Patents by Inventor Richard C. Willson
Richard C. Willson 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: 20220221408Abstract: Methods, devices and kit for analyzing a sample comprising 1,5-anhydroglucitol and a first analyte via one or more chemiluminescent reactions. Certain embodiments include measuring a first light response resulting from a first chemiluminescent reaction and measuring a second light response resulting from a second chemiluminescent reaction. Certain embodiments also include comparing the first light response to the second light response to determine a ratio of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the first analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicants: University of Houston System, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de MonterreyInventors: Richard C. WILLSON, Jinsu KIM, Binh V. VU, Olga Patricia VÁZQUEZ VILLEGAS, Federico Augusto RUIZ RUIZ, Marco Antonio RITO PALOMARES
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Patent number: 11307146Abstract: Methods, devices and kit for analyzing a sample comprising 1,5-anhydroglucitol and a first analyte via one or more chemiluminescent reactions. Certain embodiments include measuring a first light response resulting from a first chemiluminescent reaction and measuring a second light response resulting from a second chemiluminescent reaction. Certain embodiments also include comparing the first light response to the second light response to determine a ratio of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the first analyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignees: University of Houston System, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de MonterreyInventors: Richard C. Willson, Jinsu Kim, Binh V. Vu, Olga Patricia Vázquez Villegas, Federico Augusto Ruiz Ruiz, Marco Antonio Rito Palomares
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Publication number: 20220057406Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for analyzing a sample comprising 1,5-anhydroglucitol and a possible first analyte via one or more chemiluminescent reactions. Certain embodiments include measuring a first light response resulting from a first chemiluminescent reaction and measuring a second light response resulting from a second chemiluminescent reaction. Certain embodiments also include comparing the first light response to the second light response to determine a ratio of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the first analyte. Also provided are kits including reagents for practicing the claimed methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2019Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Victoria M. Hlavinka, Binh V. Vu, Federico Augusto Ruiz-Ruiz, Marco Antonio Rito Palomares, Mary A. Crum
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Publication number: 20220011315Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved light-based assays, especially ligand binding assays, in which light is emitted from moieties stimulated by stimulating moieties. There is provided a method of generating and detecting a light signal comprising (a) providing a fluid sample comprising an analyte of interest; (b) contacting said sample with a first reagent comprising a molecular recognition element that binds to said analyte; (c) contacting said sample with a second reagent that (i) binds to said analyte in the presence of said first reagent; or (ii) binds to said first reagent; wherein said second reagent contains a light-generating reporter or chemiexcitation emitter; (d) removing unbound first and second reagents; (e) introducing into said sample a source of singlet oxygen or a chemiexcitation stimulator; and (f) measuring the production of light from said reporter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: University of Houston SystemInventors: Binh V. VU, Richard C. WILLSON
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Publication number: 20210178290Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the detection of analytes in high volumetric flow applications. Particular embodiments relate to the use of fluorescence polarization/anisotropy based for detection of analytes in a flow cell. In one testing format, an analyte of interest is probed with reagents containing fluorescent labeled recognition elements. When present in a sample or portion of a sample, the labeled analyte produces a shift in fluorescence polarization/anisotropy/intensity/lifetime as the output signal following the binding of the recognition elements to the analytes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: University of Houston SystemInventors: Richard C. WILLSON, Ujwal PATIL, Binh V. VU, Ekaterini KOURENTZI, Mary CRUM
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Publication number: 20200363406Abstract: Assay compositions and methods for detection of analytes that include covalent modification of assay elements, such that they are preserved, destroyed, created, or immobilized. Methods for detecting an analyte in a biological sample. The method includes providing a mixture of a biological sample potentially containing the analyte, and a molecular recognition element physically coupled to a covalent modification agent, wherein the molecular recognition element is capable of specific recognition of the analyte, and exposing the mixture to a first set of reaction conditions, wherein the analyte and molecular recognition element can associate to form a recognition complex. Upon formation of the recognition complex, the method further includes generating by use of the covalent modification agent, a template complex; and exposing the template complex to a second set of reaction conditions, wherein the template complex is amplified to generate a detectable product indicative of the presence of the analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: The University of Houston SystemInventors: Hui CHEN, Mary CRUM, Dimple CHAVAN, Ekaterini KOURENTZI, Binh V. VU, Richard C. WILLSON
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Publication number: 20180112210Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to method of screening a biological sample for a plurality of diseases. In some embodiments, such a method comprises obtaining a biological sample from a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the biological sample comprises a plurality of biomarkers. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of biomarkers is specific for at least one disease. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the biological sample with a display library of peptides. In some embodiments, each peptide in the library may have a unique amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, each of the peptides is physically linked to a nucleic acid sequence that identifies of encodes the peptide. In some embodiments, at least one of the peptides is capable of binding to at least one of the biomarkers in the biological sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises separating the bound peptide particles from the unbound peptide particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: University of Houston SystemInventors: Navin Varadarajan, Jay R. Adolacion, Richard C. Willson
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Publication number: 20180031484Abstract: Methods, devices and kit for analyzing a sample comprising 1,5-anhydroglucitol and a first analyte via one or more chemiluminescent reactions. Certain embodiments include measuring a first light response resulting from a first chemiluminescent reaction and measuring a second light response resulting from a second chemiluminescent reaction. Certain embodiments also include comparing the first light response to the second light response to determine a ratio of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the first analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicants: University of Houston System, Tecnologico de MonterreyInventors: Richard C. WILLSON, Jinsu KIM, Binh V. VU, Olga Patricia VÁZQUEZ VILLEGAS, Federico Augusto RUIZ RUIZ, Marco Antonio RITO PALOMARES
