Patents by Inventor William Bedingham

William Bedingham 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).

  • Publication number: 20080314895
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Raj Rajagopal, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7445752
    Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Harms, William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
  • Patent number: 7435933
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole, Raj Rajagopal
  • Publication number: 20080152546
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20080149190
    Abstract: Processing devices that include one or more process arrays with thermal transfer structures that can be used alone or in conjunction with gravity/rotation to transport fluids within a microfluidic system. The thermal transport function can be accomplished by changing the temperature of one or more chambers to create a vacuum to draw fluids in selected directions within the process array. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may provide the ability to move fluids in a direction that is against the direction of gravity or any centrifugal forces generated by rotating a processing device using the thermal transfer structures. In other words, fluids may be moved against the direction of gravity or towards the axis of rotation using the thermally-activated vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Jeffrey C. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20080103297
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses a solid-phase extraction material that includes a hydrophilic solid support at least partially embedded within a hydrophobic matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Ranjani Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Vicky Morris, William Bedingham, Barry Robole
  • Patent number: 7347976
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses a solid-phase extraction material that includes a hydrophilic solid support at least partially embedded within a hydrophobic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Vicky L. Morris, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20080050276
    Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry Robole
  • Patent number: 7332129
    Abstract: Sample processing devices including process chambers having bypass slots and methods of using the same are disclosed. The bypass slots are formed in the sidewalls of the process chambers and are in fluid communication with distribution channels used to deliver fluid sample materials to the process chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Barry W. Robole, William Bedingham
  • Patent number: 7323660
    Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7322254
    Abstract: Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20070160504
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses an anion exchange material that has associated therewith a polyoxyalkylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Ranjani Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Erin Olson, Frank Beissel, William Bedingham, Barry Robole
  • Patent number: 7238269
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate having first and second major surfaces and a hub that defines an axis of rotation for the substrate, and an unvented channel having a plurality of connected compartments. Methods for using devices of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Samuel J. Gason, William Bedingham, Bathsheba E. Chong Conklin, Patrick L. Coleman, Peter D. Ludowise, Isidro Angelo E. Zarraga
  • Publication number: 20070148687
    Abstract: Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry Robole, Ranjani Parthasarathy, Katya Ericson
  • Publication number: 20070114229
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Raj Rajagopal, Barry Robole, Kannan Seshadri
  • Patent number: 7192560
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses an anion exchange material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Erin E. Olson, Frank J. Beissel, IV, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7164107
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20070010007
    Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include a cover and compression structure designed to force a sample processing device towards the base plate. The preferred result is that the sample processing device is forced into contact with a thermal structure on the base plate. The systems and methods of the present invention may include one or more of the following features to enhance thermal coupling between the thermal structure and the sample processing device: a shaped transfer surface, magnetic compression structure, and floating or resiliently mounted thermal structure. The methods may preferably involve deformation of a portion of a sample processing device to conform to a shaped transfer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: James Aysta, William Bedingham, Barry Robole
  • Publication number: 20070007270
    Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry Robole
  • Patent number: D564667
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole