Patents by Inventor Benjamin A. Apker
Benjamin A. Apker 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).
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Patent number: 12292395Abstract: A fixed target sample holder for serial synchrotron crystallography comprising goniometer compatible base, a carrier, a sample holding insert which can be placed into the carrier. The sample holing insert comprising fiducials and windows, wherein each of the windows are respectively configured to accept a sample. The windows can also have holes and texture within each window. Additionally, a sample loading workstation for loading crystals into the sample holder and the removal of excess liquid from the sample, comprising a humidity-controlled chamber, a sample support within the chamber, a capture to place the goniometer-compatible base and a channel in communication with the chamber that allows for the flow of humidified air into the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2024Date of Patent: May 6, 2025Assignee: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, David Closs, Benjamin Apker
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Patent number: 12185717Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples includes a first chamber that holds a first amount a cryogenic liquid. A container holder, which is positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber, holds a removable container positioned therein. The container holds a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber. An elongated tube holder holds a hollow elongated tube into the container. A sample wand holds and transfers a sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2023Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Robert E Thorne, David Closs, Richard Jayne, Benjamin Apker
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Publication number: 20240328969Abstract: A fixed target sample holder for serial synchrotron crystallography comprising goniometer compatible base, a carrier, a sample holding insert which can be placed into the carrier. The sample holing insert comprising fiducials and windows, wherein each of the windows are respectively configured to accept a sample. The windows can also have holes and texture within each window. Additionally, a sample loading workstation for loading crystals into the sample holder and the removal of excess liquid from the sample, comprising a humidity-controlled chamber, a sample support within the chamber, a capture to place the goniometer-compatible base and a channel in communication with the chamber that allows for the flow of humidified air into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2024Publication date: October 3, 2024Applicant: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, David Closs, Benjamin Apker
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Publication number: 20240319120Abstract: A fixed target sample holder for serial synchrotron crystallography comprising goniometer compatible base, a carrier, a sample holding insert which can be placed into the carrier. The sample holing insert comprising fiducials and windows, wherein each of the windows are respectively configured to accept a sample. The windows can also have holes and texture within each window. Additionally, a sample loading workstation for loading crystals into the sample holder and the removal of excess liquid from the sample, comprising a humidity-controlled chamber, a sample support within the chamber, a capture to place the goniometer-compatible base and a channel in communication with the chamber that allows for the flow of humidified air into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Applicant: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, David Closs, Benjamin Apker
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Publication number: 20240216906Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2024Publication date: July 4, 2024Applicant: Mitegen, LLCInventors: Richard Jayne, David Closs, Benjamin A. Apker, Robert E. Thorne
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Patent number: 12007342Abstract: A fixed target sample holder for serial synchrotron crystallography comprising a goniometer compatible base, a carrier, a sample holding insert which can be placed into the carrier. The sample holding insert comprising fiducials and windows, wherein each of the windows are respectively configured to accept a sample. The windows can also have holes and texture within each window. Additionally, a sample loading workstation for loading crystals into the sample holder and the removal of excess liquid from the sample, comprising a humidity-controlled chamber, a sample support within the chamber, a capture to place the goniometer-compatible base, and a channel in communication with the chamber that allows for the flow of humidified air into the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, David Closs, Benjamin Apker
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Patent number: 11925931Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Richard Jayne, David Closs, Benjamin A. Apker, Robert E. Thorne
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Publication number: 20230255194Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples includes a first chamber that holds a first amount a cryogenic liquid. A container holder, which is positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber, holds a removable container positioned therein. The container holds a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber. An elongated tube holder holds a hollow elongated tube into the container. A sample wand holds and transfers a sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: Robert E Thorne, David Closs, Richard Jayne, Benjamin Apker
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Patent number: 11653644Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples, including a first chamber configured to hold a first amount a cryogenic liquid; a container holder positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber and configured to hold at least one removable container positioned therein, wherein the container is configured to hold a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber; an elongated tube holder configured to hold at least one hollow elongated tube into the container; and a sample wand configured to hold and transfer at least one sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: MITeGen, LLCInventors: Robert Thorne, David Closs, Richard Jayne, Benjamin Apker
