Patents Examined by Christopher A. Hixon
  • Patent number: 9157974
    Abstract: The invention relates to detecting coagulation and coagulation-related activities including agglutination and fibrinolysis of samples. More particularly the invention relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring coagulation and/or obtaining a coagulation time of a sample using NMR-based detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: T2 BIOSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Sonia Taktak, Brian M. Mozeleski, Thomas J. Lowery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8815177
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of immobilizing a particle which comprise focusing the flow of a sample fluid containing the particle into a virtual channel which flows towards an unoccupied hydrodynamic trap in a microfluidic channel such that the particle flows into the hydrodynamic trap and becomes immobilized therein. Also disclosed are microfluidic devices which comprise at least one microchannel having at least one hydrodynamic trap, at least one focusing fluid inlet, said focusing fluid inlet is upstream of the hydrodynamic trap such that a focusing fluid introduced therein results in a virtual channel of a sample fluid when present which preferentially flows toward the hydrodynamic trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Perroud, Kamlesh D. Patel
  • Patent number: 8475739
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Theranos, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Holmes, Joy Roy, John Kent Frankovich
  • Patent number: 7829040
    Abstract: A vessel assembly is disclosed for high pressure high temperature chemistry. The vessel assembly includes a cylindrical vessel and a cylindrical vessel seal cover. The vessel and the seal cover have respective surfaces that, when engaged, define a circumferential interior passage between the vessel and the seal cover. A pressure release opening in the seal cover is in fluid communication with the circumferential passage. A retaining ring surrounds the vessel and the seal cover at the position where the vessel and the seal cover meet to maintain an outer circumferential engagement between the seal cover and the vessel when pressure forces gases in the vessel to flow into the circumferential passage and then outwardly from the pressure release opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Wyatt Hargett, Jr., David Barclay