Patents by Inventor Jonathan Ellis

Jonathan Ellis 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: 20250222469
    Abstract: A multi-functional centrifuge bucket designed for use with a cell processing cassette (CPC) in automated cell processing platforms. The centrifuge bucket features a secure mounting interface for precise CPC alignment, an integrated temperature control system to maintain stable conditions, and a pivoting mechanism for tilting or rotation to enable uniform mixing. Real-time monitoring of cell sedimentation and distribution is facilitated by optical sensors, while a data communication system supports automated adjustments to centrifugation and mixing parameters. The heating mechanism includes thermal insulation layers and advanced fail-safe controls, ensuring precise temperature regulation within the CPC while preventing external overheating. Methods of use include spinoculation, sedimentation, and precise fluid mixing, enabled by controlled motion and feedback systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Paul Getchel, Jonathan Ellis, Benjamin T. Edmundson, Samuel G. Miller, Duncan MacGregor, Michael S. Wilk, Joël Bodenmann
  • Publication number: 20250215382
    Abstract: A functionally closed cell processing platform designed to minimize contamination and automate cell processing. The platform integrates multiple specialized cassettes, including a reagent sample cassette (RSC) for reagent delivery and sample collection, a process fluids cassette (PFC) for waste and buffer management, and a cell processing cassette (CPC) for cell handling, along with a transfer syringe cassette (TSC) for precise fluid transfer. The system features a centrifuge capable of multi-mode operation for cell concentration and mixing, pneumatic controls for fluid and microbubble manipulation, and UV sanitizers to maintain aseptic conditions. Advanced functionalities include optical and thermal sensors for real-time monitoring, automated control of fluid and reagent handling, and a microbubble cell selection system for precise target cell isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Paul Getchel, Jonathan Ellis, Benjamin T. Edmundson, Samuel G. Miller, Duncan MacGregor, Michael S. Wilk, Joël Bodenmann
  • Publication number: 20250215385
    Abstract: A cell processing platform and method for selecting and isolating target cells, such as T-cells, NK-cells, or hematopoietic stem cells, from a biological sample using functionalized microbubbles. The platform employs microbubbles with lipid shells, functionalized with streptavidin and biotinylated linkers, to bind specific target cells and render them buoyant within the suspension. A centrifugation module separates non-target cells by sedimentation while maintaining the buoyancy of target cell-microbubble complexes. A pneumatic control system disrupts the microbubbles under controlled pressure or frequency, releasing the target cells for downstream processing without compromising viability. Additional features include a microbubble generation module capable of sequentially functionalizing ligands for multi-step cell selection and a temperature-controlled environment to ensure ligand stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Jonathan Ellis
  • Publication number: 20250213617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cell solution and composition optimized for selective isolation, genetic modification, and therapeutic use of target cells, such as T-cells, NK-cells, or hematopoietic stem cells. The solution comprises at least 90% target cells, with a minimum of 75% genetically modified cells, achieving high purity and viability rates through a functionally closed system. The method incorporates microbubble-based cell selection using lipid-shell microbubbles functionalized with antibodies or aptamers for high-affinity binding. The microbubbles enable buoyant separation under centrifugal force, with reversible binding mechanisms allowing for controlled cell release. The genetically modified cells exhibit functional transgene expression and retain therapeutic efficacy, including cytokine production upon activation. Additionally, the composition minimizes contaminants such as non-target cells or microbubble fragments, ensuring suitability for downstream therapeutic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan Ellis, Philip H. Coelho
  • Publication number: 20250215449
    Abstract: A method for enhancing genetic modification of target cells through automated spinoculation within a functionally closed cell processing platform. The process begins with introducing a cell suspension into a tapered cell processing cassette (CPC) that facilitates sedimentation and concentration of target cells. Genetic modification is achieved by injecting a gene transfer vector into the CPC, followed by controlled spinoculation to enhance vector-cell interaction through centrifugal force while maintaining optimal temperature and conditions. Optical sensors and automated feedback systems monitor and adjust centrifugation parameters to maximize transduction efficiency and cell viability. The method includes precise mixing, reagent delivery, washing to remove contaminants, and harvesting of genetically modified cells, all within a sterile environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Paul Getchel, Jonathan Ellis, Duncan MacGregor, Joël Bodenmann
  • Publication number: 20250214091
    Abstract: An automatic balancing system for a centrifuge designed to maintain stability and minimize vibration during rotation. The system incorporates a central rotor with radially aligned linear actuators to adaptively counterbalance variations in fluid volume and weight distribution within cell processing cassettes (CPCs). It features accelerometers and position sensors for real-time monitoring and adjustment, with a user interface enabling automated or manual optimization of counterbalance weights. Additional innovations include radar-based fluid-level sensing for precise weight estimations, advanced optical detection systems for monitoring cell sedimentation, and a centrifuge control module to adjust rotational speed based on cell density feedback. The system also includes a temperature regulation mechanism, locking actuators, and multi-spectral imaging capabilities for enhanced processing accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Paul Getchel, Jonathan Ellis, Benjamin T. Edmundson, Samuel G. Miller, Duncan MacGregor, Michael S. Wilk, Joël Bodenmann