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Patent number: 11605524Abstract: A system for storing and shipping samples for cryo-electron microscopy. The system comprising a cassette puck and support platform that accepts commercial cryo-EM sample cassettes and is compatible to a substantial extent with tools used in cryocrystallography. The system can also work with existing Cryo-EM storage and transport puck and cane systems. The cassette puck comprising a receptacle for holding one or more cassettes and a plurality of holes and grooves. The holes and grooves being configured for use with other tools such as tongs, support platforms, and canes.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: David Closs, Jessica Benitez, Benjamin Apker, Mazdak Radjainia
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Publication number: 20220412635Abstract: A cryogenic cooling manifold and methods incorporating a cryogenic cooling manifold for managing the gas layer(s) above a liquid cryogen to control cooling temperature-time profiles and ice formation for microliter and smaller samples that are plunged through the gas and into the liquid cryogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: David Closs, Stephen Hollabaugh, Robert E. Thorne, Robert Newman, Benjamin A. Apker
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Patent number: 11473826Abstract: A cryogenic cooling manifold and methods incorporating a cryogenic cooling manifold for managing the gas layer(s) above a liquid cryogen to control cooling temperature-time profiles and ice formation for microliter and smaller samples that are plunged through the gas and into the liquid cryogen.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: David Closs, Stephen Hollabaugh, Robert E. Thorne, Robert Newman, Benjamin A. Apker
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Publication number: 20220291098Abstract: Sample support design and sample cooling devices for single-particle cryo-electron microscopy that simplify sample preparation and handling, dramatically reduce errors and improve outcome reproducibility, and dramatically reduce overall costs. The system consisting of grid based sample support system, grid handling tools, grid blotting tools, a plunge cooling system, and jet cooling systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2020Publication date: September 15, 2022Applicant: MiTeGen, LLCInventors: David Closs, Benjamin Apker, Robert E. Thorne
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Publication number: 20220146441Abstract: A fixed target sample holder for serial synchrotron crystallography comprising a goniometer compatible base, a carrier, a sample holding insert which can be placed into the carrier. The sample holding insert comprising fiducials and windows, wherein each of the windows are respectively configured to accept a sample. The windows can also have holes and texture within each window. Additionally, a sample loading workstation for loading crystals into the sample holder and the removal of excess liquid from the sample, comprising a humidity-controlled chamber, a sample support within the chamber, a capture to place the goniometer-compatible base, and a channel in communication with the chamber that allows for the flow of humidified air into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: MITEGEN, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, David Closs, Benjamin Apker
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Publication number: 20220040685Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Mitegen, LLCInventors: Richard Jayne, David Closs, Benjamin A. Apker, Robert E. Thorne
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Publication number: 20210195889Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples, including a first chamber configured to hold a first amount a cryogenic liquid; a container holder positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber and configured to hold at least one removable container positioned therein, wherein the container is configured to hold a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber; an elongated tube holder configured to hold at least one hollow elongated tube into the container; and a sample wand configured to hold and transfer at least one sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2019Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: Mitegen, LLCInventors: Robert Thorne, David Closs, Richard Jayne, Benjamin Apker
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Publication number: 20210098226Abstract: A system for storing and shipping samples for cryo-electron microscopy. The system comprising a cassette puck and support platform that accepts commercial cryo-EM sample cassettes and is compatible to a substantial extent with tools used in cryocrystallography. The system can also work with existing Cryo-EM storage and transport puck and cane systems. The cassette puck comprising a receptacle for holding one or more cassettes and a plurality of holes and grooves. The holes and grooves being configured for use with other tools such as tongs, support platforms, and canes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Mitegen, LLCInventors: David Closs, Jessica Benitez, Benjamin Apker, Mazdak Radjainia
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Patent number: 9855557Abstract: Devices and methods for manual and high-throughput protein crystal growth and growth of other biological and organic crystals. A microplate includes a plurality of cells and a frame that defines the cells in the microplate. In each cell there is at least one well open at top. Each well in a cell may be enclosed at bottom, or it may be open at bottom, in which case the well bottom may be sealed by a separate part, which may be, e.g., a separate film or plate (e.g., of plastic, glass or metal) or a molded part.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: MITEGEN, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, Benjamin Apker, Robert Newman
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Publication number: 20170030626Abstract: A cryogenic cooling manifold and methods incorporating a cryogenic cooling manifold for managing the gas layer(s) above a liquid cryogen to control cooling temperature-time profiles and ice formation for microliter and smaller samples that are plunged through the gas and into the liquid cryogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: Mitegen, LLCInventors: David Closs, Stephen Hollabaugh, Robert E. Thorne, Robert Newman, Benjamin A. Apker, Tian Xia, David Moreau
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Publication number: 20150093306Abstract: Devices and methods for manual and high-throughput protein crystal growth and growth of other biological and organic crystals. A microplate includes a plurality of cells and a frame that defines the cells in the microplate. In each cell there is at least one well open at top. Each well in a cell may be enclosed at bottom, or it may be open at bottom, in which case the well bottom may be sealed by a separate part, which may be, e.g., a separate film or plate (e.g., of plastic, glass or metal) or a molded part.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: MITEGEN, LLCInventors: Robert E. Thorne, Benjamin Apker, Robert Newman