Patents by Inventor Ralf Lenigk

Ralf Lenigk 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: 20160168623
    Abstract: A method of analysing a sample includes providing a first part of the sample and a second part of the sample. A first analysis is conducted on the first part of the sample and the results of the first analysis are considered. A second analysis is conducted on the second part of the sample, the second analysis being conducted according to a procedure using a value for each of one or more characteristics of the procedure. The consideration of the results of the first analysis is used to determine whether the value for one or more of the characteristics of the procedure is changed to a different value. The second analysis is started before the results of the first analysis are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Frederic ZENHAUSERN, Alan NORDQUIST, Ralf LENIGK, Cedric HURTH, Andrew HOPWOOD, Pieris KOUMI, Gill TULLY
  • Publication number: 20160161437
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the manufacture and use of redox electrodes. In certain embodiments, the redox electrodes are manufactured using a hybrid material approach, such as using a redox polymer in combination with a support substrate, such as cellulose fibers or paper. In certain implementations, the redox electrodes are suitable for use at voltages greater than 25 V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Andrea Jeannine Peters, Thomas Elliot Stecher, Craig Patrick Galligan, Christopher Michael Puleo, Ralf Lenigk
  • Patent number: 9333463
    Abstract: A device and a system for eluting biomolecules from biological sample by electroelution are provided. The device for electroelution of biomolecules from a biological sample is constituted with a housing configured to receive an electrolyte and the biological sample, at least two electrodes comprising conductive redox polymers operationally coupled to the housing, and a biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes. The biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes to prevent the biomolecules from reaching the electrode. A system is provided, wherein the system comprises a sample collection port, one or more reservoirs comprising a buffer, a solvent, a reagent or combinations thereof, an device for electroelution, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, John Richard Nelson, Patrick McCoy Spooner, Ralf Lenigk, Nichole Lea Wood, Li Zhu, Craig Patrick Galligan
  • Patent number: 9255348
    Abstract: Exposure to ionizing radiation can produce a well-defined dose dependent signature in terms of changes in gene expression. In approaches and devices described herein, such a signature can be used to generate and use a self-contained radiation biodosimeter device, based on, for example, a blood finger stick. Various aspects of the invention are directed to biodosimetry with a fully integrated biochip using gene expression signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Frederic Zenhausern, Christine Orozco, Mark Richards, Carl Yamashiro, Sally A. Amundson, Ralf Lenigk, Michael L. Bittner, Yoganand Balagurunathan
  • Publication number: 20160023209
    Abstract: An integrated device for a sample collection and transfer is provided. The integrated device comprises a capillary channel disposed between a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a hydrophilic layer comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a sample fluid to the capillary channel, wherein the capillary channel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and an outlet for driving out the sample fluid. The device further comprises a third layer comprising an adhesive material such as a patterned adhesive material, and a flow path, wherein the third layer is disposed on the outer surface of the capillary, at a determining position relative to the outlet, such that the capillary is in contact with the third layer and the outlet is in contact with the flow path of the third layer for allowing the sample fluid out from the integrated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Ralf Lenigk, Erin Jean Finehout, Xuefeng Wang
  • Publication number: 20160023206
    Abstract: An integrated device for a sample collection and transfer is provided. The integrated device comprises a capillary channel disposed between a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a hydrophilic layer comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a sample fluid to the capillary channel, wherein the capillary channel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and an outlet for driving out the sample fluid. The device further comprises an interface assembly comprising: a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, and a flow path. The interface assembly is disposed on the outer surface of the capillary, at a determining position relative to the outlet, such that the capillary is in contact with the third layer of the interface assembly and the outlet is in contact with the flow path of the interface assembly for driving out the sample fluid from the integrated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Ralf Lenigk, Erin Jean Finehout, Xuefeng Wang
  • Patent number: 9199201
    Abstract: A pump comprises a plurality of electroosmotic membranes comprising one or more positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more negative electroosmotic membranes; and a plurality of electrodes comprising one or more cathodes and one or more anodes. The electrodes are pre-charged, chargeable, rechargeable or combinations thereof and the cathode and anode are operatively coupled to each other. The positive electroosmotic membranes and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and at least one cathode is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one anode is disposed on another side of that membrane, and wherein at least one cathode or anode is disposed between a positive electroosmotic membrane and a negative electroosmotic membrane. The pump is an electroosmotic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, Ralf Lenigk
