Patents by Inventor Richard Superfine
Richard Superfine 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: 20230033473Abstract: A system, mixing-enhanced microfluidic container, and methods for small volume sample collection and/or analysis is disclosed. Namely, the invention is directed to a small volume sample collection system that includes a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container and a durable reusable actuation chuck. The mixing-enhanced microfluidic container is used to collect small volumes of sample fluid and includes a means for mixing the sample fluid with reagents disposed within the microfluidic container. The mixing means utilize an array of surface-attached structures (e.g., a micropost array). The application of an “actuation force,” such as a magnetic or electric field, actuates the surface-attached structures into movement, wherein the actuation chuck in close proximity to the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container provides the “actuation force.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Applicants: Redbud Labs, Inc., THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20220387993Abstract: Active surface devices for and methods of providing dried reagents in microfluidic applications is disclosed. In one example, the active surface devices include one or more dried reagent spots in relation to an active surface in the reaction (or assay) chamber thereof. In another example, the active surface devices include a dried reagent coating on the surfaces of the reaction (or assay) chamber including the active surface. In one example, the presently disclosed active surface devices are micropost-based active surface devices for providing active mixing therein. Further, a method of forming a dried reagent spot in the active surface devices is provided. Further, a method of forming a dried reagent coating in the active surface devices is provided. Further, a method of using the active surface devices for providing dried reagents in microfluidic applications is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2020Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicants: Redbud Labs, Inc., THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Patent number: 11465146Abstract: A system, mixing-enhanced microfluidic container, and methods for small volume sample collection and/or analysis is disclosed. Namely, the invention is directed to a small volume sample collection system that includes a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container and a durable reusable actuation chuck. The mixing-enhanced microfluidic container is used to collect small volumes of sample fluid and includes a means for mixing the sample fluid with reagents disposed within the microfluidic container. The mixing means utilize an array of surface-attached structures (e.g., a micropost array). The application of an “actuation force,” such as a magnetic or electric field, actuates the surface-attached structures into movement, wherein the actuation chuck in close proximity to the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container provides the “actuation force.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignees: Redbud Labs, Inc., The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20220080423Abstract: A cell processing system, fluidics cartridge, and methods for using actuated surface-attached posts for processing cells are disclosed. Particularly, the cell processing system includes a fluidics cartridge and a control instrument. The fluidics cartridge includes a cell processing chamber that has a micropost array therein, a sample reservoir and a wash reservoir that supply the cell processing chamber, and a waste reservoir and an eluent reservoir at the output of the cell processing chamber. A micropost actuation mechanism and a cell counting mechanism are provided in close proximity to the cell processing chamber. A method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, and recover cells. Another method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, count, and recover cells at a predetermined cell density.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicants: Redbud Labs, Inc., THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Patent number: 11179723Abstract: A cell processing system, fluidics cartridge, and methods for using actuated surface-attached posts for processing cells are disclosed. Particularly, the cell processing system includes a fluidics cartridge and a control instrument. The fluidics cartridge includes a cell processing chamber that has a micropost array therein, a sample reservoir and a wash reservoir that supply the cell processing chamber, and a waste reservoir and an eluent reservoir at the output of the cell processing chamber. A micropost actuation mechanism and a cell counting mechanism are provided in close proximity to the cell processing chamber. A method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, and recover cells. Another method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, count, and recover cells at a predetermined cell density.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignees: REDBUD LABS, INC., THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20210316303Abstract: A flow cell is provided that includes surface-attached structures in a chamber. The structures are movable in response to a magnetic or electric field. A target extraction or isolation system includes the flow cell and a driver configured for applying a magnetic or electric field to the interior of the flow cell to actuate movement of the structures. The flow cell may be utilized to extract or isolate a target from a sample flowing through the flow cell. Further, a microfluidic system is provided that includes surface-attached structures and a microarray, wherein actuated motion of the surface-attached structures is used to enhance flow, circulation, and/or mixing action for analyte capture on the microarray.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicants: Redbud Labs, Inc., THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20210220827Abstract: A flow cell is provided that includes surface-attached structures in a chamber. The structures are movable in response to an actuation force. The flow cell may be utilized to extract or isolate nucleic acids from a sample flowing through the flow cell, wherein some portion of the flow cell comprises nucleic acid adsorbent material (e.g. the outer surface of the surface-attached structures, an inside surface of the chamber of the flow cell, beads attached to the outer surface of the surface-attached structures, or beads integrated into the outer surface of the surface-attached structures). Further, systems and methods for extraction of nucleic acids using such flow cells are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicants: Redbud Labs, Inc., THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Patent number: 10919036Abstract: A flow cell is provided that includes surface-attached structures in a chamber. The structures are movable in response to a magnetic or electric field. A target extraction or isolation system includes the flow cell and a driver configured for applying a magnetic or electric field to the interior of the flow cell to actuate movement of the structures. The flow cell may be utilized to extract or isolate a target from a sample flowing through the flow cell. Further, a microfluidic system is provided that includes surface-attached structures and a microarray, wherein actuated motion of the surface-attached structures is used to enhance flow, circulation, and/or mixing action for analyte capture on the microarray.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignees: REDBUD LABS, INC., The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Patent number: 10900896Abstract: A flow cell is provided that includes surface-attached structures in a chamber. The structures are movable in response to a magnetic or electric field. A target extraction or isolation system includes the flow cell and a driver configured for applying a magnetic or electric field to the interior of the flow cell to actuate movement of the structures. The flow cell may be utilized to extract or isolate a target from a sample flowing through the flow cell. Further, a microfluidic system is provided that includes surface-attached structures and a microarray, wherein actuated motion of the surface-attached structures is used to enhance flow, circulation, and/or mixing action for analyte capture on the microarray.