Patents by Inventor Kenneth T. Kotz

Kenneth T. Kotz 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: 20240110908
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz
  • Patent number: 11835513
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz
  • Publication number: 20230251182
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 11644409
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfliuidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Publication number: 20230080444
    Abstract: A device for treatment of cells with particles is disclosed. The device includes a semi-permeable membrane positioned between two plates, the first plate defining a first flow chamber and comprising a port, a flow channel, a transverse port, and a transverse flow channel, the first flow chamber constructed and arranged to deliver fluid in a transverse direction along the first side of the semi-permeable membrane, the second plate defining a second flow chamber and comprising a port. A method for transducing cells is disclosed. The method includes introducing a fluid with cells and viral particles into a flow chamber adjacent a semi-permeable membrane such that the cells and the viral particles are substantially evenly distributed on the semi-permeable membrane. The method also includes introducing a recovery fluid to suspend the cells and the viral particles, and separating the cells from the viral particles. A method of activating cells is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Kotz, Bryan D. Teece, James Gillett Truslow, Nathan Francis Moore, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Vishal Tandon
  • Publication number: 20230063282
    Abstract: A device for treatment of cells with particles is disclosed. The device includes a semi-permeable membrane positioned between two plates, the first plate defining a first flow chamber and comprising a port, a flow channel, a transverse port, and a transverse flow channel, the first flow chamber constructed and arranged to deliver fluid in a transverse direction along the first side of the semi-permeable membrane, the second plate defining a second flow chamber and comprising a port. A method for transducing cells is disclosed. The method includes introducing a fluid with cells and viral particles into a flow chamber adjacent a semi-permeable membrane such that the cells and the viral particles are substantially evenly distributed on the semi-permeable membrane. The method also includes introducing a recovery fluid to suspend the cells and the viral particles, and separating the cells from the viral particles. A method of activating cells is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Kotz, Bryan D. Teece, James Gillett Truslow, Nathan Francis Moore, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Vishal Tandon
  • Patent number: 11584908
    Abstract: A device for treatment of cells with particles is disclosed. The device includes a semi-permeable membrane positioned between two plates, the first plate defining a first flow chamber and comprising a port, a flow channel, a transverse port, and a transverse flow channel, the first flow chamber constructed and arranged to deliver fluid in a transverse direction along the first side of the semi-permeable membrane, the second plate defining a second flow chamber and comprising a port. A method for transducing cells is disclosed. The method includes introducing a fluid with cells and viral particles into a flow chamber adjacent a semi-permeable membrane such that the cells and the viral particles are substantially evenly distributed on the semi-permeable membrane. The method also includes introducing a recovery fluid to suspend the cells and the viral particles, and separating the cells from the viral particles. A method of activating cells is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Kotz, Bryan D. Teece, James Gillett Truslow, Nathan Francis Moore, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Vishal Tandon
  • Publication number: 20220373451
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfliuidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 11291756
    Abstract: A method for separating cells in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive comprising a cell activator, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel to accumulate target cells in a primary stream and non-target cells in a secondary stream. A system for microfluidic cell separation capable of separating target cells from non-target cells in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive comprising a cell activator, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz, Nathan Francis Moore
  • Patent number: 11275018
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Publication number: 20210293781
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz
  • Patent number: 10914723
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz
  • Publication number: 20200333240
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 10739250
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfliuidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Publication number: 20200122141
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a device for storing a liquid sample, in which the device has a sample acceptance well, one or more storage chambers, and one or more fluidic channels fluidly coupling the sample acceptance well to the one or more storage chambers. The apparatus also includes a well plate having a plate and multiple wells formed in the plate, in which the device and the well plate are configured to be attached to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Robert Granier, Kenneth T. Kotz, Anne C. Petrofsky
  • Publication number: 20200057045
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz
  • Publication number: 20200003676
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfliuidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky
  • Publication number: 20190354871
    Abstract: A parallelized chain-synthesizing technique includes capillary tubes, where each tube provides multiple locations or addresses where a specific arbitrary sequence for polymeric chains can be synthesized. An optical addressing system selectively delivers light to the locations to mediate or control reactions in the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Kirsty A. McFarland, Andrew P. Magyar, Ian Ward Frank, Kenneth T. Kotz, Stacey Markovic, Haiyao Huang, Steven J. Byrnes, Gregg E. Favalora, Melissa M. Sprachman, Ryan A. Dubay, Emma Vargo, Peter Cavanagh, Erin Rosenberger
  • Publication number: 20190307946
    Abstract: A method for separating cells in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive comprising a cell activator, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel to accumulate target cells in a primary stream and non-target cells in a secondary stream. A system for microfluidic cell separation capable of separating target cells from non-target cells in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive comprising a cell activator, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Kenneth T. Kotz, Nathan Francis Moore
  • Patent number: 10436704
    Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Ramin Haghgooie, Kenneth T. Kotz, Robert Granier, Anne Celia Petrofsky