  • Patent number: 9176094
    Abstract: An apparatus (11) for processing a sample, circuit board (8008) suited to use in such an apparatus and a method of processing are provided in which the apparatus (11) is provided with alignment features to assist in provided the circuit board and a sample cartridge (9) in the correct position relative to one another. In this way, the plurality of sections for processing a sample in the cartridge (9) are positioned against a plurality of elements, such as a heater (4) for heating the sample cartridge (9) or an electrical contact (EP1-EP4) for powering features on the sample cartridge (9), correctly and can operate independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: WHITESPACE ENTERPRISE CORPORATION, THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS
    Inventors: Stan Smith, Brett Duane, Cedric Hurth, David Nguyen, Amol Surve, Ralf Lenigk, Frederic Zenhausern
  • Publication number: 20150259671
    Abstract: A device, a system, a cartridge and a method for isolating biomolecules from biological materials are provided. The device comprises a substrate; a reagent storage location; and a self-rupturing component comprising a fluid and a pressure source embedded therein, wherein the substrate, the reagent storage location and the self-rupturing component are operationally coupled to each other. A system is provided, wherein the system comprises an extraction matrix, an enclosed matrix housing comprising a biological sample inlet, one or more biomolecule extraction reagents to extract biomolecules and at least one pressure source embedded therein, a fluidic extraction circuit; and a controller for activating the embedded pressure source. A method of isolating nucleic acids from biological materials is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, Ralf Lenigk, John Richard Nelson, Xiaohui Chen, Li Zhu, Erin Jean Finehout, Patrick McCoy Spooner
  • Publication number: 20150233802
    Abstract: A method of drying a biological sample disposed on a substrate is provided. The method comprises providing the substrate comprising a sample loading area and a heat source; activating the heat source for generating heat; heating the substrate at least above 65° C.; and drying the biological sample. A device for storing sample is also provided, wherein the device comprises a substrate for biological sample-storage; and a heating component that generates heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C. The heating component may contain one or more reagents, wherein the reagents generate heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, John Richard Nelson, Patrick McCoy Spooner, Ralf Lenigk
  • Patent number: 9103331
    Abstract: An electroosmotic pump comprises a plurality of membranes comprising one or more positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more negative electroosmotic membranes, a plurality of electrodes comprising cathodes and anodes, and a power source. Each of the positive electroosmotic membranes and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and wherein at least one of the cathodes is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one of the anodes is disposed on other side of the membrane. At least one of the cathodes or anodes is disposed between a positive electroosmotic membrane and negative electroosmotic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, Christopher Fred Keimel, Xiaohui Chen, Ralf Lenigk, Craig Patrick Galligan, Todd Frederick Miller
  • Patent number: 9063041
    Abstract: A method of drying a biological sample disposed on a substrate is provided. The method comprises providing the substrate comprising a sample loading area and a heat source; activating the heat source for generating heat; heating the substrate at least above 65° C.; and drying the biological sample. A device for storing sample is also provided, wherein the device comprises a substrate for biological sample-storage; and a heating component that generates heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C. The heating component may contain one or more reagents, wherein the reagents generate heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, John Richard Nelson, Patrick McCoy Spooner, Ralf Lenigk
  • Publication number: 20150167052
    Abstract: A sample storage and extraction device is provided. The sample storage and extraction device includes a substrate frame and a substrate cover. The substrate frame includes a substrate region configured to receive a sample substrate. The sample storage and extraction device further includes a compression assembly configured to provide an isolation zone in a portion of the sample substrate. Moreover, the sample storage and extraction device includes a fluidic channel configured to flow elution fluid to the isolation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Weston Blaine Griffin, Erin Jean Finehout, Ying Mao, Ralf Lenigk, Daniel Jason Erno
  • Publication number: 20150050654
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to characterization of biological samples by amplification detection in a porous substrate. By way of example, a porous substrate may include amplification reagents configured to provide a signal when released during amplification. When a sample is applied, amplification occurs as a wavefront from the application point, and the time that the wavefront reaches a distance on the porous substrate is related to an initial concentration of the sample applied. By detecting the distance traveled by the amplification products at one or more time points, an initial concentration of the sample may be estimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Erin Jean Finehout, Christopher Michael Puleo, Ralf Lenigk, Jason M. Nichols, John Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150047413
