILITY - The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling biofuel production processes. In particular, estimated yeast activity values are determined by yeast activity sensors. These estimated yeast activity values are used to bias predicted yeast activity values from an inferential dynamic predictive model. The biased predicted yeast activity values are in turn used to control a fermentation sub-process of the biofuel production process, while also be used to update the inferential dynamic predictive model, to maximize yeast activity in the fermentation sub-process. Maximizing yeast activity and yeast growth in the fermentation sub-process leads to the maximization of biofuel production in the biofuel production process. | 11-03-2011 |
20110275053 | ALCOHOL PRODUCTION PROCESS - The invention relates to the production of products such as alcohols and acids by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to methods and systems for improving efficiency of products by microbial fermentation. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of optimising production of desired products including the step of ascertaining the proportion of CO converted to CO2. | 11-10-2011 |
20110275054 | ENHANCED ANIMAL CELL GROWTH USING ULTRASOUND - A method of increasing the rate of growth of an animal cell or cell culture include the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz. | 11-10-2011 |
20110275055 | THERMAL UNIFORMITY FOR THERMAL CYCLER INSTRUMENTATION USING DYNAMIC CONTROL - A method for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for improving thermal non-uniformity is provided. The method includes measuring a first temperature, by a first sensor, of a first sample block sector of a sample block and measuring a second temperature, by a second sensor, of a second sample block sector of the sample block that is adjacent to the first sample block sector. The method further includes calculating, by a thermoelectric controller, a difference in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature and adjusting, by the thermoelectric controller, the first temperature of the first sample block sector based on the difference in temperature by using one or more thermoelectric coolers. The one or more thermoelectric coolers is configured to heat or cool the first sample block sector by adjusting power output from the thermoelectric controller. | 11-10-2011 |
20110275056 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Cell Expansion Apparatus - A method for controlling cell expansion comprising conducting a fluid containing cellular matter into a cellular growth area; providing oxygenated fluid to said cellular growth area to maintain conditions conducive for cell growth in said cellular growth area; monitoring inflow and outflow conditions; determining rates of change (first derivative) for selected conditions and calculating cell numbers therefrom; determining a rate of change of a rate of change (second derivative) for the selected conditions and calculating a predicted process time; and terminating the growth process when adequate cell numbers have been produced and an apparatus for performing the method. | 11-10-2011 |
20110281254 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTION FOR CROP STALK - This disclosure discloses a process and an anaerobic digestion system for crop stalk/straw. The process in one example comprises (A) Feeding, (B) Heating and Digestion at the set temperature, (C) Discharging of Biogas, Sludge and Effluen{grave over ( )}t. The system in one example comprises (I) High Solid Content Digester (II) Hydro-Circulation Digester and (III) Stalk/Straw Feeder. Steps (A), (B) and (C) are accomplished in the devices (I) and (II). The step (A) is accomplished through the stalk/straw feeder (III), a special feeding mechanism, by which the crushed or smashed stalk/straw is pushed into the bottom of digester vessel. After being fermented or digested in the device (I), feedstock that is the mixture of biomass and water flows freely into the device (II) through the feedstock discharge outlet. The stalk feeder (III) is comprised of a hopper ( | 11-17-2011 |
20110281255 | BIOLOGICAL PROCESS FOR CONVERTING ORGANIC BY-PRODUCTS OR WASTES INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND USABLE PRODUCTS - Apparatus for the treatment of organic waste streams is disclosed, in which the organic waste stream is treated in order to reduce the average particle size prior to entry into a biological reactor. The use of a mechanical device to reduce this average particle size while simultaneously mixing the organic waste stream increases the efficiency of the biological reactor. The mechanical device is preferably one which causes attrition and reduction in the average particle size of the organic waste stream. This results in a lower viscosity feed to the biological reactor, and therefore a far more efficient process, which can therefore handle a feed stream of greater concentration than was previously thought to be possible. | 11-17-2011 |
20110287405 | BIOMASS PRODUCTION - There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone comprises a production purpose reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. The production purpose reaction mixture comprises production purpose phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone, such that a reaction zone concentration of production purpose phototrophic biomass is provided in the reaction zone. The growth of the production purpose phototrophic biomass comprises that which is effected by the photosynthesis. | 11-24-2011 |
20110306031 | FLUIDIC SYSTEM FOR A FLOW CYTOMETER - The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306032 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSES - An integrated device for diagnostic analyses used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306033 | BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - A biochemical processing apparatus is provided having a stage receiving a biochemical reaction cartridge which includes chambers and flow paths communicating therebetween, a moving system for moving liquid via the flow paths, and a detector for detecting the presence of the liquid in a chamber and/or the amount of the liquid. In addition, a determining device determines a result of the movement of the liquid from the information of the liquid in the chamber detected by the detector. | 12-15-2011 |
20110318725 | CELL CULTURE METHOD, CELL CULTURE DEVICE, METHOD FOR COUNTING SUBSJECT MATTERS TO BE COUNTED IN CONTAINER AND DEVICE FOR COUNTING - Cell aggregate formation control and cell aggregate disintegration control are carried out with respect to cells in a culture container to increase cell proliferation efficiency. The number of the cells in the culture container is counted without disassembly of a culture system and irrespective of the density of the cells. | 12-29-2011 |
20120003623 | NONLINEAR MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF A BATCH REACTION SYSTEM - The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling batch reaction processes. In particular, a parametric hybrid model may be used to parameterize inputs and outputs of batch reaction processes. The parametric hybrid model may include an empirical model, a parameter model, and a dynamic model. Critical quality parameters, which are correlated with, but not the same as, end-of-batch quality values for the batch reaction processes may be monitored during cycles of the batch reaction processes. The quality parameters may be used to generate desired batch trajectories, which may be used to control the batch reaction processes during the cycles of the batch reaction processes. | 01-05-2012 |
20120009558 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA - An automated system for identifying in a biological sample microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). The system provided an automated platform for preparing, from a single biological sample, inoculates for both ID and AST. The system loads a plate for ID testing as samples are being prepared for AST testing. The system tracks the sample and the inoculates from the samples to link the test results to the sample and the patients from whom the sample was obtained. | 01-12-2012 |
20120009559 | AUTOMATED CELL CULTURE SYSTEM AND PROCESS - The present invention relates generally to the field of cell culture, which is a laboratory process used primarily for the growth, propagation, and production of cells for analysis and the production and harvesting of cell products. The present invention comprises functionalized and/or engineered hydrogel microcarriers that exhibit any or all of the following properties: controllable buoyancy, ferro- or paramagnetism, molecular or fabricated reporting elements, and optical clarity. The microcarriers are used in a bioreactor that employs external forces to control said microcarrier kinetic energy and translational or positional orientation in order to facilitate cell growth and/or cellular analysis. The bioreactor can be part of an automated system that employs any or all of the following; a microcarrier manufacturing method, a monitoring method, a cell culture method, and an analytical method. Either a single bioreactor or a plurality of bioreactors are used in the automated system to enable cell culture and analysis with a minimum of human intervention. | 01-12-2012 |
20120021401 | DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGE FOR AUTOMATIC AND CONTINUOUS WATER QUALITY MONITORING - A disposable cartridge for use in assaying an analyte in an automated water quality monitoring analyzer comprising: (a) a platform; (b) array of containers for separately containing at least one reagent, a buffer and a so freeze dried preparation of luminescent bacteria, said containers being mounted on said platform; (c) reaction chamber mounted on said platform and configured for being moved between said containers, such that said reagent, said buffer and said freeze dried preparation of luminescent bacteria are conveyed to said reaction chamber in a predetermined sequence such that light detectable by said analyzer is emitted; (d) fluid transferring means for fluid transfer and mixing between said containers, reaction chamber, and analyzer; (e) conveying means for moving said cartridge to predetermined positions within said automated water quality monitoring analyzer for enabling analysis of said analyte. | 01-26-2012 |
20120028237 | ANIMAL CELL COLONY PICKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028238 | ANIMAL CELL COLONY PICKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028239 | ANIMAL CELL COLONY PICKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028240 | ANIMAL CELL COLONY PICKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit. | 02-02-2012 |
20120034595 | Enriched stem cell and progenitor cell populations, and methods of producing and using such populations - The present invention provides a novel method to isolate and expand pure progenitor/stem cells from a primary tissue explant, which produces a population enriched in multipotent functional progenitor/stem cells free of contaminating fibroblasts and other cell types. Cardiac progenitor/stem cells isolated by this method maintain their self-renewal and clonogenic character in vitro and differentiate into normal cells in myocardium, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, after transplantation into ischemic hearts. The present invention also includes substantially pure populations of multipotent progenitor/stem cells, e.g., cardiac progenitor/stem cells, and their use to treat and prevent diseases and injuries, including those resulting from myocardial infarction. | 02-09-2012 |
20120034596 | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY CULTIVATING CELLS IN PARALLEL - A device for automatically cultivating cells in parallel in cell culture vessels, in particular microtiter (MT) plates ( | 02-09-2012 |
20120040328 | FERMENTER FEED SYSTEM FOR FERMENTABLE BIOMASS OF A BIOGAS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE FEED SYSTEM - A fermenter feed system for fermentable biomass of a biogas system comprising at least one fermenter, and a delivery and treatment device located between a biomass depot and the fermenter. A mechanical cell breakdown apparatus ( | 02-16-2012 |
20120040329 | Process For Continuous Production Of Bacteriophage - As bacteriophage use in industrial application grows there is a need for commercial quantities of identified bacteriophage. This invention discloses a continuous flow bacteriophage proliferation process that can provide commercial quantities of desired bacteriophage in concentrations suitable for industrial use. Host bacteria and virulent bacteriophage are fed into a reactor vessel where the phage attach to, infect and lyse the host bacteria providing multiple replications of it and coincidentally concentrating the phage. | 02-16-2012 |
20120040330 | BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL COLLECTION AND DETECTION - A fluorescence-cued Raman identification system comprises a collection subsystem to collect samples, a reagent treatment subsystem to treat collected samples and a fluorescence imaging subsystem that automatically takes at least one image of the collected sample. The subsystems further include a Raman spectroscopy subsystem that measures the spectrum of viable organisms located from at least one collected image, a visible imaging microscope subsystem that provides a visual image of the particle analyzed by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem and a processor configured to perform image processing to locate viable organisms within the sample, which are targeted by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem. The processor further analyzes the spectrum recorded by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem to make a preliminary identification of the targeted organisms, which can be verified by an operator using the visible imaging microscope subsystem. | 02-16-2012 |
20120040331 | Noninvasive Bioreactor Monitoring - A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe are installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media. | 02-16-2012 |
20120058460 | SLUG CONTROL DURING THERMAL CYCLING - The present invention, in one aspect, provides methods and systems for controlling slugs using temperature dependent fluorescent dyes. In some embodiments, the present invention uses one or more techniques to enhance the visibility of slugs, enhance a system's ability to differentiate between slugs, and enhance a system's ability to identify the positions of slugs. | 03-08-2012 |
