Patents by Inventor Drew Verkade

Drew Verkade 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: 20260077352
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2025
    Publication date: March 19, 2026
    Inventors: Mark T. Reed, Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Dale Buermann, Alexander P. Kindwall, Frederick Erie, Mark Pratt, Jason Harris, Andrew James Carson, Stanley S. Hong, Jason Bryant, Mark Wang, Drew Verkade
  • Patent number: 12558687
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2025
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed, Stanley S. Hong, Mark Pratt, Jason Harris, Alexander P. Kindwall, Andrew James Carson, Jason Bryant
  • Patent number: 12502669
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Publication number: 20250288993
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2025
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed, Stanley S. Hong, Mark Pratt, Jason Harris, Alexander P. Kindwall, Andrew James Carson, Jason Bryant
  • Publication number: 20250033046
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Patent number: 12151241
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Publication number: 20240189817
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Patent number: 11938479
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Publication number: 20230311119
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Patent number: 11697116
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Patent number: 11559805
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Publication number: 20220226819
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark Reed
  • Patent number: 11117130
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark Reed
  • Publication number: 20200290043
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark Reed
  • Publication number: 20190151845
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Patent number: 10220386
    Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Williamson, Bryan Crane, Patrick Leung, Drew Verkade, Mark T. Reed
  • Patent number: 9777325
    Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade
  • Publication number: 20160319350
    Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade
  • Patent number: 9410977
    Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade
  • Patent number: RE48993
    Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade