Patents by Inventor Emmanuel Delamarche
Emmanuel Delamarche 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: 20120160019Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Govindarajan NATARAJAN, Emmanuel DELAMARCHE, Eric A. ECKBERG, James N. HUMENIK, Kathleen A. MCGRODDY-GOETZ, Scott PARTINGTON, Christopher F. PERRERA, Marco G. TRIVELLA, Timothy M. WIWEL
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Patent number: 8202438Abstract: A method for processing a surface involves depositing at least one class of enzymes (2) onto the surface (1); introducing at least a reactant (3) into an environment of the surface (1), and causing interaction between the enzymes (2) and the reactant (3), thereby to cause processing of a region of the surface (1), the processed region of the surface (1) being defined with respect to a region thereof that is proximate (4) to where the enzymes (3) have been deposited.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Matthias Geissler
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Patent number: 8173071Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the at least one micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, Emmanuel Delamarche, Eric A Eckberg, James N Humenik, Kathleen A McGroddy-Goetz, Scott Partington, Christopher F Perrera, Marco G Trivella, Timothy M Wiwel
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Publication number: 20120048391Abstract: A micro fluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second micro channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Ute Drechsler, Robert Lovchik
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Publication number: 20120034677Abstract: The invention is directed to a microorganism culture device (100), such as a micro fluidic cell culture device. The device comprises an open chamber (10), wherein microorganisms are likely to be deposited within a liquid for subsequent study. The open chamber simplifies the deposition of the microorganisms. The chamber is further provided with retention features (11), whereby microorganisms can be retained therein. In addition, the device comprises an overflow area (20), wherein capillary structures (22) are configured to retain excess liquid overflowing from the open chamber, e.g. when covering the device with a cover. As such, it allows for confining microorganism in the chamber, while excess fluid is captured externally, e.g. to seal the device with a cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: New Orchard RoadInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Robert Lovchik
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Patent number: 8051878Abstract: An apparatus for performing multi-dimensional assays using a microfluidic chip is presented. The apparatus comprises of two crossing series of micro-channels on the microfluidic chip. The apparatus further comprises of a plurality of magnetic valves placed at the crossings and a guiding magnet. When an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip, the guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves. At the first micro-channel crossing, a magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the first micro-channel, and another magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the second micro-channel at the first micro-channel crossing. Each magnetic valve comprises a magnetic bead and a cavity on the chip next to a corresponding micro-channel section.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
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Patent number: 8020586Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for one-step flow control at a micro-channel crossing comprises a first micro-channel and a second micro-channel, a plurality of magnetic valves, and a guiding magnet. The guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves when an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip. The vicinity of the chip comprises a plurality of guiding magnet position ranges. The operator repositions guiding magnet in order to actuate the plurality of magnetic valves simultaneously. Depending on the position of the guiding magnet, the passages are blocked or unblocked to stop or let the fluid flow in a given crossing.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
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Patent number: 7992591Abstract: In one embodiment as described in this section, an apparatus for mixing of microfluidic streams on a chip is presented, which comprises a micro-channel and a plurality of magnetic valves on the chip. A guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient to exert a force on a bead in a cavity when placed at in a vicinity of the chip. The bead-cavity combination form a magnetic valve. In one embodiment, the mouth of the cavity is tapered so to prevent the magnetic bead from completely blocking the corresponding micro-channel section to enhance the mixing of microfluidic streams at the narrowed fluid path. In one embodiment, magnetically actuated valves direct the flow in a microfluidic system in one of several flow paths wherein the mixing characteristics of the paths are different.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
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Publication number: 20110117539Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for the detection of an analyte in a sample. The mechanisms utilize at least a first measurement channel comprising a detection reactant corresponding to the analyte to be detected, and at least a microstructure associated with the first measurement channel. When the mechanisms are in use, the sample is introduced into the first measurement channel and propagated by way of the first measurement channel towards the microstructure. If the analyte, if it is present in the sample, the analyte interacts with the detection reactant to form a networked product, and the microstructure is configured to filter the networked product.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Daniel J. Solis
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Publication number: 20110094404Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Alexander Bietsch, Emmanuel Delamarche, Bruno Michel, Heinz Schmid, Heiko Wolf
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Patent number: 7908906Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The system includes an apparatus having: a chip with a substantially planar top surface; a first circuit portion and a second circuit portion, each having a plurality of redundant electrically conductive lines disposed on the top surface; and a gap disposed between the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion, wherein a circuit is created when a fluid sample bridges the gap and connects the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, Emmanuel Delamarche, Eric A Eckberg, James N Humenik, Kathleen A McGroddy-Goetz, Scott Partington, Christopher F Perrera, Marco G Trivella, Timothy M Wiwel
