Patents by Inventor Bernard Bunner
Bernard Bunner 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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Publication number: 20130014567Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating a sample by chromatography includes diffusion bonded metallic sheets joined together to create a hermetically sealed interface between each adjacent metallic sheet without the introduction of a secondary material. Enclosed within the diffusion bonded sheets is a separation channel accessible by at least one of an inlet or an outlet. The separation channel is packed with micrometer-sized particles serving as a stationary phase in a chromatographic separation. Wetted surfaces of the separation channel include a coating of an organic material at least one monolayer thick.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Bernard Bunner, Theodore A. Dourdeville
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Publication number: 20120138513Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: CYTONOME/ST, LLCInventors: Andrew Johnson, John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Hugh Lewis, Bernard Bunner
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Patent number: 8123044Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLCInventors: Andrew Johnson, John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Hugh Lewis, Bernard Bunner
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Publication number: 20120009025Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: CYTONOME/ST, LLCInventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
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Patent number: 7997831Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Cytonome/St, LLCInventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
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Publication number: 20110107822Abstract: Described are techniques for use in connection with analyzing a droplet. One or more droplets of a sample are formed on a surface of a digital microfluidic device. The droplets are manipulated to perform processing using said one or more droplets generating one or more resulting droplets. The one or more resulting droplets may be transferred from the microfluidic device to another device for analysis. The one or more droplets may also be provided to the digital microfluidic device from yet another device or analysis instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Bernard Bunner, Geoff C. Gerhardt, Joseph A. Jarrell
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Publication number: 20100111616Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: CYTONOME, INC.Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
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Patent number: 7611309Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLCInventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
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Publication number: 20080166188Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
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Publication number: 20080086885Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Bohm, Manish Deshpande
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Publication number: 20080087584Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Johnson, John Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Hugh Lewis, Bernard Bunner
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Patent number: 7311476Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
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Patent number: 7293581Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
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Publication number: 20070044851Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: March 1, 2007Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Bohm, Manish Deshpande
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Publication number: 20060285983Abstract: An electromagnetic micropump for pumping small volumes of liquids and gases comprises a magnetic actuator assembly, a flexible membrane and a housing defining a chamber and a plurality of valves. The magnetic actuator assembly comprises a coil and a permanent magnet for deflecting the membrane to effect pumping of the fluid. A plurality of micropumps may be stacked together to increase pumping capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2006Publication date: December 21, 2006Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Bunner, Manish Deshpande, Sebastian Bohm, Richard Day, John Gilbert
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Patent number: 7134639Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
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Patent number: 7033148Abstract: An electromagnetic micropump for pumping small volumes of liquids and gases comprises a magnetic actuator assembly, a flexible membrane and a housing defining a chamber and a plurality of valves. The magnetic actuator assembly comprises a coil and a permanent magnet for deflecting the membrane to effect pumping of the fluid. A plurality of micropumps may be stacked together to increase pumping capacity.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Bunner, Manish Deshpande, Sebastian Böhm, Richard Day, John Richard Gilbert
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Patent number: 6981518Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John Richard Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
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Publication number: 20050166975Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2005Publication date: August 4, 2005Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John Gilbert, Bernard Bunner, Sebastian Bohm, Manish Deshpande
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Publication number: 20050123450Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2004Publication date: June 9, 2005Applicant: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner