Automated analysis equipment and assay method for detecting cell surface protein and/or cytoplasmic receptor function using same

Patent 5670113 Issued on September 23, 1997. Estimated Expiration Date:

September 23, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3772154

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Inventors

Application

No. 244985 filed on 06/20/1994

US Classes:

422/63, Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system356/414, With color transmitting filter356/418, Including rotating sequential filters422/67, With specific analytical program control means422/82.09, Absorbance or transmittance436/43, AUTOMATED CHEMICAL ANALYSIS436/50, Condition or time responsive436/164OPTICAL RESULT

Examiners

Primary: Pyon, Harold

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

0266881 EP. 05/13/1988
0266881 EP. 06/13/1988
0441755 EP. 08/13/1991
8909834 WO. 10/13/1989
9115602 WO. 11/13/1991
9202639 WO. 02/13/1992
9219772 WO. 11/13/1994
9605488 WO 02/13/1996

International Classes

G01N 021/64
G01J 003/42

Abstract

Automated measurement apparatus and methods for automated drug screening and for studying ion channel and cell surface receptor activity are provided. The apparatus is designed to initiate and measure rapid or transient events, such as cell receptor and/or ion channel activity. The apparatus can effect measurements of transient reactions in or more samples in a multi-well container, initiate the reaction with reagent addition and measure a resulting attribute of the sample for a period of time. The apparatus is capable of substantially continuously measuring and recording data corresponding to the measured attribute before, during and after initiation of the reaction so that a time course of the rapid or transient event is determined. Automated drug screening methods and methods for studying receptor and ion channel activity using the apparatus are also provided. The drug screening assays identify compounds that activate, inhibit or potentiate cellular ion channel or receptor activity.

Other References

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