Patents by Inventor Norman J. Dovichi

Norman J. Dovichi 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: 20180088080
    Abstract: The combined capillary electrophoresis electrospray mass spectrometry apparatus has a circuit to handle excess current allows separations under a wide range of electrophoretic conditions. The apparatus includes an electrospray with an emitter and an electrospray interface connected with a separation capillary configured to transport a sample with an injection end and a distal end. The injection end of the separation capillary is inserted into a reservoir containing a background electrolyte and the distal end is threaded within the electrospray interface and sized and shaped to mate with the electrospray interface. A power supply is electrically connected to the injection end and an amplifier at least one first diode positioned between the amplifier and the distal end allows current to flow to the distal end only. A second diode positioned between the distal end and a ground configured to allow current flow to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, David B. Go, Scott A. Sarver, Ryan J. Flaherty, Gregory A. Brownell
  • Publication number: 20160160211
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus for identifying a polynucleotide capable of binding a target. The apparatus comprises a first, second, and third high voltage power supply; a first, second, and third capillary tube; a first, second, and third buffer reservoir; a fraction collector, and at least one collection vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC
    Inventors: Bonnie Jaskowski Huge, Ryan John Flaherty, Oluwatosin O. Dada, Norman J. Dovichi
  • Patent number: 5741412
    Abstract: A multiple capillary analyzer allows detection of light from multiple capillaries with a reduced number of interfaces through which light must pass in detecting light emitted from a sample being analyzed, using a modified sheath flow cuvette. A linear or rectangular array of capillaries is introduced into a rectangular flow chamber. Sheath fluid draws individual sample streams through the cuvette. The capillaries are closely and evenly spaced and held by a transparent retainer in a fixed position in relation to an optical detection system. Collimated sample excitation radiation is applied simultaneously across the ends of the capillaries in the retainer. Light emitted from the excited sample is detected by the optical detection system. The retainer is provided by a transparent chamber having inward slanting end walls. The capillaries are wedged into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: University of Alberta
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, Jian Zhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 5584982
    Abstract: A multiple capillary analyzer allows detection of light from multiple capillaries with a reduced number of interfaces through which light must pass in detecting light emitted from a sample being analyzed, using a modified sheath flow cuvette. A linear or rectangular array of capillaries is introduced into a rectangular flow chamber. Sheath fluid draws individual sample streams through the cuvette. The capillaries are closely and evenly spaced and held by a transparent retainer in a fixed position in relation to an optical detection system. Collimated sample excitation radiation is applied simultaneously across the ends of the capillaries in the retainer. Light emitted from the excited sample is detected by the optical detection system. The retainer is provided by a transparent chamber having inward slanting end walls. The capillaries are wedged into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, Jian Z. Zhang
  • Patent number: 5567294
    Abstract: A multiple capillary biochemical analyzer for sequencing DNA and performing other analyses, in which a set of capillaries extends from wells in a microtiter plate into a cuvette. In the cuvette the capillaries are held on fixed closely spaced centers by passing through a sandwich construction having a pair of metal shims which squeeze between them a rubber gasket, forming a leak proof seal for an interior chamber in which the capillary ends are positioned. Sheath fluid enters the chamber and entrains filament sample streams from the capillaries. The filament sample streams, and sheath fluid, flow through aligned holes in a barrier member spaced close to the capillary ends, into a collection chamber having a lower glass window. The filament streams are illuminated above the barrier member by a laser, causing them to fluoresce. The fluorescence is viewed end-on by a CCD camera chip located below the glass window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Board of Governors, University of Alberta
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, Jian Z. Zhang
  • Patent number: 5565171
    Abstract: A novel reactor for reacting and subsequently analyzing sub-picomole quantities of a sample organic molecule. The reactor includes a continuous capillary connected between two valves that control fluid flow in the capillary. One part of the capillary forms a reaction chamber where the sample may be immobilized for subsequent reaction with reagents supplied through the valves. Another part of the capillary passes through or terminates in the detector portion of an analyzer such as an electrophoresis apparatus, liquid chromatographic apparatus or mass spectrometer. The apparatus may form a peptide or protein sequencer for carrying out the Edman degradation reaction and analyzing the reaction product produced by the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, Karen C. Waldron
  • Patent number: 5439578
    Abstract: A multiple capillary analyzer allows detection of light from multiple capillaries with a reduced number of interfaces through which light must pass in detecting light emitted from a sample being analyzed, using a modified sheath flow cuvette. A linear or rectangular array of capillaries is introduced into a rectangular flow chamber. Sheath fluid draws individual sample streams through the cuvette. The capillaries are closely and evenly spaced and held by a transparent retainer in a fixed position in relation to an optical detection system. Collimated sample excitation radiation is applied simultaneously across the ends of the capillaries in the retainer. Light emitted from the excited sample is detected by the optical detection system. The retainer is provided by a transparent chamber having inward slanting end walls. The capillaries are wedged into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, Jian Z. Zhang
  • Patent number: 5415841
    Abstract: A novel reactor for reacting and subsequently analyzing sub-picomole quantities of a sample organic molecule. The reactor includes a continuous capillary connected between two valves that control fluid flow in the capillary. One part of the capillary forms a reaction chamber where the sample may be immobilized for subsequent reaction with reagents supplied through the valves. Another part of the capillary passes through or terminates in the detector portion of an analyzer such as an electrophoresis apparatus, liquid chromatographic apparatus or mass spectrometer. The apparatus may form a peptide or protein sequencer for carrying out the Edman degradation reaction and analyzing the reaction product produced by the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Governers of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Norman J. Dovichi, Karen C. Waldron
  • Patent number: 4310762
    Abstract: A technique for detecting very small quantities of particular materials by absorption of visible, ultraviolet or infrared light from a laser source is disclosed. The technique takes advantage of the thermal lens effect, i.e., a thermally induced alteration of the index of refraction, which occurs whenever a laser beam is passed through an absorbing medium, especially fluids. A converging beam derived from a coherent, collimated beam, e.g., a laser beam in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light range, is passed through a reference cell. The converging beam is slightly modified by a change in the index of refraction due to the thermal lens effect occurring within the reference cell. The modified beam is passed through a sample cell containing the identical medium as that in said reference cell with an additional material therein sought to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: University of Utah
    Inventors: Joel M. Harris, Norman J. Dovichi