20120064506 | OPTIMIZED BIOGAS (BIOMETHANE) PRODUCTION FROM ANAEROBIC REACTORS - An improved process and apparatus for producing biogas having a high methane content from a feed or substrate. Feed material is injected into a reactor having anaerobic microorganisms to form a bulk liquid in the reactor. The oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature of the bulk liquid and the methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and flow of the biogas is monitored. The amount of the feed material (substrate) fed to the reactor is adjusted in response to the monitoring parameters of the bulk liquid and biogas. A biomass recycle is provided to the reactor, thus increasing the reactor biomass retention time, or solids retention time within the reactor. | 03-15-2012 |
20120064507 | USE OF GAS VOID FRACTION MEASUREMENT IS THE CLOSED LOOP CONTROL OF A FERMENTATION PROCESS - A technique related to a fermentation process; where a signal processor receives a signal containing information about an amount of entrained air in a mixture forming part of a fermentation process in a tank; and determines a level of foam in the tank based at least partly on the amount of entrained air in the mixture. The signal processor may also provide a control signal for controlling an amount of defoamer (or antiforming agent) added to the mixture in the tank so as to control the production of foam within the tank by controlling the amount of defoamer added to the mixture in the tank. | 03-15-2012 |
20120064508 | Operation and Control of V-Trough Photobioreactor Systems - Disclosed herein are photobioreactor systems for high productivity aquaculture or aquafarming for growing of algae or other organisms in an aquatic environment featuring aspects that favor improved growth rates by achieving control over the contents of the growth medium, including carbon source, nitrogen source, and essential trace elements necessary for growth. | 03-15-2012 |
20120070817 | ACOUSTIC-ASSISTED ITERATIVE WAVE FORM OPTIMIZATION FOR DEEP TISSUE FOCUSING - A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for irradiating one or more targets within a sample with electromagnetic (EM) radiation. One or more targets within the sample are controllably defined with an acoustic field. The sample is irradiated with input EM radiation having an input wavefront. An amount of frequency shifted EM radiation is detected, wherein at least some of the input EM radiation that passes through the acoustic field at the targets is shifted in frequency to form the frequency shifted EM radiation. The input wavefront is modified, using feedback comprising the amount of the frequency shifted EM radiation that is detected, into a modified wavefront. The sample is irradiated using the input EM radiation comprising the modified wavefront, and the process is repeated as desired. | 03-22-2012 |
20120070818 | Flow Measurement and Control for Improved Quantification of Particles in Flow Cytometry - The present invention relates to methods that enable improved accuracy for quantitative particle counting in a flowing liquid stream. The methods of the present invention utilize the real-time measurement of flow rates and flow rate control through feedback mechanisms to improve quantification, and this improved quantification translates to more accurate particle counting. In certain embodiments, particles being counted are biological particles in a liquid sample, such as viruses. | 03-22-2012 |
20120077183 | Reaction apparatus - An apparatus | 03-29-2012 |
20120088224 | Methods and Systems of Growing and Harvesting Cells in a Hollow Fiber Bioreactor System with Control Conditions - Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber. | 04-12-2012 |
20120100525 | ULTRASOUND ENHANCED GROWTH OF MICROORGANISMS - A method of increasing the rate of growth, useful product production, or protein expression of a microorganism includes the step of exposing the microorganism to ultrasound having a frequency greater than about 1 MHz. | 04-26-2012 |
20120107792 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF GASES TO ALGAL CULTURES - Photobioreactors according to embodiments of the present invention deliver nutrient gas intermittently to the photobioreactor media. In some embodiments, one or more gases are delivered according to a duty cycle or timing pattern. According to some embodiments, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using intermittent introduction of carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, carbon dioxide is supplied to algae grown in a photobioreactor in whole or in part from a head space above the media of the photobioreactor. | 05-03-2012 |
20120107793 | SAMPLE PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROCESSING SAMPLE - A sample processing system comprising: a transporting device that transports a sample; a plurality of sample processing devices that are arranged along a transport path for the sample transported by the transporting device and configured to process the sample transported by the transporting device based on a processing order; a controller configured to receive a first processing order for the sample and control the transporting device to transport the sample based on the received first processing order, and configured to receive a second processing order for the sample additionally and control the transporting device to transport the sample based on the received second processing order; and a display, wherein the controller is configured to prompt the display to show progress information indicating a progress status of processing the sample with respect to each of the first and second processing orders. A method of processing sample in a sample processing system. | 05-03-2012 |
20120122074 | MAIL SCREENING TO DETECT MAIL CONTAMINATED WITH BIOLOGICAL HARMFUL SUBSTANCES - A multi-tier approach for use in a mailroom for detecting bio-threats conveyed by mail. In a first tier procedure, mail entering the mailroom is continuously automatically screened at a mail screening station to detect a potential bio-threat contamination. If a potential bio-threat is detected, an alarm signal is generated, a sample of the potential bio-threat is collected, and a second tier procedure is initiated. The second tier procedure uses a manual test, such as a nucleic acid amplification and detection assay to detect any of a plurality of different specific bio-threats in the sample. If a specific bio-threat is found, appropriate steps are taken to limit spread of the bio-threat and exposure of personnel. A third tier procedure uses a manual assay to check for a specific toxin in background samples collected over a predefined time interval at each mail screening station and in the air handling system for the mailroom. | 05-17-2012 |
20120122075 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THREATENING AGENTS IN THE AIR - A multi-tier approach for use in a detecting harmful agents conveyed by the air. In a first tier procedure, the air (in a structure or a predefined area) is continuously automatically screened at a plurality of different predefined locations by air sensors distributed in the area to be monitored. Each air sensor is configured to detect a potentially harmful substance that is carried by the air proximate the predefined location, to determine if a potentially harmful substance might be present, but need not identify a specific harmful substance. When a potentially harmful agent is identified by an air sensor in the first tier screening, a sample of the potential threat is collected, and a second tier procedure is initiated. The second tier procedure uses a manual test, such as a nucleic acid amplification and detection assay to detect any of a plurality of different specific threats in the sample. | 05-17-2012 |
20120135392 | ULTRASOUND STIMULATION DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES - Ultrasound stimulation devices and related techniques are disclosed. An ultrasound transducer for generating ultrasound energy is carried by a transducer housing that seals the transducer and may also include a positioning element for positioning the transducer proximate an application area to which generated ultrasound energy is to be applied. The transducer housing may also carry such components as a battery, a wireless receiver, and a controller. The same housing or a separate sensor housing may include an ultrasound sensor that provides feedback to the ultrasound transducer or its controller, illustratively through a wireless transmitter. | 05-31-2012 |
20120149005 | REACTION TREATMENT DEVICE AND REACTION TREATMENT METHOD - Disclosed herein is a reaction treatment device including a temperature control section which includes a first temperature control section disposed at an outer peripheral edge part of a group of reaction regions and a planar second temperature control section, wherein the first temperature control section and the second temperature control section are disposed opposite to each other, with the reaction region group therebetween. | 06-14-2012 |
20120156669 | Biomass Production - A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined mass growth rate of the phototrophic biomass. | 06-21-2012 |
20120164623 | Laminar Flow Reactor - The present invention describes a laminar flow bioreactor with improved laminar flow lines of fluids. The bioreactor housing defines a chamber adapted to receive a scaffold. An inlet aperture at one end of the chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. A bypass mechanism selectively operable from an open position to a closed position consisting of an iris assembly directs a portion of fluid flowing through the chamber around the scaffold-receiving area. This bioreactor is inserted in a bioreactor system. | 06-28-2012 |
20120171659 | PARTICLE ANALYZER AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING PARTICLES - A particle analyzer may include a sampling unit configured to collect samples containing particles; a sample preparing unit configured to prepare different sub-samples; a reaction unit configured to incubate the sub-samples and one or more corresponding reagents respectively and provide them to the injecting unit; an injecting unit configured to inject the sub-samples to the optical unit; an optical unit configured to irradiate the sub-samples to obtain particle information; a processing unit configured to process and output the particle information; and a threshold value unit configured to compare a total number of particles with a pre-determined threshold value and to output a result of the comparison to the injecting unit to control subsequent injection of one or more sub-samples. | 07-05-2012 |
20120178077 | THERMAL CALIBRATION - The present invention relates to the use of one or more amplicons as temperature calibrators. In some embodiments, the calibrators may be used to calibrate the temperature of a microfluidic channel in which amplification and/or melt analysis is performed. In some embodiments, the amplicons may be genomic, ultra conserved elements and/or synthetic. The amplicon(s) may have a known or expected melt temperature(s). The calibrators may be added to primers of study or may follow or lead the primers of study in the channel. The amplicon(s) may be amplified and melted, and the temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) melted may be determined. The measured temperature(s) may be compared to the known temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) was expected to melt. The difference(s) between the measured and expected temperatures may be used to calibrate/adjust one or more temperature control elements used to control and/or detect the temperature of the channel. | 07-12-2012 |
20120190005 | METHOD FOR A RATIONAL CELL CULTURING PROCESS - Biopharmaceutical process development with recombinant protein producing mammalian cells has realized a tremendous increase in both productivity and product yields in the past years. These achievements can be mainly attributed to the advancements in cell line development, media, and process optimization. Only recently, genome-scale technologies enable a system-level analysis to elucidate the complex biomolecular basis of protein production in mammalian cells promising an increased process understanding and the deduction of knowledge-based approaches for further process optimization. The present invention describes a method for a rational cell culturing process using such a knowledge-based approach. | 07-26-2012 |
20120196271 | Iris Control System for Conducting the Identification of Bacteria in Biological Samples - A system and a method for optimizing an iris setting, used in combination with a lamp, for each excitation wavelength for each carousel run in an apparatus for identifying and measuring bacteria in biological samples. The system includes a feedback control loop positioned between a filter wheel and an optical cup for measuring the intensity level of the excitation wavelength, and feeding this information to an iris having an iris setting control device such that the iris setting may be adjusted based upon the measured intensity level to control and optimize the level of light fed to the filter wheel from the lamp. The iris setting can be adjusted so that the level of light fed to the filter wheel remains constant during the lifetime of the lamp and to ensure that the level of light fed to the sample remains below the level at which photo-bleaching occurs. | 08-02-2012 |
20120214150 | STIRRING METHOD, CELL CULTURE METHOD, STIRRING APPARATUS, AND CELL CULTURE APPARATUS - A stirring method includes measuring, with respect to cells which adhere to an inner surface of a culture vessel to be cultured, an ease of peeling between the culture vessel and the cell and an ease of peeling between the mutual cells, and performing a stirring process on the cells in the culture vessel by determining a process content of the stirring process with respect to the cells in the culture vessel, based on the ease of peeling between the culture vessel and the cell and the ease of peeling between the mutual cells. | 08-23-2012 |
20120225420 | BIO VAPOR STIMULATION SYSTEM - The organic material in a landfill's incoming solid waste is converted into a useful biogas (methane). A bio vapor stimulation system comprises components for mixing bacteria and nutrients and for growing bacteria, as well as process sensors, and a delivery system to provide an appropriate balance of: (1) anaerobic bacteria, (2) nutrients, and (3) humidification. Measurements of landfill site conditions, landfill gas, landfill gas condensate for temperature, pH, alkalinity, COD/BOD and gas composition, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), volatile acid concentration, and/or other parameters are used as process control inputs. Based upon these measured indicators of the health and status of the anaerobic bacteria community within the site, various process changes may be administered such as bacteria composition, additives, nutrient composition and quantity, and temperature and ph of the liquid being fed into a carrier gas for site humidification, thereby facilitating a more efficient conversion of organic waste into biogas. | 09-06-2012 |
