Patents by Inventor Brian Fowler

Brian Fowler 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).

  • Patent number: 8422632
    Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 8389960
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Pieprzyk, Geoff Facer, Timothy Woudenberg, Brian Fowler
  • Publication number: 20130005585
    Abstract: Described herein are methods useful for incorporating one or more adaptors and/or nucleotide tag(s) and/or barcode nucleotide sequence(s) one, or typically more, target nucleotide sequences. In particular embodiments, nucleic acid fragments having adaptors, e.g., suitable for use in high-throughput DNA sequencing are generated. In other embodiments, information about a reaction mixture is encoded into a reaction product. Also described herein are methods and kits useful for amplifying one or more target nucleic acids in preparation for applications such as bidirectional nucleic acid sequencing. In particular embodiments, methods of the invention entail additionally carrying out bidirectional DNA sequencing. Also described herein are methods for encoding and detecting and/or quantifying alleles by primer extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FLUIDIGM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Megan Anderson, Peilin Chen, Brian Fowler, Robert C. Jones, Fiona Kaper, Ronald Lebofsky, Andrew May
  • Publication number: 20120278873
    Abstract: Techniques for resource operation based on usage, sharing, and recommendations with modular authentication are provided. A resource space is associated with a principal. The resource space comprises resources local to a device of the principal and remote from the device. The resources presented in a merged view within a local file system and operating system of the device. In an embodiment, the device negotiates authentication with an intermediary for access to a legacy service where authentication is performed by the intermediary on behalf of the device, and the intermediary establishes an authentication session between the principal and the legacy service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: William Calero, Glen Davis, Richard Brian Fowler, Richard Lindstedt, Umadevi Santhanam, Kalvanasundaram Subramanivan, Krishna Mitter, Kalidas Balakrishnan, Mahabaleshwar Mallappa Asundi, Ramesh Sunder, Nithya Balachandran, Praveen Kumar Sivapuram, Anil Kumar, Mandhakini Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20120261007
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Pieprzyk, Geoff Facer, Timothy Woudenberg, Brian Fowler
  • Publication number: 20120195810
    Abstract: The present invention includes microfluidic systems having a microfabricated cavity that may be covered with a removable cover, where the removable cover allows at least part of the opening of the microfabricated cavity to be exposed or directly accessed by an operator. The microfluidic systems comprise chambers, flow and control channels formed in elastomeric layers that may comprise PDMS. The removable cover comprises a thermoplastic base film bonded to an elastomer layer by an adhesive layer. When the removable cover is peeled off, the chamber is at least partially open to allow sample extraction from the chamber. The chamber may have macromolecular crystals formed inside or resulting contents from a PCR reaction. The invention also includes a method for making vias in elastomeric layers by using the removable cover. The invention further includes methods and devices for peeling the peelable cover or a removable component such as Integrated Heater Spreader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: David Cohen, Andrew May, Martin Pieprzyk, Brian Fowler, Kim Huat Lee, Jun Yan, Ming Fang Zhou, Seng Beng Ng
  • Publication number: 20120132192
    Abstract: A fireplace screen comprising a mesh structure positionable about an outer surface of a fireplace opening. The mesh structure is shaped to cover the fireplace opening. Holes in the mesh structure are configured to promote an inflow of air external to a fireplace through the mesh structure and a vertical circulation of the air across an interior planar surface of the mesh structure located outside of the fireplace opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Lennox Hearth Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Paul Dusky
  • Publication number: 20120021523
    Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 8058630
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Pieprzyk, Geoff Facer, Timothy Woudenberg, Brian Fowler
  • Patent number: 7974380
    Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 7852997
    Abstract: A URL adapter for a Web browser that enables the integration of telephone numbers into a web browser's address line for parsing as a URI. The URL adapter bypasses traditional search hook functions to identify potential telephone numbers. The URL adapter has access to a name server for translating names entered into the browser into telephone numbers. The URL adapter can also parse Web pages to self-identify telephone numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Managed Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Leonard Rose
  • Publication number: 20100230613
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Pieprzyk, Geoff Facer, Timothy Woudenberg, Brian Fowler
  • Publication number: 20090257920
    Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Facer, Brian Fowler, Emerson Cheung Quan, Marc Unger
  • Publication number: 20090147918
    Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 7452726
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Hou-Pu Chou, Antoine Daridon, Kevin Farrell, Brian Fowler, Yish-Hann Liau, Ian D. Manger, Hany Ramez Nassef, William Throndset
  • Publication number: 20080109553
    Abstract: The present invention provides a way to reduce click fraud by verifying that a human user is making URI requests. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a client-side plug-in or other suitable component adapted to: (a) assemble a list of enabled domains; (b) when a user first requests a resource from an enabled domain, modify hyperlinks in the response that target resources in any enabled domain; and (c) when a user attempts to follow a modified hyperlink, present a challenge to the user that the user must successfully negotiate before the user is granted access to the resource targeted by the hyperlink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Fowler
  • Patent number: 7312085
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Hou-Pu Chou, Antoine Daridon, Kevin Farrell, Brian Fowler, Yish-Hann Liau, Ian D. Manger, Hany Ramez Nassef, William Throndset
  • Patent number: 7283515
    Abstract: A telephony network for enabling the origination and termination of telephone calls between one or more subscriber terminals connected to a public packet network with an open addressing protocol and one or more non-subscriber terminals connected to a PSTN network. Subscribers to the telephony network have E.164 numbers mapped to their current IP address and published by a mapping server so other subscribers and non-subscribers can call the subscriber. The mapped information is published on either a HTML or XML page for direct use over the Internet by other subscribers or for use by a gateway device. The gateway device enables non-subscribers on the PSTN to directly call subscribers. Calls between subscribers completely by-pass the PSTN or the cellular network if BlueTooth or Wi-Fi enabled terminals are used. Subscribers can also call anyone with a phone number whether they are a subscriber or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Managed Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Fowler
  • Publication number: 20060168015
    Abstract: A plug-in for use with an instant messenger utility that enables users to make telephone calls through the instant messenger. The plug-in provides users of web-based IM clients, an interface to call contact in their contact list. The plug-in also acts as a connector between users of disparate networks, allowing users of one IM network to communicate with users of another IM network. The plug-in can also call-enable other web-based applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Fowler
  • Patent number: D639926
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Lennox Hearth Products LLC
    Inventors: Brian Fowler, Paul Dusky