Patents by Inventor Michael M. Becker

Michael M. Becker 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: 20180073059
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, kits and methods used in amplifying and detecting nucleic acids from various species of the class Mollicutes. Particular regions of the 23S rRNA or its gene have been identified as preferred targets for nucleic acid amplification reactions of a sample suspected containing at least one species of Mollicutes. Some oligomers comprise tag regions, target closing regions, promoter sequences, and/or binding moieties. Samples can be from any source suspected of containing a species of the class Mollicutes. Preferred sample sources include bioreactors, cell lines, cell culture wares and pharmaceutical manufacturing wares.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Shannon K. KAPLAN, Kristin W. LIVEZEY, Michael M. BECKER, James J. HOGAN
  • Publication number: 20180010172
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for the selective hybridization and capture of a specific target nucleic acid. The specific target nucleic acid may be present in a heterogeneous mixture of nucleic acids. Selective hybridization and capture provides a target nucleic acid that is substantially free of non-target and/or contaminating nucleic acids. Target nucleic acids that have been selectively hybridized and captured using the current invention are then used in subsequent analysis, wherein the presence of non-target and/or contaminating nucleic acids that interfere with said subsequent analysis have been substantially reduced or eliminated, thereby providing improved analysis results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Michael M. BECKER, Kristin W. LIVEZEY, Wai-Chung LAN
  • Publication number: 20170342491
    Abstract: Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Steven T. BRENTANO, Dmitry LYAKHOV, James D. CARLSON, Norman C. NELSON, Lyle J. ARNOLD, Michael M. BECKER
  • Publication number: 20170321273
    Abstract: Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Steven T. BRENTANO, Dmitry LYAKHOV, James D. CARLSON, Norman C. NELSON, Lyle J. ARNOLD, Michael M. BECKER
  • Patent number: 9765403
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, kits and methods used in amplifying and detecting nucleic acids from various species of the class Mollicutes. Particular regions of the 23S rRNA or its gene have been identified as preferred targets for nucleic acid amplification reactions of a sample suspected containing at least one species of Mollicutes. Some oligomers comprise tag regions, target closing regions, promoter sequences, and/or binding moieties. Samples can be from any source suspected of containing a species of the class Mollicutes. Preferred sample sources include bioreactors, cell lines, cell culture wares and pharmaceutical manufacturing wares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shannon K. Kaplan, Kristin W. Livezey, Michael M. Becker, James J. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9734381
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for extracting two-dimensional fingerprints from high resolution three-dimensional surface data obtained from contactless, stand-off sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jack G. Riddle, Timothy M. Brucks, Michael M. Becker
  • Patent number: 9677135
    Abstract: Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven T. Brentano, Dmitry Lyakhov, James D. Carlson, Norman C. Nelson, Lyle J. Arnold, Jr., Michael M. Becker
  • Publication number: 20160348162
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, and methods for performing an amplification reaction, including multiplex amplification reaction, wherein the method comprises using one or more amplification oligomer complexes comprising linked first and second amplification oligomer members. In one aspect, the amplification oligomer complex is hybridized to a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid with hybridized amplification oligomer complex is then captured, and other components are washed away. Target sequences of the target nucleic acids are pre-amplified to generate a first amplification product. The first amplification product is amplified in one or more secondary amplification reactions to generate second amplification products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Steven T. BRENTANO, Dmitry LYAKHOV, Norman C. NELSON, James D. CARLSON, Michael M. BECKER, Lyle J. ARNOLD, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160219245
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an artificial vision system mounted on a platform. The system includes an image system comprising a video source that is configured to capture a plurality of sequential images. The image system also includes an image processing system configured, via at least one processor, to process the plurality of sequential images to calculate situational awareness (SA) data with respect to each of the plurality of sequential images and to convert the processed plurality of sequential images to visible images. The system further includes a video display system configured to display the visible images associated with the processed plurality of sequential images and to visibly identify the SA data relative to the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: DUSTIN D. BAUMGARTNER, BRUCE J. SCHACHTER, KATHRYN B. STEWART, MICHAEL M. BECKER
  • Patent number: 9399796
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, and methods for performing an amplification reaction, including multiplex amplification reaction, wherein the method comprises using one or more amplification oligomer complexes comprising linked first and second amplification oligomer members. In one aspect, the amplification oligomer complex is hybridized to a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid with hybridized amplification oligomer complex is then captured, and other components are washed away. Target sequences of the target nucleic acids are pre-amplified to generate a first amplification product. The first amplification product is amplified in one or more secondary amplification reactions to generate second amplification products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven T. Brentano, Dmitry Lyakhov, Norman C. Nelson, James D. Carlson, Michael M. Becker, Lyle J. Arnold, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160186249
    Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid amplification systems and methods that desirably reduce or eliminate false positive amplification signals resulting from contaminating biological material, e.g., nucleic acid, that may be present in one or more reagents used in an amplification reaction and/or that may be present in the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in amplification reactions, and the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed, are free of bacterial or other nucleic acid contamination that may yield false positive results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael M. BECKER, Kristin W. LIVEZEY, Wai-Chung LAM
  • Publication number: 20160180142
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for extracting two-dimensional fingerprints from high resolution three-dimensional surface data obtained from contactless, stand-off sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Jack G. Riddle, Timothy M. Brucks, Michael M. Becker
  • Publication number: 20160122746
    Abstract: Methods for capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample by using a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to the target nucleic acid and binds specifically to an immobilized probe via a specific binding pair that has one member on the capture probe and one member on the immobilized probe are disclosed. Compositions that include a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to a target nucleic acid and specifically to an immobilized probe via binding of members of a specific binding pair in a solution phase of a reaction mixture are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Michael M. BECKER, Mehrdad R. MAJLESSI
  • Patent number: 9284549
    Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid amplification systems and methods that desirably reduce or eliminate false positive amplification signals resulting from contaminating biological material, e.g., nucleic acid, that may be present in one or more reagents used in an amplification reaction and/or that may be present in the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in amplification reactions, and the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed, are free of bacterial or other nucleic acid contamination that may yield false positive results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael M. Becker, Kristin W. Livezey, Wai-Chung Lam
  • Publication number: 20160060685
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, kits and methods used in amplifying and detecting nucleic acids from various species of the class Mollicutes. Particular regions of the 23S rRNA or its gene have been identified as preferred targets for nucleic acid amplification reactions of a sample suspected containing at least one species of Mollicutes. Some oligomers comprise tag regions, target closing regions, promoter sequences, and/or binding moieties. Samples can be from any source suspected of containing a species of the class Mollicutes. Preferred sample sources include bioreactors, cell lines, cell culture wares and pharmaceutical manufacturing wares.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Shannon K. KAPLAN, Kristin W. LIVEZEY, Michael M. BECKER, James J. HOGAN
  • Patent number: 9212397
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, kits and methods used in amplifying and detecting nucleic acids from various species of the class Mollicutes. Particular regions of the 23S rRNA or its gene have been identified as preferred targets for nucleic acid amplification reactions of a sample suspected containing at least one species of Mollicutes. Some oligomers comprise tag regions, target closing regions, promoter sequences, and/or binding moieties. Samples can be from any source suspected of containing a species of the class Mollicutes. Preferred sample sources include bioreactors, cell lines, cell culture wares and pharmaceutical manufacturing wares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shannon K. Kaplan, Kristin W. Livezey, Michael M. Becker, James J. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9169512
    Abstract: Compositions, reaction mixtures, and methods for performing an amplification reaction, including multiplex amplification reaction, wherein the method comprises using one or more amplification oligomer complexes comprising linked first and second amplification oligomer members. In one aspect, the amplification oligomer complex is hybridized to a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid with hybridized amplification oligomer complex is then captured, and other components are washed away. Target sequences of the target nucleic acids are pre-amplified to generate a first amplification product. The first amplification product is amplified in one or more secondary amplification reactions to generate second amplification products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven T. Brentano, Dmitry Lyakhov, James D. Carlson, Michael M. Becker, Norman C. Nelson, Lyle J. Arnold, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150232920
    Abstract: Method of detecting methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) in a nucleic acid coamplification assay. The invention advantageously reduces the incidence of false-positive MRSA determinations in real-time assays by requiring satisfaction of a threshold criterion that excludes certain co-infections from the MRSA determination. The invention further provides for determination of MSSA, even when the MSSA is present in combination with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative (MR-CoNS) bacteria at high or low levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Michael M. BECKER, Kui GAO, Wai-Chung LAM
  • Patent number: 9051601
    Abstract: Methods for capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample by using a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to the target nucleic acid and binds specifically to an immobilized probe via a specific binding pair that has one member on the capture probe and one member on the immobilized probe are disclosed. Compositions that include a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to a target nucleic acid and specifically to an immobilized probe via binding of members of a specific binding pair in a solution phase of a reaction mixture are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael M. Becker, Mehrdad R. Majlessi
  • Patent number: 8911946
    Abstract: Method of detecting methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) in a nucleic acid coamplification assay. The invention advantageously reduces the incidence of false-positive MRSA determinations in real-time assays by requiring satisfaction of a threshold criterion that excludes certain co-infections from the MRSA determination. The invention further provides for determination of MSSA, even when the MSSA is present in combination with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative (MR-CoNS) bacteria at high or low levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael M. Becker, Kui Gao, Wai-Chung Lam