Patents by Inventor Michael Okura

Michael Okura 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).

  • Patent number: 9856523
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus according to the present invention, can be used in capture/enrichment, gene expression profiling and targeted sequencing. Provided are methods for improving accuracy and stringency of microarrays and/or other genomic analysis methods relying on nucleic acid hybridization and melting curve analysis by controlling surface chemistry. This method comprises producing a positively charged surface or surface coating, on the surface of microarray slides or other types of surfaces similarly purposed, such as micro beads, which enhances melting curve analysis to the point of allowing detection or differentiation of small changes in sequences between nucleic acid binding partners. Also provided is an improved microarray reader machine, to collect melting curve data on microarray slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Okura
  • Publication number: 20150308957
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing melting curve analyses of nucleic acids on a microarray is described. The present method includes varying the temperature of a fluid on a microarray to dissociate and remove target DNA, scanning the mircoarray for fluorescence, collecting the target DNA removed from the microarray, and reusing the collected target DNA and the microarray. The apparatus of the present disclosure includes a microarray stage, a light source and detector, and a temperature controller, wherein the temperature controller is configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid within a sample chamber on the microarray such that the temperature of the fluid is varied during the analysis such that target DNA is dissociated from the microarray, and wherein the light source is directed to the microarray and the resulting fluorescence is perceived by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Okura, Bruce J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 9103785
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing melting curve analyses of nucleic acids on a microarray is described. The present method includes varying the temperature of a fluid on a microarray to dissociate and remove target DNA, scanning the mircoarray for fluorescence, collecting the target DNA removed from the microarray, and reusing the collected target DNA and the microarray. The apparatus of the present disclosure includes a microarray stage, a light source and detector, and a temperature controller, wherein the temperature controller is configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid within a sample chamber on the microarray such that the temperature of the fluid is varied during the analysis such that target DNA is dissociated from the microarray, and wherein the light source is directed to the microarray and the resulting fluorescence is perceived by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Emergence Genomics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Okura, Bruce J. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20110111968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing melting curve analyses of nucleic acids on a microarray is described. The present method includes varying the temperature of a fluid on a microarray to dissociate and remove target DNA, scanning the mircoarray for fluorescence, collecting the target DNA removed from the microarray, and reusing the collected target DNA and the microarray. The apparatus of the present disclosure includes a microarray stage, a light source and detector, and a temperature controller, wherein the temperature controller is configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid within a sample chamber on the microarray such that the temperature of the fluid is varied during the analysis such that target DNA is dissociated from the microarray, and wherein the light source is directed to the microarray and the resulting fluorescence is perceived by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: REAL-TIME GENOMICS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Okura, Bruce J. Richardson