Patents Represented by Attorney Frank A. Spear
  • Patent number: 8088285
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and separating magnetic particles in a liquid comprises a holder having a plurality of apertures configured as an array of rows and columns and a plurality of containers capable of receiving liquid containing magnetic particles, each container being sized to be placed in one of the apertures; plural magnets capable of being moved relative to the containers between a first position and a second position to change the position of the magnets and magnetic particles in the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the magnets between positions at a sufficiently high speed that the particles do not settle down due to gravitational forces during motion between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Iqbal Waheed Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 7632405
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Iqbal Waheed Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 7517457
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Iqbal Waheed Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 7476313
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Iqbal Waheed Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 7000958
    Abstract: An assist device for a door handle comprises an elongated bar which has one end pivoting about a pivot pin and another end receiving a pivot piece therein. The parts interact to produce a tight looking, attractive, easy-to-assemble, and sturdy device with no sharp projecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Gilbert Garza, Lisamarie Garza
  • Patent number: 6884357
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Iqbal Waheed Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 6500343
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Iqbal W. Siddiqi