Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Livak

Kenneth J. Livak 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: 20090239290
    Abstract: An assay kit is provided that includes assay reagents stored in a single-tube container, and a data storage medium containing information about the contents of the container. Methods are provided for using the data provided with the kit to direct instruments and/or processes, for example, to control an instrument to perform amplification and/or sequencing reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael W. Hunkapiller, Dennis A. Gilbert, Kenneth J. Livak, Junko Stevens, Susan K. Eddins, Michael Lucero
  • Publication number: 20090239233
    Abstract: An assay kit is provided that includes assay reagents stored in a single-tube container, and a data storage medium containing information about the contents of the container. Methods are provided for using the data provided with the kit to direct instruments and/or processes, for example, to control an instrument to perform amplification and/or sequencing reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael W. Hunkapiller, Dennis A. Gilbert, Kenneth J. Livak, Junko Stevens, Susan K. Eddins, Michael Lucero
  • Publication number: 20090071830
    Abstract: A system for collecting target nucleic acids from a sample can include at least one sample chamber configured to receive a sample containing target nucleic acids and other material, at least one collection chamber removably mountable relative to the at least one sample chamber and configured to collect target nucleic acids separated from the other material, a filter removably mountable relative to the at least one sample chamber and configured to be disposed between the at least one sample chamber and the at least one collection chamber when the at least one collection chamber is mounted relative to the at least one sample chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Biosystems Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Maxim G. Brevnov, David W. Ruff, Kenneth J. Livak
  • Publication number: 20080228589
    Abstract: Methods and systems for ordering assays which detect SNPs or gene expression are provided. The methods use PCR and RT-PCR procedures. Collections of stock assays are assembled using pre- and post-manufacturing quality control procedures and made available to consumers via the Internet. In addition, custom assays are prepared upon order from the consumer and these assays are also prepared using pre- and post-manufacturing quality control procedures. The assays are then delivered to the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan T. Koehler, Kenneth J. Livak, Junko Stevens, Francisco M. De La Vega, Michael Rhodes, Laurent R. Bellon, Julie Williams, Dennis A. Gilbert, Charles R. Scafe, Hadar I. Avi-Itzhak, Lily Xu, Susan Eddins, Michael W. Hunkapiller, Leila G. Smith
  • Patent number: 7414115
    Abstract: Disclosed is a kit useful for determining the number of repeat units in a repeat region of a target nucleic acid comprising: a plurality of different-sequence primers, each containing (i) a target binding segment and (ii) a tag segment having a nucleotide sequence that uniquely identifies the target binding segment, a first primer extension reagent; and a second primer extension reagent, wherein at least one of the first or second primer extension reagents includes an extendible nucleotide having a photodestructible label attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Adam L. Lowe, Andrew J. Blasband
  • Publication number: 20080187913
    Abstract: A method is provided for genotyping a target sequence at least two allelic sites by a 5? nuclease amplification reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Federico Goodsaid
  • Publication number: 20080001099
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a method and apparatus of generating a calibration matrix for a spectral detector instrument. A calibration plate contains one or more dye mixtures in each well of the calibration plate at known absolute concentration. From the calibration plate, aspects of the present invention are used to prepare a concentration matrix based on the dyes used in the assay and the different dye mixtures used in the calibration plate. An excitation source exposes the calibration plate causing the spectral species in each of the wells to fluoresce. The emission spectra for the different dye mixtures of dyes as gathered by the spectral detector instrument at different points in the range of spectra is used to generate a spectral matrix. Bilinear calibration is performed on the concentration matrix and the spectral matrix as to determine a calibration matrix relating spectra directly to absolute concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: MUHAMMAD A. SHARAF, Wanli Bi, Kenneth J. Livak
  • Patent number: 7294464
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the number of repeat units in a repeat region of a target nucleic acid. In a first aspect, the method of the invention includes the steps of annealing a primer to a target nucleic acid; performing a first primer extension reaction using a first primer extension reagent; separating the target-primer hybrid and unreacted first primer extension reagent; performing a second primer extension reaction using a second primer extension reagent, wherein at least one of the first or second primer extension reagents includes an extendible nucleotide having a label attached thereto; separating the target-primer hybrid from unreacted second primer extension reagent; measuring a signal produced by the label; treating the label so as to render the label undetectable; and repeating the above steps until the signal is substantially less than a signal detected in a previous cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Adam L. Lowe, Andrew J. Blasband
  • Patent number: 7153658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting the presence or absence of (or quantitating) target nucleic acid sequences using ligation and amplification. The invention also relates to methods, reagents, and kits that employ addressable portions and labeled probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Andersen, Michael W. Hunkapiller, Kenneth J. Livak, Eugene G. Spier, H. Michael Wenz
  • Patent number: 7132239
    Abstract: A method is provided for genotyping a target sequence at at least two allelic sites by a 5? nuclease amplification reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Federico Goodsaid
  • Patent number: 7057025
