Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Hindson
Benjamin J. Hindson 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: 10677693Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for the mixing of small volumes of fluid by coalescence of multiple emulsions.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Hindson, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Kevin D. Ness, Donald A. Masquelier
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Patent number: 10676778Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting nucleic acids in polymerase chain reaction assays, such as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays, using intercalating dyes. A dual surfactant system with at least one fluorosurfactant and at least one non-ionic non-fluorosurfactant may be employed for droplet generation and nucleic acid detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Adam Lowe, Geoff McDermott, Christopher M. Hindson, Erin R. Chia, Amy L. Hiddessen, Benjamin J. Hindson, Chunxiao Han, Yaqi Wang
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Publication number: 20200086312Abstract: Method of detecting a target nucleic acid. In an exemplary method, at least two thermal zones of different temperature may be created using a heating assembly. A first emulsion and a second emulsion may be formed. The first and second emulsions may be thermally cycled by passing them through tubing in a spaced relation to one another, with the tubing being wound around a central axis of the heating assembly and extending through each thermal zone multiple times. Thermally cycling may promote amplification of the target nucleic acid in droplets of each emulsion. Droplets of each emulsion may be passed through a detection channel located downstream of the tubing. Fluorescence may be detected from the droplets being passed through the detection channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Amy L. HIDDESSEN, Donald A. MASQUELIER, Kevin D. NESS, Benjamin J. HINDSON, Anthony J. MAKAREWICZ, JR., Erin R. CHIA, Billy W. COLSTON, JR., Serge SAXONOV, Svilen S. TZONEV, Michael Y. LUCERO, Ryan T. KOEHLER
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Patent number: 10512910Abstract: Droplet-based methods of analysis. In an exemplary method, a device having a port connected to a chamber may be selected. A sample-containing fluid may be placed into the port. A pressure differential may be created that drives the sample-containing fluid from the port to the chamber and separates the sample-containing fluid into droplets. A two-dimensional monolayer of the droplets may be formed in the chamber. At least a portion of the monolayer may be imaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Billy W. Colston, Jr., Benjamin J. Hindson, Kevin D. Ness, Donald A. Masquelier
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Publication number: 20190316191Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for making and using a stabilized emulsion. A method of generating a stabilized emulsion is provided. In the method, an aqueous phase may be provided. The aqueous phase may include an effective concentration of one or more skin-forming proteins. An emulsion may be formed. The emulsion may include droplets of a dispersed phase disposed in a continuous phase, with the aqueous phase being the continuous phase or the dispersed phase. The emulsion may be heated to create an interfacial skin between each droplet and the continuous phase, to transform the droplets into capsules.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Amy L. HIDDESSEN, Benjamin J. HINDSON
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Publication number: 20190255531Abstract: Method of performing a droplet-based assay. The method may include obtaining droplets encapsulated by an immiscible liquid and packed closely together in a monolayer, performing a reaction in the droplets while packed closely together in the monolayer; and collecting data related to an analyte from a plurality of the droplets while the droplets remain closely packed together in the monolayer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. HINDSON, Kevin D. NESS, Billy W. COLSTON, JR., Fred P. MILANOVICH, Donald A. MASQUELIER
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Patent number: 10378048Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for making and using a stabilized emulsion. A method of generating a stabilized emulsion is provided. In the method, an aqueous phase may be provided. The aqueous phase may include an effective concentration of one or more skin-forming proteins. An emulsion may be formed. The emulsion may include droplets of a dispersed phase disposed in a continuous phase, with the aqueous phase being the continuous phase or the dispersed phase. The emulsion may be heated to create an interfacial skin between each droplet and the continuous phase, to transform the droplets into capsules.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Amy L. Hiddessen, Benjamin J. Hindson
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Publication number: 20190241947Abstract: Method of haplotype analysis. In an exemplary method, an aqueous phase containing nucleic acid may be partitioned into a plurality of discrete volumes. At least one allele sequence may be amplified in the volumes from each of a first polymorphic locus and a second polymorphic locus that exhibit sequence variation in the nucleic acid. At least one measure of co-amplification of allele sequences from both loci in the same volumes may be determined. A haplotype of the first and second loci may be selected based on the at least one measure of co-amplification.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: John F. Regan, Serge Saxonov, Michael Y. Lucero, Benjamin J. Hindson, Phillip Belgrader, Simant Dube, Austin P. So, Jeffrey C. Mellen, Nicholas J. Heredia, Kevin D. Ness, Billy W. Colston, JR.
