Patents by Inventor Neil Reginald Beer
Neil Reginald Beer 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).
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Publication number: 20200255881Abstract: Provided herein are cell free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems comprising a plurality of ribosomes attached to or encapsulated within a structure, or a plurality of structures, and, optionally, a solid support. Also provided are related kits and uses of the CFPS systems. Methods of producing a protein and methods of treating a disease are provided herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Nicholas N. Watkins, Neil Reginald Beer, Kenneth W. Turteltaub
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Patent number: 10123380Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system for heating a sample including a substrate, a micro-channel flow channel in the substrate, a carrier fluid within the micro-channel flow channel for moving the sample in the micro-channel flow channel, and a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample in the micro-channel flow channel for heating the sample. The carrier fluid and the substrate are made of materials that are not appreciably heated by the microwaves. The microwave source includes conductive traces or strips and a microwave power source connected to the conductive traces or strips.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Benjamin Fasenfest, John Chang
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Patent number: 9939170Abstract: The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A microfluidic heat exchanger with an internal porous medium is coupled to tanks containing cold fluid and hot fluid. Fluid flows alternately from the cold tank and the hot tank into the porous medium, cooling and heating samples contained in the microfluidic heat exchanger's sample wells. A valve may be coupled to the tanks and a pump, and switching the position of the valve may switch the source and direction of fluid flowing through the porous medium. A controller may control the switching of valve positions based on the temperature of the samples and determined temperature thresholds. A sample tray for containing samples to be thermally cycled may be used in conjunction with the thermal cycling system. A surface or internal electrical heater may aid in heating the samples, or may replace the necessity for the hot tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, William J. Benett, James M. Frank, Joshua R. Deotte, Christopher Spadaccini
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Patent number: 9822403Abstract: A non-contact system for sorting monodisperse water-in-oil emulsion droplets in a microfluidic device based on the droplet's contents and their interaction with an applied electromagnetic field or by identification and sorting.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham Lee, Andrew Hatch
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Patent number: 9422586Abstract: A method of rapid, genome and proteome based identification of unknown pathogenic or non-pathogenic organisms in a complex sample. The entire sample is analyzed by creating millions of emulsion encapsulated microdroplets, each containing a single pathogenic or non-pathogenic organism sized particle and appropriate reagents for amplification. Following amplification, the amplified product is analyzed.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Billy W. Colston, Jr., Joseph P. Fitch, Benjamin J. Hindson, J. Chance Carter, Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 9409177Abstract: An apparatus for chip-based sorting, amplification, detection, and identification of a sample having a planar substrate. The planar substrate is divided into cells. The cells are arranged on the planar substrate in rows and columns. Electrodes are located in the cells. A micro-reactor maker produces micro-reactors containing the sample. The micro-reactor maker is positioned to deliver the micro-reactors to the planar substrate. A microprocessor is connected to the electrodes for manipulating the micro-reactors on the planar substrate. A detector is positioned to interrogate the sample contained in the micro-reactors.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Billy W. Colston, Jr.
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Patent number: 9352502Abstract: The cooling of injection molded plastic is targeted. Coolant flows into a porous medium disposed within an injection molding component via a porous medium inlet. The porous medium is thermally coupled to a mold cavity configured to receive injected liquid plastic. The porous medium beneficially allows for an increased rate of heat transfer from the injected liquid plastic to the coolant and provides additional structural support over a hollow cooling well. When the temperature of the injected liquid plastic falls below a solidifying temperature threshold, the molded component is ejected and collected.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 9313833Abstract: Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carrier fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 9266107Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20150352553Abstract: The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A microfluidic heat exchanger with an internal porous medium is coupled to tanks containing cold fluid and hot fluid. Fluid flows alternately from the cold tank and the hot tank into the porous medium, cooling and heating samples contained in the microfluidic heat exchanger's sample wells. A valve may be coupled to the tanks and a pump, and switching the position of the valve may switch the source and direction of fluid flowing through the porous medium. A controller may control the switching of valve positions based on the temperature of the samples and determined temperature thresholds. A sample tray for containing samples to be thermally cycled may be used in conjunction with the thermal cycling system. A surface or internal electrical heater may aid in heating the samples, or may replace the necessity for the hot tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, William J. Benett, James M. Frank, Joshua R. Deotte, Christopher Spadaccini
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Patent number: 9174213Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
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Patent number: 9170028Abstract: The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A microfluidic heat exchanger with an internal porous medium is coupled to tanks containing cold fluid and hot fluid. Fluid flows alternately from the cold tank and the hot tank into the porous medium, cooling and heating samples contained in the microfluidic heat exchanger's sample wells. A valve may be coupled to the tanks and a pump, and switching the position of the valve may switch the source and direction of fluid flowing through the porous medium. A controller may control the switching of valve positions based on the temperature of the samples and determined temperature thresholds. A sample tray for containing samples to be thermally cycled may be used in conjunction with the thermal cycling system. A surface or internal electrical heater may aid in heating the samples, or may replace the necessity for the hot tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, William J. Benett, James M. Frank, Joshua R. Deotte, Christopher Spadaccini
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Patent number: 9170060Abstract: A system for thermal cycling a material to be thermal cycled including a microfluidic heat exchanger; a porous medium in the microfluidic heat exchanger; a microfluidic thermal cycling chamber containing the material to be thermal cycled, the microfluidic thermal cycling chamber operatively connected to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a working fluid at first temperature; a first system for transmitting the working fluid at first temperature to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a working fluid at a second temperature, a second system for transmitting the working fluid at second temperature to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a pump for flowing the working fluid at the first temperature from the first system to the microfluidic heat exchanger and through the porous medium; and flowing the working fluid at the second temperature from the second system to the heat exchanger and through the porous medium.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Kambiz Vafai
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Publication number: 20150238965Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Publication number: 20150196914Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
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Publication number: 20150129584Abstract: Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carrier fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 9011777Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 8969767Abstract: Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carrier fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Neil Reginald Beer
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Patent number: 8969071Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
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Publication number: 20140374936Abstract: The cooling of injection molded plastic is targeted. Coolant flows into a porous medium disposed within an injection molding component via a porous medium inlet. The porous medium is thermally coupled to a mold cavity configured to receive injected liquid plastic. The porous medium beneficially allows for an increased rate of heat transfer from the injected liquid plastic to the coolant and provides additional structural support over a hollow cooling well. When the temperature of the injected liquid plastic falls below a solidifying temperature threshold, the molded component is ejected and collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Neil Reginald Beer