Patents by Inventor Nicholas Watkins

Nicholas Watkins 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: 12370544
    Abstract: A sample-to-answer microfluidic system and method including vertical microfluidic device and automated actuation mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, automated mechanical and/or magnetic actuation, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sample-to-answer microfluidic system includes a vertically oriented microfluidic device and a rotating actuator in relation to the microfluidic device, and wherein the microfluidic device and the rotating actuator are operating in the XZ plane. Additionally, methods of using the sample-to-answer microfluidic system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: NOVEL MICRODEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Maria Dominic Pais, Rohan Joseph Alexander Pais, Nicholas Watkins, Hamdi Joda
  • Publication number: 20230021292
    Abstract: Devices, techniques, and processes are disclosed that use electrical impedance to detect of the presence and contents of droplets including cells, nucleic acids, proteins, or solute concentrations in an array of retrievable, trackable, trapped droplets in a fluidic system. Electrodes may be positioned underneath individual droplet traps in a microchannel to assay droplet contents and/or actuating droplets for the release of the droplets from corresponding traps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, N. Reginald Beer, Melinda Simon
  • Patent number: 11440007
    Abstract: Devices, techniques, and processes are disclosed that use electrical impedance to detect of the presence and contents of droplets including cells, nucleic acids, proteins, or solute concentrations in an array of retrievable, trackable, trapped droplets in a fluidic system. Electrodes may be positioned underneath individual droplet traps in a microchannel to assay droplet contents and/or actuating droplets for the release of the droplets from corresponding traps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, N. Reginald Beer, Melinda Simon
  • Publication number: 20210178392
    Abstract: A sample-to-answer microfluidic system and method including vertical microfluidic device and automated actuation mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, automated mechanical and/or magnetic actuation, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sample-to-answer microfluidic system includes a vertically oriented microfluidic device and a rotating actuator in relation to the microfluidic device, and wherein the microfluidic device and the rotating actuator are operating in the XZ plane. Additionally, methods of using the sample-to-answer microfluidic system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Andrea Maria Dominic Pais, Rohan Joseph Alexander Pais, Nicholas Watkins
  • Publication number: 20200101456
    Abstract: Devices, techniques, and processes are disclosed that use electrical impedance to detect of the presence and contents of droplets including cells, nucleic acids, proteins, or solute concentrations in an array of retrievable, trackable, trapped droplets in a fluidic system. Electrodes may be positioned underneath individual droplet traps in a microchannel to assay droplet contents and/or actuating droplets for the release of the droplets from corresponding traps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, N. Reginald Beer, Melinda Simon
  • Patent number: 10527568
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and devices to count particles of interest, such as cells. The methods include obtaining a fluid sample that may contain particles of interest; counting all types of particles in a portion of the sample using a first electrical differential counter to generate a first total; removing any particles of interest from the portion of the fluid sample; counting any particles remaining in the portion of the fluid sample using a second electrical differential counter after the particles of interest are removed to generate a second total; and calculating a number of particles of interest originally in the fluid sample by subtracting the second total from the first total, wherein the difference is the number of particles of interest in the sample. These methods and related devices can be used, for example, to produce a robust, inexpensive diagnostic kit for CD4+ T cell counting in whole blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Daktari Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, Rashid Bashir, William Rodriguez, Xuanhong Cheng, Mehmet Toner, Grace Chen, Aaron Oppenheimer
  • Publication number: 20190116296
    Abstract: A pop-up external lens washing system has an extendable aiming fixture configured to aim a lens cleaning spray at an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. The extendable nozzle assembly is configured to be aimed toward the external lens by the extended aiming fixture during the washing operation only and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Alan Romack, Nicholas Watkins, Adam Bradbury, Praveen Pai, Zachary Kline
  • Publication number: 20180364186
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and devices to count particles of interest, such as cells. The methods include obtaining a fluid sample that may contain particles of interest; counting all types of particles in a portion of the sample using a first electrical differential counter to generate a first total; removing any particles of interest from the portion of the fluid sample; counting any particles remaining in the portion of the fluid sample using a second electrical differential counter after the particles of interest are removed to generate a second total; and calculating a number of particles of interest originally in the fluid sample by subtracting the second total from the first total, wherein the difference is the number of particles of interest in the sample. These methods and related devices can be used, for example, to produce a robust, inexpensive diagnostic kit for CD4+ T cell counting in whole blood samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, Rashid Bashir, William Rodriguez, Xuanhong Cheng, Mehmet Toner, Grace Chen, Aaron Oppenheimer
  • Publication number: 20180288288
    Abstract: A pop-up external lens washing system has an extendable aiming fixture configured to aim a lens cleaning spray at an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. The extendable nozzle assembly is configured to be aimed toward the external lens by the extended aiming fixture during the washing operation only and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Alan Romack, Nicholas Watkins, Adam Bradbury, Praveen Pai, Zachary Kline
  • Patent number: 9976973
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and devices to count particles of interest, such as cells. The methods include obtaining a fluid sample that may contain particles of interest; counting all types of particles in a portion of the sample using a first electrical differential counter to generate a first total; removing any particles of interest from the portion of the fluid sample; counting any particles remaining in the portion of the fluid sample using a second electrical differential counter after the particles of interest are removed to generate a second total; and calculating a number of particles of interest originally in the fluid sample by subtracting the second total from the first total, wherein the difference is the number of particles of interest in the sample. These methods and related devices can be used, for example, to produce a robust, inexpensive diagnostic kit for CD4+ T cell counting in whole blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Daktari Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, Rashid Bashir, William Rodriguez, Xuanhong Cheng, Mehmet Toner, Grace Chen, Aaron Oppenheimer