20120258440 | METHOD OF DECIDING DETACHMENT TIME FOR CELL, METHOD OF SUBCULTURING CELL AND APPARATUS FOR SUBCULTURING CELL USING THE SAME - A method of deciding detachment time of cells, and a method and apparatus for subculturing the cells using the method. The method of deciding detachment time of the cells from a culturing vessel using a separation enzyme in subculturing the cells includes: a photographing step of photographing an image of the cells treated with the enzyme; a computing step of calculating a contrast value of the photographed image, and computing a change rate of the contrast value; a comparison step of repeating the photographing step and the computing step until an increasing change rate of the contrast value is reduced to a predetermined change rate or less; and a reporting step of reporting a time to remove the enzyme from the cells and to detach the cells from the culturing vessel when the increasing change rate of the contrast value is reduced to the predetermined change rate or less. | 10-11-2012 |
20120258441 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CULTURE PARAMETERS IN A BIOREACTOR - A method for controlling at least one culture parameter in a bioreactor bag ( | 10-11-2012 |
20120264107 | REAL TIME MONITORING OF MICROBIAL ENZYMATIC PATHWAYS - This invention provides compositions and methods for monitoring and regulating the production of a target product of a biochemical pathway in an organism, such as butanol. A gene encoding a light-emitting reporter molecule, such as luciferase, is operatively linked with a transcription regulatory nucleotide sequence that regulates transcription of an enzyme in the pathway that signals the rate of production of the target product, such as butanol dehydrogenase. When a microorganism is transfected with such a reporter construct and cultured, the reporter is expressed contemporaneously with the enzyme. The amount of light produced by the reporter indicates amount of enzyme being produced which, in turn, signals the amount of target product being produced. When the reporter is measured in real time, it provides information that can be used to regulate culture conditions and to optimize production of the target product. | 10-18-2012 |
20120295248 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC GAS CONTROL IN A DISPOSABLE VESSEL - A disposable mixing vessel incorporates a system for dynamic gas control. The disposable mixing vessel includes a first agitating element and a second agitating element located above the first agitating element. The system for dynamic gas control enables a cell culture process to occur in the disposable mixing vessel while maintaining certain parameters of the liquid medium to be within a desired range. Such parameters may include the level of dissolved carbon dioxide, the level of dissolved oxygen, the pH and the osmolality. The system for dynamic gas control may control gas inlet and outlet ports in the disposable mixing vessel for sweeping a suitable composition of gas across the headspace of the liquid medium. | 11-22-2012 |
20120308988 | MICROBIAL MONITORING AND PREDICTION - Aspects describe capturing various bacteria levels within a process affected by microbial agents. A model of the process and a model of expected bacteria growth are analyzed and, based on the analysis, at least one process parameter is automatically modified to improve or optimize the product or process or other business or operational objectives. Also provided are at least two autonomous agents within the process. The at least two autonomous agents communicate and autonomously implement an action in an upstream stage and/or downstream stage within the process, wherein the at least two autonomous agents access the representation of the process and the biological representation and/or bio-chemical representation to implement the action. | 12-06-2012 |
20120308989 | CONVERSION OF AQUATIC PLANTS TO LIQUID METHANE, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for converting aquatic plants to liquid methane are disclosed. A representative system includes an aquatic plant cultivator, an anaerobic digester operatively coupled to the aquatic plant cultivator to receive aquatic plants and produce biogas, and a biogas converter coupled to the anaerobic digester to receive the biogas and produce liquefied methane and thermal energy, at least a portion of the thermal energy resulting from a methane liquefaction process. The system can further include a thermal path between the biogas converter and at least one of the aquatic plant cultivator and the anaerobic digester. A controller can be coupled to the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or the anaerobic digester. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed (e.g., based on measured variables of the system), direct the portion of thermal energy between the biogas converter and the aquatic plant cultivator and/or anaerobic digester. | 12-06-2012 |
20120308990 | Rapid Thermocycler System for Rapid Amplification of Nucleic Acids and Related Methods - A thermocycling device and method of operating a thermocycler instrument, the instrument including a sample holder, at least one thermal cycling element, and at least one first and second temperature sensors, for causing the sample holder containing the at least one sample to undergo polymerase chain reaction amplification by repeated cycling between at least a denaturation heating stage and an annealing cooling stage. The first temperature corresponding with the temperature of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one first temperature sensor, and a second temperature corresponding with the temperature external of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one second temperature sensor. Based upon the first temperature and the second temperature, the power that is delivered to the at least one thermal cycling element of the instrument is dynamically controlled. | 12-06-2012 |
20120308991 | SUBSTRATE-SELECTIVE CO-FERMENTATION PROCESS - Biological method for conversion of a sugar-containing organic material into a desired biochemical product. Use of a plurality of substrate-selective cells allows different sugars in a complex mixture to be consumed concurrently and independently. The method can be readily extended to remove inhibitory compounds from hydrolysate. | 12-06-2012 |
20120315620 | Method and Apparatus for Discriminating Undifferentiated Pluripotent Stem Cells, and Automated Culture Method and System - Provided are a method capable of discriminating between a colony of differentiated pluripotent stem cells and a colony of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, and a method for automatically culturing undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells and a system thereof. | 12-13-2012 |
20120322047 | Apparatus And Method For Cell Exploitation - The present invention relates to an apparatus ( | 12-20-2012 |
20130004938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED EXTRACTION OF MULTI-CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - In one aspect the present invention relates to a system | 01-03-2013 |
20130022956 | ANALYZER, AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING A MEASUREMENT ON A SAMPLE - An analyzer includes a display, measurement hardware configured to perform a measurement on a sample, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the display and the measurement hardware and is configured to communicate, via the display, a first pre-analytical procedure of the sample prior to measurement of the sample. The controller is also configured to maintain the analyzer in a state associated with the first procedure for an amount of time equal to a time needed for performing the first procedure. After the time needed for performing the first procedure has elapsed, the controller is configured to communicate, via the display, a second pre-analytical procedure of the sample prior to measurement of the sample. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022957 | ENHANCED ANIMAL CELL GROWTH USING ULTRASOUND - A method of increasing animal cell growth and monoclonal antibody production in an animal cell or cell culture includes the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022958 | In Situ Detoxification of Fermentation Inhibitors with Reducing Agents - The present invention provides a method for decreasing the fermentation inhibition in a fermentation of cellulose-derived material in a fermentor, wherein fermentation inhibitory properties of the material subjected to fermentation is decreased by an addition of at least one reducing agent to the fermentor. Further, there is provided a method of increasing the fermentability of a fermentation process comprising the steps of measuring the fermentability of the fermentation process and if the fermentability is below a reference value, then adding at least one reducing agent to the fermentation process. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022959 | Process for controlling and monitoring the production of biogas - The present invention relates to a process for online and direct control of production of biogas in an anaerobic digester comprising the steps of:
| 01-24-2013 |
20130029314 | Method and Apparatus for Producing Biogas - A method and apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container ( | 01-31-2013 |
20130029315 | Control of Biogas Plants - A method and an apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container ( | 01-31-2013 |
20130034842 | Systems and Methods for Analyzing Microbiological Substances - Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a fluid for the purpose of identifying microbiological content and/or microorganisms and determining the effectiveness of a microbiological treatment. One method of monitoring a fluid includes containing the fluid within a flow path, the fluid including at least one microorganism present therein, optically interacting electromagnetic radiation from the fluid with at least one integrated computational element, thereby generating optically interacted light, receiving with at least one detector the optically interacted light, and generating with the at least one detector an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid, the characteristic of the fluid being a concentration of the at least one microorganism within the fluid. | 02-07-2013 |
20130045473 | Laboratory Apparatus and Method for Handling Laboratory Samples - The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus for handling laboratory samples, in particular for adjusting the temperature of a biochemical sample arranged in a sample vessel element, having a carrier device for carrying the sample vessel element, an electrical control device set up for controlling an operating parameter of the laboratory apparatus that controls this handling, and a sensor device for recording a measured value, by which a geometrical property of the a sample vessel element can be determined, the a sensor device being signal-connected to the electrical control device, the electrical control device being set up for controlling the handling of the laboratory sample in dependence on the measured value and the set operating parameter by the control step; and a method for handling at least one laboratory sample by means of a laboratory apparatus and to a computer program product for performing the method. | 02-21-2013 |
20130065219 | Nutrient Monitoring and Feedback Control for Increased Bioproduct Production - The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value. | 03-14-2013 |
20130078609 | THERMAL CYCLING - A processing apparatus includes a carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier with at least one channel that carries at least one sample. The apparatus further includes a thermal control device configured to thermal cycle the sample carrier when the sample carrier is installed in the carrier receiving region, thereby thermal cycling the sample carried therein. The apparatus further includes a thermal control system configured to control the temperature control device based on a predetermined set of target sample temperatures and a temperature map, which maps the predetermined set of target sample temperatures to a set of temperatures of the temperature control device. The set of temperatures of the temperature control device is different from the predetermined set of target sample temperatures, and the set of temperatures of the temperature control device thermal cycle the sample carrier with the temperatures of the predetermined set of target sample temperatures. | 03-28-2013 |
20130078610 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THERMAL CYCLING OF MICROFLUIDIC SAMPLES - A thermal cycler for a microfluidic device includes a controller operable to provide a series of electrical signals, a heat sink, and a heating element in thermal communication with the heat sink and operable to receive the series of electrical signals from the controller. The thermal cycler also includes a thermal chuck in thermal communication with the heating element. The thermal chuck comprises a heating surface operable to make thermal contact with the microfluidic device. The heating surface is characterized by a temperature ramp rate between 2.5 degrees Celsius per second and 5.5 degrees Celsius per second and a temperature difference between a first portion of the heating surface supporting a first portion of the microfluidic device and a second portion of the heating surface supporting a second portion of the microfluidic device is less than 0.25° C. | 03-28-2013 |
20130084559 | Methods of Sustaining Culture Viability - The present invention relates to methods for sustaining a microbial culture during periods of limited substrate supply. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a microbial culture comprising carboxydotrophic bacteria can be sustained during periods of limited substrate supply by maintaining the temperature of the microbial culture at a temperature below an optimum operating temperature. Examples of periods of limited substrate supply include when the microbial culture is transported to a remote location or during time when it is stored. | 04-04-2013 |
20130095468 | Method and Apparatus for Producing Ammonia and Nitrogen Fertilizer Using Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria - The apparatus of the present invention includes a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air and nitrogen-fixing bacteria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The apparatus also includes a second evaporation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia. | 04-18-2013 |
