Patents by Inventor Michael J. Finney

Michael J. Finney 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).

  • Patent number: 10724084
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Patent number: 10669576
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Publication number: 20190136297
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Igor KORDUNSKY, Jeffrey A. GOLDMAN, Michael J. FINNEY
  • Publication number: 20180171387
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Publication number: 20150152475
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Patent number: 8835118
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Publication number: 20130143308
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Patent number: 8236504
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Publication number: 20110160073
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Patent number: 7749736
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Labortories
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Patent number: 7148043
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Publication number: 20040224317
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: MJ Research
    Inventors: Igor Kordunsky, Jeffrey A. Goldman, Michael J. Finney
  • Patent number: 6682641
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette to cast electrophoresis gels and to separate and analyze molecular components by electrophoresis. The electrophoresis cassette comprises a top plate assembly, a spacer and a bottom plate. The top plate assembly is seated to the bottom plate with the spacer there between to define a thickness of the electrophoresis cassette and to seal an outer perimeter of the assembly. The top plate assembly includes a cathode reservoir connected to a first terminal end of a central plate, and an anode reservoir connected to a second terminal end of the central plate. When the electrophoresis cassette is assembled, the cathode and anode reservoirs are in alignment with the first and second terminal ends of the central plate to facilitate formation of leak-proof seals between the reservoirs and the assembly components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: MJ Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Finney, Daniel E. Sullivan, Bruce R. Turner, Alexis Vira, Peter B. Vander Horn, Charles P. Andre, Sean Rubin, Corey Nislow, John R. Linton, William D. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20020006619
    Abstract: A thermal cycler for use in thermal cycling procedures, and more specifically to a thermal cycler and a method for using same which permits the creation of temperature gradients in the thermal cycler in either of two dimensions and which permits optimization of the hold time of a given step in the thermal cycling procedure
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: David Cohen, Michael J. Finney, Michael Mortillaro
  • Patent number: 6004512
    Abstract: A sample cartridge block that includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The third plate is thermally connected to the first plate and the second plate. In some embodiments, the block is capable of holding a relatively high density of sample cartridges. In certain embodiments, the block provides good sample temperature stability while the sample temperature is held constant or while the sample temperature is being changed. According to the invention, a sample block may include one material or more than one material. Preferably, a sample cartridge block has a relatively low thermal mass. In some embodiments, the first plate of a sample cartridge block may have a larger surface area than the surface area of the third plate. According to the present invention, the first plate of the sample cartridge block may be thermally connected to a temperature controller. In certain embodiments, a sample cartridge block may have a relatively large surface area in contact with a temperature controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: MJ Research
    Inventors: Paul Titcomb, Michael J. Finney, David Cohen
  • Patent number: 5721136
    Abstract: A sheet of material seals vessels for biochemical reactions which undergo thermal cycling, and comprises a multilayer composite sheet which is placed over the openings of one or more reaction vessels. The multilayer composite sheet material has at least two layers, one layer providing strength and integrity to the material and the second layer being relatively thick comprising a deformable substance with a tacky surface to contact and seal vessels for biochemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: MJ Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Finney, Paul Titcomb
  • Patent number: 5011586
    Abstract: A gel electrophoresis apparatus for separating DNA molecules of high molecular weight having means for generating at least two electric fields oriented transversely to each other, and a gel box, shaped, and contoured to simultaneously form both the electric fields into uniform electric fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: MJ Research, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Finney, Michael J. Finney