    Abstract: Binary probe and clamp compositions conduct methods for target hybridization detection. Where the probe is a substrate for exonuclease cleavage, the composition provides quantitation and detection of PCR products, by real-time and end-point measurements. Where the probe is an amplification primer, the composition provides an improved method for labelling and detection of PCR products. Probes and clamps may be labelled with fluorescent dyes, quenchers, hybridization-stabilizing moieties, chemiluminescent dyes, and affinity ligands. Clamps may be nucleic acid analogs, such as 2-aminoethylglycine PNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Michael Egholm, Michael W. Hunkapiller
  • Patent number: 6964848
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods of detecting and characterizing polynucleotide sequences and variations in polynucleotide sequences. The invention further relates to a device that can be used to detect and characterize polynucleotide sequences and variations in polynucleotide sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Michael Y. Lucero, Muhammad A. Sharaf
  • Patent number: 6890718
    Abstract: External control reagents for nucleic acid amplification are provided that verify the absence or presence of specific target sequences, and correct primers and probes. A single-stranded, external control polynucleotide is amplified with primers of the same sequence as target primers. Probes with detectable labels and sequences specific for target and external control polynucleotides allow for detection and measurement. The primers and the detectable probe are adjacent or substantially adjacent when hybridized to the external control polynucleotide. Target and control amplicons may be detected by increased fluorescence induced by polymerase-mediated 5? nuclease cleavage or hybridization of a self-quenching probe complementary to both target and external control polynucleotides. A kit of PCR reagents can be dispensed into vessels for rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification assay, with real-time or end-point measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Christian A. Heid, Kenneth J. Livak
  • Patent number: 6884583
    Abstract: A method is provided for genotyping a target sequence at at least two allelic sites by a 5? nuclease amplification reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Federico Goodsaid
  • Patent number: 6821727
    Abstract: A hybridization assay is provided which uses an oligonucleotide probe which includes a fluorescent reporter molecule and a quencher molecule capable of quenching the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. The oligonucleotide probe is constructed such that the probe exists in at least one single-stranded confirmation when unhybridized where the quencher molecule is near enough to the reporter molecule to quench the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. The oligonucleotide probe also exists in at least one conformation when hybridized to a target polynucleotide where the quencher molecule is not positioned close enough to the reporter molecule to quench the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. By adopting these hybridized and unhybridized conformations, the reporter molecule and quencher molecule on the probe exhibits different fluorescence signal intensities when the probe is hybridized and unhybridized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Susan J. A. Flood, Jeffrey Mamoro, Khairuzzaman Bashar Mullah
  • Patent number: 6773887
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the number of repeat units in a repeat region of a target nucleic acid. In a first aspect, the method of the invention includes the steps of annealing a primer to a target nucleic acid; performing a first primer extension reaction using a first primer extension reagent; separating the target-primer hybrid and unreacted first primer extension reagent; performing a second primer extension reaction using a second primer extension reagent, wherein at least one of the first or second primer extension reagents includes an extendible nucleotide having a label attached thereto; separating the target-primer hybrid from unreacted second primer extension reagent; measuring a signal produced by the label; treating the label so as to render the label undetectable; and repeating the above steps until the signal is substantially less than a signal detected in a previous cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Adam L. Lowe, Andrew J. Blasband
  • Publication number: 20040126756
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the number of repeat units in a repeat region of a target nucleic acid. In a first aspect, the method of the invention includes the steps of annealing a primer to a target nucleic acid; performing a first primer extension reaction using a first primer extension reagent; separating the target-primer hybrid and unreacted first primer extension reagent; performing a second primer extension reaction using a second primer extension reagent, wherein at least one of the first or second primer extension reagents includes an extendible nucleotide having a label attached thereto; separating the target-primer hybrid from unreacted second primer extension reagent; measuring a signal produced by the label; treating the label so as to render the label undetectable; and repeating the above steps until the signal is substantially less than a signal detected in a previous cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: PE Corporation (NY)
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Livak, Adam L. Lowe, Andrew J. Blasband
  • Publication number: 20040121371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting the presence or absence of (or quantitating) target nucleic acid sequences using ligation and amplification. The invention also relates to methods, reagents, and kits that employ addressable portions and labeled probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Andersen, Michael W. Hunkapiller, Kenneth J. Livak, Eugene G. Spier, H. Michael Wenz
  • Publication number: 20040072195
    Abstract: An assay kit is provided that includes assay reagents stored in a single-tube container, and a data storage medium containing information about the contents of the container. Methods are provided for using the data provided with the kit to direct instruments and/or processes, for example, to control an instrument to perform amplification and/or sequencing reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Michael W. Hunkapiller, Dennis A. Gilbert, Kenneth J. Livak, Junko Stevens, Susan K. Eddins, Michael Lucero
  • Publication number: 20040063109
    Abstract: An assay kit is provided that includes assay reagents stored in a single-tube container, and a data storage medium containing information about the contents of the container. Methods are provided for using the data provided with the kit to direct instruments and/or processes, for example, to control an instrument to perform amplification and/or sequencing reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Hunkapiller, Dennis A. Gilbert, Kenneth J. Livak, Junko Stevens, Susan K. Eddins, Michael Lucero