Patents by Inventor James Christopher Sturm

James Christopher Sturm 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).

  • Patent number: 8906322
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Patent number: 8282799
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Publication number: 20120006728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Patent number: 7988840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Patent number: 7597791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating tunable, uniform electric fields in fluidic applications for rapid separation of molecules, such as DNA, is provided. A region receives the molecules to be separated, the molecules being injected into the region by an injection channel connected thereto. Fluidic microchannels or resistor arrays connected to sides of the region inject currents into the region and produce electric fields in the region that can be oriented at any angle. The electric fields can separate the molecules according to size, and can be used to move or manipulate the molecules within the region. Further, the molecules can be separated by controlling fluid flows within the region to manipulate the molecules. One or more reservoirs can be attached to the fluidic microchannels for collecting the molecules after separation, movement, or manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Publication number: 20090014332
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of charged macro-molecules such as DNA is provided. DNA solution is loaded into a matrix including an array of obstacles. An alternating electric field having two different fields at different orientations is applied. The alternating electric field is asymmetric in that one field is stronger in duration or intensity than the other field, or is otherwise asymmetric. The DNA molecules are thereby fractionated according to site and are driven to a far side of the matrix where the fractionated DNA is recovered. The fractionating electric field can be used to load and recover the DNA to operate the process continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Patent number: 7150812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm
  • Patent number: 6881317
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of charged macro-molecules such as DNA is provided. DNA solution is loaded into a matrix including an array of obstacles. An alternating electric field having two different fields at different orientations is applied. The alternating electric field is asymmetric in that one field is stronger in duration or intensity than the other field, or is otherwise asymmetric. The DNA molecules are thereby fractionated according to site and are driven to a far side of the matrix where the fractionated DNA is recovered. The fractionating electric field can be used to load and recover the DNA to operate the process continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Publication number: 20040149568
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated microfluidic device comprising a sample chamber and a micro-fluidic channel, wherein the sample chamber contains two or more electrodes capable of generating an electric field in the sample chamber. The two or more electrodes create electric fields for sample elution, transfer, and unloading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm
  • Publication number: 20040144651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm
  • Publication number: 20030075444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating tunable, uniform electric fields in fluidic applications for rapid separation of molecules, such as DNA, is provided. A region receives the molecules to be separated, the molecules being injected into the region by an injection channel connected thereto. Fluidic microchannels or resistor arrays connected to sides of the region inject currents into the region and produce electric fields in the region that can be oriented at any angle. The electric fields can separate the molecules according to size, and can be used to move or manipulate the molecules within the region. Further, the molecules can be separated by controlling fluid flows within the region to manipulate the molecules. One or more reservoirs can be attached to the fluidic microchannels for collecting the molecules after separation, movement, or manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
  • Publication number: 20020098504
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of charged macro-molecules such as DNA is provided. DNA solution is loaded into a matrix including an array of obstacles. An alternating electric field having two different fields at different orientations is applied. The alternating electric field is asymmetric in that one field is stronger in duration or intensity than the other field, or is otherwise asymmetric. The DNA molecules are thereby fractionated according to site and are driven to a far side of the matrix where the fractionated DNA is recovered. The fractionating electric field can be used to load and recover the DNA to operate the process continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin