Patents Assigned to Cepheid
  • Method for fabricating a reaction vessel
    Patent number: 8293064
    Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority
  • METHODS OF DETECTING LUNG CANCER
    Publication number: 20120244530
    Abstract: Methods of detecting lung cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, are provided. Methods of detecting changes in the levels of one or more small RNAs associated with lung cancer are also provided. Compositions and kits are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: CEPHEID
    Inventors: Bernard Michot, Olivier Delfour
  • Apparatus and method for cell disruption
    Patent number: 8268603
    Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Michael T. Taylor, Phillip Belgrader, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Jesus Ching
  • Method for separating an analyte from a sample
    Patent number: 8247176
    Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, William A. McMillan, Lee A. Christel, Ronald Chang, Farzad Pourahmadi, Jesus Ching, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, M. Allen Northrup
  • METHODS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MICRORNA AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN RESEARCH AND HUMAN HEALTH
    Publication number: 20120171686
    Abstract: The press invention concerns a method for prediction and identification of microRNA precursors (pre-microRNA) and microRNA molecules using data processing programs and databases. The invention also pertains to the isolated form of these pre-microRNAs, microRNA molecules and derived nucleic acids there of. The invention also relates to recombinant vector, host cell, support, pharmaceutical composition or kit comprising such microRNA molecules or there of derivated molecules. The invention also applies to the use of such microRNA molecules and/or their identified targets in research, prognostic, diagnostic tools/methods as well as for therapeutic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Cepheid
    Inventors: Olivier Delfour, Jerome Ciuti, Florent Denoual, David Vilanova, Bernard Michot
  • Device for extracting nucleic acid from a sample
    Publication number: 20120171758
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Cepheid
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
  • Methods for analysis of microRNA
    Patent number: 8214155
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for identifying the functionality of each member of a family of nucleic acids interact with the first family. Nucleic acids from the first family are put into functionally related clusters that share biological information obtained from the second family. The invention also relates to the refinement and accurate prediction of interactions between the first family and the second family of nucleic acids. The invention also applies to the use of such functional information to identify targets and mechanisms for therapeutic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Bernard Michot, Olivier Delfour, David Vilanova, Jérôme Ciuti, Florent Denoual
  • Cap for vessel for performing multi-stage process
    Patent number: 8205764
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cap for a vessel for performing a multi-stage process for analyzing a sample, such as nested PCR or RT-PCR. In one embodiment, the cap comprises a body configured to be mated to the vessel to enclose a vessel interior, a cap cavity for holding reagents, and a cap cavity control portion that is adjustable with respect to the body between a first-stage position in which the cap cavity is enclosed and fluidicly isolated from the vessel interior and a second-stage position in which the cap cavity is fluidicly coupled with the vessel interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventor: Ronald Chang
  • DNA recombination junction detection
    Patent number: 8187812
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for detecting the presence or absence of an integrated insertion polynucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Jian Ping Zhang, Ernest Jay Friedlander, Robert Ruhfel, David Douglas Swenson, Alan Thomas Wortman
  • Reagent reservoir system for analytical instruments
    Patent number: 8187557
    Abstract: The invention provides a reagent reservoir system and disposable reaction cassettes using the same. In one aspect, such system comprises a chamber in which dried reagent, particularly lyophilized reagent, is constrained to remain in a defined region of the chamber by a retaining member that obstructs passage of such reagents to other regions of the chamber where they may escape hydration or activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Reuel Van Atta, Dias Lourenco Francisco
  • Cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction
    Patent number: 8168442
    Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, William A. McMillan, Farzad Pourahmadi, Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority
  • Method and kit for quantitative and qualitative determination of human papillomavirus
    Patent number: 8138326
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and kit for quantitative and qualitative determination of human papillomavirus, HPV, in a sample. More precisely, for quantitative and qualitative determination of oncogenic HPV to predict the risk of HPV infection resulting in cervical carcinoma. The method and kit enable simultaneous measurement of several oncogenic HPV types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid Corporation
    Inventors: Ulf Gyllensten, Martin Moberg
  • Methods for the identification of microRNA and their applications in research and human health
    Patent number: 8116987
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for prediction and identification of microRNA precursors (pre-microRNA) and microRNA molecules using data processing programs and databases. The invention also pertains to the isolated form of these pre-microRNAs, microRNA molecules and derived nucleic acids there of. The invention also relates to recombinant vector, host cell, support, pharmaceutical composition or kit comprising such microRNA molecules or there of derivated molecules. The invention also applies to the use of such microRNA molecules and/or their identified targets in research, prognostic, diagnostic tools/methods as well as for therapeutic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Olivier Delfour, Jerome Ciuti, Florent Denoual, David Vilanova, Bernard Michot
  • FLUID PROCESSING AND CONTROL
    Publication number: 20120034705
    Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Cepheid
    Inventors: Douglas B. Dority, Ronald Chang
  • Fluid processing and control
    Patent number: 8048386
    Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Douglas B. Dority, Ronald Chang
  • Thermal cycler with optical detector
    Patent number: 8029733
    Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Lee A. Christel, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, William A. McMillan, M. Allen Northrup, Kurt E. Petersen, Farzad Pourahmadi, Steven J. Young, Robert Yuan, Douglas B. Dority
  • APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING HEAT-EXCHANGING CHEMICAL REACTIONS
    Publication number: 20110176971
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture contained in a chamber of a reaction vessel comprises a thermal surface for contacting a flexible wall of the chamber and an automated machine for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressure increase in the chamber is sufficient to force the flexible wall to conform to the thermal surface for good thermal conductance. The apparatus also includes at least one thermal element for heating or cooling the surface to induce a temperature change within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Lee A. Christel, Robert Yuan, Kurt E. Petersen
  • Method for separating an analyte from a sample
    Patent number: 7914994
    Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, William A. McMillan, Lee A. Christel, Ronald Chang, Farzad Pourahmadi, Jesus Ching, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, M. Allen Northrup
  • POLAR DYES
    Publication number: 20110053155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polar fluorescent and quenchers dyes, and minor groove binder with enhanced polarity. The present invention further relates to methods of preparing oligonucleotide probes labeled with polar arsonate dyes under the condition of automated synthesis and method of using such probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CEPHEID
    Inventor: Alexander A. Gall
  • Controls for primers in multiplex amplification reactions
    Patent number: 7803549
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for confirming the integrity of primers and other components of amplification reactions, including multiplex amplification reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventor: David Swenson