  • Publication number: 20130295588
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and devices to count particles of interest, such as cells. The methods include obtaining a fluid sample that may contain particles of interest; counting all types of particles in a portion of the sample using a first electrical differential counter to generate a first total; removing any particles of interest from the portion of the fluid sample; counting any particles remaining in the portion of the fluid sample using a second electrical differential counter after the particles of interest are removed to generate a second total; and calculating a number of particles of interest originally in the fluid sample by subtracting the second total from the first total, wherein the difference is the number of particles of interest in the sample. These methods and related devices can be used, for example, to produce a robust, inexpensive diagnostic kit for CD4+ T cell counting in whole blood samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicants: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Nicholas Watkins, Rashid Bashir, William Rodriguez, Xuanhong Cheng, Mehmet Toner, Grace Chen, Aaron Oppenheimer
  • Patent number: 8185632
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes discovering a resource using a first discovery module, the first discovery module being for identifying resources having identifying information known to the first discovery module. The method also includes discovering the resource using a second discovery module, the second discovery module being for identifying resources having identifying information not known to the first discovery module. An object associated with the resource is created by the first discovery module if the resource has identifying information known to the first discovery module. In addition, an object associated with the resource is created by the second discovery module if the resource has identifying information not known to the first discovery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Wade Brown, Nicholas Watkins Brown, Jacob Andrew Kitchener, Heather Nicole Sterling
  • Publication number: 20100235510
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes discovering a resource using a first discovery module, the first discovery module being for identifying resources having identifying information known to the first discovery module. The method also includes discovering the resource using a second discovery module, the second discovery module being for identifying resources having identifying information not known to the first discovery module. An object associated with the resource is created by the first discovery module if the resource has identifying information known to the first discovery module. In addition, an object associated with the resource is created by the second discovery module if the resource has identifying information not known to the first discovery module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Eric Wade Brown, Nicholas Watkins Brown, Jacob Andrew Kitchener, Heather Nicole Sterling
  • Publication number: 20090317413
    Abstract: This invention relates to recombinant GPIIIa molecules that lack the ligand binding ?A domain and bind to HPA-1 antibodies in monomeric form. These GPIIIa molecules can be recombinantly expressed at high levels and may be useful, for example, in the detection of HPA-1 antibodies. Such detection may be useful, for example, in the diagnosis and therapy of HPA antibody disorders such as Neonatal Alloimmune Immune Thrombocytpenia (NAIT), Post Transfusion Purpura (PTP) and Platelet Refractoriness (PR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Prachi Stafford, Nicholas Watkins, Willem Ouwehand
  • Publication number: 20070157985
    Abstract: Tubing or piping for carrying a multiphase flow is provided with means for inducing swirl flow, such that the denser components of the flow tend to the outer wall of the tubing or piping, and less dense components tend to the center of the tubing or piping. The flow thus exhibits a “centrifuge” effect, which prevents lighter or heavier components of the flow from accumulating in upper or lower regions respectively of the tubing or piping, and reduces the risk of airlocks and the like. Preferably, the tubing or piping is in the form of a helix, which may be a low amplitude helix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: IMPERIAL COLLEGE INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Colin Caro, Nicholas Watkins, Philip Birch
  • Publication number: 20070156078
    Abstract: A device for placement externally of a body fluid flow conduit, includes a tubing portion defining a longitudinally extending cavity for receiving the conduit. The longitudinal cavity of the tubing portion is substantially free of ribs or grooves. The center line of the longitudinal cavity follows a substantially helical path with a helix angle which is less than or equal to 65°. An amplitude of the helix is less than or equal to one half of the internal diameter of the tubing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Colin Caro, Nicholas Watkins, Spencer Sherwin
  • Publication number: 20070028984
    Abstract: The invention relates to piping including a portion wherein the centerline of the portion follows a substantially helical path, and wherein the amplitude of the helix is less than or equal to one half of the internal diameter of the piping. When fluid flows in such piping, it is made to swirl. This provides a number of advantages, such as improved in-plane mixing of the fluid, enhanced uniformity of residence time, and so on. The invention also extends to various methods of making such piping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Imperial College Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Colin Caro, Nicholas Watkins
  • Publication number: 20070021707
    Abstract: A graft includes a flow tubing having a tubing portion defining a flow lumen. The flow lumen of the tubing portion is substantially free of ribs or grooves. A centre line of the flow lumen follows a substantially helical path with a helix angle less than or equal to 650°. The amplitude of the helix is less than or equal to one half of the internal diameter of the tubing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Colin Caro, Nicholas Watkins, Spencer Sherwin
  • Publication number: 20060265051
    Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body when the stent is in a collapsed condition and for expansion to an expanded condition, includes an outer wall for engagement with the conduit. The outer wall has a helical portion which in the expanded condition extends longitudinally and circumferentially, and which, upon expansion of the stent from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, resists extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: VERYAN MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Colin Caro, Nicholas Watkins, Brian Falcon, Philip Birch