Patents by Inventor Douglas N. Modlin

Douglas N. Modlin 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: 9156010
    Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Wayne Colston, Jr., Benjamin Joseph Hindson, Kevin Dean Ness, Donald Arthur Masquelier, Fred Paul Milanovich, Douglas N. Modlin, Vincent Riot, Samuel Burd, Anthony Joseph Makarewicz, Jr., Phillip Belgrader
  • Publication number: 20100173394
    Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Billy Wayne Colston, JR., Benjamin Joseph Hindson, Kevin Dean Ness, Donald Arthur Masquelier, Fred Paul Milanovich, Douglas N. Modlin, Vincent Riot, Samuel Burd, Anthony Joseph Makarewicz, JR., Phillip Belgrader
  • Patent number: 7736906
    Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 7691330
    Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 7349223
    Abstract: Several embodiments of enhanced integrated circuit probe card and package assemblies are disclosed, which extend the mechanical compliance of both MEMS and thin-film fabricated probes, such that these types of spring probe structures can be used to test one or more integrated circuits on a semiconductor wafer. Several embodiments of probe card assemblies, which provide tight signal pad pitch compliance and/or enable high levels of parallel testing in commercial wafer probing equipment, are disclosed. In some preferred embodiments, the probe card assembly structures include separable standard components, which reduce assembly manufacturing cost and manufacturing time. These structures and assemblies enable high speed testing in wafer form. The probes also have built in mechanical protection for both the integrated circuits and the MEMS or thin film fabricated spring tips and probe layout structures on substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Nanonexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Haemer, Fu Chiung Chong, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 6992761
    Abstract: Broad-range light-detection systems, including components and methods of use thereof. These systems may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed and/or detection efficiency, particularly in applications involving repeated analysis of the same sample and/or successive analysis of different samples, and particularly when the sample or samples have a wide range of light intensities. These systems also may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased accuracy over a broad range of intensities. These systems also may include vapparatus and methods for automatically scaling detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, David P. Stumbo, Rick V. Stellmacher, Jonathan F. Petersen, Todd E. French
  • Patent number: 6982431
    Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, John C. Owicki, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Patent number: 6943034
    Abstract: A method for producing arrays by spacing a dispenser a distance from a surface of a support, dispensing a volume containing a compound in a single coupling step of less than 5 nl to occupy a localized area of less than 1 cm2 of the surface of the support, allowing the compound to bind directly or indirectly to the support and repeating the steps to produce an array of at least 100 ligands at a density of 1000 per cm2 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 6902703
    Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: LJL Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Christopher G. Cesar, Jon F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo, Amer El-Hage, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin, Lev J. Leytes, Samuel Burd
  • Patent number: 6864101
    Abstract: A method for producing polymer arrays by spacing a dispenser a distance from a surface of a support, dispensing a volume containing a monomer in a single coupling step of less than 5 nl to occupy a localized area of less than 1 cm2 of the surface of the support, allowing the monomer to bind directly or indirectly to the support and repeating the steps to produce an array of at least 100 polymer ligands at a density of 1000 per cm2 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 6849462
    Abstract: A method for producing arrays by depositing a resist on a substrate, selectively removing a portion of the resist to expose localized areas, dispensing a monomer to occupy a localized area of less than 1 cm2 of the surface of the support, allowing the monomer to bind directly or indirectly to the support and repeating the steps to produce an array of at least 10 different polymers is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 6838051
    Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Christopher G. Cesar, Jon F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo, Amer El-Hage, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin, Ley J. Leytes, Samuel Burd
  • Publication number: 20040239922
    Abstract: Broad-range light-detection systems, including components and methods of use thereof. These systems may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed and/or detection efficiency, particularly in applications involving repeated analysis of the same sample and/or successive analysis of different samples, and particularly when the sample or samples have a wide range of light intensities. These systems also may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased accuracy over a broad range of intensities. These systems also may include vapparatus and methods for automatically scaling detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, David P. Stumbo, Rick V. Stellmacher, Jonathan F. Petersen, Todd E. French
  • Patent number: 6825921
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for combining multiple modes and methods of optical detection, postprocessing, and/or feedback loops in bioanalytical measurements. The methods may include (1) positioning a composition at an examination site in a multi-mode instrument; (2) detecting light transmitted form the composition using the multi-mode instrument in a first optical measurement mode; (3) detecting light transmitted from the composition using the multi-mode instrument in a second optical measurement mode, the second mode being different than the first mode; and (4) computing a quantity related to a property of the composition using the light detected in at least one of the optical measurement modes. These steps may be performed on one or more samples, simultaneously and/or sequentially. The quantity may relate to photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, absorption, and/or scattering, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Molecular Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, John C. Owicki, Jon F. Petersen, Todd E. French, Carl L. Wright, Jeanne A. Ruiz, Lorne E. Bechtel
  • Publication number: 20040235033
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preparing and using a very large and diverse array of compounds on a substrate having rapidly accessible locations. The substrate contains cells in which the compounds of the array are located. Surrounding the cells is a non-wetable surface that prevents the solution in one cell from moving to adjacent cells. The compounds are delivered to the individual cells of the array by a micropipette attached to an X-Y translation stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro C. Zaffaroni, Christopher J. Buchko, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Publication number: 20040223309
    Abstract: Several embodiments of enhanced integrated circuit probe card and package assemblies are disclosed, which extend the mechanical compliance of both MEMS and thin-film fabricated probes, such that these types of spring probe structures can be used to test one or more integrated circuits on a semiconductor wafer. Several embodiments of probe card assemblies, which provide tight signal pad pitch compliance and/or enable high levels of parallel testing in commercial wafer probing equipment, are disclosed. In some preferred embodiments, the probe card assembly structures include separable standard components, which reduce assembly manufacturing cost and manufacturing time. These structures and assemblies enable high speed testing in wafer form. The probes also have built in mechanical protection for both the integrated circuits and the MEMS or thin film fabricated spring tips and probe layout structures on substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Haemer, Fu Chiung Chong, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Publication number: 20040092032
    Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P.A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Publication number: 20030205681
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed comprising providing a sample holder having a plurality of sample wells. Inner and outer surfaces of at least one well are configured for total internal reflection of incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas N. Modlin
  • Publication number: 20030127609
    Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Amer El-Hage, Christopher G. Cesar, Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, John C. Owicki, Joh W. Meadows, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss, Jonathan F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo
  • Patent number: 6576476
    Abstract: A device for detecting chemiluminescence from a sample. The device may include a stage for supporting a sample and one or more of the following elements: (1) an optics head, (2) an optical relay structure for transmitting chemiluminescence from the sample to a detector, (3) a drive mechanism, (4) a sensor for detecting proximity of the optical relay structure to the sample, (5) a mask structure for selecting an effective diameter of the optical relay structure, and (6) a baffle for blocking extraneous light from entering the optical relay structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Taylor, Amer El-Hage, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin