Patents by Inventor Daniel G. Stearns
Daniel G. Stearns 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).
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Patent number: 10775308Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining accurate optical property values of turbid media. In one embodiment, the method includes (a) providing a light source, having a first wavelength and a known illumination power, sequentially at a plurality of specific illumination positions on a first surface of the specimen; (b) for each specific position of the light source, obtaining light emission measurements from a second surface of the specimen that is opposite the first surface, wherein the light emission measurements are obtained for a plurality of surface positions of the second surface; and (c) for each specific illumination position of the light source at the first surface of the specimen, determining one or more optical properties for the specimen based on the specific illumination position of the light source, the first wavelength of the light source, the known illumination power of the light source, and the obtained light emission measurements for such each specific illumination position.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Daniel G. Stearns, Bradley W. Rice
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Patent number: 10717081Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for manipulating an object within a channel of a microfluidic device using an external electrode. The device has a channel disposed within the device, the channel having no included electrodes. The channel has a wall, at least a portion of which is penetrable by an electric field generated external to the device, the wall being penetrable such that the electric field extends through the wall portion and into a region within the channel. The system includes the microfluidic device and an electrode external to and not bonded to the device. In the method, the external electrode is placed adjacent to the device and energized to generate an electric field that extends through the wall of the device and into the channel, thereby manipulating an object within the channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Joshua I. Molho, Daniel G. Stearns, I-Jane Chen, Danh Tran, Bradley W. Rice, Tobias Daniel Wheeler
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Patent number: 10488321Abstract: Described here is a device comprising a microfluidic chip and an acoustic transducer external to the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip comprises a channel in communication with a microwell having a volume less than one microliter, and wherein the acoustic transducer is coupled to the microfluidic chip via a coupling medium.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Cella Genomics Inc.Inventors: Bahram Fathollahi, Daniel G. Stearns, William Whalen
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Patent number: 10130318Abstract: An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Stearns, David G. Nilson, Bradley W. Rice
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Publication number: 20180067038Abstract: Described here is a device comprising a microfluidic chip and an acoustic transducer external to the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip comprises a channel in communication with a microwell having a volume less than one microliter, and wherein the acoustic transducer is coupled to the microfluidic chip via a coupling medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicants: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Cella Genomics Inc.Inventors: Bahram Fathollahi, Daniel G. Stearns, William Whalen
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Publication number: 20180008218Abstract: An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Daniel G. Stearns, David G. Nilson, Bradley W. Rice
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Patent number: 9770220Abstract: An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Stearns, David G. Nilson, Bradley W. Rice
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Publication number: 20160228079Abstract: An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Daniel G. Stearns, David G. Nilson, Bradley W. Rice
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Patent number: 9314218Abstract: An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Stearns, David G. Nilson, Bradley W. Rice
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Patent number: 9297784Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for extracting target objects from a sample. In the method, a stream of sample containing a plurality of target and non-target objects is directed by first and second streams of buffer through a sample inlet channel into a fluid junction and through the fluid junction into a sample waste channel. In response to detecting a target object within the stream of sample, an actuator is energized to close a normally open valve, resulting in a transient burst of cross-flow into the fluid junction that briefly diverts the flow of sample within the fluid junction and results in an aliquot of sample being directed into an aliquot delivery channel. The combination of the valve and the actuator acts as a self-limiting pulse generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: CALIPER LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Joshua I. Molho, Daniel G. Stearns, I-Jane Chen, Danh Tran, Bradley W. Rice, Tobias Daniel Wheeler, Alexander V. Dukhovny
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Publication number: 20160067706Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for manipulating an object within a channel of a microfluidic device using an external electrode. The device has a channel disposed within the device, the channel having no included electrodes. The channel has a wall, at least a portion of which is penetrable by an electric field generated external to the device, the wall being penetrable such that the electric field extends through the wall portion and into a region within the channel. The system includes the microfluidic device and an electrode external to and not bonded to the device. In the method, the external electrode is placed adjacent to the device and energized to generate an electric field that extends through the wall of the device and into the channel, thereby manipulating an object within the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Joshua I. Molho, Daniel G. Stearns, I-Jane Chen, Danh Tran, Bradley W. Rice, Tobias Daniel Wheeler
