Patents by Inventor Stephen D. O'Connor
Stephen D. O'Connor 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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Patent number: 6935772Abstract: Microfluidic devices capable of efficiently mixing two or more fluid are provided. Two or more microfluidic inlet channels defined in different sheets of material meet at an overlap region in fluid communication with an outlet channel. The channels are defined through the entire thickness of stencil sheets. The overlap region may include an aperture-defining spacer layer, and/or an impedance element, such as a porous membrane, adapted to distribute at least one fluid across the entire width of the outlet channel to promote reliable fluid mixing.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Paren P. Patel
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Patent number: 6919046Abstract: Modular microfluidic systems includes a plurality of microfluidic modules, each capable of performing fluidic operations including, but not limited to, filtering, splitting, regulating pressure, mixing, metering, reacting, diverting, heating, cooling, and condensing are provided. The microfluidic modules are polymeric, stencil-based structures adapted to be coupled in sequence for performing biological or chemical synthesis, including, but not limited to, chemical and biological syntheses of organic, polymer, inorganic, oligonucleotide, peptide, protein, bacteria, and enzymatic products.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp, Marci Pezzuto, Courtney Coyne, Steven E. Hobbs, Eugene Dantsker
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Patent number: 6880576Abstract: Microfluidic devices with multiple fluid process regions for subjecting similar samples to different process conditions in parallel are provided. One or more common fluid inputs may be provided to minimize the number of external fluid supply components. Solid materials such as chromatographic separation media or catalyst media is preferably provided in each fluid process region. Solid materials may be supplied to the devices in the form of slurry, with particles retained by porous elements or frits. Different fluid process regions may having different effective lengths, different solid material types or amounts, or may receive different ratios of common fluids supplied to the device. The flow resistances of dissimilar fluid process regions may be balanced passively with the addition of impedance elements in series with each fluid process region.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker
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Patent number: 6827095Abstract: A modular microfluidic system includes a plurality of discrete microfluidic modules each capable of performing at least one operation and at least one microfluidic coupling device for fluidically coupling the modules to perform a sequence of operations. The microfluidic modules and coupling devices may be constructed according to various techniques. In one embodiment, coupling devices are fabricated from multiple layers and each include a fluidic inlet port, a fluidic outlet port, and at least one sandwiched stencil layer having a microfluidic channel formed therein. Also described are integrated microfluidic systems and methods capable of performing various sequences of operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp, Eugene Dantsker, Marci Pezzuto
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Publication number: 20040238052Abstract: Microfluidic devices with multiple fluid process regions for subjecting similar samples to different process conditions in parallel are provided. One or more common fluid inputs may be provided to minimize the number of external fluid supply components. Solid materials such as chromatographic separation media or catalyst media is preferably provided in each fluid process region. Solid materials may be supplied to the devices in the form of slurry, with particles retained by porous elements or frits. Different fluid process regions may having different effective lengths, different solid material types or amounts, or may receive different ratios of common fluids supplied to the device. The flow resistances of dissimilar fluid process regions may be balanced passively with the addition of impedance elements in series with each fluid process region.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker
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Publication number: 20040226884Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preparing samples for chromatographic separations and then chromatographically separating the prepared samples, preferably in a high-throughput fashion utilizing multiple parallel first (fluid) processing regions in fluid communication with multiple parallel second (fluid) processing regions wherein the each second processing region includes a chromatography column. One or more common fluid supplies may be utilized in each of the sample preparation and separation steps to minimize the number of requisite fluid connections and external components such as pumps, reservoirs, pulse dampers, flow controllers, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Christoph D. Karp, Mike S. Lee, Surekha Vajjhala
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Patent number: 6814938Abstract: Non-planar microfluidic devices and methods for transferring fluids between vessels and microfluidic devices are provided. The devices may be contoured to physically contact non-planar vessels, such as pipes, tubes, vials, or syringes to establish fluid communication between a vessel and a microfluidic device. Devices according to the invention may be constructed from flexible, rigid, or combinations of flexible and rigid materials. In certain embodiments, microfluidic devices are composed of sandwiched stencils, and self-adhesive tapes may be used for one or more layers. A microfluidic device may be removably attached to a vessel with a non-permanent adhesive or adhesive layer. Continuously wrapped microfluidic devices fashioned from a single layer, in addition to rewindable microfluidic devices constructed from multiple layers, are provided. A multi-plunger syringe permits a microfluidic device or other reservoir coupled to the vessel to be filled on the draw stroke of the syringe plunger.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Vincent K. Gustafson
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Publication number: 20040217279Abstract: Systems for analyzing multiple samples in parallel using mass spectrometric preferably coupled with fluid phase separation techniques are provided. A multi-analyzer mass spectrometer includes multiple inlets, multiple mass analyzers, and multiple transducers to conduct mass analyses of multiple samples in parallel. A modular mass analyzer may include a vacuum enclosure, a chassis, and multiple mass analysis modules disposed within the chassis. Modules are preferably disposed in a spatially compact two-dimensional array. A common multi-stage vacuum system may be utilized in conjunction with baffles or partitions disposed within and between modules to maintain differential vacuum conditions within the spectrometer utilizing a minimum number of pumps. Common control inputs may be provided to multiple modules or other components within a multi-analyzer spectrometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Hobbs, Stephen D. O'Connor, Ronald C. Gamble
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Publication number: 20040146909Abstract: The invention relates to the use of signal processing methods in order to acheive higher signal to noise ratios, to increase the detection limits of target analytes. These techniques include the monitoring of the output signal at higher harmonic frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Hau H. Duong, Stephen D. O'Connor, Robert H. Terbrueggen, Jon Faiz Kayyem, Gary T. Olsen, Daniel A. Litvack, Javier Gonzalez
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Patent number: 6761816Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods useful in the acceleration of binding of target analytes to capture ligands on surfaces. Detection proceeds through the use of an electron transfer moiety (ETM) that is associated with the target analyte, either directly or indirectly, to allow electronic detection of the ETM.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Clinical Micro Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gary Blackburn, Stephen E. Creager, Scott Fraser, Bruce D. Irvine, Thomas J. Meade, Stephen D. O'Connor, Robert H. Terbrueggen, Jost G. Vielmetter, Thomas W. Welch
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Patent number: 6755211Abstract: Microfluidic systems and devices having integrated fluidic impedances are provided. Such impedances hinder the passage of fluid at low differential pressures, but allow fluid flow at higher differential pressures. Impedances are formed at the overlap of two or more microfluidic channels contained in different layers of a device. Such devices can be rapidly prototyped and can be assembled to contain multiple fluidic impedances to perform complex fluid handling tasks, including the metering of small aliquots from a larger fluid volume. Various means may be used to overcome the fluidic impedances.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Marci Pezzuto
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Patent number: 6748978Abstract: Microfluidic devices having porous materials that restrict fluid flow rate for a given pressure are provided. Multiple porous regions can be constructed in a single device so that they have different valving capabilities or impedances, and in unison can control the overall direction of fluid flow. Porous regions can be constructed in various ways, such as, for example: by inserting porous materials into or between channels; by sandwiching one or more sheets or layers of porous materials between other layers of a device; or by inserting a liquid, solution, slurry, or suspension into a microfluidic channel and then permitting the formation of porous deposits by promoting at least partial evaporation. Adhesive tape may be used for one or more layers of such a microfluidic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Marci Pezzuto, Stephen D. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6740518Abstract: The invention relates to the use of signal processing methods in order to acheive higher signal to noise ratios, to increase the detection limits of target analytes. These techniques include the monitoring of the output signal at higher harmonic frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Hau H. Duong, Stephen D. O'Connor, Robert H. Terbrueggen, Jon Faiz Kayyem, Gary T. Olsen, Daniel A. Litvack, Javier Gonzalez
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Patent number: 6739576Abstract: A microfluidic flow control device includes a fluidic chamber, a first and a second microfluidic channel, at least one sealing surface between the first and the second channels, and a floating element disposed within the chamber. The floating element is capable of intermittently engaging the sealing surface, and movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel. The floating element may be moved by fluid pressure, gravity, or an applied force such as a magnetic field. Multiple flow control regions may be integrated into a flow control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Adrian Hightower
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Patent number: 6729352Abstract: A microfluidic reactor for performing chemical and biological synthesis reactions, including chemical and biological syntheses of organic, polymer, inorganic, oligonucleotide, peptide, protein, bacteria, and enzymatic products is provided. Two fluids are input into the device, mixed in a mixing region and provided to a long, composite reaction channel. Fluids flowing through the reaction channel may be diverted at a diversion region into a sample channel. Fluids in the sample channel may be mixed at a second region, with additional reagents.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp, Marci Pezzuto, Paren P. Patel, Steven E. Hobbs, Eugene Dantsker
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Patent number: 6676835Abstract: Microfluidic separators for separating multiphase fluids are described. Two or more microfluidic outlet channels within the device meet at an overlap region. The overlap region may be in fluid communication with an inlet channel. The inlet channel and each outlet channel are disposed within different layers of a three-dimensional device. Each channel is defined through the entire thickness of a stencil layer. A multiphase fluid flows through an inlet channel into an overlap region from where the separated phases can be withdrawn through the outlet channels.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp
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Publication number: 20030198130Abstract: Microfluidic devices capable of efficiently mixing two or more fluid are provided. Two or more microfluidic inlet channels defined in different sheets of material meet at an overlap region in fluid communication with an outlet channel. The channels are defined through the entire thickness of stencil sheets. The overlap region may include an aperture-defining spacer layer, and/or an impedance element, such as a porous membrane, adapted to distribute at least one fluid across the entire width of the outlet channel to promote reliable fluid mixing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Paren P. Patel
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Publication number: 20030196695Abstract: Various microfluidic flow control devices are provided. In one embodiment, a regulating device includes overlapping channel segments separated by a deformable membrane in fluid communication with one another. In another embodiment, a normally open microfluidic valve provides latching valve operation with at least one adhesive surface. A stencil-based microfluidic valve may be operated by deforming a membrane against a seating surface to prevent flow through an aperture. Configurable microfluidic devices permit flow control among an interconnected microfluidic channel network. Magnetic elements may be integrated into flexible membranes to provide magnetically actuated microfluidic flow control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2001Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp, Eugene Dantsker
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Patent number: 6619311Abstract: Microfluidic flow control devices are provided. In one embodiment, a regulating device includes overlapping channel segments separated by a deformable membrane in fluid communication with one another. Pressure differentials between the channel segments deform the membrane towards the channel with the lower pressure, thereby restricting flow.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp
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Publication number: 20030150723Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids covalently coupled to electrodes via conductive oligomers. More particularly, the invention is directed to the site-selective modification of nucleic acids with electron transfer moieties and electrodes to produce a new class of biomaterials, and to methods of making and using them.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Jon F. Kayyem, Stephen D. O'Connor, Michael Gozin, Changjun Yu