Patents Assigned to Vala Science, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10928308
    Abstract: Video recordings from two or more optical channels are produced, processed, and analyzed simultaneously in order to provide quantitative analysis of action potentials, calcium transients and ionic flux in excitable cells loaded with voltage or ion sensitive dyes with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths. The specific wavelengths of fluorescent light emitted from each dye are separated and recorded. The recordings are mutually registered and cytometric analysis is performed to provide a quantitative analysis of the action potentials, calcium transient, and/or ionic flux on a cell-by-cell and well-by-well basis in microtiter plates. The cells are then fixed, labeled for other biomarkers, and scanned again. The resulting fixed cell images are registered with the live cell recordings and analyzed; missing cells that were washed off are detected relative to the live recordings, and cytometry data from live and fixed cell scans is collated cell-by-cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
  • Publication number: 20190353586
    Abstract: Video recordings from two or more optical channels are produced, processed, and analyzed simultaneously in order to provide quantitative analysis of action potentials, calcium transients and ionic flux in excitable cells loaded with voltage or ion sensitive dyes with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths. The specific wavelengths of fluorescent light emitted from each dye are separated and recorded. The recordings are mutually registered and cytometric analysis is performed to provide a quantitative analysis of the action potentials, calcium transient, and/or ionic flux on a cell-by-cell and well-by-well basis in microtiter plates. The cells are then fixed, labeled for other biomarkers, and scanned again. The resulting fixed cell images are registered with the live cell recordings and analyzed; missing cells that were washed off are detected relative to the live recordings, and cytometry data from live and fixed cell scans is collated cell-by-cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 10359357
    Abstract: Video recordings from two or more optical channels are produced, processed, and analyzed simultaneously in order to provide quantitative analysis of action potentials, calcium transients and ionic flux in excitable cells loaded with voltage or ion sensitive dyes with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths. The specific wavelengths of fluorescent light emitted from each dye are separated and recorded. The recordings are mutually registered and cytometric analysis is performed to provide a quantitative analysis of the action potentials, calcium transient, and/or ionic flux on a cell-by-cell and well-by-well basis in microtiter plates. The cells are then fixed, labeled for other biomarkers, and scanned again. The resulting fixed cell images are registered with the live cell recordings and analyzed; missing cells that were washed off are detected relative to the live recordings, and cytometry data from live and fixed cell scans is collated cell-by-cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
  • Publication number: 20180307005
    Abstract: Multifunction autofocus for automated microscopy includes automatic coarse focusing of an automated microscope by reflective positioning, followed by automatic image-based autofocusing of the automated microscope performed in reference to a coarse focus position. In some aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics for multi-planar image acquisition along a Z axis direction of a microscope. In some other aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics in combination with chromatic aberration for multi-planar image acquisition along the Z axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicants: Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Price, Derek N. Fuller, Albert L. Kellner, Behrad Azimi
  • Publication number: 20180299371
    Abstract: Video recordings from two or more optical channels are produced, processed, and analyzed simultaneously in order to provide quantitative analysis of action potentials, calcium transients and ionic flux in excitable cells loaded with voltage or ion sensitive dyes with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths. The specific wavelengths of fluorescent light emitted from each dye are separated and recorded. The recordings are mutually registered and cytometric analysis is performed to provide a quantitative analysis of the action potentials, calcium transient, and/or ionic flux on a cell-by-cell and well-by-well basis in microtiter plates. The cells are then fixed, labeled for other biomarkers, and scanned again. The resulting fixed cell images are registered with the live cell recordings and analyzed; missing cells that were washed off are detected relative to the live recordings, and cytometry data from live and fixed cell scans is collated cell-by-cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 10001622
    Abstract: Multifunction autofocus for automated microscopy includes automatic coarse focusing of an automated microscope by reflective positioning, followed by automatic image-based autofocusing of the automated microscope performed in reference to a coarse focus position. In some aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics for multi-planar image acquisition along a Z axis direction of a microscope. In some other aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics in combination with chromatic aberration for multi-planar image acquisition along the Z axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignees: Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Price, Derek N. Fuller, Albert L. Kellner, Behrad Azimi
  • Publication number: 20180100856
    Abstract: An analytical reference for digital histochemistry is constituted of an on-slide standard used to calibrate biomarker expression in biopsy material and tissue sections. The standard consists of one or more calibration standards, which are derived from cell lines that express biomarkers, and are arranged into a calibration array. Expression of the desired biomarkers is validated by Western blotting, flow cytometry, or other methods. The calibration array is applied to a microscopy slide in such a manner that test samples from biopsies or tissue sections, or other cellular material, can also be mounted on the same slide, adjacent to the calibration array. Data obtained from the calibration array can be used to quantify expression of biomarkers in the biopsy, material, tissue sections, tissue microarrays, and cellular material, via digital histochemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Claire R. Weston
  • Patent number: 9939372
    Abstract: Video recordings from two or more optical channels are produced, processed, and analyzed simultaneously in order to provide quantitative analysis of action potentials, calcium transients and ionic flux in excitable cells loaded with voltage or ion sensitive dyes with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths, The specific wavelengths of fluorescent light emitted from each dye are separated and recorded. The recordings are mutually registered and cytometric analysis is performed to provide a quantitative analysis of the action potentials calcium transient, and/or ionic flux on a cell-by-cell and well-by-well basis in microtiter plates. The cells are then fixed, labeled for other biomarkers, and scanned again. The resulting fixed cell images are registered with the live cell recordings and analyzed; missing cells that were washed off are detected relative to the live recordings, and cytometry data from live and fixed cell scans is collated cell-by-cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Vala Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
