Patents Examined by John S Starsiak. Jr.
  • Patent number: 6835537
    Abstract: A method for normalizing the intensity of G bands in sequencing methods which utilize dITP is presented. The use of dITP normally results in decreased intensities of G bands which occur after A bands, i.e., in the sequence AG. It has been discovered that the use of ddITP in place of ddGTP or in conjunction with ddGTP helps to normalize the intensity of the G bands following A bands. This aids in preventing errors in reading sequencing chromatograms and allows for extended reads of sequencing chromatograms as compared to methods which utilize dITP without the use of ddITP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Myriad Genetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadeem Tusneem, Dmitry Pruss, Min-Jui Richard Shen, Satish K. Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 6833061
    Abstract: In order to isoelectrically separate particles with a pH-dependent net charge, the particles are exposed in a guiding liquid to electric field forces. The pH value of the guiding liquid is set in such a way that at least one predetermined type of particle is separated from the remaining particles and migrates to a fixing collecting means under the effect of the electric field forces. The collecting means is for example a porous hollow fiber delimited by electrodes which generate the electric field forces and crossed by the guiding liquid together with the sample to be separated. The particles whose isoelectric point matches the pH value of the guiding liquid run unimpeded through the fibers, whereas the remaining particles are pressed against the inner wall of the fiber and are prevented from being carried away with the liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Evotec Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Fuhr, Jonas Korlach, Rudolf Ehwald
  • Patent number: 6827831
    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 (620) for controlling the performance of the processes carried out within the device, e.g., monitoring and controlling environmental conditions and monitoring results of the processes performed, e.g., detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Callper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin Y. H. Chow, J. Wallace Parce, Richard J. McReynolds, Colin B. Kennedy, Luc J. Bousse
  • Patent number: 6824740
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the electronic sample preparation of biological materials utilize the differential charge-to-mass ratio and/or the differential affinity of sample constituents to separation materials for sample preparation. An integrated system is provided for performing some or all of the processes of: receipt of biological materials, cell selection, sample purification, sample concentration, buffer exchange, complexity reduction and/or diagnosis and analysis. In one embodiment, one or more sample chambers adapted to receive a buffer solution are formed adjacent to a spacer region which may include a trap or other affinity material, electrophoretic motion of the materials to be prepared being effected through operation of electrodes. In another aspect of this invention, a transporter or dipstick serves to collect and permit transport of materials, such as nucleic acids, most preferably DNA and/or RNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Nanogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Sheldon, III, Thomas R. Jackson, Paul D. Swanson, Bradley S. Scott, Michael J. Heller
  • Patent number: 6824663
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided having units of 8-fold symmetry comprising 8 assay units, where a reservoir provides a common component to 8 assay units. The units can be compactly formed in a substrate to provide the ability to perform a large number of assays within a small area. The microfluidic devices find use in operations, such as assays, DNA sequence detection, etc. Various formats can be used to have the microfluidic device interrelate with microtiter well plates. Methods are provided for monitoring the flow rates/velocities of assay components and streams for comparison of results in different assay units and/or to modify the conditions to change the flow rates in particular channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis Boone
  • Patent number: 6821402
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, and systems for calibrating a fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus. One aspect of the invention is multiple color calibration standards and their use. A multiple color calibration standard is a mixture of at least two polynucleotides of different length, wherein each of the polynucleotides is labeled with a spectrally distinct fluorescent dye. Another aspect of the invention is to produce total emission temporal profiles of multiple color calibration standards for use in calibrating fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus. The peaks corresponding to the fluorescently labeled polynucleotides in the total emission temporal profile may be detected using a peak detector that is driven by changes in the slopes of the total emission temporal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Muhammad A. Sharaf, Maria C. Roque-Biewer
  • Patent number: 6783649
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a high throughput capillary electrophoresis (CE) system, which comprises multiple mobile CE detector modules that are transportable by a programmable fluid-handling arm assembly to fixed samples in microtiter plate wells for analysis. The CE system of the invention is capable of simultaneously automating sample preparation and multiple CE analysis of the sample in a continuous timely process. The CE detector modules of the invention may be equipped with any suitable detection method, such as an ultraviolet (UV) absorbance or a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Cetek Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian Kangas, James L. Waters
  • Patent number: 6783648
    Abstract: An apparatus for expressing and unloading an isoelectric focusing gel from an electrophoresis gel tube includes a first support for supporting the gel tube, a plunger rod and a second support for supporting the plunger rod. The first support is mounted on a movable carriage and is moved toward the second support so that the gel tube slides onto the plunger rod to unload the gel from the gel tube. A plurality of gel tubes can be mounted in a rack and the rack coupled to the first support. The first support preferably includes a plurality of openings oriented with the gel tubes for guiding a respective plunger rod through the axial passage of the gel tubes. In preferred embodiments, the second support supporting the plunger rods is substantially stationary while the first support moves toward the second support so that the gel tubes slide onto the plunger rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Large Scale Proteomics Corporation
    Inventors: N. Leigh Anderson, Jack Goodman
  • Patent number: 6773567
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a capillary element for electrokinetic transport of materials. The method comprises providing a first capillary element which has a first capillary channel disposed through its length. The capillary channel comprises first and second ends and an outer surface. A continuous layer of an electrically conductive material is applied along a length of the outer surface such that the continuous layer of electrically conductive material extends along the outer surface to a point proximal to, but not up to at least one of the first and second ends. The capillary element is then segmented into at least first and second separate capillary element portions at an intermediate point of the capillary element and the continuous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wolk
