Patents by Inventor J. Tanner Nevill

J. Tanner Nevill 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: 20250084357
    Abstract: Systems, methods and kits are described for culturing one or more biological cells in a microfluidic device, including provision of nutrients and gaseous components configured to enhance cell growth, viability, portability, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, culturing a single cell may produce a clonal population in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Randall D. LOWE, JR., Kristin G. BEAUMONT, Aathavan KARUNAKARAN, Natalie C. MARKS, Jason M. MCEWEN, Mark P. WHITE, J. Tanner NEVILL, Gang F. WANG, Andrew W. MCFARLAND, Daniele MALLEO, Keith J. BREINLINGER, Xiao GUAN, Kevin T. CHAPMAN
  • Publication number: 20250027941
    Abstract: This application describes systems and methods for assaying micro-objects in a microfluidic device. These methods include contacting a reagent with a micro-object by introducing a reagent in a first fluidic medium to a flow region of a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises the flow region and a chamber comprising a proximal opening fluidically connecting the chamber to the flow region, diffusing the reagent from the flow region into the chamber; introducing a micro-object into the flow region of the microfluidic device, and diffusing the reagent from the chamber to the flow region to contact the reagent with the micro-object within the flow region. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: BRUKER CELLULAR ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Ke-Chih LIN, Long Van LE, Jason M. MCEWEN, J. Tanner NEVILL, Volker L.S. KURZ, Peyton SHIEH, Alexander J. MASTROIANNI, Or GADISH, Ethan Jun Wei GOH
  • Patent number: 12138626
    Abstract: In situ-generated microfluidic isolation structures incorporating a solidified polymer network, methods of preparation and use, compositions and kits therefor are described. The ability to introduce in real time, a variety of isolating structures including pens and barriers offers improved methods of micro-object manipulation in microfluidic devices. The in situ-generated isolation structures may be permanently or temporarily installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: BRUKER CELLULAR ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Kristin G. Beaumont, Nan-Linda Ding, Volker L. S. Kurz, Troy A. Lionberger, Randall D. Lowe, Jr., Daniele Malleo, Andrew W. McFarland, J. Tanner Nevill, Xiaohua Wang
  • Patent number: 12134758
    Abstract: Systems, methods and kits are described for culturing one or more biological cells in a microfluidic device, including provision of nutrients and gaseous components configured to enhance cell growth, viability, portability, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, culturing a single cell may produce a clonal population in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: BRUKER CELLULAR ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall D. Lowe, Jr., Kristin G. Beaumont, Aathavan Karunakaran, Natalie C. Marks, Jason M. McEwen, Mark P. White, J. Tanner Nevill, Gang F. Wang, Andrew W. McFarland, Daniele Malleo, Keith J. Breinlinger, Xiao Guan, Kevin T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 11998914
    Abstract: Biological activity in holding pens in a micro-fluidic device can be assayed by placing in the holding pens capture objects that bind a particular material of interest produced by the biological activity. The biological material of interest that binds to each capture object can then be assessed, either in the micro-fluidic device or after exporting the capture object from the micro-fluidic device. The assessment can be utilized to characterize the biological activity in each holding pen. The biological activity can be production of the biological material of interest. Thus, the biological activity can correspond to or arise from one or more biological cells. Biological cells within a holding pen can be clonal cell colonies. The biological activity of each clonal cell colony can be assayed while maintaining the clonal status of each colony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: BRUKER CELLULAR ANALYSIS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Chapman, Daniele Malleo, J. Tanner Nevill, Steven W. Short, Mark P. White, M. Jimena Loureiro
  • Publication number: 20240027396
    Abstract: Individual biological micro-objects can be deterministically selected and moved into holding pens in a micro-fluidic device. A flow of a first liquid medium can be provided to the pens. Physical pens can be structured to impede a direct flow of the first medium into a second medium in the pens while allowing diffusive mixing of the first medium and the second medium. Virtual pens can allow a common flow of medium to multiple ones of the pens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin T. Chapman, Igor Y. Khandros, Gaetan L. Mathieu, J. Tanner Nevill, Ming C. Wu
  • Publication number: 20230384573
    Abstract: A system for operating an electrokinetic device includes a support configured to hold and operatively couple with the electrokinetic device, an integrated electrical signal generation subsystem configured to apply a biasing voltage across a pair of electrodes in the electrokinetic device, and a light modulating subsystem configured to emit structured light onto the electrokinetic device. The system can further include a thermally controlled flow controller, and/or be configured to measure impedance across the electrokinetic device. The system can be a light microscope, including an optical train. The system can further include a light pipe, which can be part of the light modulating system, and which can be configured to supply light of substantially uniform intensity to the light modulating system or directly to the optical train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew W. McFarland, Daniele Malleo, J. Tanner Nevill, Russell A. Newstrom, Keith J. Breinlinger, Paul M. Lundquist, Justin K. Valley, Jonathan Cloud Dragon Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20230347347
    Abstract: A microfluidic device can comprise at least one swept region that is fluidically connected to unswept regions. The fluidic connections between the swept region and the unswept regions can enable diffusion but substantially no flow of media between the swept region and the unswept regions. The capability of biological micro-objects to produce an analyte of interest can be assayed in such a microfluidic device. Biological micro-objects in sample material loaded into a microfluidic device can be selected for particular characteristics and disposed into unswept regions. The sample material can then be flowed out of the swept region and an assay material flowed into the swept region. Flows of medium in the swept region do not substantially affect the biological micro-objects in the unswept regions, but any analyte of interest produced by a biological micro-object can diffuse from an unswept region into the swept region, where the analyte can react with the assay material to produce a localized detectable reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Mark P. White, Eric D. Hobbs, J. Tanner Nevill, Daniele Malleo, Steven W. Short
  • Patent number: 11802264
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the use of optically driven bubble, convective and displacing fluidic flow to provide motive force in microfluidic devices. Alternative motive modalities are useful to selectively dislodge and displace micro-objects, including biological cells, from a variety of locations within the enclosure of a microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: PHENOMEX INC.
    Inventors: Volker L. S. Kurz, Troy A. Lionberger, Eric K. Sackmann, Kai W. Szeto, Paul M. Lebel, Brandon R. Bruhn, Keith J. Breinlinger, Eric D. Hobbs, Andrew W. McFarland, J. Tanner Nevill, Xiaohua Wang
  • Publication number: 20230242860
    Abstract: Incubators including an enclosure with an internal chamber configured to support a cell culture plate comprising a plurality of wells are disclosed. The enclosure includes a plurality of openings configured to allow access to the wells. The incubators include a sealing element configured to seal the plurality of openings in the enclosure. The sealing element comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of openings in the enclosure. Access to the internal chamber can be provided by aligning the plurality of openings in the sealing element with the plurality of openings in the enclosure. Methods for using the incubators are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Russell A. NEWSTROM, Andrew W. MCFARLAND, Darcy K. KELLY-GREENE, J. Tanner NEVILL, Gang F. WANG
  • Publication number: 20230182136
    Abstract: In situ-generated microfluidic isolation structures incorporating a solidified polymer network, methods of preparation and use, compositions and kits therefor are described. The ability to introduce in real time, a variety of isolating structures including pens and barriers offers improved methods of micro-object manipulation in microfluidic devices. The in situ-generated isolation structures may be permanently or temporarily installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: BERKELEY LIGHTS, INC.
    Inventors: Kristin G. Beaumont, Non-Linda Ding, Volker L.S. Kurz, Troy A. Lionberger, Randall D. Lowe, JR., Daniele Malleo, Andrew W. McFarland, J. Tanner Nevill, Xiaohua Wang
  • Patent number: 11666913
    Abstract: In situ-generated microfluidic isolation structures incorporating a solidified polymer network, methods of preparation and use, compositions and kits therefor are described. The ability to introduce in real time, a variety of isolating structures including pens and barriers offers improved methods of micro-object manipulation in microfluidic devices. The in situ-generated isolation structures may be permanently or temporarily installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: BERKELEY LIGHTS, INC
    Inventors: Kristin G. Beaumont, Nan-Linda Ding, Volker L. S. Kurz, Troy A. Lionberger, Randall D. Lowe, Jr., Daniele Malleo, Andrew W. McFarland, J. Tanner Nevill, Xiaohua Wang
  • Patent number: 11565259
    Abstract: A microfluidic device can comprise at least one swept region that is fluidically connected to unswept regions. The fluidic connections between the swept region and the unswept regions can enable diffusion but substantially no flow of media between the swept region and the unswept regions. The capability of biological micro-objects to produce an analyte of interest can be assayed in such a microfluidic device. Biological micro-objects in sample material loaded into a microfluidic device can be selected for particular characteristics and disposed into unswept regions. The sample material can then be flowed out of the swept region and an assay material flowed into the swept region. Flows of medium in the swept region do not substantially affect the biological micro-objects in the unswept regions, but any analyte of interest produced by a biological micro-object can diffuse from an unswept region into the swept region, where the analyte can react with the assay material to produce a localized detectable reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Berkeley Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark P. White, Eric D. Hobbs, J. Tanner Nevill, Daniele Malleo, Steven W. Short
  • Publication number: 20220388003
    Abstract: Biological activity in holding pens in a micro-fluidic device can be assayed by placing in the holding pens capture objects that bind a particular material of interest produced by the biological activity. The biological material of interest that binds to each capture object can then be assessed, either in the micro-fluidic device or after exporting the capture object from the micro-fluidic device. The assessment can be utilized to characterize the biological activity in each holding pen. The biological activity can be production of the biological material of interest. Thus, the biological activity can correspond to or arise from one or more biological cells. Biological cells within a holding pen can be clonal cell colonies. The biological activity of each clonal cell colony can be assayed while maintaining the clonal status of each colony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin T. Chapman, Daniele Malleo, J. Tanner Nevill, Steven W. Short, Mark P. White, M. Jimena Loureiro
  • Publication number: 20220356429
    Abstract: Systems, methods and kits are described for culturing one or more biological cells in a microfluidic device, including provision of nutrients and gaseous components configured to enhance cell growth, viability, portability, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, culturing a single cell may produce a clonal population in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Randall D. LOWE, JR., Kristin G. BEAUMONT, Aathavan KARUNAKARAN, Natalie C. MARKS, Jason M. MCEWEN, Mark P. WHITE, J. Tanner NEVILL, Gang F. WANG, Andrew W. MCFARLAND, Daniele Malleo, Keith J. BREINLINGER, Xiao GUAN, Kevin T. CHAPMAN
  • Patent number: 11492584
    Abstract: Incubators including an enclosure with an internal chamber configured to support a cell culture plate comprising a plurality of wells are disclosed. The enclosure includes a plurality of openings configured to allow access to the wells. The incubators include a sealing element configured to seal the plurality of openings in the enclosure. The sealing element comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of openings in the enclosure. Access to the internal chamber can be provided by aligning the plurality of openings in the sealing element with the plurality of openings in the enclosure. Methods for using the incubators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Berkeley Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Newstrom, Andrew W. McFarland, Darcy K. Kelly-Greene, J. Tanner Nevill, Gang F. Wang
  • Patent number: 11434462
    Abstract: Incubators are disclosed which include an enclosure with an internal chamber configured to support a cell culture plate and provide an environment suitable for maintaining and/or culturing biological cells. The enclosure can include one or more openings configured to allow access to the cell culture plate. The incubators can further include a structure having a plurality of openings configured to be aligned with a corresponding plurality of wells in the cell culture plate, and a sealing element configured to moveably seal the plurality of openings in the structure. The sealing element can comprise a plurality of openings corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of openings of the structure. Access to the internal chamber can be provided by aligning the plurality of openings in the sealing element with the plurality of openings in the structure. Methods for using the incubators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Berkeley Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Darcy K. Kelly-Greene, Russell A. Newstrom, Andrew W. McFarland, J. Tanner Nevill, Gang F. Wang
  • Publication number: 20220250071
    Abstract: Methods, systems and kits are described herein for detecting the results of an assay. In particular, the methods, systems and devices of the present disclosure rely on a difference between the diffusion rates of a reporter molecule and an analyte of interest in order to quantify an amount of analyte in a microfluidic device. The analyte may be a secreted product of a biological micro-object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Troy A. LIONBERGER, Matthew E. FOWLER, Phillip J. M. ELMS, Kevin D. LOUTHERBACK, Randall D. LOWE, JR., Jian GONG, J. Tanner NEVILL, Gang F. WANG, Gregory G. LAVIEU, John A. TENNEY, Aathavan KARUNAKARAN, Anupam SINGHAL, I-Jong LIN
  • Patent number: 11365381
    Abstract: Systems, methods and kits are described for culturing one or more biological cells in a microfluidic device, including provision of nutrients and gaseous components configured to enhance cell growth, viability, portability, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, culturing a single cell may produce a clonal population in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Berkeley Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall D. Lowe, Jr., Kristin G. Beaumont, Aathavan Karunakaran, Natalie C. Marks, Jason M. McEwen, Mark P. White, J. Tanner Nevill, Gang F. Wang, Andrew W. McFarland, Daniele Malleo, Keith J. Breinlinger, Xiao Guan, Kevin T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20220143612
    Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus is provided having one or more sequestration pens configured to isolate one or more target micro-objects by changing the orientation of the microfluidic apparatus with respect to a globally active force, such as gravity. Methods of selectively directing the movements of micro-objects in such a microfluidic apparatus using gravitational forces are also provided. The micro-objects can be biological micro-objects, such as cells, or inanimate micro-objects, such as beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Keith J. Breinlinger, Eric D. Hobbs, Daniele Malleo, J. Tanner Nevill, Mark P. White