Patents by Inventor Pierce O. Norton

Pierce O. Norton 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: 11965814
    Abstract: Systems having an unfiltered light scatter detector configured to detect scattered light from a sample in a flow stream are provided. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having two or more lasers, a light detection system having an unfiltered light scatter detector and a processor having memory operably coupled to the processor where the memory includes instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate one or more data signals in response to scattered light from each of the two or more lasers detected by the unfiltered light scatter detector; and determine one or more parameters of data acquisition based on the generated data signals from the unfiltered light scatter detector. Methods for determining one or more parameters for data acquisition with the subject systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Publication number: 20240110859
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for adjusting sensitivity of a photodiode in a light detection system. Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting light with a light detection system having a photodiode and an amplifier, determining responsivity of the photodiode over a plurality of wavelengths of light and adjusting one or more parameters of the amplifier in response to the responsivity of the photodiode over the plurality of wavelengths of light. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a light detection system that includes a photodiode and an amplifier for practicing the subject methods are also described. Non-transitory computer readable storage medium are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy Wayne Petersen, Pierce O. Norton, Henry J. Lankila, Eric D. Diebold
  • Publication number: 20240019456
    Abstract: Flow cytometers having sample injection needles are provided. The subject flow cytometers include a flow cell for transporting particles in a core stream of a flow stream from a proximal end to a distal end, and a sample injection needle having a passage running therethrough for delivering sample fluid from a sample injection line at a proximal end to the flow cell at a distal end to generate the core stream. Flow cells of interest include a flow cell cone at the proximal end, and sample injection needles of interest are configured and positioned to maintain an intact core stream under flow conditions that vary by a magnitude or more. Methods of assembling the subject flow cytometers and methods of analyzing a sample using the subject flow cytometers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Kyle Dembski, Pierce O. Norton
  • Patent number: 11874213
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for adjusting sensitivity of a photodiode in a light detection system. Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting light with a light detection system having a photodiode and an amplifier, determining responsivity of the photodiode over a plurality of wavelengths of light and adjusting one or more parameters of the amplifier in response to the responsivity of the photodiode over the plurality of wavelengths of light. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a light detection system that includes a photodiode and an amplifier for practicing the subject methods are also described. Non-transitory computer readable storage medium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy W. Petersen, Pierce O. Norton, Henry Lankila, Eric D. Diebold
  • Publication number: 20230408397
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining absolute count of particles in a sample in a flow cytometer. Methods according to certain embodiments include introducing a bubble into a flow stream propagating a sample having particles, irradiating the flow stream with a light source, detecting light from the irradiated particles with a photodetector, detecting the presence of the bubble in the flow stream with the photodetector and determining the absolute count of the particles in the sample based on data signals generated in response to light detected from the irradiated particles, a data signal generated when the bubble is introduced into the flow stream and data signals generated in response to the detected bubble. Systems (e.g., flow cytometers) having a light source, a light detection system and a sample line that is configured to introduce a bubble into a flow stream for practicing the subject methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Publication number: 20230266228
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating flow cytometer data for the presence of a coincident event are provided. Methods of interest include receiving flow cytometer data associated with a first particle, where the received flow cytometer data is obtained from a detector following the irradiation of the first particle and a second particle in a flow stream by first and second light sources, respectively. Methods also include receiving first and second trigger signals associated with the first and second particles, respectively. In addition, the subject methods include generating a time interval for the first and second particles based on a difference between the first and second trigger signals, and evaluating the flow cytometer data for the presence of a coincident event based on the generated time interval by determining if the first and second particles are irradiated by the first and second light sources simultaneously. Systems and computer-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Patent number: 11709125
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for irradiating particles in a flow stream. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having a first laser configured for continuous irradiation of a flow stream and a second laser configured for irradiation of the flow stream in discrete intervals where each discrete interval of irradiation by the second laser is triggered by irradiation of a particle in the flow stream with the first laser. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the subject light sources are also described. Computer readable storage medium for practicing the subject methods are provided. Kits having one or more lasers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, Geoffrey Osborne
  • Publication number: 20230175950
    Abstract: Systems having an unfiltered light scatter detector configured to detect scattered light from a sample in a flow stream are provided. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having two or more lasers, a light detection system having an unfiltered light scatter detector and a processor having memory operably coupled to the processor where the memory includes instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate one or more data signals in response to scattered light from each of the two or more lasers detected by the unfiltered light scatter detector; and determine one or more parameters of data acquisition based on the generated data signals from the unfiltered light scatter detector. Methods for determining one or more parameters for data acquisition with the subject systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Patent number: 11656168
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a drop delay of a flow stream in a flow cytometer are provided. Aspects of the methods according to certain embodiments include capturing an image of the flow stream to obtain an imaged flow stream, identifying a disturbance at a break off point in the imaged flow stream and calculating the drop delay of the flow stream based on the identified disturbance. Systems for practicing the subject methods having an imaging sensor for capturing one or more images of the flow stream and a processor configured to identify a disturbance at a break off in the imaged flow stream and calculating the drop delay using the imaged flow stream are also provided. Non-transitory computer readable storage mediums are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Patent number: 11609177
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a particle sorting module for sorting components of a sample, such as cells in a biological sample. Particle sorting modules according to certain embodiments include an enclosed housing having an aligner for coupling the housing with a particle sorting system, a flow cell nozzle positioned at the proximal end of the housing, a sample interrogation region in fluid communication with the orifice of the flow cell nozzle and a droplet deflector. A particle sorting system and methods for separating components of a sample as well as kits, including one or more particle sorting module, suitable for coupling with a particle sorting system and for practicing the subject methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Patent number: 11592386
    Abstract: Systems having an unfiltered light scatter detector configured to detect scattered light from a sample in a flow stream are provided. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having two or more lasers, a light detection system having an unfiltered light scatter detector and a processor having memory operably coupled to the processor where the memory includes instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate one or more data signals in response to scattered light from each of the two or more lasers detected by the unfiltered light scatter detector; and determine one or more parameters of data acquisition based on the generated data signals from the unfiltered light scatter detector. Methods for determining one or more parameters for data acquisition with the subject systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Publication number: 20210293690
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for adjusting sensitivity of a photodiode in a light detection system. Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting light with a light detection system having a photodiode and an amplifier, determining responsivity of the photodiode over a plurality of wavelengths of light and adjusting one or more parameters of the amplifier in response to the responsivity of the photodiode over the plurality of wavelengths of light. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a light detection system that includes a photodiode and an amplifier for practicing the subject methods are also described. Non-transitory computer readable storage medium are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy W. Petersen, Pierce O. Norton, Henry Lankila, Eric D. Diebold
  • Publication number: 20210262914
    Abstract: Systems having an unfiltered light scatter detector configured to detect scattered light from a sample in a flow stream are provided. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having two or more lasers, a light detection system having an unfiltered light scatter detector and a processor having memory operably coupled to the processor where the memory includes instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate one or more data signals in response to scattered light from each of the two or more lasers detected by the unfiltered light scatter detector; and determine one or more parameters of data acquisition based on the generated data signals from the unfiltered light scatter detector. Methods for determining one or more parameters for data acquisition with the subject systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Publication number: 20210255089
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for irradiating particles in a flow stream. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having a first laser configured for continuous irradiation of a flow stream and a second laser configured for irradiation of the flow stream in discrete intervals where each discrete interval of irradiation by the second laser is triggered by irradiation of a particle in the flow stream with the first laser. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the subject light sources are also described. Computer readable storage medium for practicing the subject methods are provided. Kits having one or more lasers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, Geoffrey Osborne
  • Patent number: 11060894
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, Vladimir Azersky
  • Publication number: 20200326271
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a drop delay of a flow stream in a flow cytometer are provided. Aspects of the methods according to certain embodiments include capturing an image of the flow stream to obtain an imaged flow stream, identifying a disturbance at a break off point in the imaged flow stream and calculating the drop delay of the flow stream based on the identified disturbance. Systems for practicing the subject methods having an imaging sensor for capturing one or more images of the flow stream and a processor configured to identify a disturbance at a break off in the imaged flow stream and calculating the drop delay using the imaged flow stream are also provided. Non-transitory computer readable storage mediums are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Patent number: 10732094
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a drop delay of a flow stream in a flow cytometer are provided. Aspects of the methods according to certain embodiments include capturing an image of the flow stream to obtain an imaged flow stream, identifying a disturbance at a break off point in the imaged flow stream and calculating the drop delay of the flow stream based on the identified disturbance. Systems for practicing the subject methods having an imaging sensor for capturing one or more images of the flow stream and a processor configured to identify a disturbance at a break off in the imaged flow stream and calculating the drop delay using the imaged flow stream are also provided. Non-transitory computer readable storage mediums are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Pierce O. Norton
  • Publication number: 20200158545
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, Vladimir Azersky
  • Patent number: 10578469
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, Vladimir Azersky
  • Patent number: D882817
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Pierce O. Norton, Dennis F. Rey, Jeannine K. Funderburk