Patents by Inventor Christopher B. Shumate

Christopher B. Shumate 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: 7674588
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for detecting specific binding between first and second chemical entities. The first chemical entity in association with a first fluorophore is immobilized. The second chemical entity is allowed to bind with the immobilized first chemical entity. The second chemical entity is or becomes coupled to a second fluorophore, which forms a FRET pair with the first fluorophore. The bound chemical entities are exposed to radiation at an excitation frequency for either the first or the second fluorophore, and polarization anisotropy of a FRET fluorescent signal from the bound chemical entities is measured to detect specific binding between the first and second chemical entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Blueshift Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Miller, Paul B. Comita, Christopher B. Shumate, Evan F. Cromwell
  • Publication number: 20080206888
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for detecting specific binding between first and second chemical entities. The first chemical entity in association with a first fluorophore is immobilized. The second chemical entity is allowed to bind with the immobilized first chemical entity. The second chemical entity is or becomes coupled to a second fluorophore, which forms a FRET pair with the first fluorophore. The bound chemical entities are exposed to radiation at an excitation frequency for either the first or the second fluorophore, and polarization anisotropy of a FRET fluorescent signal from the bound chemical entities is measured to detect specific binding between the first and second chemical entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Steven C. Miller, Paul B. Comita, Christopher B. Shumate, Evan F. Cromwell
  • Patent number: 7141378
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system, implementing and using techniques for detecting a presence of one or more target analytes in particular regions of interest of one or more samples. One or more samples including objects and one or more target analytes are provided. Some of the target analytes are labeled with a fluorophore and are bound to some of the objects in the samples. The samples are illuminated with fluorescence inducing light and fluorescent light is collected from one or more regions of the one or more samples. At least one anisotropy measurement of the samples is performed to identify regions of interest where one or more target analytes are bound to the objects. The collected fluorescent light from the regions of interest is analyzed to determine a presence of target analytes that are bound to the objects in the one or more samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Blueshift Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Miller, Paul B. Comita, Evan F. Cromwell, Christopher B. Shumate
  • Patent number: 6825042
    Abstract: A microplate lid having a substantially flat, generally rectangular top with first and second pairs of opposite sides. A flange depends from the top of the first and second pairs of sides, the flange bearings at least one recess area along each side of the first pair of sides, the recessed area extended into the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Vertex Pharmaceuticals (San Diego) LLC
    Inventors: Christopher B. Shumate, Peter J. Coassin
  • Patent number: 6254833
    Abstract: A microplate lid having a substantially flat, generally rectangular top with first and second pairs of opposite sides. A flange depends from the top of the first and second pairs of sides, the flange bearing at least one recess area along each side of the first pair of sides, the recessed area extending into the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Aurora Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Shumate, Peter J. Coassin
  • Patent number: 5760299
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid phase extraction chromatography is disclosed in which the flow rate of a fluid, such as the motive pressurized gas is monitored, adjusted and compared with a standardized pressure curve which is correlative of a sample being processed. By monitoring and adjusting changes in flow rate, which can correspond to process initialization, beginning, ending and key fractionating points, and correlating to a standard, the cycle time for assaying the sample in question can be maximized and multiple samples can pass through analysis automatically and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Hamilton Company
    Inventors: James E. Johnson, Christopher B. Shumate, Andy W. Siu, Ronald Gundlach
  • Patent number: 5531959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid phase extraction chromatography is disclosed in which the flow rate of a fluid, such as the motive pressurized gas is monitored, adjusted and compared with a standardized pressure curve which is correlative of a sample being processed. By monitoring and adjusting changes in flow rate, which can correspond to process initialization, beginning, ending and key fractionating points, and correlating to a standard, the cycle time for assaying the sample in question can be maximized and multiple samples can pass through analysis automatically and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Hamilton Company
    Inventors: James E. Johnson, Christopher B. Shumate, Andy W. Siu, Ronald Gundlach
  • Patent number: 5324480
    Abstract: A liquid handling system includes a translation mechanism, and a probe mounted on the translation mechanism. The probe has a number of lumens extending along the length of the probe. The lumens are open at their lower ends and connectable at their upper ends to a compressed air source and sources of liquid solvents. The system further includes multiple seal heads that can be attached to the lower end of the probe to perform various functions. Some seal heads seal to the tops of various sized containers placed below the probe, with a cylindrical splash guard overlying the exterior of the top of the container to prevent splashes that might injure personnel. Other seal heads rotatably attach to other structures, such as filters. The seal heads may be parked and then used, one at a time, by inserting the probe into the appropriate seal head. After use, the seal head is returned to the parking location and drawn off the end of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Hamilton Company
    Inventors: Christopher B. Shumate, Eric Riedi, Doud R. Branham, Harold R. Schultz