Patents by Inventor Richard J. Pittaro

Richard J. Pittaro 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: 8563237
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for sequencing and identifying a biopolymer. The invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode, a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode, a gate voltage source and a potential means. The gate electrodes may be ramped by a voltage source to search and determine a resonance level between the first electrode, biopolymer and second electrode. The potential means that is in electrical connection with the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained at a fixed voltage. A method of biopolymer sequencing and identification is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt A. Flory, Richard J. Pittaro, Phillip W. Barth
  • Patent number: 7541152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting analytes in a molecular array. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods of illuminating or irradiating analytes bound to a feature on an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. King, Richard J. Pittaro
  • Patent number: 7179654
    Abstract: A biochemical sensor apparatus having an optical radiation source, a sensor array, and a photodetector array is disclosed. Each sensor of the sensor array includes fluorophores for fluorescence (generating response radiation) when mixed with analytes of interest and exposed to stimulus radiation. An array of photodetectors, such as a CMOS imaging array is used to detect the response radiation. The detected response radiation is converted to digital values and the digital values used to analyze various properties of the analytes present in the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, David Andrew King, Richard J. Pittaro
  • Patent number: 6927382
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical excitation/detection device that includes an arrayed plurality of photodetectors and separately formed photoemitters, as well as a method for making such a device. A CMOS fabricated photodetector array including a plurality of individual photoreceptors is selectively etched back between photoreceptor locations to reveal a plurality of recessed regions having a certain geographic profile. A plurality of semiconductor blocks, each having light emitting capability and each having a certain geometric profile that is complementary in size and shape to the certain geometric profile of the recessed regions, are separately fabricated. These blocks are included within a fluid to form a slurry. The slurry is then flowed over the CMOS fabricated photodetector array in accordance with a fluidic self-assembly technique, and the included semiconductor blocks are individually deposited within each of the plurality of recessed regions in the CMOS fabricated photodetector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies
    Inventors: David Andrew King, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, Edward Verdonk, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Richard D. Pering
  • Publication number: 20040253141
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and identifying chemical moieties. The apparatus employs a micro array device coupled to a detector such as a mass spectrometer system. The apparatus both separates and identifies target molecules without the requirement of extraneous tags or fluorescent markers. Methods for using the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Carol T. Schembri, Douglas A. Amorese, Laurakay Bruhn, Michael P. Caren, Leslie A. Leonard, Richard J. Pittaro, Peter G. Webb, Paul K. Wolber
  • Publication number: 20040248106
    Abstract: Array-based clinical assays and compositions for use in practicing the same are provided. A feature of the subject array-based clinical assays is that they include a sample quality evaluation step that is independent from the clinical assay step of the assays, where the sample quality evaluation step may be performed in a number of different ways. Also provided are compositions, devices and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Leslie A. Leonard, Carol T. Schembri, Laurakay Bruhn, Michael T. Barrett, Paul K. Wolber, Richard J. Pittaro, Douglas A. Amorese
  • Patent number: 6821793
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical excitation/detection device that includes an arrayed plurality of photodetectors and discrete photoemitters, as well as a method for making such a device. A CMOS fabricated photodetector array includes an arrayed plurality of photoreceptor areas and photoemitter areas, wherein each photoreceptor area includes a CMOS integrated photoreceptor and each photoemitter area includes at least two buried electric contact pads. The CMOS array is selectively etched back at the locations of the photoemitter areas for regions to reveal the buried contact pads. A plurality of discrete semiconductor photoemitter devices (such as, for example, light emitting diodes) are inserted into, and mechanically retained within, the regions of the CMOS fabricated photodetector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, David Andrew King, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Richard D. Pering
  • Publication number: 20040222357
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical excitation/detection device that includes an arrayed plurality of photodetectors and separately formed photoemitters, as well as a method for making such a device. A CMOS fabricated photodetector array including a plurality of individual photoreceptors is selectively etched back between photoreceptor locations to reveal a plurality of recessed regions having a certain geographic profile. A plurality of semiconductor blocks, each having light emitting capability and each having a certain geometric profile that is complementary in size and shape to the certain geometric profile of the recessed regions, are separately fabricated. These blocks are included within a fluid to form a slurry. The slurry is then flowed over the CMOS fabricated photodetector array in accordance with a fluidic self-assembly technique, and the included semiconductor blocks are individually deposited within each of the plurality of recessed regions in the CMOS fabricated photodetector array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: David Andrew King, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, Edward Verdonk, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Richard D. Pering
  • Publication number: 20040121401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting analytes in a molecular array. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods of illuminating or irradiating analytes bound to a feature on an array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David A. King, Richard J. Pittaro
  • Publication number: 20040056262
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical excitation/detection device that includes an arrayed plurality of photodetectors and discrete photoemitters, as well as a method for making such a device. A CMOS fabricated photodetector array includes an arrayed plurality of photoreceptor areas and photoemitter areas, wherein each photoreceptor area includes a CMOS integrated photoreceptor and each photoemitter area includes at least two buried electric contact pads. The CMOS array is selectively etched back at the locations of the photoemitter areas for regions to reveal the buried contact pads. A plurality of discrete semiconductor photoemitter devices (such as, for example, light emitting diodes) are inserted into, and mechanically retained within, the regions of the CMOS fabricated photodetector array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, David Andrew King, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Richard D. Pering
  • Patent number: 6707958
