Patents by Inventor Neil Reginald Beer
Neil Reginald Beer 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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Publication number: 20140374936Abstract: The cooling of injection molded plastic is targeted. Coolant flows into a porous medium disposed within an injection molding component via a porous medium inlet. The porous medium is thermally coupled to a mold cavity configured to receive injected liquid plastic. The porous medium beneficially allows for an increased rate of heat transfer from the injected liquid plastic to the coolant and provides additional structural support over a hollow cooling well. When the temperature of the injected liquid plastic falls below a solidifying temperature threshold, the molded component is ejected and collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20140329240Abstract: A system for fast DNA sequencing by amplification of genetic material within microreactors, denaturing, demulsifying, and then sequencing the material, while retaining it in a PCR/sequencing zone by a magnetic field. One embodiment includes sequencing nucleic acids on a microchip that includes a microchannel flow channel in the microchip. The nucleic acids are isolated and hybridized to magnetic nanoparticles or to magnetic polystyrene-coated beads. Microreactor droplets are formed in the microchannel flow channel. The microreactor droplets containing the nucleic acids and the magnetic nanoparticles are retained in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel and sequenced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20140255946Abstract: A non-contact system for sorting monodisperse water-in-oil emulsion droplets in a microfluidic device based on the droplet's contents and their interaction with an applied electromagnetic field or by identification and sorting.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham Lee, Andrew Hatch
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Patent number: 8815576Abstract: A system for fast DNA sequencing by amplification of genetic material within microreactors, denaturing, demulsifying, and then sequencing the material, while retaining it in a PCR/sequencing zone by a magnetic field. One embodiment includes sequencing nucleic acids on a microchip that includes a microchannel flow channel in the microchip. The nucleic acids are isolated and hybridized to magnetic nanoparticles or to magnetic polystyrene-coated beads. Microreactor droplets are formed in the microchannel flow channel. The microreactor droplets containing the nucleic acids and the magnetic nanoparticles are retained in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel and sequenced.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 8765455Abstract: A non-contact system for sorting monodisperse water-in-oil emulsion droplets in a microfluidic device based on the droplet's contents and their interaction with an applied electromagnetic field or by identification and sorting.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham Lee, Andrew Hatch
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Patent number: 8720209Abstract: The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A solid state heat exchanger with a first well and second well is coupled to a power module. A thermoelectric element is coupled to the first well, the second well, and the power module, is configured to transfer thermal energy from the first well to the second well when current from the power module flows through the thermoelectric element in a first direction, and is configured to transfer thermal energy from the second well to the first well when current from the power module flows through the thermoelectric element in a second direction. A controller may be coupled to the thermoelectric elements, and may switch the direction of current flowing through the thermoelectric element in response to a determination by sensors coupled to the wells that the amount of thermal energy in the wells falls below or exceeds a pre-determined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Christopher Spadaccini
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Patent number: 8610032Abstract: A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channel wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Board of Regents, The University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Ian Kennedy
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Patent number: 8367976Abstract: A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channel wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Board of Regents, The University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Ian Kennedy
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Publication number: 20120196288Abstract: A non-contact system for sorting monodisperse water-in-oil emulsion droplets in a microfluidic device based on the droplet's contents and their interaction with an applied electromagnetic field or by identification and sorting.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 8189186Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample including providing a microchannel flow channel; associating the sample with magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads; moving the sample with said magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in the microchannel flow channel; holding the sample with the magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel; and analyzing the sample obtaining an enhanced analysis signal. An apparatus for analysis of a sample includes magnetic particles connected to the sample, a microchip, a flow channel in the microchip, a source of carrier fluid connected to the flow channel for moving the sample in the flow channel, an electromagnet trap connected to the flow line for selectively magnetically trapping the sample and the magnetic particles, and an analyzer for analyzing the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20120091059Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
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Patent number: 8084005Abstract: An apparatus for penetrating a cover over a multi-well sample plate containing at least one individual sample well includes a cutting head, a cutter extending from the cutting head, and a robot. The cutting head is connected to the robot wherein the robot moves the cutting head and cutter so that the cutter penetrates the cover over the multi-well sample plate providing access to the individual sample well. When the cutting head is moved downward the foil is pierced by the cutter that splits, opens, and folds the foil inward toward the well. The well is then open for sample aspiration but has been protected from cross contamination.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20110215798Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample including providing a microchannel flow channel; associating the sample with magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads; moving the sample with said magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in the microchannel flow channel; holding the sample with the magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel; and analyzing the sample obtaining an enhanced analysis signal. An apparatus for analysis of a sample includes magnetic particles connected to the sample, a microchip, a flow channel in the microchip, a source of carrier fluid connected to the flow channel for moving the sample in the flow channel, an electromagnet trap connected to the flow line for selectively magnetically trapping the sample and the magnetic particles, and an analyzer for analyzing the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20100184020Abstract: A system for fast DNA sequencing by amplification of genetic material within microreactors, denaturing, demulsifying, and then sequencing the material, while retaining it in a PCR/sequencing zone by a magnetic field. One embodiment includes sequencing nucleic acids on a microchip that includes a microchannel flow channel in the microchip. The nucleic acids are isolated and hybridized to magnetic nanoparticles or to magnetic polystyrene-coated beads. Microreactor droplets are formed in the microchannel flow channel. The microreactor droplets containing the nucleic acids and the magnetic nanoparticles are retained in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel and sequenced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20100089907Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system for heating a sample including a substrate, a micro-channel flow channel in the substrate, a carrier fluid within the micro-channel flow channel for moving the sample in the micro-channel flow channel, and a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample in the micro-channel flow channel for heating the sample. The carrier fluid and the substrate are made of materials that are not appreciably heated by the microwaves. The microwave source includes conductive traces or strips and a microwave power source connected to the conductive traces or strips.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Benjamin Fasenfest, John Chang
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Publication number: 20100015614Abstract: An apparatus for chip-based sorting, amplification, detection, and identification of a sample having a planar substrate. The planar substrate is divided into cells. The cells are arranged on the planar substrate in rows and columns. Electrodes are located in the cells. A micro-reactor maker produces micro-reactors containing the sample. The micro-reactor maker is positioned to deliver the micro-reactors to the planar substrate. A microprocessor is connected to the electrodes for manipulating the micro-reactors on the planar substrate. A detector is positioned to interrogate the sample contained in the micro-reactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Billy W. Colston, JR.
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Publication number: 20090261086Abstract: A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channel wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Ian Kennedy
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Publication number: 20090235990Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20090236330Abstract: Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carrier fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20090226972Abstract: A system for thermal cycling a material to be thermal cycled including a microfluidic heat exchanger; a porous medium in the microfluidic heat exchanger; a microfluidic thermal cycling chamber containing the material to be thermal cycled, the microfluidic thermal cycling chamber operatively connected to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a working fluid at first temperature; a first system for transmitting the working fluid at first temperature to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a working fluid at a second temperature, a second system for transmitting the working fluid at second temperature to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a pump for flowing the working fluid at the first temperature from the first system to the microfluidic heat exchanger and through the porous medium; and flowing the working fluid at the second temperature from the second system to the heat exchanger and through the porous medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Kambiz Vafai