Patents by Inventor Nigel P. Beard

Nigel P. Beard 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: 10739307
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 10638927
    Abstract: Described herein are customized, intelligent outerwear created through additive manufacturing and integrated with a plurality of sensors, actuators and other electronics to monitor user activity and provide various diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The outerwear is additively manufactured using a three-dimensional (“3D”) printer to provide for dynamic configurations of the sensors, actuators and other electronics depending on the specific needs of an individual. In addition to sensors for tracking motion, resistance, temperature and temporal features, the actuators may include piezoelectric components and microfluidic components to provide for therapeutic treatments, medical treatments and accident avoidance features. The combination of sensors and other electronics may also provide applications for monitoring overall health and growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: CASCA DESIGNS INC.
    Inventors: Lucy A. Beard, Nigel P. Beard
  • Publication number: 20190293598
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Charles S. VANN, Debjyoti BANERJEE, Timothy G. GEISER, James C. NURSE, Nigel P. BEARD
  • Patent number: 10241498
    Abstract: Described herein is customized outerwear created through additive manufacturing to provide for a plurality of materials, patterns and shapes that are customized for a particular user. The outerwear is designed through the use of a three-dimensional (“3D”) model of a body part, such as an additively-manufactured shoe for a foot. The 3D model is analyzed to provide detailed information on the anatomical features of the body part, which aids in the selection of specific materials, patterns of materials and shapes that are integrated into the design of the customized outerwear. The design is then loaded into an additive manufacturing machine, such as a 3D printer, for inexpensive and rapid manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: Lucy A. Beard, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 10215730
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 10016941
    Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing images of body parts to create a three-dimensional (“3D”) model for designing customized outerwear are provided. Images of a body part are captured by an image sensor on a camera or mobile device from various angles, after which they are combined using an algorithm to generate a point cloud map of the image data which is used to generate a 3D representation of the body part. The 3D model of the body part can then be analyzed to determine any unique features of the body part that will require customized outerwear, such as pressure points, deformities, etc. The 3D model can thus be used to develop highly-customized outerwear for an individual. The 3D model is a digital file which can then be utilized by software to design the customized outerwear and request that the outerwear be manufactured, for example by additive manufacturing on a 3D printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: FEETZ, INC.
    Inventors: Lucy A. Beard, Nigel P. Beard
  • Publication number: 20180128778
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Charles S. VANN, Debjyoti BANERJEE, Timothy G. GEISER, James C. NURSE, Nigel P. BEARD
  • Publication number: 20180016624
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Min YUE, David M. LIU, Joy ROY, Yuh-Min CHIANG, Joon Mo YANG, Dennis LEHTO, Charles S. VANN, Nigel P. BEARD, Ian A. HARDING, John R. Van Camp, Alexander DROMARETSKY, Sergey V. ERMAKOV, Mark F. OLDHAM, Maryam SHARIATI, Umberto ULMANELLA
  • Patent number: 9714444
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Min Yue, David M. Liu, Joy Roy, Yuh-Min Chiang, Joon Mo Yang, Dennis Lehto, Charles S. Vann, Nigel P. Beard, Ian A. Harding, John R. Van Camp, Alexander Dromaretsky, Sergey V. Ermakov, Mark F. Oldham, Maryam Shariati, Umberto Ulmanella
  • Patent number: 9671365
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Publication number: 20150338372
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Charles S. VANN, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Publication number: 20150338373
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Charles S. VANN, Debjyoti BANERJEE, Timothy G. GEISER, James C. NURSE, Nigel P. BEARD
  • Patent number: 9132400
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 9126169
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Publication number: 20150238919
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide microfluidic devices and methods for their use. The microfluidic device can include an array of M×N reaction sites formed by intersecting a first and second plurality of fluid channels of a flow layer. The flow layer can have a matrix design and/or a blind channel design to analyze a large number of samples under a limited number of conditions. The microfluidic device can also include a control layer including a valve system for regulating solution flow through fluid channels. In addition, by aligning the control layer with the fluid channels, the detection of the microfluidic devices, e.g., optical signal collection, can be improved by piping lights to/from the reaction sites. In an exemplary embodiment, guard channels can be included in the microfluidic device for thermal cycling and/or reducing evaporation from the reaction sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Mark F. OLDHAM, Dar BAHATT, Kenneth J. LIVAK, Jason E. BABCOKE, H. Pin KAO, Stephen J. GUNSTREAM, Kevin S. BODNER, Douglas P. GREINER, Nigel P. BEARD
  • Publication number: 20150219534
    Abstract: A device according to various embodiments can include a first chamber and a second chamber configured to contain at least one biological sample. A triturating element is interdisposed between the first chamber and the second chamber and provides fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Nigel P. Beard, James C. Nurse
  • Patent number: 9061262
    Abstract: A device having a first substrate and a second substrate separated from the first substrate to form a volume between the first and second substrates, electrodes disposed on the first and second substrates and facing the volume, each substrate comprising at least one electrode, and a first insulating layer disposed on the first substrate and a second insulating layer disposed on the second substrate to separate the electrodes from the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 9044724
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard
  • Patent number: 8945481
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide microfludic devices and methods for their use. The microfluidic device can include an array of M×N reaction sites formed by intersecting a first and second plurality of fluid channels of a flow layer. The flow layer can have a matrix design and/or a blind channel design to analyze a large number of samples under a limited number of conditions. The microfluidic device can also include a control layer including a valve system for regulating solution flow through fluid channels. In addition, by aligning the control layer with the fluid channels, the detection of the microfluidic devices, e.g., optical signal collection, can be improved by piping lights to/from the reaction sites. In an exemplary embodiment, guard channels can be included in the microfluidic device for thermal cycling and/or reducing evaporation from the reaction sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark F. Oldham, Kenneth J. Livak, Jason E. Babcoke, H. Pin Kao, Stephen J. Gunstream, Kevin S. Bodner, Douglas P. Greiner, Nigel P. Beard, Dar Bahatt
  • Publication number: 20150008129
    Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Charles S. Vann, Debjyoti Banerjee, Timothy G. Geiser, James C. Nurse, Nigel P. Beard