Patents by Inventor Kenneth P. Chao

Kenneth P. Chao 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).

  • Apparatus and method for ejecting sample well trays
    Patent number: 7169355
    Abstract: The invention includes a heating apparatus for biological samples. The heating apparatus of the present invention includes a cover, a sample block having a plurality of openings in a top portion thereof for receiving a sample well tray having a plurality of sample wells, and an urging mechanism. The urging mechanism is positionable between the sample block and the sample well tray to urge the sample well tray away from the sample block when the cover is moved from a closed position toward an open position. The cover imparts a downward force on the top of the sample well tray to press the sample wells into the openings of the sample block when the heated cover is moved toward a closed position. The urging mechanism imparts an upward force on the sample well tray. The downward force imparted by the heated cover is sufficient to retain the sample well tray against the sample block when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Hon Siu Shin, Jew Kwee Ngui, Adrian Fawcett, Kenneth P. Chao, Gary L. Bordenkircher, Jessica E. Barzilai, Donald R. Sandell