Patents by Inventor Charles F. Spence

Charles F. Spence has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110229872
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: CHARLES F. SPENCE, ANNE Y. FU, STEPHEN R. QUAKE, FRANCES H. ARNOLD
  • Publication number: 20080176211
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
  • Patent number: 7214298
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
  • Patent number: 6592735
    Abstract: A machine for sequencing DNA using optical techniques. A sample is loaded in the sample loading area, and place through DNA sequencing gel. The voltage across the reservoir may be increased by improving the cooling and thermal characteristics of the gel device. Preferably materials are used which have at least half and preferably a fifth the thermal transfer characteristics of glass. The materials can also be thin e.g. 50-100 microns. A heat sink can be used to dissipate more of the heat, and a fan can be directed at the heat sink. Moreover, the material can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joseph T. Meier, Steven M. Clark, Charles F. Spence
  • Patent number: 6540895
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20020005354
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
  • Patent number: 5219099
    Abstract: A syringe pump, uses a stepping motor to rotate a lead screw with precision and in turn advance a zero-backlash ball nut or vice-versa to drive the syringe plunger. This invention is designed to eliminate virtually all forces that are not coaxially aligned with the plunger's axis by utilizing a drive shaft kinematically supported on a reference member. The barrel of the syringe is kinematically supported on the reference member with its axis aligned with the axis of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is advanced by the ball nut and drive shaft assembly to drive the plunger which is kinematically supported at one end by the end of the drive shaft and at the other end by the internal wall of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Charles F. Spence, Steven M. Clark