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Patent number: 8909326Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Daniel G. Stearns, Bradley W. Rice, Michael D. Cable
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Publication number: 20140262787Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for extracting target objects from a sample. In the method, a stream of sample containing a plurality of target and non-target objects is directed by first and second streams of buffer through a sample inlet channel into a fluid junction and through the fluid junction into a sample waste channel. In response to detecting a target object within the stream of sample, an actuator is energized to close a normally open valve, resulting in a transient burst of cross-flow into the fluid junction that briefly diverts the flow of sample within the fluid junction and results in an aliquot of sample being directed into an aliquot delivery channel. The combination of the valve and the actuator acts as a self-limiting pulse generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: CALIPER LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Joshua I. MOLHO, Daniel G. STEARNS, I-Jane CHEN, Danh TRAN, Bradley W. RICE, Tobias Daniel WHEELER, Alexander V. DUKHOVNY
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Patent number: 8825140Abstract: A method of investigating the location and size of a light-emitting source in a subject is disclosed. In practicing the method, one first obtains a light intensity profile by measuring, from a first perspective with a photodetector device, photons which (i) originate from the light-emitting source, (ii) travel through turbid biological tissue of the subject, and (iii) are emitted from a first surface region of interest of the subject. The light-intensity profile is matched against with a parameter-based biophotonic function, to estimate function parameters such as depth and size. The parameters so determined are refined using data other than the first measured light intensity profile, to obtain an approximate depth and size of the source in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Bradley W. Rice, Daniel G. Stearns, Tamara L. Troy
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Publication number: 20140151229Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for manipulating an object within a channel of a microfluidic device using an external electrode. The device has a channel disposed within the device, the channel having no included electrodes. The channel has a wall, at least a portion of which is penetrable by an electric field generated external to the device, the wall being penetrable such that the electric field extends through the wall portion and into a region within the channel. The system includes the microfluidic device and an electrode external to and not bonded to the device. In the method, the external electrode is placed adjacent to the device and energized to generate an electric field that extends through the wall of the device and into the channel, thereby manipulating an object within the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: CALIPER LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Joshua I. Molho, Daniel G. Stearns, I-Jane Chen, Danh Tran, Bradley W. Rice, Tobias Daniel Wheeler
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Publication number: 20120321033Abstract: An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: CALIPER LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Daniel G. STEARNS, David G. NILSON, Bradley W. RICE
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Publication number: 20120150026Abstract: A method of investigating the location and size of a light-emitting source in a subject is disclosed. In practicing the method, one first obtains a light intensity profile by measuring, from a first perspective with a photodetector device, photons which (i) originate from the light-emitting source, (ii) travel through turbid biological tissue of the subject, and (iii) are emitted from a first surface region of interest of the subject. The light-intensity profile is matched against with a parameter-based biophotonic function, to estimate function parameters such as depth and size. The parameters so determined are refined using data other than the first measured light intensity profile, to obtain an approximate depth and size of the source in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Bradley W. Rice, Daniel G. Stearns, Tamara L. Troy
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Patent number: 8180435Abstract: A method of investigating the location and size of a light-emitting source in a subject is disclosed. In practicing the method, one first obtains a light intensity profile by measuring, from a first perspective with a photodetector device, photons which (i) originate from the light-emitting source, (ii) travel through turbid biological tissue of the subject, and (iii) are emitted from a first surface region of interest of the subject. The light-intensity profile is matched against with a parameter-based biophotonic function, to estimate function parameters such as depth and size. The parameters so determined are refined using data other than the first measured light intensity profile, to obtain an approximate depth and size of the source in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Bradley W. Rice, Daniel G. Stearns, Tamara L. Troy
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Publication number: 20110090316Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: XENOGEN CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel G. Stearns, Bradley W. Rice, Michael D. Cable
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Patent number: 7860549Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Daniel G. Stearns, Bradley W. Rice, Michael D. Cable