    Abstract: A biochemical assay device optically scans individual biological sample containing wells in an assay plate. The device includes an imaging system overlaying the assay plate wherein a scanning light propagates by total internal reflection within an optical waveguide. The waveguide includes a plurality of pixel locations, each aligned with a well in the assay plate, at which total internal reflection is selectively frustrated to output an incident beam of light. That light illuminates the well and causes generation of an emission beam of light that is detected by a photoreceptor. The device further includes a driver circuit that controls the selective frustration of total internal reflection at each pixel location in order to scan each well in the assay plate. A processor is also included in the device to process the detected emission beams of light generated by the scanned wells for purposes of assaying the biological sample contained in each scanned well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Pering, David A. King, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Edward D. Verdonk
  • Patent number: 6658710
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an annular ring transducers for determining the velocity of a fluid flow. A novel and accurate flow measurement system is fabricated for measuring transit time of a fluid flow using chirp signals, and a pneumotachometer with annular ring transducers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Fleming Dias, Richard D. Pering, Henry E. Karrer, Richard J. Pittaro
  • Patent number: 6657235
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical excitation/detection device that includes an arrayed plurality of photodetectors and discrete photoemitters, as well as a method for making such a device. A CMOS fabricated photodetector array includes an arrayed plurality of photoreceptor areas and photoemitter areas, wherein each photoreceptor area includes a CMOS integrated photoreceptor and each photoemitter area includes at least two buried electric contact pads. The CMOS array is selectively etched back at the locations of the photoemitter areas for regions to reveal the buried contact pads. A plurality of discrete semiconductor photoemitter devices (such as, for example, light emitting diodes) are inserted into, and mechanically retained within, the regions of the CMOS fabricated photodetector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, David Andrew King, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Richard D. Pering
  • Publication number: 20030218174
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an optical excitation/detection device that includes an arrayed plurality of photodetectors and discrete photoemitters, as well as a method for making such a device. A CMOS fabricated photodetector array includes an arrayed plurality of photoreceptor areas and photoemitter areas, wherein each photoreceptor area includes a CMOS integrated photoreceptor and each photoemitter area includes at least two buried electric contact pads. The CMOS array is selectively etched back at the locations of the photoemitter areas for regions to reveal the buried contact pads. A plurality of discrete semiconductor photoemitter devices (such as, for example, light emitting diodes) are inserted into, and mechanically retained within, the regions of the CMOS fabricated photodetector array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, David Andrew King, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Richard D. Pering
  • Patent number: 6642498
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a micromirror optical multiplexer for directing light to an array of sensors. The micromirror optical multiplexer directs light from one or more sources onto multiple, coplanar sensors for the purpose of exciting fluorescence. The micromirror optical multiplexer includes at least one light source and a micromirror array having a top face and up to four side faces. Pivotable mirrors of the micromirror array are arranged in a multiple row, multiple column format on the top face. In addition, each of the side faces of the micromirror array has at least one row of pivotable mirrors. By pivoting one side face mirror and one top face mirror, a light source entering at one corner of the micromirror array can be directed to exit near normal incidence anywhere on the bottom of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, David A. King, Richard D. Pering, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, Frederick A. Stawitcke
  • Patent number: 6640197
    Abstract: A sensor array is bonded to or molded together with a micro-lens array to form a sensor cartridge. The micro-lenses of the micro-lens array are configured to focus light incident on the sensors, into the sensors. An alignment structure has a mating profile that receives and engages one or more micro-lenses from the micro-lens array to laterally align the cartridge to enable repeatable precise positioning of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Pittaro, David Andrew King, Richard D. Pering, Shahida Rana, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Edward Verdonk
  • Publication number: 20030175987
    Abstract: A biochemical sensor apparatus having an optical radiation source, a sensor array, and a photodetector array is disclosed. Each sensor of the sensor array includes fluorophores for fluorescence (generating response radiation) when mixed with analytes of interest and exposed to stimulus radiation. An array of photodetectors, such as a CMOS imaging array is used to detect the response radiation. The detected response radiation is converted to digital values and the digital values used to analyze various properties of the analytes present in the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, David Andrew King, Richard J. Pittaro
  • Publication number: 20030154046
    Abstract: A sensor array is bonded to or molded together with a micro-lens array to form a sensor cartridge. The micro-lenses of the micro-lens array are configured to focus light incident on the sensors, into the sensors. An alignment structure has a mating profile that receives and engages one or more micro-lenses from the micro-lens array to laterally align the cartridge to enable repeatable precise positioning of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Richard J. Pittaro, David Andrew King, Richard D. Pering, Shahida Rana, Frederick A. Stawitcke, Edward Verdonk
  • Publication number: 20030094564
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a micromirror optical multiplexer for directing light to an array of sensors. The micromirror optical multiplexer directs light from one or more sources onto multiple, coplanar sensors for the purpose of exciting fluorescence. The micromirror optical multiplexer includes at least one light source and a micromirror array having a top face and up to four side faces. Pivotable mirrors of the micromirror array are arranged in a multiple row, multiple column format on the top face. In addition, each of the side faces of the micromirror array has at least one row of pivotable mirrors. By pivoting one side face mirror and one top face mirror, a light source entering at one comer of the micromirror array can be directed to exit near normal incidence anywhere on the bottom of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Verdonk, David A. King, Richard D. Pering, Richard J. Pittaro, Shahida Rana, Frederick A. Stawitcke
  • Publication number: 20030010931
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing signals that exhibit time decay such as luminescent signals. The signal is detected using at least two predetermined integration periods that are offset by ninety degrees with respect to a fundamental excitation frequency. The characteristics of the signal are determined by processing the signals detected during the at least two integration periods. A surface comprising a plurality of signal producing features, such as an array of such features, may be analyzed in accordance with the present invention. Relatively inexpensive area sensor detectors may be employed in the analysis of such arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard J. Pittaro