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Publication number: 20150324518Abstract: Selecting which sub-sequences in a database of nucleic acid such as 16S rRNA are highly characteristic of particular groupings of bacteria, microorganisms, fungi, etc. on a substantially phylogenetic tree. Also applicable to viruses comprising viral genomic RNA or DNA. A catalogue of highly characteristic sequences identified by this method is assembled to establish the genetic identity of an unknown organism. The characteristic sequences are used to design nucleic acid hybridization probes that include the characteristic sequence or its complement, or are derived from one or more characteristic sequences. A plurality of these characteristic sequences is used in hybridization to determine the phylogenetic tree position of the organism(s) in a sample. Those target organisms represented in the original sequence database and sufficient characteristic sequences can identify to the species or subspecies level. Oligonucleotide arrays of many probes are especially preferred.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: George E. Fox, Richard C. Willson, III, Zhengdong Zhang
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Patent number: 8628980Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Raul Ruchhoedft
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Publication number: 20130034498Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Paul Ruchhoeft
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Patent number: 8232112Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Raul Ruchhoedft
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Patent number: 8214153Abstract: Selecting which sub-sequences in a database of nucleic acid such as 16S rRNA are highly characteristic of particular groupings of bacteria, microorganisms, fungi, etc. on a substantially phylogenetic tree. Also applicable to viruses comprising viral genomic RNA or DNA. A catalogue of highly characteristic sequences identified by this method is assembled to establish the genetic identity of an unknown organism. The characteristic sequences are used to design nucleic acid hybridization probes that include the characteristic sequence or its complement, or are derived from one or more characteristic sequences. A plurality of these characteristic sequences is used in hybridization to determine the phylogenetic tree position of the organism(s) in a sample. Those target organisms represented in the original sequence database and sufficient characteristic sequences can identify to the species or subspecies level. Oligonucleotide arrays of many probes are especially preferred.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Technology Licensing Co. LLCInventors: George E. Fox, Richard C. Willson, III, Zhengdong Zhang
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Publication number: 20120045748Abstract: A methodology for bioassays and diagnostics in which a particulate label (ranging in size from nm-scale molecular assemblages to organisms on the scale of tens or hundreds of microns), such as, but not limited to, nanoparticles, bacteria, bacteriophage, Daphnia, and magnetic particles, serve carriers for analytes bound by molecular recognition elements such as antibodies, aptamers, etc. The described methodology is generally applicable to most pathogen assays and molecular diagnostics and also leads to enhanced sensitivity and convenience of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Ulrich Strych, Binh V. Vu
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Publication number: 20110257382Abstract: An immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) method for separating and/or purifying compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group such as nucleic acid, presumably through interaction with the abundant aromatic nitrogen atoms in the purine or pyrimidine moiety. The method can also be used to purify compounds containing purine or pyrimidine moieties where the purine and pyrimidine moieties are shielded from interaction with the column matrix from compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group. Thus, double-stranded plasmid and genomic DNA, which has no low binding affinity can be easily separated from RNA and/or oligonucleotides which bind strongly to metal-charged chelating matrices. IMAC columns clarify plasmid DNA from bacterial alkaline lysates, purify a ribozyme, and remove primers and other contaminants from PCR reactions. The metal ion affinity of yeast RNA decreases in the order: copper (II), nickel (II), zinc (II), and cobalt (II).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Jason C. Murphy
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Publication number: 20100210009Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Paul Ruchhoeft
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Patent number: 7727775Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventors: Richard C. Willson, Paul Ruchhoeft
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Patent number: 7598371Abstract: An immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) method for separating and/or purifying compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group such as nucleic acid, presumably through interaction with the abundant aromatic nitrogen atoms in the purine or pyrimidine moiety. The method can also be used to purify compounds containing purine or pyrimidine moieties where the purine and pyrimidine moieties are shielded from interaction with the column matrix from compounds containing a non-shielded purine or pyrimidine moiety or group. Thus, double-stranded plasmid and genomic DNA, which has no low binding affinity can be easily separated from RNA and/or oligonucleotides which bind strongly to metal-charged chelating matrices. IMAC columns clarify plasmid DNA from bacterial alkaline lysates, purify a ribozyme, and remove primers and other contaminants from PCR reactions. The metal ion affinity of yeast RNA decreases in the order: copper (II), nickel (II), zinc (II), and cobalt (II).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: University of HoustonInventors: Richard C. Willson, Jason C. Murphy
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Patent number: 7569347Abstract: RNA, preferably messenger RNA, is purified by use of selective precipitation, preferably by addition of compaction agents. Also included is a scalable method for the liquid-phase separation of DNA from RNA and RNA may also be recovered by fractional precipitation. Specific classes of compounds e.g. phase transfer catalysts (PTCs), most preferably selected polyamines of U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,108 polyamines which are quaternary compounds are unexpectedly potent in causing selective precipitation of DNA away from RNA, at low concentrations and in the presence of relatively elevated ionic strength selective removal of DNA can also remove both RNA and DNA, leaving behind a mixture which is advantageous for the further purification of, e.g., proteins.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Technology Licensing Co. LLCInventors: Richard C. Willson, III, Richard Don Goodin
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Patent number: 6908768Abstract: Apparatus for testing catalyst candidates including a multi-cell holder e.g. a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles that have been treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients and dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets. The apparatus also includes structure for contacting the catalyst candidates with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g. by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g. by multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis e.g. spectral analysis, chromatography etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: University of Houston, TexasInventor: Richard C. Willson, III