Patents by Inventor C. Willson

C. Willson 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: 20100210009
    Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Paul Ruchhoeft
  • Patent number: 7727775
    Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Paul Ruchhoeft
  • Patent number: 7598371
    Abstract: An immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) method for separating and/or purifying compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group such as nucleic acid, presumably through interaction with the abundant aromatic nitrogen atoms in the purine or pyrimidine moiety. The method can also be used to purify compounds containing purine or pyrimidine moieties where the purine and pyrimidine moieties are shielded from interaction with the column matrix from compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group. Thus, double-stranded plasmid and genomic DNA, which has no low binding affinity can be easily separated from RNA and/or oligonucleotides which bind strongly to metal-charged chelating matrices. IMAC columns clarify plasmid DNA from bacterial alkaline lysates, purify a ribozyme, and remove primers and other contaminants from PCR reactions. The metal ion affinity of yeast RNA decreases in the order: copper (II), nickel (II), zinc (II), and cobalt (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Jason C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7569347
    Abstract: RNA, preferably messenger RNA, is purified by use of selective precipitation, preferably by addition of compaction agents. Also included is a scalable method for the liquid-phase separation of DNA from RNA and RNA may also be recovered by fractional precipitation. Specific classes of compounds e.g. phase transfer catalysts (PTCs), most preferably selected polyamines of U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,108 polyamines which are quaternary compounds are unexpectedly potent in causing selective precipitation of DNA away from RNA, at low concentrations and in the presence of relatively elevated ionic strength selective removal of DNA can also remove both RNA and DNA, leaving behind a mixture which is advantageous for the further purification of, e.g., proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Technology Licensing Co. LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Willson, III, Richard Don Goodin
  • Publication number: 20080095878
    Abstract: The present invention includes a template comprising a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recessions with a distance between a zenith of any of the plurality of protrusions and a nadir of any one of the plurality of recessions being less than 250 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Todd Bailey, Byung Choi, Matthew Colburn, S.V. Sreenivasan, C. Willson, John Ekerdt
  • Publication number: 20070034600
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for forming a pattern on a substrate with a composition by forming a cross-linked polymer from the composition upon exposing the same to radiation. The method includes depositing the composition to function as a planarization layer. Thereafter, a layer of polymerizable material into which a pattern is to be recorded is deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: C. Willson, Britain Smith, Nicholas Stacey
  • Publication number: 20060261518
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods that involve the combination of step-and-flash imprint lithography (SFIL) with a multi-tier template to simultaneously pattern multiple levels of, for example, an integrated circuit device. In such embodiments, the imprinted material generally does not serve or act as a simple etch mask or photoresist, but rather serves as the insulation between levels and lines, i.e., as a functional dielectric material. After imprinting and a multiple step curing process, the imprinted pattern is filled with metal, as in dual damascene processing. Typically, the two printed levels will comprise a “via level,” which is used to make electrical contact with the previously patterned under-level, and a “wiring level.” The present invention provides for the direct patterning of functional materials, which represents a significant departure from the traditional approach to microelectronics manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: C. Willson, Frank Palmieri, Yukio Nishimura, Stephen Johnson, Michael Stewart
  • Publication number: 20050156357
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for forming a pattern on a substrate with a composition by forming a cross-linked polymer from the composition upon exposing the same to radiation. The method includes depositing the composition to function as a planarization layer. Thereafter, a layer of polymerizable material into which a pattern is to be recorded is deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Inventors: C. Willson, Britain Smith, Nicholas Stacey
  • Patent number: 6908768
    Abstract: Apparatus for testing catalyst candidates including a multi-cell holder e.g. a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles that have been treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients and dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets. The apparatus also includes structure for contacting the catalyst candidates with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g. by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g. by multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis e.g. spectral analysis, chromatography etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: University of Houston, Texas
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Publication number: 20050064452
    Abstract: A system and method for the detection of an analyte using multiplexing of the sensing elements is described. In one embodiment, a sensor array includes sensing elements, and probes bound to one or more sensing elements. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member to which a plurality of sensing elements may be coupled. The sensing element may have a predefined shape, size or location. A signal may be produced when a target analyte interacts with a probe. In one embodiment, the identity of the target may be determined by the detection of the signals produced and the shapes of the sensing elements. Each analyte may be given a unique code that is represented by one or more sensing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: Matthew Schmid, C. Willson
  • Publication number: 20050019796
    Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Jason Meiring, Timothy Michaelson, C. Willson
  • Publication number: 20040152076
    Abstract: An immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) method for separating and/or purifying compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group such as nucleic acid, presumably through interaction with the abundant aromatic nitrogen atoms in the purine or pyrimidine moiety. The method can also be used to purify compounds containing purine or pyrimidine moieties where the purine and pyrimidine moieties are shielded from interaction with the column matrix from compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group. Thus, double-stranded plasmid and genomic DNA, which has no low binding affinity can be easily separated from RNA and/or oligonucleotides which bind strongly to metal-charged chelating matrices. IMAC columns clarify plasmid DNA from bacterial alkaline lysates, purify a ribozyme, and remove primers and other contaminants from PCR reactions. The metal ion affinity of yeast RNA decreases in the order: copper (II), nickel (II), zinc (II), and cobalt (II).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Jason C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6630111
    Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating catalysts, including a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Patent number: 6623967
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Patent number: 6623968
    Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating catalysts, including a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Patent number: 6623969
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Patent number: 6623970
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Patent number: 6617108
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention include purification of DNA, preferably plasmid DNA, by use of selective precipitation, preferably by addition of compaction agents. Also, included is a sealable method for the liquid phase separation of DNA from RNA. RNA may also be recovered by fractional precipitation according to the invention. Applicants have discovered that RNA, commonly the major contaminant in DNA preparations, can be left in solution while valuable purified plasmid DNA is directly precipitated. Additional aspects of the invention include mini-preps, preferably of plasmid and chromosomal DNA, to obtain sequenceable and restriction digestible DNA in high yields in multiple simultaneous procedures. Still further aspects disclose enhanced stripping of the compaction agent by a stripping method comprising high salt addition and pH shift, and combinations of these techniques. Also, disclosed is a method of assay in which a labeled probe is precipitated when it is hybridized to a target, (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Technology Licensing Co. LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Willson, III, Jason Murphy
  • Patent number: 6605470
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: University of Houston, Texas
    Inventor: Richard C. Willson, III
  • Patent number: 6592707
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant protective coating for an apparatus and method of processing a substrate in a chamber containing a plasma of a processing gas. The protective coating or sealant is used to line or coat inside surfaces of a reactor chamber that are exposed to corrosive processing gas that forms the plasma. The protective coating comprises at least one polymer resulting from a monomeric anaerobic chemical mixture having been cured in a vacuum in the absence of oxygen. The protective coating includes a major proportion of at least one methacrylate compound and a minor proportion of an activator compound which initiates the curing process of the monomeric anaerobic mixture in the absence of oxygen or air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Shih, Nianci Han, Jie Yuan, Joe Sommers, Diana Ma, Paul Vollmer, Michael C. Willson