  • Publication number: 20250215380
    Abstract: The disclosed invention presents the AutoCell Platform (ACP), an advanced, fully automated, and functionally closed system designed to revolutionize the manufacturing of gene-modified cell therapies. This innovative platform integrates automation, closed-loop processing, and novel technologies to address the inefficiencies and high costs of conventional methods. Key features include automated spinoculation for enhanced genetic modification efficiency, microbubble-assisted cell selection for precise cell isolation, and modular design for scalability across clinical and research settings. By reducing production timelines from 30-40 days to under 3 days and lowering costs by an order of magnitude, the ACP enables point-of-care manufacturing, decentralization, and broader accessibility. Advanced quality control measures and a standardized design ensure regulatory compliance and consistent therapeutic outcomes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Paul Getchel, Jonathan Ellis
  • Publication number: 20250215384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for maintaining aseptic conditions and verifying filter integrity in a cell processing platform. The platform features an integrated pressure decay testing module to evaluate the functionality of hydrophilic and hydrophobic filters before and after processing. The system operates by pressurizing filters, measuring pressure decay, and determining integrity based on predefined thresholds, with results logged for compliance. The platform includes a cell processing cassette (CPC) equipped for sequential cell processing steps, such as washing, selection, activation, and harvesting, within a single chamber. Automated fluid and gas transfer systems, incorporating filters and emergency recovery pathways, ensure contamination-free operations. Additional features include UV disinfection, adaptive control systems for parameter optimization, and temperature-controlled environments to support cell viability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Duncan MacGregor, Paul Getchel, Jonathan Ellis
  • Publication number: 20250215386
    Abstract: A cell processing platform and method for selective isolation and activation of target cells, such as T-cells, NK-cells, and hematopoietic stem cells, from a biological sample. The platform employs aptamer-functionalized microbubbles, which selectively bind to target cell surface antigens to create buoyant target cell-microbubble complexes. A centrifugation module separates buoyant target cells from non-target cells by exploiting their distinct buoyancy properties. The system includes advanced aptamer designs, such as Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) modifications, temperature-controlled folding buffers, and reversible binding mechanisms using complementary strands or enzymatic cleavage to release target cells. Additional features include optimized spacer configurations to enhance binding accessibility and aptamer stability for high specificity and yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan Ellis, Philip Coelho
  • Publication number: 20250215391
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and platform for producing CAR-T cells and processing biological cells within a single, functionally closed container. The method involves introducing host cells into a sealed container with multiple aseptic passages, performing genetic modification, and maintaining cells in controlled conditions monitored by real-time feedback until a desired fraction of genetically modified cells is achieved. The container also supports target cell isolation using buoyant microbubbles functionalized with antibodies or aptamers, facilitating separation of target cells from non-target cells during centrifugation. Pneumatic pressure is employed for waste separation and cell harvest, achieving high-purity cell recovery. The platform includes modules for cell enrichment, sequestration, and isolation, achieving high recovery and purity rates for therapeutic cell populations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan Ellis, Philip H. Coelho
  • Publication number: 20240009766
    Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating pulse powers and focal positions of laser beam pulses used to form a subsurface optical structure. Focal positions for a sequence of laser beam pulses may be stored in a scanning controller configured for controlling operation of a scanning assembly to scan the sequence of laser beam pulses to focal positions in the ophthalmic lens. A memory associated with a power controller may store pulse power data values corresponding to pulse powers for the sequence of laser beam pulses. The power controller can control a pulse power control assembly based on the pulse power data values. Operation of the scanning controller may be synchronized with operation of the power controller during scanning of the sequence of laser beam pulses to the focal positions in the ophthalmic lens via communication of one or more trigger signals between the scanning controller and the power controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Clerio Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Butler, Michael Claus, Jonathan Ellis
  • Publication number: 20230213514
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating target cells from blood, involving mixing in an open container an undiluted blood sample having a volume of 10 ml or less, and binding agents, wherein each binding agent comprises (A) a primary binding agent comprising an agent capable of binding to at least one cellular epitope on target cells in the undiluted blood sample, (B) a first linker bound to the primary binding agent, to generate binding agent-attached target cells in the undiluted blood sample; contacting the binding agent-attached target cells in the undiluted blood sample with a plurality of buoyant reagents that include a second linker capable of binding to the first linker to generate an undiluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture; diluting the undiluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture by at least 20% to produce a diluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture; applying a vectorial force, such as centrifugal force, to the diluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixtu
