Patents by Inventor Mark L. Collins

Mark L. Collins 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: 20030032029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for integrating sample preparation and multiplex assay of high volume samples for the presence of nucleic acid and antigen targets. The method and apparatus use a three dimensional platform, such as a column, for capturing desired targets out of the large volume sample. The column has a multiplicity of sample processing and target capture zones. The method and apparatus further provides a simple and efficient sample pre-processing and testing methodology, as well as a simple and environmentally friendly detection methodology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Nanogen, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Collins
  • Publication number: 20020001811
    Abstract: The invention is a method of detecting nucleic acids in a sample using oligonucleotide probes which are noncovalently bound to solid supports for rapid, sensitive, hybridization assays. The method involves coating the support surface with a polynucleotide and then hybridizing a specific capture probe for each analyte to the polynucleotide by way of a short tail of the complementary polynucleotide. The immobilized probes are used to capture nucleic acid targets out of complex specimens for nonisotopic detection without the need for prior cell culture or purification of the target nucleic acids. A panel of tests can be run on each specimen simultaneously, a format that conserves precious samples. The assay can be readily automated, and can be conveniently run in a manual fashion on large numbers of samples in two to three hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, David V. Morrissey
  • Publication number: 20010026918
    Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2′-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Thomas Horn, Patrick J. Sheridan, Brian D. Warner, Michael S. Urdea
  • Patent number: 6268128
    Abstract: The invention is a method of detecting nucleic acids in a sample using oligonucleotide probes which are noncovalently bound to solid supports for rapid, sensitive, hybridization assays. The method involves coating the support surface with a polynucleotide and then hybridizing a specific capture probe for each analyte to the polynucleotide by way of a short tail of the complementary polynucleotide. The immobilized probes are used to capture nucleic acid targets out of complex specimens for nonisotopic detection without the need for prior cell culture or purification of the target nucleic acids. A panel of tests can be run on each specimen simultaneously, a format that conserves precious samples. The assay can be readily automated, and can be conveniently run in a manual fashion on large numbers of samples in two to three hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Vysis, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, David V. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 6232462
    Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2′-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Thomas Horn, Patrick J Sheridan, Brian D. Warner, Michael S. Urdea
  • Patent number: 5780610
    Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2'-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Thomas Horn, Patrick J. Sheridan, Brian D. Warner, Michael S. Urdea
  • Patent number: 5780224
    Abstract: Methods, compositions and instruments for performing affinity assays for target molecules include contacting a sample with a retrievable support capable of forming a substantially homogenous dispersion within a sample medium and reversibly binding to the target molecule. The retrievable support is capable of being separated from the sample medium recapturing the target molecule from other constituents of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: AMOCO Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5759777
    Abstract: Novel reagents are provided along with methods for their use in nucleic acid hybridization assays for detecting target nucleic acids in samples. The most preferred reagent is a mixture of guanidinium thiocyanate and tetramethylammonium:Trifluoracetate and possesses many properties for facilitating hybridization between target nucleic acid and nucleic acid probes capable of binding thereto and surprisingly results in the phenomenon of superstoichiometric labeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Kearney, Mark L. Collins, John K. Eldredge, David V. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 5750338
    Abstract: A method of assay for target polynucleotides includes steps of isolating target polynucleotides from extraneous non-target polynucleotides, debris, and impurities and amplifying the target polynucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Donald N. Halbert, Walter King, Jonathan M. Lawrie
  • Patent number: 5747248
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of detecting or determining a binding oligonucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence which binds within a known nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid using a technique called hybritope mapping. This invention also provides a method of using hybritope mapping to obtain discontinuous probes that bind to a target nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5736327
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of detecting or determining a binding oligonucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence which binds within a known nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid using a technique called hybritope mapping. This invention also provides a method of using hybritope mapping to obtain discontinuous probes that bind to a target nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5714380
    Abstract: The present invention features a vessel for isolating a target in a sample. The vessel includes at least one reaction chamber, a wash system and an effluent system. The reaction chamber includes a closed cell adapted to receive a support, a sample potentially containing target and at least one first probe, and thereafter being closed. The probe is capable of associating with the support and the target to form a support-probe-target complex and sample debris upon imposition of probe binding conditions within the reaction chamber. A wash system is capable of introducing solutions into the reaction chamber for washing the support to solubilize and suspend sample debris. Upon imposition of wash conditions, solutions are allowed to enter the reaction chamber to solubilize such sample debris. An Effluent system is in communication with the reaction chamber and capable of receiving sample debris and wash solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce P. Neri, John S. Curtis, Mark L. Collins, Danahey Ryan
  • Patent number: 5702896
    Abstract: Methods for improving the sensitivity of hybridization assays which reduce non-specific binding (NSB) and non-specific hybridization (NSH) are disclosed. The methods include a washing method utilizing tetraalkylammonium salts at high temperatures, and release methods in which a probe-target complex is released from a solid support and recaptured. Use of both the washing and release methods results in substantial reduction in NSB and NSH without performing several rounds of release and recapture of the target nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Cecile Blomquist, Massimo Lombardo, John Eldredge
  • Patent number: 5681702
    Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2'-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Thomas Horn, Patrick J. Sheridan, Brian D. Warner, Michael S. Urdea
  • Patent number: 5663049
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of using nucleic acid probes capable of specifically hybridizing to rRNA of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. laridis and not to rRNA or rRNA genes of Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, E. coli or Salmonella typhimunium for the detection of Campylobacter in clinical, food and other samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Susan M. Barns, Ray A. McMillian, David J. Lane, Mark L. Collins, James E. Awell, Ayoub Rashtchian
  • Patent number: RE37891
    Abstract: A method of assay for target polynucleotides includes steps of isolating target polynucleotides from extraneous non-target polynucleotides, debris, and impurities and amplifying the target polynucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Vysis, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Collins, Donald N. Halbert, Walter King, Jonathan M. Lawrie
  • Patent number: PP10991
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of a Globba hybrid characterized by pink bracts and mostly transparent bracteoles with yellow green and streaked with red purple as within the inflorescence. The foliage displays reddish underleaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Gregory A. Adams, Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: PP11010
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of a Globba hybrid characterized by dark pink bracts and cranberry colored bracteoles as within the inflorescence. The foliage displays reddish underleaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventors: Gregory A. Adams, Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: PP11026
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of a Globba hybrid characterized by a two-tone blend of pink and white bracts with mostly transparent bracteoles with pink streaking and yellow green tips as within the inflorescence. The foliage displays reddish underleaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: Gregory A. Adams, Mark L. Collins
  • Patent number: PP11050
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Globba plant characterized by white bracts and divided, mostly transparent bracteoles with upper portion being streaked with red-purple and lower portion with yellow-green. The foliage displays reddish underleaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Gregory A. Adams, Mark L. Collins