20130095469 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING CELLS OR PARTICLES CONFINED IN A FREE FLYING DROPLET - An apparatus for dispensing one or more cells or particles confined in a free flying droplet has a droplet generating device configured to eject out of an orifice a free flying droplet of a suspension of cells or particles. The droplet generating device has a branch-less one-way channel having the orifice at one end thereof. A device for detecting information on cells or particles located in an observation volume of the suspension within the branch-less one-way channel is provided. An ejected droplet is directed to a first position or a second position depending on the detected information. | 04-18-2013 |
20130101982 | FLUID MIXING SYSTEMS WITH ADJUSTABLE MIXING ELEMENT - A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing, the flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An impeller is disposed within the chamber of the flexible bag. A drive shaft is coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the draft shaft and is adapted to rotate the drive shaft. An adjustable arm assembly is coupled with the drive motor assembly and is adapted to move the drive motor assembly which in turn moves the position of the drive shaft and impeller. An electrical controller can control movement of the adjustable arm. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101983 | NON CONTACT REAL TIME MICRO POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - The present disclosure provides a non contact real time micro Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] system comprises; a chip having a reaction chamber for holding a sample and an embedded metal heater below the reaction chamber for heating the sample; an optical unit comprising associated LED driver and photo detector amplifier placed above the chip to detect the fluorescence; an induction heater mounted around the chip and is inductively coupled to the metal heater; an infrared temperature sensor mounted below the chip for measuring a temperature of the metal heater, wherein said infrared temperature sensor is interfaced with a signal conditioner; and a controller interfaced with the signal conditioner and the induction heater for regulating the power to the induction heater based on feedback received from the infrared temperature sensor through the signal conditioner. | 04-25-2013 |
20130109007 | Bioreactor and Method for Creating and/or Conditioning Biological Tissues | 05-02-2013 |
20130109008 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GROWING PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISMS | 05-02-2013 |
20130115588 | INTEGRATED BIOREACTOR AND SEPARATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE THEROF - The present invention relates to methods and systems for culturing and purifying target substance(s), such as selected proteins, viruses, pathogenic bacteria, antibodies, antigens, clotting factors, glycoproteins, and hormones, from source liquids wherein the culturing and purification is effected in an integrated system including a bioreactor and at least one separation unit that functions under the control of a single operating system and provides for disposable components. | 05-09-2013 |
20130130227 | Infectious Disease Detection System - A method and apparatus for managing a zone. Information is obtained about an environment in the zone with a sensor system. A determination is made by an analyzer system as to whether a contagious condition is present in the zone using the information from the sensor system. An action is performed by a management system in response to the contagious condition being present. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130228 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING MULTIPOTENT STEM CELL COLONY, AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY CULTURING MULTIPOTENT STEM CELLS - A method and device achieves identification on whether a colony on a cultivation container is differentiated or undifferentiated on an occasion of cultivation of multipotent stem cell, and a method and device achieves a rapid culture of undifferentiated multipotent stem cells. Undifferentiated colony containing only undifferentiated multipotent stem cells is identified from other types of colonies by means of the circularity C of the colony in an image-processed taken image of the inside of cultivation container of a multipotent stem cell. More specifically, when a first threshold of the circularity of the colony is C | 05-23-2013 |
20130130229 | Method for Detecting Nucleic Acid Amplification in Sample and Device Therefor - A device for detecting nucleic acid amplification in a sample, comprising: a loading unit (thermoregulation unit) which is provided with a plurality of holes for loading reaction containers and capable of arbitrarily controlling a measurement unit for measuring samples in the containers that are loaded in the holes. The loading unit and the measurement unit, which are placed opposite to each other, can be operated independently from each other. In a transfer operation, the operation speeds of the thermoregulation unit and measurement unit are controlled so that the sum of these speeds amounts to an arbitrary constant value. | 05-23-2013 |
20130143199 | SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS - Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. | 06-06-2013 |
20130149693 | MANAGEMENT OF ETHANOL CONCENTRATION DURING SYNGAS FERMENTATION - A process is provided for management of ethanol concentration during syngas fermentation. A process for fermentation of syngas includes inoculating a medium to provide an inoculated medium. Inoculated medium is contacted with syngas and cells and medium are removed and separated to provide concentrated cells and permeate. Ethanol is separated from the permeate to provide ethanol and a reduced ethanol aqueous stream. The reduced ethanol aqueous stream is returned to the fermentation. | 06-13-2013 |
20130171616 | PIVOTING PRESSURIZED SINGLE-USE BIOREACTOR - Pressurized hermetically sealed bags disposed inside a cylindrical support and containing a septum with variable density of porosity and dividing the bag into two chambers are used to provide optimal mixing and gasification of nutrient media to grow a variety of biological cultures, particularly the cell cultures to produce a multitude of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in a disposable system. | 07-04-2013 |
20130171617 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE AUTOMATED ISOLATION AND TRANSFER OF AT LEAST ONE MICROSCOPIC SAMPLE FROM A SAMPLE CARRIER TO A COLLECTING SYSTEM - A device for the automated isolation and transfer of at least one microscopic sample from a sample carrier to a collecting system for subsequent automatic analysis is provided. The device comprises a selection unit for selecting at least one sample located on the sample carrier, a controllable isolation unit for the automated isolation of the at least one selected sample, a controllable transfer unit, which has carrier means for the defined receiving and deposition of the at least one selected isolated sample, for an automated and defined transfer of the at least one selected isolated sample from the sample carrier to the collecting system, and a control unit, which has a data link to the selection unit, the isolation unit and the transfer unit, for an automated isolation and transfer operation. | 07-04-2013 |
20130189671 | Cell Culture System and Method of Use Thereof - The present invention is based in part on the discovery of significant improvements to cell culture systems and methods in terms of utility and range of application. The system allows for culture of cells in one or more defined spaces within a culture chamber defined by one or more spaced opposing surfaces to provide significant advantages over previously described culture methods. The system includes a chamber for receiving a fluid culture medium; a first surface and one or more second surfaces defining one or more spaces in the chamber; and one or more cells constrained within the one or more spaces. The second surface includes at least one opening for passage of a substance into the culture space. | 07-25-2013 |
20130209986 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING BUTYRATE PRODUCTION BY CLOSTRIDIUM TYROBUTYRICUM - Disclosed is a method for enhancing a butyrate production by | 08-15-2013 |
20130224726 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING A FLOW CYTOMETER - A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224727 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224728 | METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF 2-BUTANOL - A method for the production of 2-butanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product. | 08-29-2013 |
20130244220 | METHOD OF OPERATION OF FERMENTATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROGEN CONTAINING GASEOUS SUBSTRATE - A method of gaseous substrate fermentation comprising: adding gaseous substrate comprising carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H | 09-19-2013 |
20130252230 | Alcohol Production Process - The invention relates to a process for optimising the production of ethanol by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. The process involves monitoring the hydrogen production by the microorganism, determining an optimum hydrogen production and adjusting the substrate supply rate in response to a change in the hydrogen production thereby keeping the hydrogen production within a desired range. | 09-26-2013 |
20130260364 | Multifunctional Bioreactor system and methods for cell sorting and culturing - The invention relates to a multifunctional bioreactor for cell sorting and cell culture in vitro. Said bioreactor comprises five main elements, including an adjustable magnetic field, a multifunctional cell supporting system, a protective perfusion system and a computerized control system. Said methods are for the application of the said bioreactor. The said bioreactor has the functions of cell expansion, cell directed differentiation and cell separation (sorting). It allows its all functions carried out in one reaction chamber. | 10-03-2013 |
20130260365 | HIGHLY EFFICIENT PROCESS FOR PRODUCING BIOETHANOL - In SSF, a highly efficient process for producing bioethanol is provided. Concentrations of an organic acid formed in a saccharified solution are measured from the initiation to completion of the saccharification, an average change rate of the organic acid concentrations is determined based on the organic acid concentration levels at respective time points, and the optimal timing of feeding a fermentative microorganism cell to the saccharified solution is determined using the average change rate as the indicator, whereby the fermentative microorganism cell is fed. | 10-03-2013 |
20130260366 | AUTOMATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEED SAMPLER AND METHODS OF SAMPLING, TESTING AND BULKING SEEDS - An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic. | 10-03-2013 |
20130266929 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, & METHOD PROVIDING FLUID FLOW FOR CELL GROWTH - An apparatus, system and method providing a fluid flow suitable to grow and maintain living cells in the fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid displacement apparatus capable of providing at least one of positive and negative displacement of the fluid and configured to indirectly displace the fluid, an in-line flow sensor configured to directly measure the fluid flow, and a feed-back control in communication with the fluid displacement apparatus and the in-line flow sensor, wherein the feed-back control is configured to continuously control the fluid flow in response to the flow sensor measurements. | 10-10-2013 |
20130280694 | Alcohol Production Process - The invention relates to the production of products such as alcohols and acids by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to methods and systems for improving efficiency of products by microbial fermentation. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of optimising production of desired products including the step of ascertaining the proportion of CO converted to CO2. | 10-24-2013 |
20130288228 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CULTIVATING PHOTOTROPIC MICROORGANISMS - Method and apparatus for biomass cultivation (preferably using algae) incorporating photo bio-reactor (PBR) technology coupled with a heat sink to increase energy efficiency. An external PBR array is coupled to an indoor storage tank system with a volume equal to or greater than the volume of the PBR array. A controller can be used to optimize the growth of biomass by optimizing three key growth parameters: exposure to sunlight, temperature and nutrients. The indoor tank system serves as a reservoir where algae can be protected from harsh ambient conditions, minimizing the cost of energy for heating and cooling that would normally be incurred to accommodate ambient temperature swings caused by weather if the biomass is always stored in an outdoor PBR array. During cold winter nights, the biomass can be brought indoors to conserve thermal energy. | 10-31-2013 |
20130309654 | METHOD OF SELECTING A SURFACE CHEMISTRY FOR CULTURING A GIVEN CELL LINE - In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of selecting a surface chemistry for culturing a given cell line, including the steps of: (i) providing a first substrate having a plasma polymerized surface with first and second regions, said first region having a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface and said second region having a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface, wherein said first and second concentrations are different; (ii) culturing cells from said cell line on said plasma polymerized surface in each said region; (iii) observing activity of said cultured cells in each said region, said activity selected from the group consisting of alkaline phosphatase activity of the cultured cells, cell growth of the cultured cells, attachment of the cultured cells, and cell spreading of the cultured cells; and iv) selecting, based on a particular observed activity, a secondary substrate for culturing said cells wherein the secondary substrate has a plasma polymerized surface having a constant concentration of carboxylic acid groups thereon which is equal to the concentration of carboxylic acid groups in the region on said first substrate wherein the cells exhibit said particular observed activity. | 11-21-2013 |
20130323713 | SUN TRACKING LIGHT DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEM HAVING A V-SHAPED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL - A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in one of an open-ended system and a closed photo-bioreactor for a photosynthetic culture having an aqueous liquid. The sun-tracking light distributor system comprises two light distribution walls, provided at an angle and oriented to converge at a bottom end, the light distribution walls being made of a transparent material allowing sunlight to pass therethrough, the two converging light distribution walls creating an elongated V-shaped channel with an interior space adapted to receive the sunlight and an exterior surface adapted to be partly immersed in the aqueous liquid in use; and a displacement system operatively connected to at least one of the two light distribution walls, the displacement system being adapted to change an orientation of at least one of the two light distribution walls to track a solar position with respect to at least one axis. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323714 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICRO-AERATION BASED FERMENTATION - A method and apparatus for micro-aeration of large scale fermentation systems is provided. The micro-aeration system includes a fermentation reactor, a sparging apparatus, and a micro-aeration gas mixture delivered to the fermentation reactor via the sparging apparatus. The micro-aeration gas mixture is a very low oxygen concentration mixture comprising an oxygen containing gas and an inert carrier gas that is preferably recycled through the fermentation reactor. The inert carrier gas is preferably nitrogen whereas the oxygen containing gas is oxygen or and is introduced to the fermentation reactor at a minimum superficial velocity of about 0.02 m/sec to produce a uniform dispersion of the oxygen/air throughout the fermentation broth while concurrently mixing the entire fermentation broth. The micro-aeration method and apparatus further comprises a controller operatively coupled to one or more control valves for regulating the micro-aeration conditions in the fermentation reactor. | 12-05-2013 |
20130330707 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DOSING AND SUPPLY OF NUTRIENTS DERIVED FROM DEWATERING PROCESSES - A method and apparatus to combine the dewatering filtrate, biomass, and nutrients into a single stream for ease of homogenization, and then separate the products and feeds to be reused. The system comprises of an automated control system which monitors the nutrient levels in the effluent in real time, as well as the current levels within the biomass, an ultrasonic wave generator for homogenization, and a centrifuge for separation of the useful products. The method and automated control are a result of thorough analysis and research in the area of microorganism cultivation in a variety of phototrophic, heterotrophic, and hybrid bioreactors. By combining waste effluent with process streams in a bio facility, the electrical and chemical demands of a treatment step are negated. | 12-12-2013 |
20130330708 | SORTER AND SORTING METHOD FOR SEPARATING CELLS AND PARTICLES - A sorter for separating cells and particles comprises a Raman spectrum collection and analysis system, a microfluidic system and a cell/particle sorting system. The microfluidic system is connected with the Raman spectrum collection and analysis system, the Raman spectrum collection and analysis system is connected with the cell/particle sorting system, and the cell/particle sorting system is connected with the microfluidic system. Also disclosed is a sorting method for separating cells and particles. The sorter can effectively identify and sort cells, nano-materials, particles and cell inclusions with a size from nanometers to micrometers, and as compared with methods such as fluorescence or radioisotope labelling, etc., it can provide a greater abundance of characteristic information about cells or particles in the same amount of time. | 12-12-2013 |
20130337433 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL TISSUE - The invention provides a process for producing a three-dimensional tissue by cultivating eucaryotic cells by introducing the cells into a matrix and cultivating the cells within the matrix in a cell culture medium within a cell culture vessel under controlled dissolved oxygen conditions of the cell culture medium. The matrix contains a support containing an optical oxygen sensor, which is an oxygen-sensitive dye, which upon irradiation with an excitation wavelength changes its emission characteristics in dependence on the dissolved oxygen concentration in the surrounding medium, including a dye phosphorescing upon irradiation of an excitation wavelength, which phosphorescence is quenched by dissolved oxygen. | 12-19-2013 |
20140004501 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ELECTRICAL SAMPLE PREPARATION | 01-02-2014 |
20140011183 | FERMENTATION PROCESSES FOR CULTIVATING STREPTOCOCCI AND PURIFICATION PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING CPS THEREFROM - This invention is in the field of bacterial cultures and specifically relates to the optimization of culture conditions to improve the production of bacterial capsular polysaccharides from | 01-09-2014 |
20140011184 | Positive Controls - The present invention relates to the use of one or more amplicons as temperature calibrators. In some embodiments, the calibrators may be used to calibrate the temperature of a microfluidic channel in which amplification and/or melt analysis is performed. In some embodiments, the amplicons may be genomic, ultra conserved elements and/or synthetic. The amplicon(s) may have a known or expected melt temperature(s). The calibrators may be added to primers of study or may follow or lead the primers of study in the channel. The amplicon(s) may be amplified and melted, and the temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) melted may be determined. The measured temperature(s) may be compared to the known temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) was expected to melt. The difference(s) between the measured and expected temperatures may be used to calibrate/adjust one or more temperature control elements used to control and/or detect the temperature of the channel. In other embodiments, the UCE primers may function as a positive control to validate amplification has occurred. | 01-09-2014 |
20140011185 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING GROWTH RATES OF AUTOTROPHIC MICROBIAL CULTURES - The present application describes a method of regulating CO | 01-09-2014 |
20140024012 | EXTRA-CAPILLARY FLUID CYCLING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A CELL CULTURE DEVICE - An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber. | 01-23-2014 |
20140030695 | Biorefinery Control System, Components Therefor, and Methods of Use - An autonomous control system can be used with one or more systems or components to improve the operation of the systems or components. For example, an autonomous control system can be used in combination with a biorefinery system to improve the operation of the biorefinery system. | 01-30-2014 |
20140030696 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING FLOW CYTOMETRY - An apparatus for detecting an analyte in a sample includes an illumination source for generating electromagnetic energy to illuminate the sample at an interrogation region, a concave collector element having an optical axis, and a focal point, the interrogation region being coincident with the focal point of the concave collector element, a closed flow cell having a flow path defined between a sample inlet and a sample outlet, the flow path passing through the interrogation region and a sorting region disposed downstream of the interrogation region. The portion of the flow path passing through the interrogation region is coaxially aligned with the optical axis of the concave collector element. The apparatus further includes the sample comprising or suspected of comprising the analyte and flowing in the flow path, wherein the analyte generates a detectable signal in response to illumination. The apparatus also includes a detector for detecting the detectable signal. | 01-30-2014 |
20140038166 | FEEDBACK CONTROL IN MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system. | 02-06-2014 |
20140051064 | Cell Sorter System and Method - Provided herein are improved cell sorter systems and methods. Such systems and methods provide a self-stabilizing sorter jet to automate calibration, and address the issue of drift in cell sorting systems. The systems and methods presented make it possible to determine and set the charge delay interval automatically with circuitry in the cell sorter. These circuits can set, monitor, and adjust the time delay continuously, allowing for a completely automatic, autonomous, turn-key, self-stabilizing sorter jet. | 02-20-2014 |
20140072955 | VISUAL-SERVOING OPTICAL MICROSCOPY - The present invention provides methods and devices for the knowledge-based discovery and optimization of differences between cell types. In particular, the present invention provides visual servoing optical microscopy, as well as analysis methods. The present invention provides means for the close monitoring of hundreds of individual, living cells over time; quantification of dynamic physiological responses in multiple channels; real-time digital image segmentation and analysis; intelligent, repetitive computer-applied cell stress and cell stimulation; and the ability to return to the same field of cells for long-term studies and observation. The present invention further provides means to optimize culture conditions for specific subpopulations of cells. | 03-13-2014 |
20140080115 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE PRESENCE, ONSET AND EVOLUTION OF PARTICULATES IN CHEMICALLY OR PHYSICALLY REACTING SYSTEMS - A device for monitoring particulates includes a means for correlating measurements of pressure across at least one filter, flow rate of a sample through the filter, or a combination thereof to the properties of particulates in a solution. More particularly, the device can be used for monitoring particulates in a reacting system to provide signals to the user or control input to the reacting system to alter the course of the reaction according to a desired path. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080116 | PROCESS TO CONTROL CO CONCENTRATIONS IN FERMENTATIONS - A process for controlling concentration of CO in a bioreactor provides a direct and real time measurement of dissolved CO in a fermentation medium. The process for controlling concentrations of CO in a bioreactor includes contacting an aliquot of fermentation medium with at least one CO binding ligand and at least one microbial inactivator. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080117 | PROCESS TO AVOID INHIBITION OF ACETOGENS BY CO - A process is provided for fermenting CO-containing gaseous substrates. The process is effective for decreasing lag times and maintaining a culture in steady state by controlling CO concentration and minimizing effects of high or low CO concentrations during fermentation. The process includes providing syngas to a first fermentation zone, fermenting the syngas, and determining a CO concentration in a fermentation medium in the first fermentation zone. If the CO concentration in fermentation medium in the first fermentation zone has a value of about 0.12 μM or greater, then at least a portion of the syngas being provided to the first fermentation zone is provided to one or more subsequent fermentation zones in an amount effective for providing a CO concentration in any subsequent fermentation zone of about 0.12 μM or less. | 03-20-2014 |
20140113275 | Recovering Off-Gas from Photobioreactor - There is provided a process for effecting growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction zone of a photobioreactor, comprising, after effecting at least a reduction in the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide to the reaction zone of the photobioreactor, supplying a gaseous photobioreactor exhaust, that includes diatomic (or molecular) oxygen being generated by photosynthesis effected within the reaction zone by the supplied carbon dioxide, to a combustion zone of a combustor. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113276 | PRODUCTION PLANT FOR MICROALGAE BIOFUEL, BIOREACTOR FOR PRODUCING BIOFUEL, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING MICROALGAE BIOFUEL - Disclosed is a plant for producing microalgae biofuel. The plant includes a plant space part having an internal space, a culture part provided in the internal space of the plant space part to culture microalgae by continuously circulating a fluid, which includes the microalgae and is supplied from an outside, at positions different from each other, and a temperature adjusting part to adjust a temperature value of the internal space in the plant space part to a temperature value in a preset temperature value range. | 04-24-2014 |
20140120521 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE, MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MICROFLUIDIC TEST DEVICE - A microfluidic device, a microfluidic system and a method for controlling a microfluidic test device are provided. The microfluidic device includes a rotatable platform including a sample chamber to which a sample is supplied, a first reagent chamber; a first capture conjugate disposed in the first reagent chamber and configured to capture a target material contained in the sample; a second reagent chamber; a signal material disposed in the second reagent chamber and configured to be electrochemically induced by the first capture conjugate; a reaction chamber providing an area in which a biochemical reaction between the sample and the signal material supplied occurs when the platform rotates; a second capture material disposed in the reaction chamber and configured to capture the target material; a detection chamber separated from the reaction chamber, the detection chamber comprising a detector configured to detect an electrochemical signal generated by the signal material; and a plurality of channels connecting the chambers. | 05-01-2014 |
