Patents Examined by Robert T. Crow
  • Patent number: 10221450
    Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of moving helicases past spacers on polynucleotides and controlling the loading of helicases on polynucleotides. The invention also relates to new methods of characterizing target polynucleotides using helicases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew John Heron, David Antoni Alves, James Anthony Clarke, Marion Louise Crawford, Daniel Ryan Garalde, Graham Hall, Daniel John Turner, James White
  • Patent number: 10214776
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods of detecting a mutation in a target nucleic acid molecule. Two phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer probes that differ by at least one base are each covalently coupled to a nano article and hybridized to a target sequence. The melting temperature of the complexes between each of the two probes and the target nucleic acid are measured and compared to determine whether the sample contains a nucleic acid with the mutation. Further, the present invention relates to kits comprising a first and second conjugate as described herein and to the use of such kits for the detection of mutations in a target nucleic acid molecule or for assigning a genotype to a target nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Yanbing Zu, Jackie Y. Ying
  • Patent number: 10208334
    Abstract: Systems, methods and compositions of matter according to the present invention, can be used in capture/enrichment, gene expression profiling and targeted sequencing. Provided are systems, methods and compositions concerning the enhancement of nucleic acid hybridization specificity and controlling the shapes of melting curves revealed by nucleic acid hybrid pairs to optimize nucleic acid analysis. These systems, methods and compositions comprise producing a positively charged surface or surface coating, on the surface of microarray slides or other types of surfaces similarly purposed, which enhances melting curve analysis to the point of allowing detection or differentiation of small changes in sequences between nucleic acid binding partners. The accuracy or resolution of melting curve analysis was to be sufficient to distinguish between the melting of perfect matched dsDNA and dsDNA with the smallest possible change in sequence, a one base pair mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Michael D. Okura
  • Patent number: 10201510
    Abstract: Particular aspects of the present invention provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising isoprenoid-based compounds (e.g., farnesol and/or farnesol analogs or derivatives) or dehydroisoprenoid-based compounds, and novel methods for using same in treating (e.g., suppressing): alcohol withdrawal syndrome and associated neurological symptoms (e.g., depression, tremor, anxiety, autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating, increased blood pressure, tachycardia), hallucinations, alcohol withdrawal seizures, delirium tremens (DT), and memory loss); or for treating in treating convulsive seizure (e.g., epileptic seizure, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Roullet, John C. Crabbe, Jr., Pamela Metten
  • Patent number: 10195160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to topical pharmaceutical emulsion compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-trans-stilbene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an oil phase, a water phase, a surfactant, and an antioxidant, and wherein the emulsion composition is homogeneous and/or the active is solubilized in the oil phase. The invention also relates to methods of treating a dermatological condition or disorder in a patient by administering the present compositions to the skin of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Dermavant Sciences GmbH
    Inventors: Sujatha D. Sonti, Joey Roger Thomas, Jon Lenn, Leandro Santos, Justin Whiteman, Michael Quinn Doherty, Mary Bedard, Piyush Jain
  • Patent number: 10191011
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NetBio, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tan, Hueng Chuan Lam, Gregory John Kellogg
  • Patent number: 10166549
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the selection or processing of particles sensitive to the application of an external stimulus to rupture/lysis at least one selected particle or the fusion of first and second selected particles are disclosed herein. Particles are organized using a first field of force by selectively energizing electrodes of an array of selectable electrodes having dimensions comparable to or smaller than those of the particles. A first configuration of stresses is applied to the electrodes; and then a second configuration of stresses is applied to the electrodes, so as to create a second field of force, located substantially close to at least one selected particle to be lysated or to a pair of first and second particles to be fused and such as to produce the application of a stimulus suited to produce their lysis or fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Menarini Silicon Biosystems S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicolò Manaresi, Gianni Medoro, Mélanie Abonnenc
  • Patent number: 10156541
    Abstract: A system for detecting electrical properties of a molecular complex is disclosed. The system includes an electrode electrically coupled to a molecular complex that outputs an electrical signal affected by an electrical property of the molecular complex, wherein the effect of the electrical property of the molecular complex on the electrical signal is characterized by an expected bandwidth. The system further includes an integrating amplifier circuit configured to receive the electrical signal from the electrode. The integrating amplifier circuit is further configured to selectively amplify and integrate a portion of the electrical signal over time within a predetermined bandwidth, wherein the predetermined bandwidth is selected at least in part based on the expected bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Genia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. A. Chen
  • Patent number: 10151696
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining abnormality in a particle analyzer. The method includes: staining first control particles but not staining second control particles which emit fluorescence; irradiating with light the first control particles and the second control particles flowing in a flow cell, and detecting fluorescence from the first control particles and the second control particles; obtaining a first management value indicating a detection result of the fluorescence emitted from the first control particles and a second management value indicating a detection result of the fluorescence emitted from the second control particles; and determining abnormality in the staining step, based on a value calculated from the first management value and the second management value or a ratio between the first management value and the second management value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yokoyama, Hiromi Morisaki
  • Patent number: 10145847
