Patents by Inventor Geoffrey Facer

Geoffrey Facer 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: 20220097062
    Abstract: The present invention concerns systems, materials, and methods of cell and particle separation utilizing magnetic levitation to affect separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Geoffrey Facer, Theodorus Evan de Groot, Kevin Travers, Lesley Suzanne Weaver
  • Publication number: 20210260577
    Abstract: The present invention provides for devices and methods of isolating particles. A fluidics particle isolation device is disclosed having a fluidic channel extending therethrough, wherein a segment of the fluidic channel is exposed to an asymmetric magnetic field such that when a solution containing the particles in a paramagnetic medium are passed through the magnetic field, the particles are isolated within the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Geoffrey FACER, Kevin TRAVERS, Andreja JOVIC, Theodorus Evan DE GROOT, Keren ZIV
  • Publication number: 20190169676
    Abstract: A method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions using a microfluidic device is described. Amplification primers and other amplification reagents are deposited at a plurality of reaction sites in the device, a sample solution containing amplifiable polynucleotides is introduced into the reaction sites, and amplification is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 10131934
    Abstract: A method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions using a microfluidic device is described. Amplification primers and other amplification reagents are deposited at a plurality of reaction sites in the device, a sample solution containing amplifiable polynucleotides is introduced into the reaction sites, and amplification is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20180243741
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing the relative concentration of a target in a sample, the sample containing both target and non-target components, the method performed by partitioning the sample into a large number of reaction volumes such that the target is concentrated relative to the non-target, and performing a detection assay upon each reaction volume to detect the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 10002316
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods, compositions, systems, devices, and kits for determining the number of distinct targets in distinct spatial locations within a sample. In some examples, the methods include: stochastically barcoding the plurality of targets in the sample using a plurality of stochastic barcodes, wherein each of the plurality of stochastic barcodes comprises a spatial label and a molecular label; estimating the number of each of the plurality of targets using the molecular label; and identifying the spatial location of each of the plurality of targets using the spatial label. The method can be multiplexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Cellular Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christina Fan, Glenn Fu, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20180073051
    Abstract: A method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions using a microfluidic device is described. Amplification primers and other amplification reagents are deposited at a plurality of reaction sites in the device, a sample solution containing amplifiable polynucleotides is introduced into the reaction sites, and amplification is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 9905005
    Abstract: Methods, systems and platforms for digital imaging of multiple regions of an array, and detection and counting of the labeled features thereon, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Cellular Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Fu, Roger Rudoff, David Stern, George T. Wu, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20170337459
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods, compositions, systems, devices, and kits for determining the number of distinct targets in distinct spatial locations within a sample. In some examples, the methods include: stochastically barcoding the plurality of targets in the sample using a plurality of stochastic barcodes, wherein each of the plurality of stochastic barcodes comprises a spatial label and a molecular label; estimating the number of each of the plurality of targets using the molecular label; and identifying the spatial location of each of the plurality of targets using the spatial label. The method can be multiplexed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen P.A. Fodor, Christina Fan, Glenn Fu, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 9727810
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods, compositions, systems, devices, and kits for determining the number of distinct targets in distinct spatial locations within a sample. In some examples, the methods include: stochastically barcoding the plurality of targets in the sample using a plurality of stochastic barcodes, wherein each of the plurality of stochastic barcodes comprises a spatial label and a molecular label; estimating the number of each of the plurality of targets using the molecular label; and identifying the spatial location of each of the plurality of targets using the spatial label. The method can be multiplexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Cellular Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christina Fan, Glenn Fu, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20170154421
    Abstract: Methods, systems and platforms for digital imaging of multiple regions of an array, and detection and counting of the labeled features thereon, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Glenn Fu, Roger Rudoff, David Stern, George T. Wu, Stephen P.A. Fodor, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 9643178
    Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyzes. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyzes requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyzes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 9623413
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Facer, Robert Grossman, Marc Unger, Phillip Lam, Hou-Pu Chou, Jake Kimball, Martin Pieprzyk, Antoine Daridon
  • Patent number: 9582877
    Abstract: Methods, systems and platforms for digital imaging of multiple regions of an array, and detection and counting of the labeled features thereon, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cellular Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Fu, Roger Rudoff, David Stern, George T. Wu, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20160253584
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods, compositions, systems, devices, and kits for determining the number of distinct targets in distinct spatial locations within a sample. In some examples, the methods include: stochastically barcoding the plurality of targets in the sample using a plurality of stochastic barcodes, wherein each of the plurality of stochastic barcodes comprises a spatial label and a molecular label; estimating the number of each of the plurality of targets using the molecular label; and identifying the spatial location of each of the plurality of targets using the spatial label. The method can be multiplexed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen P.A. Fodor, Christina Fan, Glenn Fu, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20160129441
    Abstract: An M×N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger, Michael Lucero, Hany Ramez Nassef
  • Patent number: 9316331
    Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Facer, Brian Fowler, Emerson Cheung Quan, Marc Unger
  • Publication number: 20160091479
    Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Hany Nassef, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger
  • Patent number: 9150913
    Abstract: An M×N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger, Michael Lucero, Hany Ramez Nassef
  • Patent number: RE48913
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods, compositions, systems, devices, and kits for determining the number of distinct targets in distinct spatial locations within a sample. In some examples, the methods include: stochastically barcoding the plurality of targets in the sample using a plurality of stochastic barcodes, wherein each of the plurality of stochastic barcodes comprises a spatial label and a molecular label; estimating the number of each of the plurality of targets using the molecular label; and identifying the spatial location of each of the plurality of targets using the spatial label. The method can be multiplexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christina Fan, Glenn Fu, Geoffrey Facer