  • Patent number: 6752914
    Abstract: An analyser comprises a substrate (20) of diamond, sapphire or a polymer material; an array (10) of elongate capillary channels formed in the substrate; means (40) for driving a sample to be tested along one or more of the channels whereby the velocities of components of the sample along the channels depends on the relative molecular weights of those components; and a radiation source (100) and a radiation detector (30) disposed on either side of the channel array so as to detect the presence of material in the channels as interruptions in the radiation path between the radiation source and the radiation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Deltadot Limited
    Inventor: John Hassard
  • Patent number: 6706161
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate are provided. In the subject methods, at least a portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate is contacted with a biofouling resistant surfactant composition. At least a portion of the surfactant molecules of the composition are end modified with a non-reactive, charged end group that is charge stable over a pH range of a bout 2 to 12. The subject methods and compositions find particular use with electrophoretic devices, such as capillary electrophoretic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sally A. Swedberg, Karla M. Robotti, Karin Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6660149
    Abstract: A modular multiple lane or capillary electrophoresis (chromatography) system that permits automated parallel separation and comprehensive collection of all fractions from samples in all lanes or columns, with the option of further on-line automated sample fraction analysis, is disclosed. Preferably, fractions are collected in a multi-well fraction collection unit, or plate (40). The multi-well collection plate (40) is preferably made of a solvent permeable gel, most preferably a hydrophilic, polymeric gel such as agarose or cross-linked polyacrylamide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Karger, Lev Kotler, Frantisek Foret, Marek Minarik, Karel Kleparnik
  • Patent number: 6660147
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in one aspect, an apparatus for electrophoretic separation of analytes. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a disc-shaped substrate defining (1) a central reservoir region, (2) a plurality of electrophoretic channels in fluid communication with, and emanating substantially radially from, the central reservoir region, the channels being coplanar with each other, and each channel having (i) a proximal end which is linked to the reservoir region, and (ii) a distal end, and preferably (3) for each channel, at least one chamber, and preferably three chambers, linked by a passageway in fluid communication with the distal end of that channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Woudenberg, Reid B. Kowallis
  • Patent number: 6641708
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for discriminating matter in a chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port utilizing dielectrophoresis and field flow fractionation. A carrier medium is introduced into the inlet port and is directed from the inlet port to the outlet port according to a velocity profile. A programmed voltage signal is applied to an electrode element coupled to the chamber to form a dielectrophoretic force on the matter. The dielectrophoretic force is balanced with a gravitational force to displace the matter to positions within said velocity profile in the carrier medium to discriminate the matter. A chamber having a top and bottom outlet port may be utilized to withdraw a first portion of a carrier medium from the top outlet port at a first, controllable fluid flow rate and to withdraw a second portion of the carrier medium from the bottom outlet port at a second, controllable fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Frederick F. Becker, Peter R. C. Gascoyne, Ying Huang, Xiao-Bo Wang, Jun Yang
  • Patent number: 6635226
    Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacqueline Tso, Sally A. Swedberg, Paul K Wolber
  • Patent number: 6630063
    Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis system comprises capillaries positioned in parallel to each other forming a plane. The capillaries are configured to allow samples to migrate. A light source is configured to illuminate the capillaries and the samples therein. This causes the samples to emit light. A lens is configured to receive the light emitted by the samples and positioned directly over a first group of the capillaries and obliquely over a second group of the capillaries. The light source is further configured to illuminate the second group of capillaries more than the first group of the capillaries such that amount of light received by the lens from the first group of capillaries is substantially identical to amount of light received from the second group of capillaries when an identical amount of the samples is migrating through the first and second group capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: I. Reich Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Qingbo Li, Songsan Zhou, Changsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 6613235
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Alltech Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jr., Raaidah Saari-Nordhaus, Carl W. Sims, Yuri E. Gerner
  • Patent number: 6592733
    Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis device having a substrate layer and a cover layer, with a plurality of electrophoresis channels formed in the substrate layer, includes an optical waveguide system that transmits excitation radiation from a source port into each one of the electrophoresis channels. The optical waveguide system is defined by regions, within either the cover or substrate, that have an index of refraction higher than that of the surrounding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara Foley, Jaymie Sawyer, Cynthia G. Briscoe
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6576108
    Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes an optical cell having an outlet for fluid and filled with a buffer solution, and a plurality of electrophoresis lanes, each including a separation medium, which separate samples labeled with fluorophores, one end of each of the electrophoresis lanes being disposed in the optical cell to enable the separated samples labeled with the fluorophores to migrate from the electrophoresis lanes into the buffer solution in the optical cell. There is also provided a vessel containing a buffer solution, the vessel being disposed so that a level of the buffer solution in the vessel is higher than the ends of the electrophoresis lanes disposed in the optical cell, a passage connecting the vessel with the optical cell, a light source which emits light which excites the fluorophores to emit fluorescence, and a photodetector which detects the fluorescence emitted by the fluorophores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Takahashi, Hideki Kambara