20140134599 | MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF A FERMENTATION FEED IN BIOFUEL PRODUCTION - System and method for managing fermentation feed in a biofuel production process, comprising a dynamic multivariate predictive model-based controller coupled to a dynamic multivariate predictive model. The model is executable to: receive process information, including water inventory and biomass information, from the biofuel production process; receive a specified objective for the fermentation feed specifying a target biomass concentration; and generate model output comprising target values for a plurality of manipulated variables of the biofuel production process, including target flow rates of water and/or biomass contributing to the fermentation feed in accordance with the specified objective. The controller is operable to dynamically control the biofuel production process by adjusting the plurality of manipulated variables to model-determined target values to stabilize water/biomass balance in the fermentation feed in accordance with the specified objective, including the specified target biomass concentration. | 05-15-2014 |
20140141405 | Method for Increasing the Biomass and the Metabolic Activity of Microorganisms by the Combined Adjustment of the Oxidation-Reduction Potential and of the Oxygen Dissolved During the Fermentation Process - The invention relates to a method for cultivating microorganisms, particularly of the type that comprises the step of seeding a culture medium with one or more microorganism strains, and the step of cultivating the medium thus seeded, characterized in that it comprises, during the entirety or a portion of the cultivation, the two following and simultaneous adjustments: adjusting the amount of oxygen dissolved in the medium to a given dissolved-oxygen setpoint; adjusting the value of the redox potential Eh of the medium to a given setpoint value Eh. | 05-22-2014 |
20140147832 | SIGNAL BASED SAMPLE PREPARATION - Described is a system and method for detecting whether a biological event has occurred in a cellular sample, and then activating a fluidics system to fix the cell at the point in time with the event occurred. In one example, a sample preparation system includes a camera linked to a confocal microscope that is interrogating a cellular sample. Once a detectable event, such as a binding event, has occurred, the sample preparation system releases a fixative to fix the cell at the point in time when the event was detected. | 05-29-2014 |
20140170635 | SEPARATIVE BIOREACTOR - A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor. | 06-19-2014 |
20140193800 | Systems and Methods for Continuous Flow PCR Systems - A liquid handling system of a PCR system is instructed to obtain a matrix of samples and reagents for a PCR experiment. A fluid pumping system of the PCR system is instructed to maintain a continuous flow of a transport fluid through a plurality of micro-channels that allows the mixture of the samples and the reagents producing a plurality of mixed sample droplets. One or more post-bridge detection values are received from a post-bridge detection system of the PCR system for each mixed sample droplet to determine if the mixed sample droplet is mixed correctly. A thermocycler of the PCR system is instructed to maintain one or more temperatures for cycling the temperature of the plurality of mixed sample droplets. One or more endpoint detection values are received from an endpoint detection system of the PCR system for each mixed sample droplet to analyze the PCR experiment. | 07-10-2014 |
20140212867 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING CELLULAR GROWTH - The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells. | 07-31-2014 |
20140242570 | METHOD FOR PICKING UP CELL MATERIAL AND ASSEMBLY FOR PERFORMING SAID METHOD - In a method for picking up cell material from a culture dish a picking tool is displaced towards the cell material. Contact between the tool and the cell material is determined by carrying out capacitive measurements. After contact the tool is removed from the cell material. In an assembly for performing said method a support made of electrically conducting material supports the dish. A measurement device determines the start electrical capacity of the system composed of picking tool and support in a starting position of the tool, and determines the electrical capacity of the system when lowering the tool towards the dish. The measurement device provides signals representing the electrical capacity to a controller, which comprises a comparator for performing a comparison of the electrical capacity during lowering of the tool with the start electrical capacity. The controller controls the positioning of the tool at least based on this comparison. | 08-28-2014 |
20140248601 | Method and System for Growing Microalgae in an Expanding Plug Flow Reactor - A method and system are provided for supporting the growth of algae cells. Initially, an inoculum of algae cells are grown in a closed bioreactor. Thereafter, the inoculum is passed into an open Expanding Plug Flow Reactor (EPFR). Growth medium is added at a plurality of locations along the EPFR. This addition is controlled in response to the growth rate of the algae cells to maintain a substantially same concentration of cells at each location in the EPFR. At all times, the medium provides sufficient nutrients to support growth and maintain a high concentration of algae cells, i.e., at least 0.5 grams per liter of medium, in the EPFR. After the desired level of growth is reached, the algae cells are transferred from the EPFR to a standard plug flow reactor wherein oil production is activated in the algae cells. | 09-04-2014 |
20140255910 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLED OPERATION OF A BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPARATUS AND BIOREACTOR SYSTEM - A method for controlling electrical power consumption for a first group of functional which can be used for operational management during operation of the bioreactor components during operation comprises, inter alia, adjusting a present power control signal for one or more of the functional components from the first group in order to optimise power consumption, when a comparison shows for the first group of functional components that the currently required total electrical power consumption is greater than a predefined total electrical power consumption, such that, for the first group of functional components, an adjusted total electrical power consumption is not greater than the predefined total electrical power consumption. A biotechnological apparatus comprises a bioreactor, a reactor vessel formed in the bioreactor and having a cultivation chamber, and a temperature control device provided with a heat pump and configured to control the temperature of the cultivation chamber. | 09-11-2014 |
20140272926 | SULFUR MANAGEMENT FOR PROCESSES AND CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR THE EFFICIENT ANAEROBIC CONERSION OF HYDROGEN AND CARBON OXIDES TO ALCOHOLS - High conversion efficiency processes are disclosed for the anaerobic bioconversion of syngas to alcohol by microorganisms having metabolic processes that utilize sulfur in limited amounts. The processes remove hydrogen sulfide from the gas leaving the bioreactor assembly by forming sulfur compounds that are beneficial to the microorganisms. The sulfur compounds can be returned to the bioreactor assembly to meet a portion of microorganism sulfur demand. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272927 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING MULTIPLE ASSAYS BACKGROUND - Methods, devices, and systems for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and melt data acquisition according to a single slug approach in which a single slug in a microfluidic channel fills an entire thermal zone of the microfluidic channel, and the thermal zone used for both PCR temperature cycling and melt data acquisition. A detector may be configured to detect fluorescence from the thermal zone during the PCR temperature cycling for real-time PCR and/or during temperature ramping in the melt data acquisition. Slug position control may be achieved by detecting leading or trailing edges in a slug build target zone into which a slug passes after passing through the thermal zone. The single slug approach may break coupling between one or more events of the PCR amplification and melt data acquisition and enable events to be independently optimized. | 09-18-2014 |
20140302485 | Integrated Temperature Control of Laboratory Instrument - This invention describes an advanced cooling system for a laboratory instrument to maintain laboratory samples at a predetermined temperature. The advanced cooling system uses an algorithm that incorporates information from at least one sensor and other operational parameters including thermal effects from the operation of the instrument. | 10-09-2014 |
20140322699 | Affinity-Based Analytical Purification Of Biotherapeutics For Bioprocess Monitoring - The invention as disclosed herein provides a method for purifying a non-antibody protein from solution, comprising a chromatography step wherein the solution is passed over an affinity construct containing an affinity ligand-coupled solid support, wherein the affinity construct is associated with a bioprocess unit operation, and isolating the non-antibody protein from solution. | 10-30-2014 |
20140322700 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF VIRUS PARTICLES/VIRUS ANTIGENS - The invention provides a method for determining the concentration of virus particles and/or virus antigens in a sample. In particular, the invention relates to determining the concentration of influenza virus particles/influenza virus antigens in a sample. The invention further relates to the use of an ion-exchange matrix for the determination of the concentration of virus particles and/or virus antigens in a sample. | 10-30-2014 |
20140329223 | Photobioreactors, Solar Energy Gathering Systems, And Thermal Control Methods - The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a phototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor. | 11-06-2014 |
20140329224 | BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPARATUS COMPRISING A BIOREACTOR, EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE FOR A BIOREACTOR AND A METHOD FOR TREATING AN EXHAUST GAS STREAM IN A BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPARATUS - This patent document relates to the field of biotechnological apparatuses. It relates particularly to a biotechnological apparatus comprising a bioreactor, an exhaust gas temperature control device and a method for treating an exhaust gas stream. This patent document further relates to a connection device for a sterile single-use fluid conduit of a single-use bioreactor and to a method for treating a fluid stream. The reusable connection device comprises a receptacle in which a portion of the fluid conduit can be detachably arranged, and a coupling member connecting the connection device to a temperature control device, the receptacle having a contact surface which is arranged such that the contact surface abuts a fluid conduit arranged in the receptacle, and wherein a portion of a fluid conduit can be introduced into the receptacle in a direction running substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the connection device. | 11-06-2014 |
20140342348 | OPTICALLY INDUCED CELL LYSIS BIOCHIP - The present invention provides an optically induced cell lysis biochip, which comprises: an upper substrate made of a transparent, electrically conductive material; a lower substrate made of a transparent, electrically conductive material; a photoconductive layer formed under the lower surface of the upper substrate or on the upper surface of the lower substrate; and a chamber formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. When there is an electric potential difference between the upper and lower substrates, a light spot illuminated on the photoconductive layer can cause the impedance of the illuminated area to decrease, thereby causing the electric current to center on the illuminated area of the photoconductive layer. Further, the electric current flowing through the illuminated area can induce the cell lysis process of a target cell. | 11-20-2014 |
20140349274 | Method for Producing High Yield Attenuated Salmonella Strains - This invention relates to a novel method for growing attenuated mutant | 11-27-2014 |
20140356852 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICRO-AERATION BASED FERMENTATION - A method and apparatus for micro-aeration of large scale fermentation systems is provided. The micro-aeration system includes a fermentation reactor, a sparging apparatus, and a micro-aeration gas mixture delivered to the fermentation reactor via the sparging apparatus. The micro-aeration gas mixture is a very low oxygen concentration mixture comprising: (i) an oxygen containing gas; and (ii) an inert carrier gas or reactive carrier gas that is recycled through the fermentation reactor. The gas mixture is introduced to the fermentation reactor at a minimum superficial velocity of about 0.04 m/sec to produce a uniform dispersion of the oxygen throughout the fermentation broth while concurrently mixing the entire fermentation broth. For a reactive gas consuming fermentation process, the amount of reactive carrier gas included as part of the gas mixture exceeds the reaction stoichiometric requirements in order to provide sufficient dispersion and agitation of the broth. | 12-04-2014 |
20140356853 | AUTOMATED NUCLEIC ACID ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A nucleic acid analysis system comprising a seating area configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge; a pneumatic module configured to supply a pneumatic pressure or a vacuum to the cartridge when mounted on the seating area; a thermal module configured to control temperature in a predetermined portion of the cartridge when mounted on the seating area; an optic module positioned to irradiate light onto the cartridge when mounted on the seating area, and detect light generated or reflected from a sample inside the cartridge when mounted on the seating area; a fluid sensing module that determines whether a fluid in a predetermined portion of a cartridge mounted on the seating area is in a gaseous state or a liquid state; a scanning module that moves the optic module and the fluid sensing module relative to the seating area; and a control module that controls operations of the pneumatic module, the thermal module, the optic module, the fluid sensing module, and the scanning module, and processes and analyzes data received therefrom. | 12-04-2014 |
20140363805 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - A method for optimization of a response of a biological system includes: (1) obtaining measurements of a biological system in response to varying concentrations of drugs in a drug combination; (2) fitting the measurements into a model of the biological system; and (3) using the model of the biological system, predicting concentrations of the drugs in the drug combination to yield an optimized response of the biological system. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363806 | BIO-ELECTRO REACTORS WITH REAL-TIME ADJUSTABLE ELECTRIC PARAMETERS AND SEQUENCING PROGRAMMABLE POWER SUPPLIES - Bio-electro reactors with real-time adjustable electric parameters and sequencing programmable power supplies are disclosed. According to an aspect, a bio-electro reactor for control of electrolysis gases bubbles within a biologically-active substance includes a vessel defining an interior for holding a biologically-active substance. The bio-electro reactor also includes electrodes positioned to be electrically coupled with at least a portion of the biologically-active substance. Further, the bio-electro reactor includes an electric source configured to apply voltage across the electrodes. The bio-electro reactor also includes an electrical controller configured to determine an electrical impedance at one or more of the electrodes for use in controlling electrolysis gases bubbles within the biologically active substance. | 12-11-2014 |
20140370492 | LIQUID REFLUX HIGH-SPEED GENE AMPLIFICATION DEVICE - The present invention provides a liquid reflux reaction control device including an additional mechanism that allows more stable temperature control, a pre-treatment mechanism that performs pre-treatment including a pre-PCR reaction reverse transcription reaction process that allows RNA detection, a melting curve analysis function, chip technology optimal for holding liquid droplets and optical measurement and the optical measurement function for PCR, and a temperature gradient control mechanism using a quantitative infrared light irradiation/absorption control technique. | 12-18-2014 |
20140370493 | METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING CELLULAR GROWTH - The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells. | 12-18-2014 |
20140377739 | CLOSED SYSTEM DEVICE AND METHODS FOR GAS PERMEABLE CELL CULTURE PROCESS - Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for cell culture and cell recovery. The methods and apparatus simplify the process of cell separation from media, minimize potential damage to gas permeable devices during fluid handling, and allow closed system automated cell culture and cell recovery from gas permeable devices. | 12-25-2014 |
20150010898 | METHODS FOR PREPARATION OF CULTURE MEDIA - Methods for preparation of culture media and production of recombinant proteins described herein. | 01-08-2015 |
20150010899 | ADVANCED FERMENTATION CONTROL - The present invention discloses a method of controlling the rate of carbon addition to a fermentation medium in a fed batch or a continuous fermentation medium comprising measuring the C-moles lost to carbon dioxide; measuring the C-moles added via the carbon addition; calculating the carbon dioxide feed quotient, FQ, as C-moles carbon dioxide produced divided by C-moles carbon added over a time period; and adjusting the rate of carbon addition depending of the FQ of interest, or measuring the moles of consumed oxygen; measuring the C-moles added via the carbon addition; calculating the oxygen feed quotient, OQ, as moles oxygen consumed divided by C-moles carbon added over a time period; and adjusting the rate of carbon addition depending of the OQ of interest, wherein said fermentation medium comprises a microorganism producing a compound of interest or wherein said fermentation medium comprises a microorganism producing a microorganism of interest. | 01-08-2015 |
20150024375 | REFLEX TESTING OF SAMPLES USING RESIDUAL MATERIALS FROM A PRIOR TEST - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for performing automated assays, and particularly to performing sequential assays on a sample on an automated instrument. | 01-22-2015 |
20150044664 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE IN A MOVING FLUID IN A LABORATORY SAMPLE PROCESSING SYSTEM - A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor. | 02-12-2015 |
20150050638 | TIMING AND/OR PHASE ADJUSTMENT OF THE SEPARATION AND/OR CHARGING OF DROPS FROM A FLUID STREAM IN A FLOW CYTOMETER - Disclosed is a system for setting the timing or phase of the separation of droplets from a fluid stream in a flow cytometer, or the timing or phase of a charge pulse generator, based upon the collected charge of charged droplets. In one embodiment, a conductive mesh can be used to collect the charged droplets that are either deflected or not deflected by the deflection plates. In another embodiment, the charge can be collected from metal plates in the waste collection device. In addition, a defanning device is disclosed that allows substantially uniform deflection of charged cells. | 02-19-2015 |
20150086971 | AUTOMATED SELECTION OF MICROORGANISMS AND IDENTIFICATION USING MALDI - A method and apparatus for locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish and identifying microorganisms in said selected colony using MALDI. The method comprises the automated steps of locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish; obtaining a sample of said selected colony of microorganisms; depositing at least some of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms on a target plate; and transferring said target plate with said sample in an apparatus for performing MALDI for identification of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms. A sample of a colony of microorganisms is automatically deposited on a depositing spot such that the sample covers at most approximately half of said one of the depositing spots of the target plate. A suspension of a sample of microorganisms is automatically prepared by automatically picking the sample with a picking tool and submerging the picking tool with said sample in a suspension, after which the picking tool is vibrated in vertical sense only to release the sample from the picking tool. | 03-26-2015 |
20150093740 | INDEPENDENT PORTS IN AUTOMATED BIOREACTOR SYSTEM - A totipotent plant tissue multiplication system can include a sterile enclosure and a bioreactor in the sterile enclosure. The bioreactor can include a number of ports. A sensor can be inserted into a first port. A matter insertion system can input matter into the bioreactor via tubing configured to be connected to a second port. The sensor can be removed from the first port during operation of the matter insertion system. The tubing can be disconnected from the second port during operating of the sensor and the culture transfer system. | 04-02-2015 |
20150093741 | GAS CONTROL IN AUTOMATED BIOREACTOR SYSTEM - A totipotent plant tissue multiplication system can include a plurality of bioreactors, an agitator to agitate culture in the bioreactors, and a gas source and control system. The gas source and control system can include a dissolved gas sensor in each of the bioreactors, gas sources, a manifold connected to each of the gas sources, and valves connected to the manifold. Each of the valves can be connected to one of the bioreactors. A controller can open the valves and control amounts of gas released from the gas sources into the manifold based on signals received from the dissolved gas sensors in each of the bioreactors. | 04-02-2015 |
20150104782 | ACTIVITY REPLENISHMENT AND IN SITU ACTIVATION FOR ENZYMATIC CO2 CAPTURE PACKED REACTOR - A method for CO | 04-16-2015 |
20150125848 | METHODS RELATED TO ALEMTUZUMAB - The present invention relates to the characterization and production of alemtuzumab. | 05-07-2015 |
20150140544 | BIOREACTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLONING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF MICROORGANISMS - Bioreactor system and method for cloning the physiological state of microorganisms comprises in preferred embodiment of a mother-reactor and one or more daughter-reactors with sensors, stirrers, fluid and gas flow channels, scales, pumps, controllers, computer, software, valves and accessory devices. The bioreactors are inter-connected with culture transfer hose. To achieve the method, the mother-reactor is filled with necessary volume, inoculated, stabilised in continuous cultivation, the microbial culture's volume is increased in variable volume cultivation while maintaining constant physiology, microbial culture is transferred from the mother-reactor into the daughter-reactors while maintaining constant physiology, experiment in the daughter reactor follows. After the experiment daughter-reactors are sterilized and rinsed. During the experiment culture volume in the mother-reactor is increased anew, after the experiment in the daughter-reactors is finished another culture transfer follows and next experiment is conducted. This sequence—variable volume cultivation, culture transfer, experiment—is repeated until necessary data has been acquired. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140545 | ACTUATION OF PARALLEL MICROFLUIDIC ARRAYS - An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140546 | DETECTING COMPONENTS OF A COMPOSITE FLUID - Described are embodiments for determining components of a composite liquid and controlling the flow of the components into containers. In one embodiment, components of whole blood, after separation, are determined and directed to different containers for collection and storage. Embodiments may be implemented on an apparatus configured to separate multiple discrete volumes of composite liquid (e.g., whole blood) into components. | 05-21-2015 |
20150147745 | Method for Operating a Biogas System in a Batch Mode - A biogas system operates according to the principle of dry fermentation with multiple biogas fermenters that are run in batch mode. One of the biogas fermenters has just been loaded with fresh biomass and the other biogas fermenters are in the state of producing biogas with a higher concentration of methane. The biogas fermenter just loaded with fresh biomass is closed and connected to the other biogas fermenters that are already producing biogas. In addition, there is a return of the biogas mixture from the freshly loaded biogas fermenter to at least one of the other biogas fermenters producing biogas. After expiration of a defined time duration, the return of the biogas mixture from the freshly loaded biogas fermenter is stopped. The defined time duration is determined based on the concentration of methane in the mixture of biogas generated in all of the biogas fermenters. | 05-28-2015 |
20150291927 | SYSTEM SETUP FOR MONITORING AND/OR CONTROLLING FERMENTATION PROCESSES - The present invention describes a system setup for monitoring and/or controlling one or multiple fermentation processes, said system setup comprising—at least one fermentation unit; a data acquisition unit; and a cloud computing unit having a database, a file storage capability, a data calculation capability and a user interface capability; wherein the at least one fermentation unit is connected to the acquisition unit which in turn is connected to the cloud computing unit so that on-line, real-time data on the one or multiple fermentation processes may be transferred from the at least one fermentation unit via the data acquisition unit to the cloud computing unit to be interpreted and displayed for a user being on-line, and wherein the system set-up enables measuring in the at least one fermentation unit and/or the data acquisition unit of the on-line, real-time data on the one or multiple fermentation processes, wherein the system setup also comprises—one or multiple laboratory simulation platform(s) and/or full-scale process(es) comprising said at least one fermentation unit, being in data connection with the cloud computing unit; and wherein the data acquisition unit is connected to the cloud computing unit so that all data acquisition, data interpretation and data storage is performed centralized on the cloud computing unit. | 10-15-2015 |
20150299815 | ORGANIC MATTER PRODUCTION METHOD, ORGANIC MATTER PRODUCTION PROCESS MONITORING METHOD, AND ORGANIC MATTER PRODUCTION PROCESS MONITORING DEVICE - An organic matter production method according to the present invention in which production process status can be more properly monitored includes a first step of acquiring absorbance spectrum of as measurement object in which the amount of the raw material or desired product varies with progress of a production process by receiving transmitted light or diffuse reflected light from the measurement object as a result of broadband light irradiation of the measurement object, a second step of extracting two or more feature values indicative of the characteristics of the measurement object from the absorbance spectrum, and a third step of controlling the production process on the basis of the two or more feature values. | 10-22-2015 |
20150307832 | Measuring Flow Rate - Embodiments are described that relate to flow rate measuring systems that may be used in cell expansion systems (CES) and in methods for controlling fluid input into systems such as a CES. | 10-29-2015 |
20150316451 | System and Method for Automatic Plant Tissue Sampling - An automatic plant tissue sampler and a method for operating the same are provided. The sampler can include a plant handler configured to transport a plurality of plants to an imager. The imager may be configured to image plants to identify a sampling location. The automatic plant tissue sampler also includes a sampler configured to remove a tissue sample from the sampling location of plants, and a collection vessel configured to receive the tissue samples. The automatic plant tissue sampler may transport a plurality of plants to an imager and images the plurality of plants to identify a sampling location. The automatic plant tissue sampler can remove a tissue sample from the sampling location of the plurality of plants and store the tissue samples in a collection vessel for testing. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316457 | CANCER CELL ISOLATION DEVICE AND CANCER CELL ISOLATION METHOD - Disclosed is to isolate cancer cells trapped on a filter without any damage. | 11-05-2015 |
20150322396 | BIOREACTOR ARRAY AND METHODS OF COMBINATORIAL TESTING - Methods and apparatus for culturing microorganisms are described, including culturing in mixotrophic culture conditions. A bioreactor array with multiple culture vessels with independently controllable inputs is used to culture similar cultures of microorganisms in which at least one parameter differs from other culture vessels in the bioreactor array. | 11-12-2015 |