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Patent number: 7907330Abstract: A display element having circuitry adapted to at least partially electrochemically dissolve a first layer by means of supplying an electrical current through the first layer. The first layer separates a first reservoir filled with a liquid from a second reservoir. By dissolving the first layer at least partially, at least a portion of the liquid can flow from the first to the second reservoir. Consequently, the display element transitions from a first to a second optical state.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Erich M. Ruetsche
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Patent number: 7891295Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alexander Bietsch, Emmanuel Delamarche, Bruno Michel, Heinz Schmid, Heiko Wolf
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Publication number: 20100180782Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Alexander Bietsch, Emmanuel Delamarche, Bruno Michel, Heinz Schmid, Heiko Wolf
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Publication number: 20100176089Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for applying a fluid to a surface, the device comprising a first conduit for directing a flow of a first fluid towards the surface and a second conduit for directing a flow of a second fluid away from the surface, the first conduit being arranged relative to the second conduit such that in operation of the device the second fluid comprises substantially the first fluid, and wherein said first conduit comprises a first aperture and the second conduit comprises a second aperture, the first aperture arranged at a distance from the second aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, David Juncker, Heinz Schmid
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Patent number: 7740472Abstract: A device for flowing a liquid on a surface comprises: a flow path. A first port supplies the liquid to one end of the flow path and applies a first port pressure for retaining the liquid when the flow path is remote from the surface. A second port receives the liquid from the other end of the flow path and applies a second port pressure such that the difference between the first and second negative port pressures is oriented to promote flow of the liquid from the first port to the second port via the flow path in response to the flow path being located proximal to the surface and the liquid in the device contacting the surface. The first and second port pressures are such that the liquid is drawn towards at least the second port in response to withdrawal of the flow path from the surface. Such devices may employ microfluidic technology and find application in surface patterning.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, David Juncker, Bruno Michel, Heinz Schmid
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Publication number: 20100140517Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for one-step flow control at a micro-channel crossing comprises a first micro-channel and a second micro-channel, a plurality of magnetic valves, and a guiding magnet. The guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves when an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip. The vicinity of the chip comprises a plurality of guiding magnet position ranges. The operator repositions guiding magnet in order to actuate the plurality of magnetic valves simultaneously. Depending on the position of the guiding magnet, the passages are blocked or unblocked to stop or let the fluid flow in a given crossing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
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Publication number: 20100139797Abstract: In one embodiment as described in this section, an apparatus for mixing of microfluidic streams on a chip is presented, which comprises a micro-channel and a plurality of magnetic valves on the chip. A guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient to exert a force on a bead in a cavity when placed at in a vicinity of the chip. The bead-cavity combination form a magnetic valve. In one embodiment, the mouth of the cavity is tapered so to prevent the magnetic bead from completely blocking the corresponding micro-channel section to enhance the mixing of microfluidic streams at the narrowed fluid path. In one embodiment, magnetically actuated valves direct the flow in a microfluidic system in one of several flow paths wherein the mixing characteristics of the paths are different.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
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Publication number: 20100143193Abstract: An apparatus for performing multi-dimensional assays using a microfluidic chip is presented. The apparatus comprises of two crossing series of micro-channels on the microfluidic chip. The apparatus further comprises of a plurality of magnetic valves placed at the crossings and a guiding magnet. When an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip, the guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves. At the first micro-channel crossing, a magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the first micro-channel, and another magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the second micro-channel at the first micro-channel crossing. Each magnetic valve comprises a magnetic bead and a cavity on the chip next to a corresponding micro-channel section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
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Patent number: 7695687Abstract: A capillary system for performing surface assays comprising a capillary pump containing at least two zones having different capillary pressures for obtaining controlled flow rate of liquids. The different pressure zones may be created by various means such as by creating posts in the walls of the capillary pump, by having different sized capillary of the different zones, by changing the wetting properties, by defining friction at the walls of the pump or by combinations of any of the above. The capillary system finds use in various surface assays and can be programmed for defining the volume and rate of liquid flowing through the test sites. A microfluidic chip containing assembly of programmed capillary systems for performing need based specific assays and modifications thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Heinz Schmid, David Juncker