Patents Represented by Attorney Donald R. McKenna
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Patent number: 7426442Abstract: Techniques for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that is a series of measurements for a sample at a scanning location over time can be displayed on a display device in a series of bands. Additionally, the series of bands for multiple samples can be aligned on the display device.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Caliper Technologies, Corp.Inventor: Steven J. Gallagher
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Patent number: 7285411Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: John Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Luc J. Bousse
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Patent number: 7238323Abstract: Integrated systems, apparatus, software, and methods for performing biochemical analysis, including DNA sequencing, genomic screening, purification of nucleic acids and other biological components and drug screening are provided. Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using these devices and systems for performing a wide variety of fluid operations are provided. The devices and systems of are used in performing fluid operations which require a large number of iterative, successive or parallel fluid manipulations, in a microscale, or sealed and readily automated format.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Michael Knapp, John Wallace Parce, Luc J. Bousse, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
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Patent number: 7233865Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
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Patent number: 7208320Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems for affecting the serial to parallel conversion of materials introduced into the device or system. Material or materials to be converted from a serial orientation, e.g., a single channel, into a parallel orientation, e.g., multiple channels, are introduced into an open chamber or field in which containing flows of materials maintain the cohesiveness of the sample material plugs serially introduced into the open chamber. The sample material or materials are then redirected in the chamber toward and into a plurality of parallel channels that also communicate with the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Andreas Manz, Luc J. Bousse
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Patent number: 7195986Abstract: A method to achieve controlled conductivity in microfluidic devices, and a device formed thereby. The method comprises forming a microchannel or a well in an insulating material, and ion implanting at least one region of the insulating material at or adjacent the microchannel or well to increase conductivity of the region.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Luc J. Bousse, Seth R. Stern, Richard J. McReynolds
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Patent number: 7192559Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Andrea W. Chow, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, J. Wallace Parce, Robert S. Dubrow
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Patent number: 7171983Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Andrea W. Chow, Anne Kopf-Sill
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Patent number: 7169277Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for use in separating sample materials into different fractions that employ bulk fluid flow for loading of samples followed by electrophoretic separation of the sample material. Devices employ configurations that optionally allow bulk sample loading with some or no displacement of a separation matrix within a separation conduit. Methods of using these devices, and systems that incorporate these devices are also envisioned.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Walter Ausserer, Luc J. Bousse, Robert S. Dubrow, Steven A. Sundberg, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang
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Patent number: 7161356Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices for testing/verifying the configuration of one or more microfluidic elements in a microfluidic device. In particular the methods and devices of the invention are useful in testing for blockages or the presence of air bubbles in microfluidic elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
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Patent number: 7160423Abstract: Methods and systems that employ hybrid fluid flow profiles for optimized movement of materials through channel networks. These systems employ hybrid pressure-based and electrokinetic based flow systems for moving materials through interconnected channel networks while maintaining interconnection among the various channel segments. In particular, the invention is generally directed to channel networks where flow in a first channel segment is driven by pressure flow with its consequent parabolic flow profile, while flow in an interconnected channel segment is dominated by electrokinetic flow with its consequent plug flow profile. The invention also provides channel networks wherein fluid flow in channel segments is driven by both pressure and electric field and the multiple species contained in a fluid plug are separated by altering the applied pressure and electric fields in the various channel segments of the channel networks.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Michael Spaid
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Patent number: 7156969Abstract: Multiphasic microfluidic apparatus for performing product fluid manipulation and separation in a single continuous unit are provided. Related methods, kits, and compositions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Tammy Burd Mehta, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
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Patent number: 7155344Abstract: Techniques for controlling analytical instruments are provided. A sequence of steps can be utilized to specify wells of a microfluidic device, mobility to be applied to fluid in the wells, and the duration to apply the mobility. For example, fluids can be sequentially run past down a main channel to a detection zone of the microfluidic device in order to analyze the fluids. In order to increase the efficiency of the analysis, fluids can be processed in parallel by running one fluid down the main channel while another fluid is loaded to the main channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Morten J. Jensen
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Patent number: 7153673Abstract: In a method for performing a hot start polymerase chain reaction, a reaction mixture including a primer, a template molecule, and a buffer—but no polymerase enzyme—is loaded in a reaction channel of a microfluidic device. An electrical current is applied to heat the reaction channel. A polymerase enzyme is delivered into the reaction channel, and the reaction channel is subjected to conditions such that the hot start polymerase chain reaction is performed. In a method for performing a temperature mediated reaction, a first component of the temperature mediated reaction is loaded in a reaction channel of a microfluidic device. An electrical current is applied to heat the reaction channel. A second component of the temperature mediated reaction is delivered into the reaction channel, and the reaction channel is subjected to conditions such that the temperature mediated reaction is performed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Seth R. Stern
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Patent number: 7150999Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices for filling at least one microfluidic channel with a gas or with a degassed fluid. In particular the methods and devices of the invention are useful in completely filling substantially all areas of a microfluidic device with a gas or with a degassed fluid without incorporating bubbles within such microfluidic devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Califer Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Shuck
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Patent number: 7150814Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing adsorption in microscale devices are provided. In the methods and apparatus, an electrical current such as an alternating current is applied to materials under pressure-induced flow. Integrated systems for simultaneous control of current and pressure in a channel are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Callper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Andrea W. Chow
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Patent number: 7150966Abstract: Methods, systems, kits for carrying out a wide variety of different assays that comprise providing a first reagent mixture which comprises a first reagent having a fluorescent label. A second reagent is introduced into the first reagent mixture to produce a second reagent mixture, where the second reagent reacts with the first reagent to produce a fluorescently labeled product having a substantially different charge than the first reagent. A polyion is introduced into at least one of the first and second reagent mixtures, and the fluorescent polarization in the second reagent mixture relative to the first reagent mixture is determined, this fluorescent polarization being indicative of the rate or extent of the reaction.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Theo T. Nikiforov
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Patent number: 7138032Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved methods of fabricating polymeric microfluidic devices that incorporate microscale fluidic structures, whereby the fabrication process does not substantially distort or deform such structures. The methods of the invention generally provide enhanced bonding processes for mating and bonding substrate layers to define the microscale channel networks therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Khushroo Gandhi, Robert S. Dubrow, Luc J. Bousse
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Patent number: 7122659Abstract: Methods, systems, kits for carrying out a wide variety of different assays that comprise providing a first reagent mixture which comprises a first reagent having a fluorescent label. A second reagent is introduced into the first reagent mixture to produce a second reagent mixture, where the second reagent reacts with the first reagent to produce a fluorescently labeled product having a substantially different charge than the first reagent. A polyion is introduced into at least one of the first and second reagent mixtures, and the fluorescent polarization in the second reagent mixture relative to the first reagent mixture is determined, this fluorescent polarization being indicative of the rate or extent of the reaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Theo T. Nikiforov
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Patent number: 7105300Abstract: Nucleotides and nucleotide analogs are used in various sequencing by incorporation/sequencing by synthesis methods. Nucleotide analogs comprising 3?-blocking groups are used to provide reversible chain-termination for sequencing by synthesis. Typical blocking groups include phosphate groups and carbamate groups. Fluorescent nucleotides are used to perform sequencing by synthesis with detection by incorporation of the fluorescently labeled nucleotide, optionally followed by photobleaching and intercalating dyes are used to detect addition of a non-labeled nucleotide in sequencing by synthesis with detection by intercalation. Microfluidic devices, including particle arrays, are used in the sequencing methods.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Theo T. Nikiforov, Tammy Burd Mehta, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Michael R. Knapp