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).
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Patent number: 9103761Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: FLUIDIGM CORPORATIONInventors: Hany Nassef, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger
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Publication number: 20150174575Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer
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Publication number: 20140318633Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Brian Fowler, Emerson Cheung Quan, Marc Unger
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Patent number: 8828663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignees: Fluidigm Corporation, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Marc Unger, Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer, Michael Lucero, Hany Ramez Nassef
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Patent number: 8616227Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Brian Fowler, Emerson Cheung Quan, Marc Unger
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Publication number: 20130337457Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Brian Fowler, Emerson Cheung Quan, Marc Unger
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Publication number: 20130302785Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Hany Nassef, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger
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Publication number: 20130171633Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger, Michael Lucero, Hany Ramez Nassef
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Patent number: 8475743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Brian Fowler, Emerson Cheung Quan, Marc Unger
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Publication number: 20130065773Abstract: 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 analyses. 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 analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
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Patent number: 8343442Abstract: 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 analyses. 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 analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Lincoln McBride, Michael Lucero, Marc Unger, Hany Ramez Nassef, Geoffrey Facer
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Patent number: 8247178Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Lincoln McBride, Geoffrey Facer, Marc Unger, Michael Lucero, Hany Ramez Nassef
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Patent number: 8163492Abstract: 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 analyses. 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 analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Fluidign CorporationInventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
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Patent number: 8105824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Robert Grossman, Marc Unger, Phillip Lam, Hou-Pu Chou, Jake Kimball, Martin Pieprzyk, Antoine Daridon
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Publication number: 20110265304Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Robert Grossman, Marc Unger, Phillip Lam, Hou-Pu Chou, Jake Kimball, Martin Pieprzyk, Antoine Daridon
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Publication number: 20110189678Abstract: 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 analyses. 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 analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Lincoln McBride, Michael Lucero, Marc Unger, Hany Ramez Nassef, Geoffrey Facer
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Publication number: 20110053784Abstract: 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 analyses. 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 analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
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Patent number: 7867763Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Robert Grossman, Marc Unger, Phillip Lam, Hou-Pu Chou, Jake Kimball, Martin Pieprzyk, Antoine Daridon
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Publication number: 20100311060Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Facer, Robert Grossman, Marc Unger, Phillip Lam, Hou-Pu Chou, Jake Kimball, Martin Pieprzyk, Antoine Daridon
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Patent number: 7837946Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Lincoln McBride, Michael Lucero, Marc Unger, Hany Ramez Nassef, Geoffrey Facer