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: William Busa, Philip H. Coelho, Jonathan Ellis, Dalip Sethi
  • Patent number: 11604191
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating target cells from blood, involving mixing in an open container an undiluted blood sample having a volume of 10 ml or less, and binding agents, wherein each binding agent comprises (A) a primary binding agent comprising an agent capable of binding to at least one cellular epitope on target cells in the undiluted blood sample, (B) a first linker bound to the primary binding agent, to generate binding agent-attached target cells in the undiluted blood sample; contacting the binding agent-attached target cells in the undiluted blood sample with a plurality of buoyant reagents that include a second linker capable of binding to the first linker to generate an undiluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture; diluting the undiluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture by at least 20% to produce a diluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture; applying a vectorial force, such as centrifugal force, to the diluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixtu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: THERMOGENESIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Busa, Philip H. Coelho, Jonathan Ellis, Dalip Sethi
  • Patent number: 11141435
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for contacting in a closed container a host liquid including target cells, microbubble reagents comprising gas-core lipid-shelled microbubbles, and one or more antibodies or other ligands that bind to cell surface molecules on the target cells, wherein the one or more antibodies or other ligands are bound to the target cells or the microbubbles, wherein the contacting under conditions to produce target cells linked to microbubbles via the one or more antibodies or other ligands and activating the target cells to generate activated target cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corporation
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, William Busa, Jonathan Ellis, Dalip Sethi
  • Publication number: 20210198616
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell separation devices, methods and systems, as well as compositions and reagents for use in cell separation methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, William Busa, Jonathan Ellis
  • Publication number: 20200072834
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating target cells from blood, involving mixing in an open container an undiluted blood sample having a volume of 10 ml or less, and binding agents, wherein each binding agent comprises (A) a primary binding agent comprising an agent capable of binding to at least one cellular epitope on target cells in the undiluted blood sample, (B) a first linker bound to the primary binding agent, to generate binding agent-attached target cells in the undiluted blood sample; contacting the binding agent-attached target cells in the undiluted blood sample with a plurality of buoyant reagents that include a second linker capable of binding to the first linker to generate an undiluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture; diluting the undiluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture by at least 20% to produce a diluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixture; applying a vectorial force, such as centrifugal force, to the diluted buoyant reagent-attached target cell mixtu
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: William Busa, Philip H. Coelho, Jonathan Ellis, Dalip Sethi
  • Publication number: 20190282619
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for contacting in a closed container a host liquid including target cells, microbubble reagents comprising gas-core lipid-shelled microbubbles, and one or more antibodies or other ligands that bind to cell surface molecules on the target cells, wherein the one or more antibodies or other ligands are bound to the target cells or the microbubbles, wherein the contacting under conditions to produce target cells linked to microbubbles via the one or more antibodies or other ligands and activating the target cells to generate activated target cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, William Busa, Jonathan Ellis, Dalip Sethi
  • Patent number: 10399292
    Abstract: A high numerical aperture opto-mechanical scanner for writing refractive index modifications includes a fast axis scanner having a fast scanning axis. A waveform generator is electrically coupled to the fast axis scanner, and a waveform is provided by the waveform generator which defines a fast scan of the fast axis scanner. A scanning lens assembly is mechanically coupled to the fast axis scanner, the scanning lens assembly having a NA greater than 0.5 and a scanning lens motion along the fast scanning axis. A femtosecond laser is optically coupled through the scanning lens assembly to a surface of a material, creating a femtosecond laser light scanning pattern to write the refractive index modifications into the material. A method for writing refractive index modifications using a high numerical aperture opto-mechanical scanner is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Wayne H. Knox, Jonathan Ellis
  • Publication number: 20170349875
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell separation devices, methods and systems, as well as compositions and reagents for use in cell separation methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, William Busa, Jonathan Ellis
  • Patent number: 9821111
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell separation devices, methods and systems, as well as compositions and reagents for use in cell separation methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corporation
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, William Busa, Jonathan Ellis