Patents by Inventor John G. Atwood
John G. Atwood 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: 9776187Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLCInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Publication number: 20160178522Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Michael R. GAMBINI, Edward J. LAKATOS, Anthony L. CERRONE, Eugene F. YOUNG, John G. ATWOOD
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Publication number: 20160178521Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Michael R. GAMBINI, Edward J. LAKATOS, Anthony L. CERRONE, Eugene F. YOUNG, John G. ATWOOD
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Patent number: 9273353Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gambini, John G. Atwood, Anthony L. Cerrone, Edward J. Lakatos, Eugene F. Young
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Publication number: 20150322488Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Michael R. GAMBINI, John G. ATWOOD, Anthony L. CERRONE, Edward J. LAKATOS, Eugene F. YOUNG
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Patent number: 9044753Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Publication number: 20150080256Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. Luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. The samples may be injected in the wells, and the samples may be injected with buffers and reagents, by an injector. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The use of a Fresnel field lens, in combination with a collimator and filter, reduces crosstalk between samples below the level attainable by the prior art. Preferred embodiments of the luminescence detecting apparatus and method disclosed include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and robot handling of samples and reagents.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Michael R. GAMBINI, Jeff A. Levi, John C. Voyta, John G. Atwood, Bruce E. DeSimas, II, Edward J. Lakatos, Israel Metal, George Sabak, Yongdong Wang
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Patent number: 8685717Abstract: An apparatus comprising an assembly and a cover. The assembly comprises a sample block configured to receive a microtiter tray having a plurality of vials, each vial comprising a cap having a surface and a perimeter. The cover comprises a platen, vertically and horizontally displaceable in relationship to the sample block, the platen having a plurality of recesses. Each recess corresponds to a respective vial and is shaped and arranged to clear the surface of its respective cap when the cover is displaced onto the sample block. The cover includes a skirt in contact with and surrounding a perimeter of the platen. The skirt is configured for mating with a perimeter of a microtiter tray when a microtiter tray is received in the sample block, and also configured such that the cover contacts a microtiter tray when a microtiter tray is received in the sample block.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Publication number: 20130078713Abstract: An assembly for cycling vials of reaction mixtures through a series of temperature excursions is provided. The assembly can include a sample block for receiving the vials, a plurality of thermoelectric devices, a heat sink, and a clamping mechanism positioned to clamp the thermoelectric devices between the sample block and heatsink. The assembly can also include a thermal connector having a first end and a second end, the first end in close contact with the sample block and the second end in close contact with the heatsink to provide a thermal path between the sample block and the heatsink, the thermal connector being positioned to reduce thermal gradients across the sample block. The assembly can further include means for connecting the assembly to a computing apparatus for controlling the temperature excursions of the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLCInventors: John G. ATWOOD, Adrian FAWCETT, Keith S. FERRARA, Paul M. HETHERINGTON, Richard W. NOREIKS, Douglas E. OLSEN, John R. WIDOMSKI, Charles M. WITTMER
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Patent number: 8246243Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Publication number: 20100173400Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Patent number: 7645070Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Patent number: 7537377Abstract: A method for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design. The assembly carries the necessary information required to characterize its own performance in an on-board memory device, allowing the assembly to be interchangeable among instruments while retaining its precision operating characteristics. The instrument monitors the thermoelectric devices and warns of changes in resistance that may result in failure.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Publication number: 20080314431Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: Applied Biosystems, Inc.Inventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Patent number: 7183103Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Applera CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gambini, Susan Atwood Stone, legal representative, Judith K. Atwood, legal representative, Eugene F. Young, Edward J. Lakatos, Anthony L. Cerrone, John G. Atwood, deceased
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Patent number: 7133726Abstract: An instrument for PCR comprising an assembly, a heated cover, and a computer. The assembly can include a sample block, Peltier devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature can be changed by controlling the Peltier devices with the computer. A perimeter heater can be used to in prove thermal uniformity. A heated platen can push down onto tube caps to apply a minimum force for seating the tubes. The force can be applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps. The platen can be heated to provide thermal isolation and prevent evaporation from the surface of the sample. The software can include diagnostics to compensate for variation in thermoelectric coolers such that all instruments can perform identically.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Applera CorporationInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Patent number: 7008789Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Applera CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gambini, Susan Atwood Stone, legal representative, Judith K. Atwood, legal representative, Eugene F. Young, Edward J. Lakatos, Anthony L. Cerrone, John G. Atwood, deceased
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Patent number: 6818437Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Applera CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gambini, John G. Atwood, Eugene F. Young, Edward J. Lakatos, Anthony L. Cerrone
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Publication number: 20030148505Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Michael R. Gambini, John G. Atwood, Susan Atwood Stone, Judith K. Atwood, Eugene F. Young, Edward J. Lakatos, Anthony L. Cerrone
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Patent number: 5766889Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining an unknown starting molar concentration of target nucleic acid molecules at the beginning of a polymerase chain reaction in a sample reaction mixture containing suitable buffers, two complementary kinds of oligonucleotide primers, a molar excess of four kinds of nucleoside triphosphates, a DNA polymerase, and the unknown starting molar concentration of target nucleic acid molecules, wherein the two kinds of primers are provided in a known concentration (C.sub.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1994Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer CorporationInventor: John G. Atwood