    Abstract: A method of verifying the performance of a size standard, formed of a plurality of size standard elements, used in a nucleic acid analysis method is provided. The verification is achieved by introducing the size standard to an analysis stage and performing a size based separation on the size standard. The size based separation defines an experimental position for each size standard element. A comparison is made as to whether or not the experimental position for the size standard element corresponds with expected position. The comparison allows a decision to be made on whether or not to use the size standard, which is dependent upon whether or not the experimental position of the size standard element corresponds with the expected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Frederic ZENHAUSERN, Ralf LENIGK, Andrew HOPWOOD, Pieris KOUMI
  • Publication number: 20150027891
    Abstract: A method of eluting biomolecules, such as nucleic acids from a biological sample by electroelution is provided. An example of a method includes various steps, such as loading the biological sample to a device comprising a housing, at least two conductive redox polymer electrodes operationally coupled to the housing and a biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes. The loading of sample is followed by initiating an electrical connection to generate an electric field strength sufficient to elute biomolecules from the biological sample; and eluting the biomolecules from the biological sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, John Richard Nelson, Patrick McCoy Spooner, Ralf Lenigk, Nichole Lea Wood, Li Zhu, Craig Patrick Galligan
  • Publication number: 20150027894
    Abstract: A device and a system for eluting biomolecules from biological sample by electroelution are provided. The device for electroelution of biomolecules from a biological sample is constituted with a housing configured to receive an electrolyte and the biological sample, at least two electrodes comprising conductive redox polymers operationally coupled to the housing, and a biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes. The biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes to prevent the biomolecules from reaching the electrode. A system is provided, wherein the system comprises a sample collection port, one or more reservoirs comprising a buffer, a solvent, a reagent or combinations thereof, an device for electroelution, and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric CompanySchenectady
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, John Richard Nelson, Patrick McCoy Spooner, Ralf Lenigk, Nichole Lea Wood, Li Zhu, Craig Patrick Galligan
  • Publication number: 20140186841
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for analysis of a biological sample includes receiving the sample, wherein the sample includes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), lysing the sample to obtain access to the DNA included in the sample, purifying the DNA in the sample to isolate the DNA from other components in the sample, amplifying the DNA, separating fragments of the amplified DNA, detecting the separated fragments using laser induced fluorescence, based on the detecting, generating a profile of the DNA in the received sample, comparing the generated profile with profiles of DNA stored in a database, and upon determining that the generated profile matches one of the stored profiles, identifying the source from which the stored profile was obtained, wherein the receiving, lysing, purifying, amplifying, and detecting are performed on corresponding portions of a microfluidic device, and wherein transporting the sample and the DNA to the portions of the microfluidic device and enabling the lysing, purifying, amplifying,
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Frederic ZENHAUSERN, Ralf LENIGK, Jianing YANG, Zhi CAI, Alan NORDQUIST, Stanley D. SMITH, David MAGGIANO, Glen MCCARTY, Mrinalini PRASAD, Karem LINAN, Baiju THOMAS, Edward OLAYA, Cedric HURTH, Darryl COX, Mark RICHARD
  • Publication number: 20140178938
    Abstract: A method and device structure are provided which enable an archive sample to be collected and detached relative to a device within which a series of processes, such as PCR are being provided. A chamber structure and method of use are provided in which a controlled and precise volume is obtained by control of the relative resistance to flow through various channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Frederic ZENHAUSERN, Alan NORDQUIST, Ralf LENIGK, Cedric HURTH, Jianing YANG, Xiaojia CHEN, Matthew ESTES, John LEE-EDGHILL, Nina MORAN, Andrew HOPWOOD, Pieris KOUMI, Zhi CAI
  • Publication number: 20140154736
    Abstract: A method of drying a biological sample disposed on a substrate is provided. The method comprises providing the substrate comprising a sample loading area and a heat source; activating the heat source for generating heat; heating the substrate at least above 65° C.; and drying the biological sample. A device for storing sample is also provided, wherein the device comprises a substrate for biological sample-storage; and a heating component that generates heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C. The heating component may contain one or more reagents, wherein the reagents generate heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Puleo, John Richard Nelson, Patrick McCoy Spooner, Ralf Lenigk