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides biochips and methods of fabricating biochips. The method includes combining three portions: a transparent substrate, a first substrate with microfluidic channels therein, and a second substrate. Through-holes for inlet and outlet are formed in the transparent substrate or the second substrate. Various non-organic landings with support medium for bio-materials to attach are formed on the first substrate and the second substrate before they are combined. In other embodiments, the microfluidic channel is formed of an adhesion layer between a transparent substrate and a second substrate with landings on the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Allen Timothy Chang, Ching-Ray Chen, Yi-Hsien Chang, Yi-Shao Liu, Chun-Ren Cheng, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 10144953
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology related to the chemical modification and purification of DNA. Specifically, the technology provides methods for performing a bisulfite conversion reaction on small amounts of single-stranded, fragmented DNA and performing the subsequent desulfonation and purification steps on magnetic beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Exact Sciences Development Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Domanico, Hatim Allawi, Graham P. Lidgard, Brian Aizenstein, Oliver Hunt, Tobias Charles Zutz
  • Patent number: 10131938
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of designing a plurality of capture oligonucleotide probes for use on a support to which complementary oligonucleotide probes will hybridize with little mismatch, where the plural capture oligonucleotide probes have melting temperatures within a narrow range. The present invention further relates to an oligonucleotide array comprising of a support with the plurality of oligonucleotide probes immobilized on the support, a method of using the support to detect single-base changes, insertions, deletions, or translocations in a plurality of target nucleotide sequences, and a kit for such detection, which includes the support on which the oligonucleotides have been immobilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Barany, Monib Zirvi, Norman P. Gerry, Reyna Favis, Richard Kliman
  • Patent number: 10132728
    Abstract: A biological sample processing apparatus having an enclosure. A plurality of sample processing modules are held by the enclosure. Each sample processing module is configured to hold a removable sample cartridge and to only perform sample processing on a sample within the corresponding removable sample cartridge. Each sample processing module is configured to perform at least one of a plurality of testing processes on the sample within the removable sample cartridge. At least one module in the apparatus is configured to perform nucleic acid amplification and detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventor: John L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 10119973
    Abstract: The present invention relates to multiplex microarrays and methods for the quantification of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods which standardize a target analyte concentration in a test sample against a reference standardization curve derived from validated, approved and recognized reference standards for the target analyte of known concentrations. The present invention also relates to methods and checks for simultaneous measurement of confidence confirming normalization standards and controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SQI DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Peter Lea, Jennifer Hansen, Kate Smith
  • Patent number: 10111957
    Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical powder compositions administered by means of inhalers. More particularly, it relates to pharmaceutical powder compositions having the content uniformity and the desired stability used in inhaler devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Arven Ilac Snayi ve Ticaret A.S.
    Inventors: Ümit Cifter, Ali Turkyilmaz, Onur Mutlu
  • Patent number: 10106839
    Abstract: A biosensor array, system and method for affinity based assays that are able to simultaneously obtain high quality measurements of the binding characteristics of multiple analytes, and that are able to determine the amounts of those analytes in solution. The invention also provides a fully integrated bioarray for detecting real-time characteristics of affinity based assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Arjang Hassibi
  • Patent number: 10098833
    Abstract: The present subject matter includes a product formulation made by the process including the steps of: adding a sufficient amount of water to cover a group of long grain seeds to form a first mixture; adding a sufficient amount of water to cover a group of whole grain seeds to form a second mixture; boiling the first and second mixtures, cooling the first mixture to form a thin colorless liquid; separating any solid seeds from the thin colorless liquid; cooling the second mixture to form an opaque thick liquid; separating any solid seeds from the opaque thick liquid; combining the thin colorless liquid and the opaque thick liquid to form a third mixture; cooling the third mixture to allow the formulation of a film; heating the film to form a porous material; cooling the porous material to form a powder residue; and processing the powder residue to form a formulation. The formulation can be used in various cosmetics, and to treat subject in need of treatment for skin conditions, such as acne.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Amelia Vaughn
  • Patent number: 10093967
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to detecting and identifying nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, kits, and systems for detecting, identifying, and quantifying target nucleic acids with high confidence at single-molecule resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Nils Walter, Alexander Johnson-Buck, Mario Blanco, Arlie Rinaldi
  • Patent number: 10086093
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanosensor of miRNA activity in a target cell, and methods of use, for detection and diagnostic applications. The nanosensor comprises a delivery particle comprising an iron oxide crystal coated with a polymer; and a sensor oligonucleotide covalently attached to the polymer. The sensor oligonucleotide comprises a seed region, comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is completely complementary to the target miRNA and comprises a cleavage site which can be engaged and cleaved by the target miRNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anna V. Moore, Zdravka Medarova
  • Patent number: 10081831
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a sensor element, which has an immobilized probe oligonucleotide, via which the bonding of a target nucleic acid (Z) can be detected by the sensor. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: a) bringing the sensor element into contact with a control nucleic acid (K), the melting temperature Tm(K) of which is less than the melting temperature Tm(Z) of the target nucleic acid (Z); b) hybridizing the control nucleic acid (K) to the probe oligonucleotide at a temperature T[p]<Tm(K), and detecting a positive control signal; and optionally c) modifying the stringent conditions such that T[n]>Tm(K) and detecting a negative control signal at a temperature T[n]. According to a refinement of at least one embodiment of the invention, a measuring signal of the target nucleic acid (Z) is measured at a measuring temperature T [mess], where Tm(K)<T[mess]<Tm(Z). The method is suited in particular for the calibration and quality control of microarrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Inventors: Katja Friedrich, Walter Gumbrecht, Peter Paulicka, Manfred Stanzel, Renee Weber