Patents Assigned to Caliper Technologies
  • Ultra high throughput sampling and analysis systems and methods
    Patent number: 6620625
    Abstract: Ultra-high throughput systems and methods are used for sampling large numbers of different materials from surfaces of substantially planar library storage components. The systems and methods typically employ: microfluidic devices having integrated capillary elements for carrying out the analysis of the sampled materials; library storage components, e.g., planar solid substrates, capable of retaining thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of different materials in small areas; sensing systems for allowing rapid and accurate sampling of the materials by the microfluidic devices, and associated instrumentation for control and analysis of the overall operation of these systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wolk, Sherri Ann Biondi, J. Wallace Parce, Morten J. Jensen, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
  • Systems for monitoring and controlling fluid flow rates in microfluidic systems
    Patent number: 6616823
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for monitoring and controlling electroosmotic flow rates in microfluidic systems. Generally, such methods and systems monitor flow rates in electroosmotically driven microfluidic systems by flowing signaling elements within these channels and measuring the flow rate of these signals. The methods of monitoring flow rates are also applied to methods and systems for continuously monitoring and controlling these flow rates in electroosmotically driven microfluidic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Anne R. Kopf-Sill
  • Apparatus and methods for correcting for variable velocity in microfluidic systems
    Publication number: 20030165960
    Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Claudia B. Cohen, Steven A. Sundberg, John Wallace Parce
  • Sequencing by incorporation
    Patent number: 6613513
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Theo T. Nikiforov, Tammy Burd Mehta, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Michael R. Knapp
  • Apparatus and method for correcting for variable velocity in microfluidic systems
    Patent number: 6613512
    Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Claudia B. Jaffe, Steven A. Sunberg, John Wallace Parce
  • Microfluidic analytic detection assays, devices, and integrated systems
    Patent number: 6613581
    Abstract: Methods of detecting a component of interest, such as a protein, in a microfluidic system are provided. The methods include the use of a component-binding moiety specific to the component of interest, such as an antibody, to detect the component of interest. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing such assays, including devices utilizing flowable or fixed particle sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: H. Garrett Wada, Matthew B. Murphy
  • Microfluidic systems and methods for determining modulator kinetics
    Patent number: 6613580
    Abstract: Methods, systems, kits, and apparatus for calculating kinetic and concentration information in microscale systems are provided. Dwell times for access by a microfluidic system are varied and the resulting modulation of signal profile information used to provide a first order estimation of an activity of a potential activity modulator accessed by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Andrea W. Chow, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, J. Wallace Parce
  • Software for the display of chromatographic separation data
    Patent number: 6611768
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Steven J. Gallagher
  • Methods of fabricating polymeric structures incorporating microscale fluidic elements
    Publication number: 20030150555
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Khushroo Gandhi, Robert S. Dubrow, Luc J. Bousse
  • Closed-loop biochemical analyzers
    Publication number: 20030148922
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Knapp, John Wallace Parce, Luc J. Bousse, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
  • Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for performing integrated reactions and separations
    Publication number: 20030138359
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices for performing integrated reaction and separation operations. The devices comprise a planar substrate having a first surface with an integrated channel network disposed therein. The reaction region in the integrated microscale channel network has a mixture of at least first and second reactants located therein, wherein the mixture interacts to produce one or more products. The reaction region is configured to maintain contact between the first and second reactants contained within it. The device also includes a separation region in the integrated channel network, where the separation region is configured to separate the first reactant from the product, when the first reactant and product are flowing through the separation region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Andrea W. Chow, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, J. Wallace Parce, Steven A. Sundberg
  • High throughput screening assay systems in microscale fluidic devices
    Publication number: 20030134431
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Luc J. Bousse
  • Focusing of microparticles in microfluidic systems
    Patent number: 6592821
    Abstract: Methods and systems for particle focusing to increase assay throughput and sensitivity in microscale systems are provided. The invention includes methods for providing substantially uniform flow velocity to flowing particles in microfluidic devices. Methods of sorting members of particle populations, such as cells and various subcellular components are also provided. Integrated systems in which particles are focused and/or sorted are additionally included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: H. Garrett Wada, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Marja Liisa Alajoki, J. Wallace Parce, Benjamin N. Wang, Andrea W. Chow, Robert S. Dubrow, Yevgeny Yurkovetsky, Javier Anibal Farinas
  • Methods and systems for alignment of detection optics
    Publication number: 20030127610
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for aligning detection optics with a device by obtaining an optical profile of the system and comparing it with a preprogrammed layout of the various optical features of the device. The invention also provides methods of identifying devices by comparing the optical profile with a library of preprogrammed optical profiles of multiple devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Steven J. Gallagher
  • Rapid detection of species bands in a separation conduit
    Patent number: 6590653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic system for fast, accurate and low cost electrophoretic analysis of materials in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology and numerous other fields. Light from periodically spaced regions along a channel in the microfluidic system are received by a photodetector. The intensity of light received by the photodetector is modulated by the movement of species bands through the channel under electrophoretic forces. By Fourier analysis, the velocity of each species band is determined and the identification of the species is made by its electrophoretic mobility in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: J. Wallace Parce
  • Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring time dependent reactions
    Patent number: 6589729
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring time dependent reactions that comprise providing a flow channel, typically microscale in dimension, flowing at least two reagents into the flow channel and varying the flow rate of the mixture through the flow channel. By increasing and/or decreasing the flow rate of the reagent mixture from the point of mixing to the point of detection, one alters the amount of reaction time, allowing monitoring reaction kinetics over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel D. H. Chan, Ring-Ling Chien, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang
  • Open-field serial to parallel converter
    Publication number: 20030124736
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Andreas Manz, Luc J. Bousse
  • Controller/detector interfaces for microfluidic systems
    Patent number: 6582576
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, structures and systems for interfacing microfluidic devices with ancillary systems that are used in conjunction with such devices. These systems typically include control and monitoring systems for controlling the performance of the processes carried out within the device, e.g., controlling internal fluid transport and direction, monitoring and controlling environmental conditions and monitoring results of the processes performed, e.g., detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Calvin Y. H. Chow, John Wallace Parce, Richard J. McReynolds, Colin B. Kennedy, Luc J. Bousse
  • Microfluidic sequencing systems
    Publication number: 20030104466
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knapp, John Wallace Parce, Luc J. Bousse, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
  • Ultra high throughput microfluidic analytical systems and methods
    Publication number: 20030103207
    Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Andrea W. Chow, Peter C. Jann, Morten J. Jensen, Michael Spaid, Colin B. Kennedy, Michael J. Kennedy