Patents by Inventor Bernhard Zimmermann

Bernhard Zimmermann 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: 20220073979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER
  • Publication number: 20220073978
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER
  • Publication number: 20220074588
    Abstract: In the case of mono sewage sludge incineration, a solution may be created that enables sewage sludge ash, which may still have a low proportion of unburned carbon, to be discharged from a mono sewage sludge incineration plant. This is achieved by a method for the post-combustion of sewage sludge ash obtained in a mono sewage sludge incineration in a rotary kiln by means of a hot and a low oxygen content, such as an oxygen content of 5-10 vol. % oxygen. The gas stream from the rotary kiln may escape the sewage sludge ash and is fed to the gas flow. This sufficiently hot gas flow may cause oxidation or afterburning of unburned carbon contained in the sewage sludge ash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Martin EHMANN, Gerhard PANNEN, Alexander SIMON, Henning VON KROSIGK, Andreas RUPP
  • Publication number: 20220056509
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting single nucleotide variants in breast cancer, bladder cancer, or colorectal cancer. Additional methods and compositions, such as reaction mixtures and solid supports comprising clonal populations of nucleic acids, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Raheleh SALARI, Ryan SWENERTON, Hsin-Ta WU, Himanshu SETHI
  • Publication number: 20220042103
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a sample of DNA from the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and from genotypic data from the mother and optionally also from the father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a set of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. In an embodiment, the mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner
  • Publication number: 20220033909
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua BABIARZ, Tudor Pompiliu CONSTANTIN, Lane A. EUBANK, George GEMELOS, Matthew Micah HILL, Huseyin Eser KIRKIZLAR, Matthew RABINOWITZ, Onur SAKARYA, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN
  • Publication number: 20220025455
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for sequencing nucleic acid molecules and identifying individual sample nucleic acid molecules using Molecular Index Tags (MITs). Furthermore, reaction mixtures, kits, and adapter libraries are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Ryan SWENERTON, Matthew RABINOWITZ, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON, George GEMELOS, Apratim GANGULY, Himanshu SETHI
  • Publication number: 20220025456
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON
  • Patent number: 11198905
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, Styrmir Sigurjonsson
  • Patent number: 11180802
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner
  • Publication number: 20210355536
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON
  • Patent number: 11168362
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for sequencing nucleic acid molecules and identifying individual sample nucleic acid molecules using Molecular Index Tags (MITs). Furthermore, reaction mixtures, kits, and adapter libraries are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Zimmermann, Ryan Swenerton, Matthew Rabinowitz, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, George Gemelos, Apratim Ganguly, Himanshu Sethi
  • Patent number: 11155861
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, Styrmir Sigurjonsson
  • Publication number: 20210324463
    Abstract: Methods for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing are disclosed herein. The method uses genetic measurements made on plasma taken from a pregnant mother, along with genetic measurements of the alleged father, and genetic measurements of the mother, to determine whether or not the alleged father is the biological father of the fetus. This is accomplished by way of an informatics based method that can compare the genetic fingerprint of the fetal DNA found in maternal plasma to the genetic fingerprint of the alleged father.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON, Zachary DEMKO
  • Patent number: 11111545
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Babiarz, Tudor Pompiliu Constantin, Lane A. Eubank, George Gemelos, Matthew Micah Hill, Huseyin Eser Kirkizlar, Matthew Rabinowitz, Onur Sakarya, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, Allison Ryan, Milena Banjevic, Zachary Demko
  • Publication number: 20210262035
    Abstract: Blood plasma of pregnant women contains fetal and (generally >90%) maternal circulatory extracellular DNA. Most of said fetal DNA contains 500 base pairs, said maternal DNA having a greater size. Separation of circulatory extracellular DNA of <500 base pairs results in separation of fetal from maternal DNA. A fraction of a blood plasma or serum sample of a pregnant woman containing, due to size separation (e.g. by chromatography, density gradient centrifugation or nanotechnological methods), extracellular DNA substantially comprising 500 base pairs is useful for non-invasive detection of fetal genetic traits (including the fetal RhD gene in pregnancies at risk for HDN; fetal Y chromosome-specific sequences in pregnancies at risk for X chromosome-linked disorders; chromosomal aberrations; hereditary Mendelian genetic disorders and corresponding genetic markers; and traits decisive for paternity determination) by e.g. PCR, ligand chain reaction or probe hybridization techniques, or nucleic acid arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Sinuhe HAHN, Wolfgang HOLZGREVE, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Ying LI
  • Patent number: 11098366
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Matthew Micah Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Zachary Demko
  • Patent number: 11098365
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Babiarz, Tudor Pompiliu Constantin, Lane A. Eubank, George Gemelos, Matthew Micah Hill, Huseyin Eser Kirkizlar, Matthew Rabinowitz, Onur Sakarya, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Bernhard Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20210257048
    Abstract: A method for calling a mutation includes determining, for each target base of a plurality of target bases, a respective value for a background error parameter based on training data. The method further includes determining a motif-specific error model including the background error parameter by performing processes that include: identifying a respective motif for each target base of the plurality of target bases, grouping the plurality of target bases into a plurality of groups, each group corresponding to a particular motif, and determining, for each group, a respective motif-specific parameter value for the background error parameter based on the determined values for the background error parameter for the target bases included in each group. The method further includes calling a mutation using the motif-specific error model and sequencing information for a biological sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Raheleh SALARI, Ryan SWENERTON, Dina M. HAFEZ
  • Patent number: 11091804
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Zimmermann, Matthew Hill, Philippe Lacroute, Michael Dodd, Alexander Wong