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Publication number: 20190242795Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for the mixing of small volumes of fluid by coalescence of multiple emulsions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Hindson, Billy W. Colston, JR., Kevin D. Ness, Donald A. Masquelier
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Publication number: 20190218593Abstract: System, including methods and compositions, for making and using emulsions that include a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The emulsions may include aqueous droplets disposed in a continuous phase that includes a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The aqueous droplets may contain an analyte, optionally at partial occupancy, and/or a luminescent (e.g., photoluminescent) reporter. An assay of the analyte may be performed with the droplets. In some cases, signals may be detected from the droplets, and a characteristic of the analyte, such as an analyte level or activity, may be determined based on the signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Erin R. CHIA, Amy L. HIDDESSEN, Benjamin J. HINDSON, Adam LOWE, Chunxiao HAN
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Patent number: 10279350Abstract: Methods of generating droplets. In an exemplary method, a device including a sample well, a carrier well, a droplet well, and a plurality of microfluidic channels is selected. The microfluidic channels include a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. A discrete volume of sample-containing fluid is placed into the sample well, and a discrete volume of carrier fluid is placed into the carrier well. A pressure differential is created after placing the discrete volumes, to cause fluid flow. Sample-containing fluid flows from the sample well to a droplet-generation region of the device via the first channel. Carrier fluid flows from the carrier well to the droplet-generation region via the second channel. Sample-containing droplets and carrier fluid flow from the droplet-generation region to the droplet well via the third channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Hindson, Kevin D. Ness, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Fred P. Milanovich, Donald A. Masquelier
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Patent number: 10258988Abstract: Devices and methods for generating droplets. An exemplary device comprises a substantially planar base portion including a bottom surface having a plurality of microfluidic channels formed therein as recessed regions of the bottom surface. The device also comprises a plurality of protrusions projecting from a top surface of the base portion and each formed integrally with the base portion. The device further comprises a sample well, a carrier well, and a droplet well. Each well has an upper portion created by one of the protrusions. A cover layer is attached to the bottom surface of the base portion and seals a bottom side of each microfluidic channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Ness, Benjamin J. Hindson, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Donald A. Masquelier
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Patent number: 10258989Abstract: Methods of making a droplet-generating device. In an exemplary method, an upper member is injection molded. The upper member includes a bottom surface and also includes a first microfluidic channel, a second microfluidic channel, and a third microfluidic channel each formed in the bottom surface. The upper member has a plurality of openings each extending completely through the upper member from the bottom surface and creating a side wall region of a sample well, a carrier well, and a droplet well. A cover layer is attached to the bottom surface of the upper member, such that the cover layer seals a bottom side of each microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channels meet one another to create a droplet-generation region. The sample well, the carrier well, and the droplet well are connected to the droplet-generation region via the first, second, and third microfluidic channels, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Ness, Benjamin J. Hindson, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Donald A. Masquelier
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Patent number: 10166522Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for the mixing of small volumes of fluid by coalescence of multiple emulsions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Hindson, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Kevin D. Ness, Donald A. Masquelier
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Patent number: 10167509Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods, compositions, and kits for analysis of nucleic acids. The improved methods, compositions, and kits can enable copy number estimation of a nucleic acid in a sample. Also provided herein are methods, compositions, and kits for determining the linkage of two or more copies of a target nucleic acid in a sample (e.g. whether the two or more copies are on the same chromosome or different chromosomes) or for phasing alleles.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: John F. Regan, Serge Saxonov, Michael Y. Lucero, Benjamin J. Hindson, Phillip Belgrader, Simant Dube, Austin P. So, Jeffrey C. Mellen, Nicholas J. Heredia, Kevin D. Ness, Billy W. Colston, Jr.
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Patent number: 10150786Abstract: System, including methods and compositions, for making and using emulsions that include a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The emulsions may include aqueous droplets disposed in a continuous phase that includes a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The aqueous droplets may contain an analyte, optionally at partial occupancy, and/or a luminescent (e.g., photoluminescent) reporter. An assay of the analyte may be performed with the droplets. In some cases, signals may be detected from the droplets, and a characteristic of the analyte, such as an analyte level or activity, may be determined based on the signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Erin R. Chia, Amy L. Hiddessen, Benjamin J. Hindson, Adam Lowe, Chunxiao Han
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Publication number: 20180147573Abstract: Devices and methods for generating droplets. An exemplary device comprises a substantially planar base portion including a bottom surface having a plurality of microfluidic channels formed therein as recessed regions of the bottom surface. The device also comprises a plurality of protrusions projecting from a top surface of the base portion and each formed integrally with the base portion. The device further comprises a sample well, a carrier well, and a droplet well. Each well has an upper portion created by one of the protrusions. A cover layer is attached to the bottom surface of the base portion and seals a bottom side of each microfluidic channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2017Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Amy L. Hiddessen, Donald A. Masquelier, Kevin D. Ness, Benjamin J. Hindson, Anthony J. Makarewicz, Jr., Erin R. Chia, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Serge Saxonov, Svilen S. Tzonev, Michael Y. Lucero, Ryan T. Koehler
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Publication number: 20180135100Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting nucleic acids in polymerase chain reaction assays, such as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays, using intercalating dyes. A dual surfactant system with at least one fluorosurfactant and at least one non-ionic non-fluorosurfactant may be employed for droplet generation and nucleic acid detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Adam Lowe, Geoff McDermott, Christopher M. Hindson, Erin R. Chia, Amy L. Hiddessen, Benjamin J. Hindson, Chunxiao Han, Yaqi Wang
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Patent number: 9901927Abstract: Methods of generating droplets. In an exemplary method, a device including a sample well, a carrier well, a droplet well, and a plurality of microfluidic channels is selected. The microfluidic channels include a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. A discrete volume of sample-containing fluid is placed into the sample well, and a discrete volume of carrier fluid is placed into the carrier well. A pressure differential is created after placing the discrete volumes, to cause fluid flow. Sample-containing fluid flows from the sample well to a droplet-generation region of the device via the first channel. Carrier fluid flows from the carrier well to the droplet-generation region via the second channel. Sample-containing droplets and carrier fluid flow from the droplet-generation region to the droplet well via the third channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Hindson, Kevin D. Ness, Billy W. Colston, Jr., Fred P. Milanovich, Donald A. Masquelier
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Publication number: 20170362258Abstract: System, including methods and compositions, for making and using emulsions that include a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The emulsions may include aqueous droplets disposed in a continuous phase that includes a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The aqueous droplets may contain an analyte, optionally at partial occupancy, and/or a luminescent (e.g., photoluminescent) reporter. An assay of the analyte may be performed with the droplets. In some cases, signals may be detected from the droplets, and a characteristic of the analyte, such as an analyte level or activity, may be determined based on the signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Erin R. Chia, Amy L. Hiddessen, Benjamin J. Hindson, Adam Lowe, Chunxiao Han