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: REDBUD LABS, INC.Inventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20200368747Abstract: A cell processing system, fluidics cartridge, and methods for using actuated surface-attached posts for processing cells are disclosed. Particularly, the cell processing system includes a fluidics cartridge and a control instrument. The fluidics cartridge includes a cell processing chamber that has a micropost array therein, a sample reservoir and a wash reservoir that supply the cell processing chamber, and a waste reservoir and an eluent reservoir at the output of the cell processing chamber. A micropost actuation mechanism and a cell counting mechanism are provided in close proximity to the cell processing chamber. A method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, and recover cells. Another method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, count, and recover cells at a predetermined cell density.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2018Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20200254456Abstract: A cell processing system, fluidics cartridge, and methods for using actuated surface-attached posts for processing cells are disclosed. Particularly, the cell processing system includes a fluidics cartridge and a control instrument. The fluidics cartridge includes a cell processing chamber that has a micropost array therein, a sample reservoir and a wash reservoir that supply the cell processing chamber, and a waste reservoir and an eluent reservoir at the output of the cell processing chamber. A micropost actuation mechanism and a cell counting mechanism are provided in close proximity to the cell processing chamber. A method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, and recover cells. Another method is provided of using the cell processing system to collect, wash, count, and recover cells at a predetermined cell density.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2018Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: Redbud Labs, Inc.Inventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20190307383Abstract: A system, mixing-enhanced microfluidic container, and methods for small volume sample collection and/or analysis is disclosed. Namely, the invention is directed to a small volume sample collection system that includes a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container and a durable reusable actuation chuck. The mixing-enhanced microfluidic container is used to collect small volumes of sample fluid and includes a means for mixing the sample fluid with reagents disposed within the microfluidic container. The mixing means utilize an array of surface-attached structures (e.g., a micropost array). The application of an “actuation force,” such as a magnetic or electric field, actuates the surface-attached structures into movement, wherein the actuation chuck in close proximity to the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container provides the “actuation force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20180266951Abstract: A flow cell is provided that includes surface-attached structures in a chamber. The structures are movable in response to a magnetic or electric field. A target extraction or isolation system includes the flow cell and a driver configured for applying a magnetic or electric field to the interior of the flow cell to actuate movement of the structures. The flow cell may be utilized to extract or isolate a target from a sample flowing through the flow cell. Further, a microfluidic system is provided that includes surface-attached structures and a microarray, wherein actuated motion of the surface-attached structures is used to enhance flow, circulation, and/or mixing action for analyte capture on the microarray.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2016Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Publication number: 20180229237Abstract: A flow cell is provided that includes surface-attached structures in a chamber. The structures are movable in response to a magnetic or electric field. A target extraction or isolation system includes the flow cell and a driver configured for applying a magnetic or electric field to the interior of the flow cell to actuate movement of the structures. The flow cell may be utilized to extract or isolate a target from a sample flowing through the flow cell. Further, a microfluidic system is provided that includes surface-attached structures and a microarray, wherein actuated motion of the surface-attached structures is used to enhance flow, circulation, and/or mixing action for analyte capture on the microarray.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Richard Chasen Spero, Jay Kenneth Fisher, Richard Superfine
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Patent number: 9952149Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining physical properties of a specimen in a portable point of care device are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes placing a specimen onto an active surface that includes a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array that compels at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes detecting light that is emitted by an illumination source and interacts with the active surface while the at least some microposts exhibit motion in response to the actuation force, measuring data that represents the detected light interacting with the active surface, and determining at least one physical property of the specimen based on the measured data.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Superfine, Bruce J. Oberhardt, Richard Chasen Spero, Michael Richard Falvo, Briana Lee Fiser, Russell Morton Taylor, II, Robert Michael Judith
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Patent number: 9612185Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Richard Superfine, Richard Chasen Spero, Adam Richard Shields, Benjamin Aaron Evans, Briana Lee Fiser
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Publication number: 20160209313Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Richard Superfine, Richard Chasen Spero, Adam Richard Shields, Benjamin Aaron Evans, Briana Lee Fiser
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Patent number: 9238869Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Richard Superfine, Richard Chasen Spero, Adam Richard Shields, Benjamin Aaron Evans, Briana Lee Fiser
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Publication number: 20150300953Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining physical properties of a specimen in a portable point of care device are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes placing a specimen onto an active surface that includes a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array that compels at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes detecting light that is emitted by an illumination source and interacts with the active surface while the at least some microposts exhibit motion in response to the actuation force, measuring data that represents the detected light interacting with the active surface, and determining at least one physical property of the specimen based on the measured data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: Richard Superfine, Bruce J. Oberhardt, Richard Chasen Spero, Michael Richard Falvo, Briana Lee Fiser, Russell Morton Taylor, II, Robert Michael Judith
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Publication number: 20140001146Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Richard Superfine, Richard Chasen Spero, Adam Richard Shields, Benjamin Aaron Evans, Briana Lee Fiser