Patents by Inventor Charles F. Spence
Charles F. Spence 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: 20110229872Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: CHARLES F. SPENCE, ANNE Y. FU, STEPHEN R. QUAKE, FRANCES H. ARNOLD
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Publication number: 20080176211Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
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Patent number: 7214298Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
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Patent number: 6592735Abstract: A machine for sequencing DNA using optical techniques. A sample is loaded in the sample loading area, and place through DNA sequencing gel. The voltage across the reservoir may be increased by improving the cooling and thermal characteristics of the gel device. Preferably materials are used which have at least half and preferably a fifth the thermal transfer characteristics of glass. The materials can also be thin e.g. 50-100 microns. A heat sink can be used to dissipate more of the heat, and a fan can be directed at the heat sink. Moreover, the material can be flexible.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Joseph T. Meier, Steven M. Clark, Charles F. Spence
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Patent number: 6540895Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
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Publication number: 20020005354Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Charles F. Spence, Anne Y. Fu, Stephen R. Quake, Frances H. Arnold
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Patent number: 5219099Abstract: A syringe pump, uses a stepping motor to rotate a lead screw with precision and in turn advance a zero-backlash ball nut or vice-versa to drive the syringe plunger. This invention is designed to eliminate virtually all forces that are not coaxially aligned with the plunger's axis by utilizing a drive shaft kinematically supported on a reference member. The barrel of the syringe is kinematically supported on the reference member with its axis aligned with the axis of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is advanced by the ball nut and drive shaft assembly to drive the plunger which is kinematically supported at one end by the end of the drive shaft and at the other end by the internal wall of the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1991Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Charles F. Spence, Steven M. Clark