20150329817 | CELL CULTURE CONTROL SYSTEM, CELL CULTURE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A cell culture control system includes a controller configured to control parameters of a culture fluid which exists in a processor in accordance with a control value which is preliminarily set, a generator configured to generate time-series data by using a concentration value of the metabolic substances in the culture fluid, the concentration value of the metabolic substances being detected by a sensor, an extractor configured to extract a characteristic point of the time-series data generated by the generator, and a control value setter configured to change the control value in accordance with the characteristic point extracted by the extractor. | 11-19-2015 |
20150336101 | CONTROL METHOD FOR NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION REACTION APPARATUS - A nucleic acid amplification reaction apparatus including a first heating section to heat a first region of a container filled with reaction liquid and liquid and a second heating section to heat a second region of the container to temperature higher than the temperature of the first heating section, first arrangement is arrangement in which the first region is below the second region in a direction in which the gravity acts and the second arrangement is arrangement in which the second region is below the first region. Third arrangement is arrangement in which an axis in the longitudinal direction of the container is horizontal or arrangement in which the axis inclines with respect to the vertical line and the second region is below the first region. A driving mechanism switches the first arrangement, the second arrangement, and the third arrangement in this order. | 11-26-2015 |
20150343443 | FEEDBACK CONTROL IN MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344868 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ULTRASONIC LYSIS - Methods and systems for cell lysis are disclosed. Particular embodiments relate to applying acoustic energy to a biological sample located in a sample chamber. | 12-03-2015 |
20150361512 | IMAGE ANALYSIS BASED PROCESS CONTROL OF PROCESSES FOR PRODUCTION OF SUGAR FROM LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS - There is provided a method of producing a hydrolysate containing sugar from a lingocellulosic biomass, comprising the steps of: a) pretreating the lingocellulosic biomass in a pretreatment process to form a slurry comprising cellulosic particles; b) saccharification of the slurry obtained in step a) in the presence of hydrolytic enzymes in an enzymatic hydrolysis process to obtain a hydrolysate containing sugar; c) analyzing cellulosic particles present in the slurry obtained in step a) and/or cellulosic particles present in the enzymatic hydrolysis process during step b) using an image analysis method to obtain a data set; and d) controlling at least one process parameter of the pretreatment process in step a) and/or enzymatic hydrolysis process in step b) in response to the data set obtained in step c). A corresponding system is also provided. | 12-17-2015 |
20150368605 | COMPOST SYSTEM WITH ERROR DETECTION - A controller for a compost system configured to identify an error condition is disclosed. The controller comprises at least one control output. The control output is configured to measure a load current of the at least one control output and generate a load value. The at least one control output is in communication with a compost device and is configured to control an environmental condition of a compost chamber of the compost system. The controller is operable to compare the load value to a predetermined value to determine an error condition of the compost system. | 12-24-2015 |
20160008815 | SYNTHESIS APPARATUS AND METHOD | 01-14-2016 |
20160010050 | Organism Culturing System and Organism Culturing Method | 01-14-2016 |
20160018429 | Microplate-reader with a controlled gas atmosphere and a corresponding method of controlling the gas atmosphere - The invention relates to a microplate reader and a respective method, wherein the microplate reader comprises at least one measuring device and a holding device for accommodating at least one microplate and for positioning the samples-containing wells of this(these) microplate(s) in relation to the at least one measuring device. The at least one measuring device is used for detecting light which is emitted by samples in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader and/or which is influenced by samples transilluminated by light in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader. The microplate reader comprises a control unit for controlling the temperature of a gas atmosphere surrounding the wells containing the samples of microplates used in this microplate reader. | 01-21-2016 |
20160032333 | METHOD FOR GROWING ALGAE - A method for converting flue gas into useable bio-oil based compounds using algae includes mixing flue gas with water, infusing the mixture with a lipid trigger and nutrients, distributing the mixture into processing cells, exposing the mixture to light, promoting the algae to the top of the processing cells for harvest, skimming the algae from the surface of the water, and extracting bio-oil from the algae. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038873 | USE OF POROUS GLASS MEDIA FOR A BIOFILTER TO REMOVE ODOROUS COMPOUNDS FROM AN AIR STREAM - A system for removing undesirable compounds from contaminated air includes a biofilter having porous glass media. Hydrogen sulfide is removed from contaminated air by passing the contaminated air through the biofilter. | 02-11-2016 |
20160041074 | CONTAMINANT MONITORING AND AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM - Devices, methods and systems for monitoring, sampling, and filtering or sanitizing the air of an environment are provided. Devices and methods including air filtering units with smart features including connectivity and reporting features are provided wherein a unit is provided to communicate with a system. Based on detected values related to air contamination and particulates entrained in the air, the system and methods are capable of performing various functions including reporting and remediation functions. | 02-11-2016 |
20160047007 | PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING FERMENTATION OF CO-CONTAINING SUBSTRATES - A process for stable fermentation of CO-containing substrates and improved ethanol productivity includes providing medium components in amounts needed by microorganisms in the fermentation. The process includes determining a potassium concentration in the fermentation medium and providing a first medium and a second medium to the fermentation, the first medium provided at a rate effective for maintaining the potassium in the fermentation medium in a range of about 20 to about 200 mg/L until reaching a target cell density. | 02-18-2016 |
20160051929 | ADDITION OF ALKALINE MATERIALS TO BIOTRICKLING FILTER OR BIO-FILTER MAKE-UP WATER - A system for removing undesirable compounds from contaminated air includes a biofilter having an alkaline material introduction system and a fuzzy-logic based controller. A contaminant, such as hydrogen sulfide, is removed from contaminated air by passing the contaminated air through the biofilter. | 02-25-2016 |
20160060590 | METHOD OF ADJUSTING THE CONDITIONS OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND A REACTOR FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - The method of pH controlling during electrolytic fermentation processes of the organic substrates includes placing the biological and chemical reagents in a fermentation tank, placing the electrodes powered by the direct current in the fermentation tank chambers, switching on the constant voltage initiating electrolytic processes with a value from 0.1 to 50 V, generating H+ or OH− ions around the electrodes, reading the data from the glass electrode, changing the power parameters of electrodes, depending on the set pH value of the reaction medium, and starting a pump metering the liquid from the auxiliary chamber into the fermentation tank chamber through a dispensing connector. The object of the invention is also the reactor for carrying out this method. | 03-03-2016 |
20160068867 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS FLOW BIO-FUEL PRODUCTION - A continuous flow system for production of bio-fuels using microbial cultures is provided. The present invention does not utilize batch type production, but follows a continuous flow protocol that eliminates much downtime inherent in conventional bio-fuel production systems while greatly reducing space and equipment requirements. Production is enhanced via controlled program of aeration for microbial growth and anaerobic conditions to ensure fermentation efficiency. As the system becomes more tolerant of alcohol content, efficiency increases. Feedstocks include, but are not limited to, material normally discarded from food production facilities including drink syrups, juices or waste water from corn or sugar processing plants. | 03-10-2016 |
20160090570 | APPARATUS FOR CULTURING CELLS AND METHOD FOR CULTURING CELLS - An apparatus for culturing cells of the present invention is an apparatus for culturing cells using a culture medium in a culture vessel. The apparatus includes: pump connected to pipet held by first holder; first shifter configured to shift first holder; second holder configured to hold culture vessel; second shifter configured to grip and shift culture vessel; and controller. Controller is programmed to, when pipet draws a liquid in culture vessel or discharges a liquid into culture vessel, control second shifter to translationally shift lid of culture vessel in a horizontal direction. | 03-31-2016 |
20160102125 | EXPRESSION SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A method of producing synthetic spider silk, including: transforming | 04-14-2016 |
20160102280 | SYSTEM FOR INCUBATING MICROFLUIDIC DROPLETS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HOMOGENEOUS INCUBATION CONDITIONS IN A DROPLET INCUBATION UNIT - A system for incubating microfluidic droplets includes a droplet incubator, a gas exchanger and a conveyor. A method provides homogeneous incubation conditions in a droplet incubator by targeted introduction of gases and/or gas mixtures into a carrier fluid. | 04-14-2016 |
20160108480 | WASTEWATER TREATMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MICROBIAL BIOMASS - A method of producing microbial biomass include providing a wastewater stream and determining the concentration of micronutrients selected from the group consisting of aluminum, boron, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, and any combination thereof, in the wastewater stream. The method also includes determining the biological oxygen demand (BOD) normalized dose of the micronutrients, and modulating the concentration of at least one micronutrient in the wastewater stream to provide a micronutrient-modulated wastewater stream. The method further includes growing microbial biomass in the micronutrient-modulated wastewater stream. | 04-21-2016 |
20160115558 | CONTROL OF METABOLIC FLUX IN CELL-FREE BIOSYNTHETIC SYSTEMS - Methods are provided for controlling metabolic flux rate in a cell-free system comprising a complex set of enzymes, to produce a desired product of a pathway of interest. In the methods of the invention, measurements of metabolic performance parameters are taken by continuous monitoring or intermittent monitoring. Based on the metabolic performance parameters, the system is modified by one or more steps comprising: (i) altering enzyme levels in the cell-free system; (ii) altering feed rate of a substrate that controls redox flux or carbon flux to the cell-free system; (iii) altering O | 04-28-2016 |
20160145659 | PRODUCING RESINS FROM ORGANIC WASTE PRODUCTS - Producing a resin from an organic waste product includes assessing a weight percent of a first volatile fatty acid and a weight percent of a second volatile fatty acid in a liquid mixture having volatile fatty acids from the organic waste product. The weight percent of the volatile fatty acids is based on the total weight of the carboxylic acids in the liquid mixture, the total weight of volatile fatty acids in the liquid mixture, or the total weight of lactic acid and volatile fatty acids in the mixture. A ratio of the weight percent of the first volatile fatty acid to the weight percent of the second volatile fatty acid in the liquid mixture is adjusted to yield a modified liquid mixture. The modified liquid is combined with polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing bacteria to yield a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer; and the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer is extracted from the polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing bacteria. | 05-26-2016 |
20160158758 | ACTUATION OF PARALLEL MICROFLUIDIC ARRAYS - An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed. | 06-09-2016 |
20160187359 | Apparatus, Method, and System for the Automated Imaging and Evaluation of Embryos, Oocytes and Stem Cells - Apparatuses, methods, and systems for the automated imaging and evaluation of human embryos, oocytes, or pluripotent cells are described. An apparatus and method for automated dish detection and well occupancy determination are described. In addition, a multi-well culture dish and an illumination assembly for bimodal imaging are described. These inventions find use at least in identifying or in facilitating identification of embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans. | 06-30-2016 |
20160187363 | REACTOR, TEST APPARATUS, AND TEST METHOD - Disclosed herein are a reactor, a test apparatus, and a test method, which measure, when a material included in a sample acts as an interfering material with respect to estimating a concentration of a target material, a concentration of the interfering material, and correct an estimated concentration of the target material based on the concentration of the interfering material, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the concentration of the target material. The reactor includes: a target material detecting chamber in which a first reagent that includes a first material that is activated by a target material is contained; a first material detecting chamber in which a second reagent that includes the target material is contained; an inlet hole into which a sample is injected; and a channel configured to connect the inlet hole, the target material detecting chamber, and the first material detecting chamber to each other. | 06-30-2016 |
20160195555 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MINIMUM HEMATOCRIT WITH IRRADIATION RECEIVERS DURING EXTRACORPOREAL PHOTOPHERESIS | 07-07-2016 |
20180023046 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A STIRRING DEVICE AND A FERMENTER | 01-25-2018 |
20180023149 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY CULTURING A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE | 01-25-2018 |