  • Publication number: 20170315341
    Abstract: Continuous-scanning image acquisition in an automated microscopy system uses an image reflected off of an object that supports a specimen being imaged to automatically focus the microscopy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek N. Fuller, Behrad Azimi, Gregory G. Gemmen
  • Publication number: 20150330892
    Abstract: Video recordings from two or more optical channels are produced, processed, and analyzed simultaneously in order to provide quantitative analysis of action potentials, calcium transients and ionic flux in excitable cells loaded with voltage or ion sensitive dyes with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths, The specific wavelengths of fluorescent light emitted from each dye are separated and recorded. The recordings are mutually registered and cytometric analysis is performed to provide a quantitative analysis of the action potentials calcium transient, and/or ionic flux on a cell-by-cell and well-by-well basis in microtiter plates. The cells are then fixed, labeled for other biomarkers, and scanned again. The resulting fixed cell images are registered with the live cell recordings and analyzed; missing cells that were washed off are detected relative to the live recordings, and cytometry data from live and fixed cell scans is collated cell-by-cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: VALA SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonwough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross L. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 8861810
    Abstract: Automated image screening operations of pipelined image processing systems and methods are controlled with a graphical user interface enabling user control of screening analysis process setup and execution and user viewing of results. A gating interface is provided to include and/or exclude cells in an aggregation of individual cell data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall S. Ingermanson, Jeffrey M. Hilton, Casey A. Laris
  • Publication number: 20140168402
    Abstract: Continuous-scanning image acquisition in an automated microscopy system uses an image reflected off of an object that supports a specimen being imaged to automatically focus the microscopy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek N. Fuller, Behrad Azimi, Gregory J. Gemmen
  • Publication number: 20130338014
    Abstract: An analytical reference for digital histochemistry is constituted of an on-slide standard used to calibrate biomarker expression in biopsy material and tissue sections. The standard consists of one or more calibration standards, which are derived from cell lines that express biomarkers, and are arranged into a calibration array. Expression of the desired biomarkers is validated by Western blotting, flow cytometry, or other methods. The calibration array is applied to a microscopy slide in such a manner that test samples from biopsies or tissue sections, or other cellular material, can also be mounted on the same slide, adjacent to the calibration array. Data obtained from the calibration array can be used to quantify expression of biomarkers in the biopsy material, tissue sections, tissue microarrays, and cellular material, via digital histochemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Vala Sciences, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130338016
    Abstract: A method of tissue analysis integrates a pathology diagnostic step (subjective human inspection of a stained tissue section or image of it) with one or more gene/biomarker tests to enable perform of both procedures side-by-side on the same instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Vala Sciences, Inc
  • Publication number: 20130016891
    Abstract: A user interface method and system for controlling automated image processing operations of HCS and/or HTS systems includes a graphical interface to enable user designation of an image naming convention, image sources and destinations, image processing channels, processing parameter values, and processing spatial designations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc
    Inventors: Randall S. Ingermanson, Jeffrey M. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20130004053
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a programmed device for measurement of translocational activity among cellular compartments process magnified images of cellular material exposed to an agent by segmenting and compartmentalizing the images and then measuring fractional localized intensity of two or more compartments in the segmented, compartmentalized image. The measured fractional localized intensities are compared to determine translocation of cellular material among the measured components caused by the agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Hunter, Randall Scott Ingermanson, William Scott Callaway
  • Patent number: 8116982
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a programmed device for measurement of translocational activity among cellular compartments process magnified images of cellular material exposed to an agent by segmenting and compartmentalizing the images and then measuring fractional localized intensity of two or more components in the segmented, compartmentalized image. The measured fractional localized intensities are compared to determine translocation of cellular material among the measured components caused by the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Hunter, Randall Scott Ingermanson, William Scott Callaway
  • Patent number: 8107711
    Abstract: A user interface method and system for controlling automated image processing operations of HCS and/or HTS systems includes a graphical interface to enable user designation of an image naming convention, image sources and destinations, image processing channels, processing parameter values, and processing spatial designations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall S. Ingermanson, Jeffrey M. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20110274337
    Abstract: A system, method and kit for processing an original image of biological material to identify certain components of a biological object by locating the biological object in the image, enhancing the image by sharpening components of interest in the object, and applying a contour-finding function to the enhanced image to create a contour mask. The contour mask may be processed to yield a segmented image divided by structural units of the biological material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Hunter, Patrick M. Donough, Ivana Mikic, Jeffrey H. Price
  • Patent number: 7933435
    Abstract: A system, method and kit for processing an original image of biological material to identify certain components of a biological object by locating the biological object in the image, enhancing the image by sharpening components of interest in the object, and applying a contour-finding function to the enhanced image to create a contour mask. The contour mask may be processed to yield a segmented image divided by structural units of the biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: VALA Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Hunter, Patrick M. Mc Donough, Ivana Mikic, Jeffrey H. Price