Patents Assigned to VALA Sciences, Inc.
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Patent number: 10928308Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
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Publication number: 20190353586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
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Patent number: 10359357Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
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Publication number: 20180307005Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Applicants: Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Price, Derek N. Fuller, Albert L. Kellner, Behrad Azimi
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Publication number: 20180299371Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
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Patent number: 10001622Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignees: Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Price, Derek N. Fuller, Albert L. Kellner, Behrad Azimi
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Publication number: 20180100856Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Claire R. Weston
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Patent number: 9939372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Vala Science, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross J. Whittaker
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Publication number: 20170315341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Derek N. Fuller, Behrad Azimi, Gregory G. Gemmen
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Publication number: 20150330892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: VALA SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Fabio Cerignoli, Piyush Gehalot, Patrick M. McDonwough, Jeffrey H. Price, Ross L. Whittaker
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Patent number: 8861810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Randall S. Ingermanson, Jeffrey M. Hilton, Casey A. Laris
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Publication number: 20140168402Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Derek N. Fuller, Behrad Azimi, Gregory J. Gemmen
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Publication number: 20130338016Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Vala Sciences, Inc
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Publication number: 20130338014Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Vala Sciences, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130016891Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: Vala Sciences, IncInventors: Randall S. Ingermanson, Jeffrey M. Hilton
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Publication number: 20130004053Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Hunter, Randall Scott Ingermanson, William Scott Callaway
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Patent number: 8116982Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Hunter, Randall Scott Ingermanson, William Scott Callaway
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Patent number: 8107711Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Randall S. Ingermanson, Jeffrey M. Hilton
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Publication number: 20110274337Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: Vala Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Edward Hunter, Patrick M. Donough, Ivana Mikic, Jeffrey H. Price
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Patent number: 7933435Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: VALA Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Edward Hunter, Patrick M. Mc Donough, Ivana Mikic, Jeffrey H. Price