Patents by Inventor Benjamin H. Wunsch

Benjamin H. Wunsch 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).

  • Publication number: 20180250675
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • Publication number: 20180250674
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • Publication number: 20180250676
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • Publication number: 20180250673
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • Patent number: 10058861
    Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Pereira, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 10058895
    Abstract: A technique relates sorting entities. The entities are introduced into a nanopillar array. The entities include a first population and a second population, and the nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The nanopillars are ordered to have an array angle relative to a fluid flow direction. The entities are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the entities less than a predetermined size in a first direction and by transporting the second population of the entities at least the predetermined size in a second direction different from the first direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the entities having a sub-100 nanometer size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Joshua T. Smith, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180231576
    Abstract: A technique relates to a machine for sorting. A removable cartridge includes a nanofluidic module. The removable cartridge includes an input port and at least two output ports. The nanofluidic module is configured to sort a sample fluid. A holder is configured to receive the removable cartridge. A pressurization system is configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge. The pressurization system is configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Huan Hu, Michael A. Pereira, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180229235
    Abstract: An apparatus for sorting macromolecules includes a first chip including a channel formed in a first side of the first chip and having at least one monolithic sorting structure for sorting macromolecules from the sample fluid. A first set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in a second side of the first chip, the sample fluid being provided to the sorting structure through the first set of vias. A second set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in the second side for receiving macromolecules in the sample fluid greater than or equal to a prescribed dimension sorted by the sorting structure. A third set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in the second side for receiving macromolecules in the sample fluid less than the prescribed dimension. The apparatus includes first and second seals covering the first and second sides, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Cornelia Tsang Yang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 10010883
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Huan Hu, Sung Cheol Kim, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 9993750
    Abstract: Clog-resistant serpentine crossflow filters and blade loading structures for micro- and nano-fluidics are provided. In one aspect, a filter includes: a substrate; and at least one layer of pillars on the substrate, wherein the pillars are arranged adjacent to one another and groups of the pillars alternate between being perpendicular and parallel to a direction of fluid flow through the filter giving the filter a serpentine configuration having at least one downstream catch. A method of forming the filter as well as a system employing the filter in conjunction with a pillar sorting array and optionally a staged blade structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180154360
    Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. PEREIRA, Joshua T. SMITH, Benjamin H. WUNSCH
  • Patent number: 9975147
    Abstract: A technique relates sorting entities. The entities are introduced into a nanopillar array. The entities include a first population and a second population, and the nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The nanopillars are ordered to have an array angle relative to a fluid flow direction. The entities are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the entities less than a predetermined size in a first direction and by transporting the second population of the entities at least the predetermined size in a second direction different from the first direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the entities having a sub-100 nanometer size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Joshua T. Smith, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180078939
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • Publication number: 20180080857
    Abstract: Techniques for phosphoprotein detection, quantification, and purification using a chip-based pillar array are provided. In one aspect, a method for purifying a protein sample includes: introducing a mixture including the protein sample and an antibody to a nanoDLD array having a plurality of pillars separated by a gap g, wherein the antibody and proteins in the protein sample form antibody-protein complexes having a size that is greater than a size threshold of the nanoDLD array created by the gap g which permits size-based separation of the antibody-protein complexes as the mixture flows through the nanoDLD array; and collecting a purified protein sample containing the antibody-protein complexes from the nanoDLD array. A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device including the nanoDLD array is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Stacey M. Gifford, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180080060
    Abstract: A technique relates to separation of a mixture. A nano-deterministic lateral displacement (nanoDLD) array is configured to separate the mixture in a fluid. A feedback system is configured to control a velocity of the fluid through the nanoDLD array. The feedback system is configured to control the velocity of the fluid to separate one or more entities in the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Stacey M. Gifford, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180021774
    Abstract: Techniques for use of wafer bonding techniques for sealing of microfluidic chips are provided. In one aspect, a wafer bonding sealing method includes the steps of: forming a first oxide layer coating surfaces of a first wafer, the first wafer having at least one fluidic chip; forming a second oxide layer on a second wafer; and bonding the first wafer to the second wafer via an oxide-to-oxide bond between the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer to form a bonded wafer pair, wherein the second oxide layer seals the at least one fluidic chip on the first wafer. The second wafer can be at least partially removed after performing the bonding, and fluidic ports may be formed in the second oxide layer. A fluidic chip device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Cornelia K. Tsang, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20180017524
    Abstract: A method for forming a nanogap includes forming a knockoff feature on a dielectric layer and forming a trench in the dielectric layer on opposite sides of the knockoff feature. A noble metal is deposited in the trenches and over the knockoff feature. A top surface is polished to level the noble metal in the trenches with a top of the dielectric layer to form electrodes in the trenches and to remove the noble metal from the knockoff feature. A nanochannel is etched into the dielectric layer such that the knockoff feature is positioned within the nanochannel. The knockoff feature is removed to form a nanogap between the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Adam M. Pyzyna, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 9868119
    Abstract: A technique related to sorting entities is provided. An inlet is configured to receive a fluid, and an outlet is configured to exit the fluid. A nanopillar array, connected to the inlet and the outlet, is configured to allow the fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to separate entities by size. The nanopillars are arranged to have a gap separating one nanopillar from another nanopillar. The gap is constructed to be in a nanoscale range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Robert L. Bruce, Joshua T. Smith, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 9835539
    Abstract: A technique relates sorting biopolymers. The biopolymers are introduced into a nanopillar array, and the biopolymers include a first population and a second population. The nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The biopolymers are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the biopolymers less than a predetermined bumping size according to a fluid flow direction and by transporting the second population of the biopolymers at least the predetermined bumping size according to a bumped direction different from the fluid flow direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the biopolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Joshua T. Smith, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 9835538
    Abstract: A technique relates sorting biopolymers. The biopolymers are introduced into a nanopillar array, and the biopolymers include a first population and a second population. The nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The biopolymers are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the biopolymers less than a predetermined bumping size according to a fluid flow direction and by transporting the second population of the biopolymers at least the predetermined bumping size according to a bumped direction different from the fluid flow direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the biopolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Joshua T. Smith, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch