Promega has been awarded US Patent No. 7,078,181, "Kits for increasing luminescence assay sensitivity."
Inventors listed on the patent are Erika Hawkins, John Centanni, Jacqueline Sankbeil, and Keith Wood.
According to its abstract, the patent protects assay kits for increasing the sensitivity of luminescent assays. The kits include an organic compound that reduces luminescence that is not dependent on the presence of an analyte by at least about ten-fold; and that reduces, maintains, or increases the luminescence that is dependent on the presence of an analyte, the abstract states.
Corning has been awarded US Patent No. 7,078,228, "Cell cultivating flask."
Inventors listed on the patent are William Lacey, John Ryan, Laurence Vaughan, Joseph Wall, and Kathy Youngbear.
According to its abstract, the patent protects a stackable flask for the culturing of cells. The cell culture chamber is defined by a top plate and a rigid bottom tray of substantially rectangular shape connected by side and end walls. The body of the flask contains a gas-permeable membrane that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chamber and the external environment. The flask body also includes a sealed septum that will allow access to the cell growth chamber by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the flask and location of an optional neck and cap section allows for flask manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, making the flask ideal for high-throughput applications, the abstract states.