Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Sommer
Gregory J. Sommer 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: 10627366Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van De Vreugde
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Patent number: 10384202Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
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Publication number: 20190210015Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2017Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
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Publication number: 20180065118Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
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Patent number: 9795961Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
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Publication number: 20170122904Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van De Vreugde
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Patent number: 9579649Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van de Vreugde
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Patent number: 9409357Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems, and methods for microscale isoelectric fractionation. Analytes in a sample may be isolated according to their isoelectric point within a fractionation microchannel. A microfluidic device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate at least partially defining a fractionation microchannel. The fractionation microchannel has at least one cross-sectional dimension equal to or less than 1 mm. A plurality of membranes of different pHs are disposed in the microchannel. Analytes having an isoelectric point between the pH of the membranes may be collected in a region of the fractionation channel between the first and second membranes through isoelectric fractionation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Ying-Chih Wang, Anup K. Singh
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Patent number: 9304129Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer
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Patent number: 9244065Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods for conducting agglutination assays using sedimentation. Aggregates may be exposed to sedimentation forces and travel through a density medium to a detection area. Microfluidic devices, such as microfluidic disks, are described for conducting the agglutination assays, as are systems for conducting the assays.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh
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Patent number: 9201069Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods including porous polymer monoliths are described. Polymerization techniques may be used to generate porous polymer monoliths having pores defined by a liquid component of a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture may contain iniferters and the resulting porous polymer monolith may include surfaces terminated with iniferter species. Capture molecules may then be grafted to the monolith pores.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Anson V. Hatch, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang, Vinay Abhyankar
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Patent number: 9186668Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward microfluidic systems, apparatus, and methods for measuring a quantity of cells in a fluid. Examples include a differential white blood cell measurement using a centrifugal microfluidic system. A method may include introducing a fluid sample containing a quantity of cells into a microfluidic channel defined in part by a substrate. The quantity of cells may be transported toward a detection region defined in part by the substrate, wherein the detection region contains a density media, and wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the cells and higher than a density of the fluid sample. The substrate may be spun such that at least a portion of the quantity of cells are transported through the density media. Signals may be detected from label moieties affixed to the cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh
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Publication number: 20150125346Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer
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Patent number: 9005417Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems, and methods for microscale isoelectric fractionation. Analytes in a sample may be isolated according to their isoelectric point within a fractionation microchannel. A microfluidic device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate at least partially defining a fractionation microchannel. The fractionation microchannel has at least one cross-sectional dimension equal to or less than 1 mm. A plurality of membranes of different pHs are disposed in the microchannel. Analytes having an isoelectric point between the pH of the membranes may be collected in a region of the fractionation channel between the first and second membranes through isoelectric fractionation.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Ying-Chih Wang, Anup K. Singh
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Patent number: 8962346Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer
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Publication number: 20150038372Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for the detection of an active target agent in a fluid sample. A substrate molecule is used that contains a sequence which may cleave in the presence of an active target agent. A SNAP25 sequence is described, for example, that may be cleaved in the presence of Botulinum Neurotoxin. The substrate molecule includes a reporter moiety. The substrate molecule is exposed to the sample, and resulting reaction products separated using electrophoretic separation. The elution time of the reporter moiety may be utilized to identify the presence or absence of the active target agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang
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Patent number: 8945914Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting sandwich assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes on a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a capture agent, a target analyte, and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch
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Patent number: 8871496Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for the detection of an active target agent in a fluid sample. A substrate molecule is used that contains a sequence which may cleave in the presence of an active target agent. A SNAP25 sequence is described, for example, that may be cleaved in the presence of Botulinum Neurotoxin. The substrate molecule includes a reporter moiety. The substrate molecule is exposed to the sample, and resulting reaction products separated using electrophoretic separation. The elution time of the reporter moiety may be utilized to identify the presence or absence of the active target agent.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang
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Publication number: 20140178252Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods including porous polymer monoliths are described. Polymerization techniques may be used to generate porous polymer monoliths having pores defined by a liquid component of a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture may contain iniferters and the resulting porous polymer monolith may include surfaces terminated with iniferter species. Capture molecules may then be grafted to the monolith pores.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Sandia CorporationInventors: Anson V. Hatch, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang, Vinay Abhyankar
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Publication number: 20140154816Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Ulrich Y. SCHAFF, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer