Patents by Inventor Barry W. Robole
Barry W. Robole has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 7871827Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses an anion exchange material.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Erin E. Olson, Frank J. Beissel, IV, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7867767Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules that are optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector. In addition, the device may control the flow of fluid in the disk by locating and selectively opening valves separating chambers by heating the valves with a laser.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7855083Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
-
Patent number: 7837947Abstract: Mixing structures for use on sample processing devices are disclosed. The mixing structures include one or more mixing chambers in fluid communication with a process chamber, such that changing the rotational speed of the sample processing device forces sample material into and out of the mixing chamber to achieve mixing of the sample material. The mixing chambers are in fluid communication with the process chambers through mixing ports that are located on the distal sides of the process chambers with respect to the axis about which the sample processing device is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Publication number: 20100266456Abstract: Microfluidic sample processing disks with a plurality of fluid structures formed therein are disclosed. Each of the fluid structures preferably includes an input well and one or more process chambers connected to the input well by one or more delivery channels. The process chambers may be arranged in a compliant annular processing ring that is adapted to conform to the shape of an underlying thermal transfer surface under pressure. That compliance may be delivered in the disks of the present invention by locating the process chambers in an annular processing ring in which a majority of the volume is occupied by the process chambers. Compliance within the annular processing ring may alternatively be provided by a composite structure within the annular processing ring that includes covers attached to a body using pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Publication number: 20100240124Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include a cover and compression structure designed to force a sample processing device towards the base plate. The preferred result is that the sample processing device is forced into contact with a thermal structure on the base plate. The systems and methods of the present invention may include one or more of the following features to enhance thermal coupling between the thermal structure and the sample processing device: a shaped transfer surface, magnetic compression structure, and floating or resiliently mounted thermal structure. The methods may preferably involve deformation of a portion of a sample processing device to conform to a shaped transfer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: James E. Aysta, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7767937Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7763210Abstract: Microfluidic sample processing disks with a plurality of fluid structures formed therein are disclosed. Each of the fluid structures preferably includes an input well and one or more process chambers connected to the input well by one or more delivery channels. The process chambers may be arranged in a compliant annular processing ring that is adapted to conform to the shape of an underlying thermal transfer surface under pressure. That compliance may be delivered in the disks of the present invention by locating the process chambers in an annular processing ring in which a majority of the volume is occupied by the process chambers. Compliance within the annular processing ring may alternatively be provided by a composite structure within the annular processing ring that includes covers attached to a body using pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7754474Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include a cover and compression structure designed to force a sample processing device towards the base plate. The preferred result is that the sample processing device is forced into contact with a thermal structure on the base plate. The systems and methods of the present invention may include one or more of the following features to enhance thermal coupling between the thermal structure and the sample processing device: a shaped transfer surface, magnetic compression structure, and floating or resiliently mounted thermal structure. The methods may preferably involve deformation of a portion of a sample processing device to conform to a shaped transfer surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James E. Aysta, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
-
Publication number: 20100167304Abstract: Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole, Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Katya Ericson
-
Patent number: 7709249Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system is described that includes a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of optical modules. Each of the optical modules is optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the multiple optical modules to a single detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7678334Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
-
Publication number: 20090263280Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole
-
Publication number: 20090218517Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules. Each of the removable optical modules is optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7569186Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole
-
Publication number: 20090189089Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules that are optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector. In addition, the device may control the flow of fluid in the disk by locating and selectively opening valves separating chambers by heating the valves with a laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7527763Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules that are optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector. In addition, the device may control the flow of fluid in the disk by locating and selectively opening valves separating chambers by heating the valves with a laser.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7507575Abstract: Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules. Each of the removable optical modules is optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
-
Publication number: 20080314895Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: William Bedingham, Raj Rajagopal, Barry W. Robole
-
Patent number: 7445752Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael R. Harms, William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood